How to Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in Estepona: Downloadable Arras Contract Template (Word/PDF)
Buying a used car from a private seller in Estepona can be a great way to save money, but it comes with risks. To ensure the seller doesn't sell the vehicle to someone else while you arrange financing or a mechanic's inspection, you need a Contrato de Arras. This is a "deposit agreement" that legally binds both parties: if the seller backs out, they must usually return double the deposit; if you back out, you lose the deposit. This document provides the legal security you need before finalizing the transfer at the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico).
Instructions on how to formalize this agreement in Estepona
This document is a private contract between you and the seller. You do not need to visit a government office to sign it, but you should follow these steps to ensure its validity in Estepona:
- Print two copies: Both you and the seller must sign each page of both copies.
- Verify the ID: Always check the seller’s original DNI or NIE. Do not accept photocopies.
- Payment method: Use a traceable bank transfer for the deposit. Avoid large cash payments, as they are difficult to prove in the event of a dispute.
- Location: If you are meeting in Estepona, choose a neutral, public place or the seller’s registered address to sign the document.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES / EARNEST MONEY AGREEMENT
En Estepona, a [Date] de [Month] de 202X. / In Estepona, on [Date] of [Month], 202X.
REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES
De una parte, D./Dña. [Seller Name], con DNI/NIE [Number], y domicilio en [Address] (en adelante, "el VENDEDOR"). / On one part, Mr./Ms. [Seller Name], with ID [Number], and address at [Address] (hereinafter, "the SELLER").
De otra parte, D./Dña. [Buyer Name], con DNI/NIE [Number], y domicilio en [Address] (en adelante, "el COMPRADOR"). / On the other part, Mr./Ms. [Buyer Name], with ID [Number], and address at [Address] (hereinafter, "the BUYER").
EXPONEN / BACKGROUND
I. Que el VENDEDOR es propietario del vehículo marca [Make], modelo [Model], matrícula [License Plate]. / The SELLER is the owner of the vehicle [Make], model [Model], license plate [License Plate].
II. Que ambas partes acuerdan la compraventa del vehículo por un precio total de [Price] euros. / Both parties agree to the sale of the vehicle for a total price of [Price] euros.
CLÁUSULAS / CLAUSES
PRIMERA: El COMPRADOR entrega en este acto la cantidad de [Deposit Amount] euros en concepto de arras. / The BUYER delivers in this act the amount of [Deposit Amount] euros as earnest money.
SEGUNDA: El resto del precio, [Remaining Amount] euros, será abonado el día [Date of final payment] en el momento de la firma del contrato de compraventa y entrega del vehículo. / The remaining balance, [Remaining Amount] euros, will be paid on [Date of final payment] upon signing the sale contract and vehicle delivery.
TERCERA: Si el VENDEDOR se arrepiente, deberá devolver el doble de las arras recibidas. Si el COMPRADOR desiste, perderá la cantidad entregada. / If the SELLER withdraws, they must return double the deposit. If the BUYER withdraws, they forfeit the deposit.
Firmas / Signatures:
[Seller Signature] | [Buyer Signature]
Additional documentation required
While the Contrato de Arras secures the reservation, the actual transfer of the vehicle requires additional paperwork to be presented later at the DGT or through a Gestoría in Estepona:
- Permiso de Circulación: The original vehicle registration document.
- ITV Card: The "Ficha Técnica" showing the vehicle has passed its technical inspection.
- Receipt of IVTM: Proof that the "Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica" (road tax) has been paid for the previous year.
- Transfer Contract: The formal bill of sale (Contrato de Compraventa) which replaces the Arras contract once the final payment is made.
Expert Tip: Before handing over any money, 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 liens, embargoes, or unpaid fines that could prevent you from registering it in your name. If you are not comfortable with the bureaucracy, hire a local Gestoría in Estepona; they typically charge a small fee to handle the entire transfer process, ensuring you avoid any legal pitfalls.