Cooling-off period

Definition

Cooling-off period ~ the statutory period after you receive the fully signed agreement in which you can withdraw from the deal without penalty.

How it works in practice

You and the seller both sign the purchase agreement. The seller (or their representative) then delivers the fully signed version to you. The moment you receive it triggers the countdown, starting at 00:00 the next day.

The cooling-off period covers three calendar days, with at least two working days included. The final day cannot fall on a weekend or public holiday. If it does, the period automatically shifts to the next working day.

You can check the official list of Dutch public holidays on the government website to see whether any of them affect your cooling-off period.

Once the period ends (at 23:59 on the final day), the right to withdraw without penalty expires.

Key rules you must know

• The period only begins after you have received the fully signed agreement. If you signed first but haven’t yet received the seller’s signed copy, it hasn’t started.
• The timeframe is fixed: three calendar days, with at least two working days in the mix.
• A longer cooling-off period can be agreed in the contract — this works in your favour.
• The seller does not receive the same right unless explicitly written into the contract.

How this fits into the Walter process

Once your offer is accepted and you decide to proceed with a building inspection, we set things in motion immediately. Our goal is to complete the inspection within the cooling-off period so any doubts are lifted early and you can move forward with confidence.

Walter tracks the start of the cooling-off period, coordinates the inspection, and keeps every step aligned with your timeline.

Common questions

• Can the seller cancel during my cooling-off period?
  No — the seller is bound by the contract once it’s signed. Only the buyer has the right to withdraw.
• What if a public holiday or weekend falls within the three days?
  Weekends and public holidays don’t count toward the minimum of two working days. If the final day lands on one, the period shifts to the next working day.
• What happens if I do nothing during the period?
  The period ends automatically. You continue with the purchase unless you formally withdraw.
• Can we agree on a longer cooling-off period?
  Yes. It’s a strategic lever we can help you secure when extra checks or certainty are needed.