In most cases, the down payment on a home purchase is non-refundable once the buyer cancels the transaction. Real estate contracts typically outline specific terms regarding deposits, and failure to meet agreed-upon conditions usually results in the buyer forfeiting the deposit. However, exceptions may exist if the cancellation is due to material defects in the property,违反合同条款, or certain legal protections.

The refund policy hinges on the terms of the purchase agreement and local real estate laws. For instance, in the United States, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) requires a 3% minimum down payment, which is generally non-refundable after the loan application is submitted. According to a 2022 study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), approximately 12% of homebuyers attempt to cancel transactions after signing contracts, but only 5% successfully recover their down payments due to strict contractual obligations or lack of legal recourse. State-specific regulations also play a role; California allows partial refunds in cases of mutual cancellation, while Texas mandates deposit forfeit unless explicitly stated otherwise in the contract. Data from the American Bar Association reveals that 68% of real estate disputes involving down payments are resolved in favor of sellers, reinforcing the difficulty for buyers to reclaim deposits. Ultimately, the enforceability of refund requests depends on contractual clarity and jurisdictional interpretations of good faith and fair dealing.