Download Free Car Purchase Deposit Contract Template (Word/PDF) in Benalmádena

Buying or selling a second-hand car in Spain can sometimes feel like navigating a maze of bureaucracy, especially if you are an expat living on the beautiful Costa del Sol. When you find the right vehicle in Benalmádena, you want to secure it immediately without losing it to another buyer. This is where a Contrato de Arras (Earnest Money Deposit Contract) comes in. This legally binding private agreement allows the buyer to reserve a car by paying a small deposit, while committing the seller to take the car off the market under agreed-upon terms and financial penalties if either party backs out.

Instructions on how and where to use this contract in Benalmádena

Unlike official government paperwork, a Contrato de Arras is a private agreement between two individuals (or a private party and a dealership). Therefore, you do not need to submit this document to the town hall (Ayuntamiento) of Benalmádena or the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) at the time of signing. However, proper execution in our local area requires a few practical steps:

• Meet in a safe public place: Many buyers and sellers in Benalmádena meet around prominent local landmarks, such as Parque de la Paloma or near Arroyo de la Miel, to inspect the car and sign the paperwork.
• Print two copies: Ensure you print two physical copies of the bilingual template below—one for the buyer and one for the seller. Both parties must sign and date every page.
• Payment of the deposit: The deposit is typically paid via immediate bank transfer (transferencia inmediata) or cash for smaller amounts, right as the contract is being signed. Never pay cash without a signed receipt or this contract in hand.
• Future DGT transfer: Once the final payment is made and the car is handed over, you will need to go to a Gestoría in Benalmádena or handle the final ownership transfer (Cambio de Titularidad) online via the DGT or through a local Málaga-based traffic agency.

CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES / EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT CONTRACT

En Benalmádena (Málaga), a [Día] de [Mes] de [Año] / In Benalmádena (Málaga), on this [Day] day of [Month], [Year]

REUNIDOS / PARTIES:

DE UNA PARTE (EL VENDEDOR / THE SELLER): D./Dña. [Nombre y Apellidos], con DNI/NIE [Número de Documento], y domicilio a efectos de notificaciones en [Dirección en Benalmádena], correo electrónico [Email] y teléfono [Teléfono].

DE OTRA PARTE (EL COMPRADOR / THE BUYER): D./Dña. [Nombre y Apellidos], con DNI/NIE/Pasaporte [Número de Documento], y domicilio en [Dirección], correo electrónico [Email] y teléfono [Teléfono].

Ambas partes se reconocen mutuamente la capacidad legal necesaria para el otorgamiento del presente contrato privado de arras y / Both parties mutually recognize their legal capacity to enter into this private earnest money contract and:

EXPONEN / DECLARE:

I. Que el Vendedor es propietario del vehículo marca [Marca], modelo [Modelo], matrícula [Número de matrícula], número de bastidor (VIN) [Número de bastidor], en el estado mecánico y de carrocería que el Comprador conoce y acepta. / That the Seller is the owner of the vehicle [Brand], [Model], license plate [Plate Number], VIN [VIN], in the mechanical and body condition known and accepted by the Buyer.

II. Que estando interesado el Comprador en la adquisición del citado vehículo, ambas partes han convenido celebrar un Contrato de Arras Penitenciales conforme a las siguientes: / That the Buyer being interested in purchasing the aforementioned vehicle, both parties have agreed to enter into a Penitential Earnest Money Contract subject to the following:

CLÁUSULAS / CLAUSES:

PRIMERA (Objeto y Precio): El Vendedor se compromete a vender y el Comprador a comprar el vehículo descritos por el precio total y convenido de [Cantidad en euros] € ([Cantidad en letra] euros), impuestos incluidos. / FIRST (Subject and Price): The Seller agrees to sell and the Buyer to buy the described vehicle for the total agreed price of [Amount in €] ([Amount in words] euros), taxes included.

SEGUNDA (Señal y Arras): En este acto, el Comprador entrega al Vendedor en concepto de señal y arras penitenciales la cantidad de [Cantidad de la señal] € ([Cantidad en letra] euros) mediante [Efectivo / Transferencia bancaria inmediata], sirviendo el presente documento como carta de pago formal y eficaz de dicha cantidad. / SECOND (Deposit): In this act, the Buyer delivers to the Seller as a deposit and penitential earnest money the amount of [Deposit amount] € ([Amount in words] euros) via [Cash / Immediate bank transfer], this document serving as formal and effective receipt of payment.

TERCERA (Plazo): El otorgamiento del contrato de compraventa definitivo y el pago del resto del precio pendiente, es decir, la cantidad de [Precio restante] €, se realizará como máximo el día [Fecha límite] de [Mes] de [Año]. / THIRD (Term): The final purchase agreement and payment of the remaining balance of [Remaining price] € shall be executed no later than [Deadline date] of [Month], [Year].

CUARTA (Penalización):
a) Si el Comprador incumpliera su obligación de compra o no abonara el resto del precio en el plazo establecido, perderá la cantidad entregada en concepto de arras.
b) Si el Vendedor incumpliera su obligación de venta o se negase a entregar el vehículo, estará obligado a devolver al Comprador el doble de la cantidad recibida (Art. 1454 del Código Civil español). / FOURTH (Penalties):
a) If the Buyer breaches the purchase obligation or fails to pay the balance within the set deadline, they shall forfeit the deposit.
b) If the Seller breaches the sale obligation or refuses to deliver the vehicle, they must return to the Buyer double the amount received (Article 1454 of the Spanish Civil Code).

QUINTA (Jurisdicción): Para cualquier controversia derivada del presente contrato, ambas partes se someten expresamente a los juzgados y tribunales de la ciudad de Málaga, renunciando a cualquier otro fuero que pudiera corresponderles. / FIFTH (Jurisdiction): For any dispute arising from this contract, both parties expressly submit to the courts and tribunals of the city of Málaga, waiving any other jurisdiction that may apply.

Y en prueba de conformidad, firman las partes el presente documento por duplicado y a un solo efecto en el lugar y fecha arriba indicados. / And in witness whereof, the parties sign this document in duplicate and for a single purpose at the place and date indicated above.

___________________________              ___________________________

EL VENDEDOR / THE SELLER                          EL COMPRADOR / THE BUYER

Additional documentation required

To ensure a smooth car transaction in Benalmádena alongside this deposit contract, make sure you gather and inspect the following documents:

• Permiso de Circulación: The vehicle's registration certificate, confirming the seller is the legal owner.
• Ficha Técnica (Tarjeta ITV): The technical inspection card. Ensure the ITV is completely up to date (you can check the physical sticker on the windshield).
• Informe del Vehículo (DGT Report): It is highly recommended to request a quick vehicle report from the DGT (Informe Reducido or Informe Detallado) to verify there are no hidden fines, embargoes (embargos), or outstanding car loans (precintos) attached to the vehicle.
• Proof of IVTM payment: Confirmation that the local Benalmádena road tax (Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica) for the current year has been fully paid.
• Identification: Valid DNI, NIE, or Passport of both the buyer and the seller.

Expert Tip: Always verify the vehicle's mileage and check for structural damage before handing over any money. When the final payment date arrives, make sure to sign a standard Contrato de Compraventa de Vehículos Usados and immediately initiate the ownership change process to avoid any liability for parking fines or traffic infractions incurred by the previous owner around the Costa del Sol.