Umowa Dożywocia (Life Estate Agreement) in Poland: How It Works
A life estate agreement, in Polish an umowa dożywocia, transfers ownership of a property to the buyer in exchange for supporting the seller for the rest of their life: housing, food, care during illness, and a funeral in keeping with local custom. It isn't a sale for money, it's an exchange of the property for lifelong care, and it binds both parties until the seller's death.
Short version
A life estate agreement trades a property for lifelong care, not cash. It has to be signed as a notarial deed and requires real trust between both sides, because it's hard to walk away from once signed. If what you actually want is a specific sum of money in hand rather than care, a standard sale or a direct cash buyer is the simpler route.
How a Life Estate Agreement Differs From a Sale
- Life estate agreement. A benefit in kind: care, housing, food. Hard to terminate, and requires trusting the buyer for years.
- Sale. A one-off, agreed sum of money. Both parties' obligations end the day the deed is signed.
The terms of a life estate agreement are set out in the Polish Civil Code.
When a Life Estate Agreement Makes Sense, and When It Doesn't
It makes sense when the seller genuinely needs care and has a buyer they trust, often someone from the family or close circle. It doesn't make sense when the goal is simply to turn the property into cash. In that case a sale is simpler, more predictable, and doesn't require building a years-long caregiving relationship with the other party to the agreement.
When It's Worth Calling Us Instead
If what you're after is a specific amount, not care, we'll value the property and close the transaction without any years-long obligation to the other party. The gap between a direct cash-buyer price and the top end of market value is the cost of time, certainty and convenience, not lost value, and it's worth weighing against the cost of maintaining the property for however many more months a traditional sale would take.
Honest Terms if You Choose a Sale Instead of a Life Estate Agreement
- The price is 70-90% of market value.
- The valuation is free, ready within 2 days of contact.
- Closing happens from 4 days after you accept the offer.
- No ongoing obligations to the buyer after the deed is signed.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice for your individual situation. The law can change and every case is different. Before making a decision, consult a qualified lawyer, tax advisor, or notary.
If you're considering a life estate agreement but what you actually want is a specific sum of money rather than care, call us. We'll tell you plainly whether a sale would be the simpler option for you.
Straight answers
How does a life estate agreement differ from a regular sale?
Can a life estate agreement be terminated?
Does a life estate agreement require a notarial deed?
What happens to a life estate agreement if the relationship between the parties breaks down?
Is it better to sell the property or sign a life estate agreement?
Related reading
Can a Notarial Deed of Sale Be Cancelled in Poland
When a notarial deed can actually be voided, and when simply changing your mind isn't enough.
Read more →
A House Gifted by Your Parents in Poland: What to Think About Before You Sign
The tax office filing deadline, a lifetime right of residence, and what it means for a future sale.
Read more →
Real Estate Agent Commission in Poland: What Selling Through an Agency Actually Costs
Commission is usually 2-3% of the price, payable regardless of how long the sale takes. Here's the real cost, and when an agency is worth it.
Read more →