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Metodo Giuridico Ius et Ratio ISSN 3103-7305
Rivista Scientifica di Diritto e Giurisprudenza
Diritto Civile • Amministrativo • Lavoro • Penale • Tributario • ISSN 3103-7305
ISSN 3103-7305 • International English Edition Law of Obligations & Contracts Diamond Open Access
Vol. 1, Issue 2 (2026) • Art. 3846 • pp. 1–8

Disproportionate Confirmatory Deposits: Judicial Inquiry into Parties’ Intent rather than Automatic Nullity

Paola De Virgiliis Published: September 3, 2026 Journal: Metodo Giuridico — Ius et Ratio (Rome) Extent: 8 pages (A4)
Download Full Paper (English PDF — 8 pp.) Original Italian Edition (Full HTML & PDF)

Abstract

This article examines Italian Supreme Court of Cassation (Second Civil Section) Judgment no. 19987 of 15 June 2026 regarding the validity and legal recharacterisation of disproportionate confirmatory deposits in real estate preliminary contracts. The study focuses on overcoming formal contractual labels, the limits placed on private autonomy by the standard of equitable balancing of interests under Article 1371 of the Italian Civil Code and the constitutional solidarity principle under Article 2 of the Constitution, and the judicial duty to reclassify excessive deposits as mere advance price payments.

Key Legal Takeaways

  • Overcoming formal contractual labels: The formal nomen iuris chosen by the contracting parties does not bind the court when determining the actual causal function of an advance payment.
  • Proportionality review: A confirmatory deposit equal to 92.5% of the purchase price distorts the typical statutory function of pre-estimating damages for breach on a lump-sum basis.
  • Recharacterisation as advance price payment: A manifestly excessive upfront transfer must be reclassified as an advance payment toward the agreed sale price.
  • Exclusion of double recovery: Recharacterisation renders the statutory withdrawal remedy and the claim for payment of double the deposit inapplicable.

Suggested Scholarly Citation & Original Reference

International / OSCOLA Citation: Paola De Virgiliis, ‘Disproportionate Confirmatory Deposits: Judicial Inquiry into Parties’ Intent rather than Automatic Nullity’ (2026) 1(2) Metodo Giuridico (ISSN 3103-7305) Art 3846, 1–8 <https://www.metodogiuridico.it/2026/09/03/contratto-preliminare-caparra-confirmatoria-sproporzionata-nullita-cassazione-19987-2026/en/>
Original Italian Title: Caparra sproporzionata: indagine sulla volontà, non nullità automatica — License: Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Paola De Virgiliis
Public Procurement & Administrative Law Specialist

Focuses on public procurement and public contracts. For Metodo Giuridico she curates the analysis of public procurement legislation and related administrative case law.