How to Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in Albuñán: Downloadable Car Deposit Agreement (Contrato de Arras)
Buying a used car in Spain can be a stressful experience, especially when dealing with private sellers. In a small municipality like Albuñán, you want to ensure your interests are protected before handing over any money. A Contrato de Arras (Deposit Agreement) is a legally binding document that secures the car for you, preventing the seller from selling it to someone else while you arrange the final payment and transfer of ownership. By signing this, you commit to buying the vehicle, and the seller commits to holding it for you at the agreed price.
Instructions on how and where to use this document in Albuñán
This document is a private contract between the buyer and the seller. You do not need to go to a government office or a notary in Albuñán to make it valid, although it is highly recommended to sign it in the presence of both parties. Follow these steps:
- Fill in the details clearly in both Spanish and English.
- Print two copies: one for you and one for the seller.
- Ensure both parties sign every page of the document.
- If you are paying the deposit in cash, ensure the seller signs a receipt on the document itself.
- If the transaction involves a transfer, keep a copy of the bank transfer receipt attached to this contract.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS PARA LA COMPRAVENTA DE VEHÍCULO / VEHICLE PURCHASE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES:
D./Dña. _____________________________________, con DNI/NIE ________________ y domicilio en _____________________, en adelante "EL VENDEDOR" (THE SELLER).
D./Dña. _____________________________________, con DNI/NIE ________________ y domicilio en _____________________, en adelante "EL COMPRADOR" (THE BUYER).
OBJETO / OBJECT:
El VENDEDOR se compromete a vender al COMPRADOR el vehículo marca ___________, modelo ___________, con matrícula ___________ y número de bastidor (VIN) ___________________________. / THE SELLER agrees to sell to THE BUYER the vehicle brand ___________, model ___________, license plate ___________ and VIN ___________________________.
PRECIO Y ARRAS / PRICE AND DEPOSIT:
El precio total de venta es de ___________ euros. El COMPRADOR entrega en este acto la cantidad de ___________ euros en concepto de arras. / The total sale price is ___________ euros. THE BUYER pays in this act the amount of ___________ euros as a deposit.
CONDICIONES / CONDITIONS:
1. La compraventa se formalizará antes del día ____ de ___________ de 202_. / The sale shall be formalized before the day ____ of ___________ 202_.
2. Si el COMPRADOR desiste, perderá las arras. Si el VENDEDOR desiste, deberá devolver el doble de las arras recibidas (Art. 1454 Código Civil). / If THE BUYER withdraws, they shall lose the deposit. If THE SELLER withdraws, they must return double the deposit received (Art. 1454 Civil Code).
Firmado en Albuñán, a ____ de ___________ de 202_.
Firma Vendedor / Seller Signature: ___________________
Firma Comprador / Buyer Signature: ___________________
Additional documentation required
Once the Contrato de Arras is signed, you must prepare the following documentation to complete the purchase legally in Spain:
- Permiso de Circulación: The vehicle's registration document (original).
- ITV Card: The technical inspection card showing the vehicle is roadworthy.
- Proof of Payment of IVTM: Ensure the seller has paid the local "Road Tax" (Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica) for the current year in Albuñán.
- DNI/NIE: Copies of both the buyer's and seller's identification documents.
- Contrato de Compraventa: A formal bill of sale (separate from the deposit agreement) to be presented at the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico).
Expert Tip: Always check the "Informe del Vehículo" from the DGT website before signing the deposit. It costs a few euros and will reveal if the car has any outstanding liens, seizures, or unpaid fines (cargas) that could prevent you from transferring the car into your name. Never pay the full amount until you have confirmed the car is free of these legal burdens.