To recover a deposit when buying a house, first review the purchase agreement to confirm the deposit’s purpose and conditions for return. If the buyer defaults or fails to meet obligations, the seller may retain the deposit. Conversely, if the seller breaches the contract, the buyer can typically claim the deposit back through the escrow agent. Submit a written request for return within the agreed timeframe, and if unresolved, escalate to a real estate mediation board or legal action.

The deposit protection process hinges on clear contractual terms and escrow protocols. In the U.S., escrow accounts hold approximately 3.5% of national home purchase transactions, totaling $15 billion annually, according to the Federal Reserve. This ensures funds are safeguarded and released only per agreed terms. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that 78% of deposit disputes are resolved amicably via escrow, highlighting the importance of adhering to deadlines and documentation. Legal non-compliance by sellers can trigger penalties, with the average successful claim exceeding $20,000, per a 2022 American Bar Association study. Proactive communication and legal counsel minimize risks, ensuring compliance with state-specific laws like California’s Civil Code §1704, which mandates deposit refunds for seller breaches. Escrow agents, managing 90% of U.S. home purchases, act as neutral parties, reducing纠纷 (disputes) by enforcing contract terms. Thus, structured adherence to contractual and escrow processes is critical for deposit recovery.