How to Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in Hostalets: Downloadable Deposit Agreement (Contrato de Arras)

Buying a used car from a private seller in Hostalets can be a daunting process. To ensure the seller does not sell the vehicle to someone else while you arrange your financing or inspection, you need a Contrato de Arras. This is a private deposit agreement that legally binds both parties: if the seller backs out, they often have to pay you back double the deposit; if you back out, you lose your deposit. This document provides the security you need to finalize your purchase in Catalonia.

Instructions on how to use and formalize this agreement in Hostalets

Unlike administrative appeals, a Contrato de Arras is a private document between two individuals. You do not need to submit this to the town hall (Ayuntamiento) or the DGT at this stage. Instead:

• Print two copies of the document below.
• Fill in the details while both parties are present.
• Ensure the seller provides a copy of their DNI/NIE.
• Both the buyer and the seller must sign every page of the document.
• Keep one original signed copy for your records; the seller keeps the other.

CONTRATO DE ARRAS / DEPOSIT AGREEMENT

En Hostalets, a [Date]

REUNIDOS / PARTIES
De una parte, como VENDEDOR: [Full Name], con DNI/NIE [Number].
(On one part, as SELLER: [Full Name], with ID [Number])

De otra parte, como COMPRADOR: [Full Name], con DNI/NIE [Number].
(On the other part, as BUYER: [Full Name], with ID [Number])

OBJETO / OBJECT
El VENDEDOR se compromete a vender al COMPRADOR el vehículo [Make/Model], con matrícula [License Plate] y bastidor [VIN Number].
(The SELLER agrees to sell to the BUYER the vehicle [Make/Model], license plate [License Plate] and VIN [VIN Number].)

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 delivers at this moment the amount of [Deposit Amount] € as a deposit.)

PLAZO / DEADLINE
La firma del contrato de compraventa definitivo se realizará antes del día [Date].
(The signing of the final purchase contract will take place before [Date].)

FIRMAS / SIGNATURES

__________________________      __________________________
Firma Vendedor / Seller                  Firma Comprador / Buyer

Additional documentation required

While the Contrato de Arras secures the intent, you will eventually need the following to finalize the transfer of ownership (Cambio de Titularidad) at the DGT:

• Original and copy of the vehicle's Technical Inspection Card (ITV).
• Proof of payment of the ITP (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales) at the Agència Tributària de Catalunya (Model 620).
• The original purchase contract (Contrato de Compraventa) signed once the full payment is made.
• A copy of the current vehicle registration certificate (Permiso de Circulación).

Expert Tip: Always perform a "Informe de Vehículo" through the DGT website before signing the deposit agreement. This costs a small fee and will tell you if the car has any outstanding liens, embargoes, or unpaid traffic fines that could prevent the transfer of ownership. Never hand over cash without a signed receipt or the Contrato de Arras clearly stating the amount paid.