Download Free Car Deposit Agreement (Contrato de Arras) Template in Cómpeta (Word/PDF)

Buying or selling a car privately in the charming town of Cómpeta or the wider Axarquía region requires clear legal safeguards to protect both parties. A Contrato de Arras (Earnest Money Contract) is a binding reservation agreement used in Spain where a buyer pays a small holding deposit to secure a vehicle, taking it off the market while final paperwork or financing is arranged. Using a proper contract ensures that if either party backs out unexpectedly, clear legal and financial penalties apply, preventing costly misunderstandings.

Instructions on how and where to use and sign this agreement in Cómpeta

Unlike official government paperwork, a private vehicle deposit contract does not need to be submitted to a public office or Trafico (DGT) at the moment of signing. However, to execute it correctly in and around Cómpeta, follow these practical steps:

• Meet in person: Inspect the vehicle thoroughly, preferably taking it for a test drive along the local mountain roads around Cómpeta.
• Print two copies: Ensure both the buyer and the seller have a complete, signed set of the bilingual agreement.
• Payment of the deposit: Transfer the earnest money via bank transfer (transferencia bancaria) or pay in cash, ensuring you write a signed receipt directly on the contract if paid in cash.
• Next official steps: Once the final payment is made and the car is handed over, you will need to complete the official transfer of ownership (Cambio de Titularidad) at the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) or through a local Gestoría in the Málaga province.

CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES / EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT

En Cómpeta (Málaga), a [Día] de [Mes] de [Año]

REUNIDOS

De una parte, D./Dña. [Nombre y Apellidos del Vendedor], con DNI/NIE [Número], y domicilio en [Dirección], en adelante el VENDEROR.

Y de otra, D./Dña. [Nombre y Apellidos del Comprador], con DNI/NIE [Número], y domicilio en [Dirección], en adelante el COMPRADOR.

(English: Between the Seller and Buyer detailed above, both parties have agreed to enter into this earnest money contract for the vehicle purchase.)

EXPONEN

I. Que el VENDEDOR es propietario del vehículo marca [Marca], modelo [Modelo], con matrícula [Matrícula] y número de bastidor [Nº de Bastidor].

II. Que estando interesado el COMPRADOR en la adquisición del referido vehículo, ambas partes acuerdan celebrar un CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES, que se regirá por las siguientes:

(English: The Seller owns the vehicle described above, and the Buyer wishes to purchase it under the terms of this earnest money agreement.)

CLÁUSULAS / CLAUSES

PRIMERA (Precio y Señal): El precio total convenido para la compraventa del vehículo es de [Precio Total en Letras] euros ([Precio Total en Números] €). En este acto, el COMPRADOR entrega en concepto de señal o arras la cantidad de [Cantidad de Arras en Letras] euros ([Cantidad de Arras en Números] €) mediante [Efectivo / Transferencia Bancaria], sirviendo este documento como eficaz recibo de dicho importe.

(English: Total agreed price is [Amount] €. The Buyer pays a deposit of [Deposit Amount] € upon signing this document, which acts as a receipt.)

SEGUNDA (Plazo): La firma del contrato definitivo de compraventa y el pago del resto del importe pendiente ([Resto del Importe] €) se realizarán antes del día [Fecha Límite] de [Mes] de [Año].

(English: The final sale contract and payment of the remaining balance must be completed on or before [Deadline Date].)

TERCERA (Incumplimiento): Si el COMPRADOR desistiere del contrato, perderá la cantidad entregada en concepto de arras. Si el VENDEROR desistiere, deberá devolver el duplo de la cantidad recibida, de conformidad con el artículo 1454 del Código Civil español.

(English: If the Buyer pulls out, they lose the deposit. If the Seller pulls out, they must return double the deposit amount.)

Y en prueba de conformidad, firman el presente contrato por duplicado ejemplar en el lugar y fecha al principio indicados.

(Signed in duplicate for agreement.)

Fdo. El Vendedor / The Seller: _________________          Fdo. El Comprador / The Buyer: _________________

Additional documentation required

To ensure a smooth transaction in Cómpeta after signing the Contrato de Arras, make sure the seller provides you with the following essential documents on the day of the final handover:

• Permiso de Circulación: The vehicle's registration certificate.
• Tarjeta de Inspección Técnica (ITV): The technical sheet proving the vehicle has passed its MOT, along with the most recent inspection report.
• Proof of IVTM payment: Receipt showing that the local road tax (Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica) for the current year has been paid to the Ayuntamiento de Cómpeta.
• Original DNI / NIE / Passport: Copies of the seller's identification document.
• Signed Bill of Sale (Contrato de Compraventa): The definitive sales contract for the vehicle transfer.

Expert Tip: Always verify that the vehicle has no hidden embargoes, fines, or outstanding financial liens (cargas) by requesting a Informe Reducido o Completo del Vehículo from the DGT app or website before handing over the final payment. If you prefer complete peace of mind while dealing with local bureaucracy in the Axarquía region, consider hiring a local gestoría to handle the DGT transfer paperwork for a small fee.