Is a pre-contract for sale valid in Romania if not notarized, and what remedies exist if the seller breaches?

Hello, the short answer is that in Romania, a pre-contract (promisiune de vânzare-cumpărare / antecontract) is valid and binding even if it's not notarised. You usually can either (1) force the seller to sign on the original terms through the court or (2) walk away and recover your deposit (sometimes in double), plus damages, but there are conditions to be met and a 6-month time limit for the “forced sale” route.

In your case, if you want to force the buying/selling, the most important thing to have in mind is the 6 months time-limit from the date set in the pre-contract for signing the final sale (that date is your reference point for the special limitation period).

If the seller wants to alter the contract, this may be your chance to either modify the contract in your favor (double the deposit and/or other clauses), or you can try the legal remedies (1) and (2)

My immediate advice is to document everything, especially the seller's refusal, and if you choose to, send a notice, either to conclude the final contract or to get your deposit (or double, depending on the contract) back.

Kind regards,
lawyer Laurentiu-Paul POP