How to Secure Your Vehicle Purchase: Downloadable Deposit Contract (Contrato de Arras) for Cabra del Santo Cristo
Buying a second-hand vehicle in a town like Cabra del Santo Cristo requires caution to ensure both the buyer and the seller are protected. A Contrato de Arras (Deposit Contract) is a private agreement where the buyer pays a small sum to "reserve" the vehicle, committing to the purchase, while the seller commits to holding it. If the buyer backs out, they lose the deposit; if the seller backs out, they must return double the amount. This document is essential to avoid misunderstandings during the transfer process.
How and Where to Use This Document in Cabra del Santo Cristo
Since this is a private agreement between two parties, you do not need to submit this to the local town hall (Ayuntamiento) of Cabra del Santo Cristo. Instead, follow these steps:
- Drafting: Print two copies of the bilingual template provided below.
- Signing: Both the buyer and the seller must sign every page of both copies.
- Identification: Ensure you have the DNI, NIE, or Passport of the other party present.
- Payment: Do not hand over cash without a signed receipt or the deposit contract.
- Next Steps: Once the deposit is paid and the contract is signed, you must proceed to the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) to finalize the transfer of the vehicle (Transferencia de Vehículos).
CONTRATO DE ARRAS PARA LA COMPRAVENTA DE VEHÍCULO / DEPOSIT CONTRACT FOR VEHICLE PURCHASE
REUNIDOS / PARTIES:
De una parte, D./Dña. _________________________, con DNI/NIE ______________, en adelante "EL VENDEDOR" (THE SELLER).
De otra parte, D./Dña. _________________________, con DNI/NIE ______________, en adelante "EL COMPRADOR" (THE BUYER).
OBJETO / OBJECT:
El VENDEDOR se compromete a vender y el COMPRADOR a comprar el vehículo: Marca __________, Modelo __________, Matrícula __________.
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 (DEPOSIT), que se descontarán del precio final. / The total sale price is __________ euros. The BUYER pays __________ euros as a DEPOSIT, which will be deducted from the final price.
CONDICIONES / CONDITIONS:
Si el COMPRADOR desiste de la compra, perderá las arras entregadas. Si el VENDEDOR desiste, deberá devolver al COMPRADOR el doble de la cantidad recibida (Art. 1454 del Código Civil español). / If the BUYER withdraws, they forfeit the deposit. If the SELLER withdraws, they must return double the amount received (Art. 1454 of the Spanish Civil Code).
Firmado en Cabra del Santo Cristo, a ____ de __________ de 202_.
Firma Vendedor / Seller Signature: __________ | Firma Comprador / Buyer Signature: __________
Additional Documentation Required
While the Contrato de Arras protects the reservation, you will need the following documents to finalize the legal transfer of the vehicle at the DGT:
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (Permiso de Circulación): Original document.
- Technical Inspection Card (ITV): Must be valid and up to date.
- Proof of Tax Payment: Receipt showing the "Impuesto de Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica" (IVTM) for the previous year has been paid in Cabra del Santo Cristo.
- Sales Contract (Contrato de Compraventa): A separate, formal document to be signed upon final payment.
Expert Tip: Always check the vehicle's "Informe de Vehículo" from the DGT website before paying any deposit. This will confirm if the car has any outstanding fines, embargoes, or administrative burdens that could prevent the transfer. Never pay the full amount until you have verified the vehicle's status at the official DGT office or through a gestoría.