How to Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in Albaida: Download Your Official Arras Contract Template
Buying a second-hand vehicle in Albaida can be a daunting process, especially when you want to ensure the seller doesn't back out at the last minute. A "Contrato de Arras" (Earnest Money Contract) is a private agreement where the buyer pays a deposit to reserve the vehicle, committing both parties to the sale. If the seller backs out, they are typically required to return double the deposit; if the buyer backs out, they forfeit the deposit. This document provides the legal security you need to finalize your purchase with peace of mind.
Instructions on how and where to use this document in Albaida
Because this is a private contract between two individuals, you do not need to submit this to the Albaida City Hall (Ayuntamiento) or the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) at this stage. Instead:
- Print two copies of the document below.
- Both the buyer and the seller must sign every page of both copies.
- Keep one original copy for yourself and give the other to the seller.
- Once the final payment is made and the vehicle is transferred, you will then proceed to the DGT to officially change the ownership title.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS / EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT
REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES
De una parte, D./Dña. [Name of Seller], con DNI [ID Number], en adelante "EL VENDEDOR". (On one part, [Name of Seller], with ID [ID Number], hereinafter "THE SELLER".)
De otra parte, D./Dña. [Name of Buyer], con DNI [ID Number], en adelante "EL COMPRADOR". (On the other part, [Name of Buyer], with ID [ID Number], hereinafter "THE BUYER".)
OBJETO / OBJECT
El VENDEDOR se compromete a vender al COMPRADOR el vehículo marca [Make], modelo [Model], matrícula [License Plate], por un precio total de [Price] euros. (THE SELLER agrees to sell to THE BUYER the vehicle make [Make], model [Model], license plate [License Plate], for a total price of [Price] euros.)
ARRAS / EARNEST MONEY
El COMPRADOR entrega en este acto la cantidad de [Deposit Amount] euros en concepto de arras. (THE BUYER pays at this moment the amount of [Deposit Amount] euros as earnest money.)
PLAZO / DEADLINE
La firma de la compraventa definitiva se realizará antes del día [Date]. (The final sale agreement shall be signed before [Date].)
En Albaida, a [Day] de [Month] de [Year]. (In Albaida, on [Day] of [Month], [Year].)
Firma Vendedor / Seller Signature: ____________________
Firma Comprador / Buyer Signature: ____________________
Additional documentation required
While the contract secures the deal, you must ensure the vehicle is legally sound before finalizing the transfer. We recommend requesting the following documents from the seller before handing over the deposit:
- Informe de Vehículo (DGT Report): Request a "Informe Reducido" or "Informe Detallado" from the DGT website to ensure the car has no outstanding fines, liens, or embargoes.
- ITV Card: Verify that the Technical Inspection (ITV) is up to date.
- Permiso de Circulación: Ensure the registration document is in the seller's name.
- Receipt of IVTM: Proof that the "Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica" (Road Tax) for the current year has been paid in Albaida.
As an expert tip, never pay the full amount for a vehicle in cash. Always use a bank transfer or a secure payment method that leaves a digital trail. If the seller refuses to sign a contract or allow you to check the DGT report, consider it a red flag and walk away from the deal. For the final transfer, remember that you will need to settle the "Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales" (ITP) at the tax office of the Generalitat Valenciana before the DGT will finalize the paperwork.