New rules for real estate agencies are being prepared in Poland. If the law is passed, the work of realtors will become stricter and more transparent, and clients will have more protection. The most important change: a ban on double commission
Currently, an agent often receives money from both the seller and the buyer at the same time. This is what they want to prohibit. Under the new rules, a realtor will be able to work for only one side of the transaction — either the seller or the buyer. They will also be able to take a commission only from one side.
According to the ministry, this practice creates an obvious conflict of interest. After the new rules come into effect, an agent will be able to represent only one side of the transaction — the one with which they have officially signed a contract.
Separately, the authorities plan to curb the practice where access to purchasing an apartment is effectively "blocked" by signing a contract with an agency — for example, when a buyer is forced to agree to the intermediary's terms just to have the opportunity to view the property.
Clear rules for realtors
A list of mandatory services that an agent must always perform will be introduced. This means that agencies will no longer be able to limit their role to minimal functions or shift legal responsibility onto the client.
In fact, this concerns the introduction of a minimum "service package" that the client must receive in any case — regardless of the agency and the type of transaction
More order in listings
Pośrednicy nie będą już mogli publikować ofert bez umowy z właścicielem mieszkania
Increased state control
Inspekcja Handlowa will oversee the enforcement of the new rules
The inspection will be able to assess:
- przejrzystość i jasność umów z klientami;
- pełne ujawnienie wszystkich prowizji i dodatkowych opłat;
- compliance with the ban on double commission;
- instances of pressure on clients before viewing properties
- zgodność ogłoszeń z nowymi wymogami prawnymi
W rzeczywistości, regulator otrzyma narzędzia do kompleksowej kontroli całego łańcucha transakcji — od pierwszego kontaktu do podpisania umowy.
Fines for violations
Naruszenia nowych zasad będą karane wysokimi grzywnami lub nawet zakazem pracy.
Prawo jest nadal w fazie projektu i będzie rozpatrywane przez rząd.
