Käsirahat

Käsirahat is a Finnish term referring to a down payment or earnest money, typically made when entering into a preliminary agreement for a significant purchase, most commonly real estate. It serves as a signal of the buyer's serious intent and commitment to proceed with the transaction. The amount of the käsirahat is usually a small percentage of the total purchase price, and its terms are defined in the preliminary sales agreement.

When a buyer pays käsirahat, they are essentially locking in the property at the agreed-upon price and terms. If the buyer subsequently backs out of the deal without a valid reason stipulated in the agreement, they generally forfeit the käsirahat to the seller. Conversely, if the seller withdraws from the agreement or is unable to fulfill their obligations, they are typically obligated to return the käsirahat to the buyer, often with an additional penalty payment equal to the amount of the käsirahat. This dual function ensures a degree of security for both parties involved in the preliminary stages of a sale. The specifics of how the käsirahat is handled are crucial and should be clearly outlined in the written preliminary contract.