How to Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in Castellar del Vallès: Downloadable Arras Contract Template
Buying a car from a private seller in Spain can be a stressful experience, especially when you want to ensure the vehicle isn't sold to someone else while you arrange financing or insurance. A Contrato de Arras (Earnest Money Agreement) is a private legal contract where you pay a small deposit to the seller to "reserve" the car. If the seller backs out, they often have to pay you back double the deposit; if you back out, you lose the deposit. This document is essential for protecting your interests in Castellar del Vallès.
Instructions on how and where to use this document in Castellar del Vallès
Since this is a private contract between two individuals, you do not need to submit this to the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) of Castellar del Vallès. Instead, follow these steps to ensure it is legally binding:
- Meeting: Arrange to meet the seller in person to inspect the vehicle and review the documentation (Permiso de Circulación and ITV).
- Signing: Print two copies of the bilingual template provided below. Both the buyer and the seller must sign and date every page.
- Exchange: Provide the deposit amount and ensure the seller signs a receipt on the contract. Keep one copy for yourself and give one to the seller.
- Completion: Once the final payment is made and the transfer of ownership (Cambio de Nombre) is initiated at the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico), this contract is effectively fulfilled.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS / EARNEST MONEY AGREEMENT
En Castellar del Vallès, a [Date] / In Castellar del Vallès, on [Date]
REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES:
Vendedor (Seller): [Name], con DNI/NIE [ID number], domicilio en [Address].
Comprador (Buyer): [Name], con DNI/NIE [ID number], domicilio en [Address].
OBJETO / OBJECT:
El Vendedor se compromete a vender y el Comprador a comprar el vehículo / The Seller agrees to sell and the Buyer agrees to purchase the vehicle:
Marca/Modelo: [Make/Model] | Matrícula: [License Plate] | Bastidor: [VIN]
PRECIO Y ARRAS / PRICE AND DEPOSIT:
El precio total de venta es de [Amount] €. El Comprador entrega en este acto la cantidad de [Deposit Amount] € en concepto de arras / The total sale price is [Amount] €. The Buyer pays the amount of [Deposit Amount] € as earnest money.
CONDICIONES / CONDITIONS:
Si el Comprador incumple, perderá las arras. Si el Vendedor incumple, deberá devolver el doble de las arras recibidas / If the Buyer defaults, they shall lose the deposit. If the Seller defaults, they shall return double the amount received.
FIRMAS / SIGNATURES:
Fdo. El Vendedor / Signed by Seller: ____________________
Fdo. El Comprador / Signed by Buyer: ____________________
Additional documentation required
While the contract protects your reservation, remember that to finalize the purchase legally in Spain, you will need to gather the following:
- Original DNI/NIE: Both buyer and seller must have valid identification.
- Vehicle Documentation: The original "Permiso de Circulación" and the "Ficha Técnica" (showing the ITV is up to date).
- Proof of Tax Payment: Ensure the "Impuesto de Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica" (IVTM) has been paid for the current year.
- Transfer Form: The official "Solicitud de transmisión de vehículos" from the DGT.
Expert Tip: Before signing any contract, always request a "Informe de Vehículo" from the DGT website. It costs less than 10 euros and will tell you if the car has any outstanding fines, embargoes, or administrative issues that could prevent you from registering it in your name. Never hand over the full payment until you have confirmed the car is "clean" and free of charges.