Consumer Rights in Real Estate Negotiations: A Brazilian Case

Abstract

This article presents a single case study of an actual Brazilian real estate negotiation which demonstrates how consumer rights affect contractual agreements. The property purchase attempt includes an initial large down payment but the financing process remains unfinished because of missing documentation. The buyer seeks to get back their entire investment through consumer protection laws. The seller who works for a local development company wants to keep part of the payment through the contractual deposit clause. The research demonstrates the negotiation process which reveals the difficulties both parties encounter when trying to achieve financial stability while protecting their business reputation.