Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in Lumpiaque: Downloadable Earnest Money Contract (Contrato de Arras)

Buying a used car from a private seller in Spain can be a daunting process. To ensure the seller doesn't sell the vehicle to someone else while you arrange financing or inspections, you need a "Contrato de Arras." This is a legally binding earnest money agreement where you provide a deposit to "reserve" the car. If the buyer backs out, they lose the deposit; if the seller backs out, they must return double the amount. This guide provides a bilingual template tailored for residents of Lumpiaque.

How and where to use this document in Lumpiaque

This document is a private contract between two individuals; it does not need to be submitted to the local Lumpiaque Town Hall (Ayuntamiento). However, you should follow these steps to make it legally robust:

• Print two copies: one for you and one for the seller.
• Both parties must sign every page of the document.
• Ensure the seller provides a copy of their DNI/NIE and the vehicle's "Permiso de Circulación."
• If you are meeting in Lumpiaque, you can sign this at a local "gestoría" if you want professional verification, though it is not strictly required by law.

CONTRATO DE ARRAS / EARNEST MONEY AGREEMENT

REUNIDOS / THE 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 / THE VEHICLE:
El Vendedor se compromete a vender al Comprador el vehículo marca ________, modelo ________, con matrícula ________ y número de bastidor ________ (The Seller agrees to sell the vehicle mentioned above to the Buyer).

ARRAS / THE DEPOSIT:
El Comprador entrega en este acto la cantidad de ________ Euros (€) en concepto de arras (The Buyer pays the amount stated as a deposit).

CONDICIONES / TERMS:
Si el Comprador desiste, perderá la cantidad entregada. Si el Vendedor desiste, deberá devolver el duplo de la cantidad recibida (Art. 1454 Código Civil). La compraventa definitiva se formalizará antes del día ____ de ________ de 20__.
(If the Buyer withdraws, they lose the deposit. If the Seller withdraws, they must pay back double the amount. The final sale will be formalized before the date specified.)

Firmado en Lumpiaque, a ____ de ________ de 20__.

Firma Vendedor / Seller Signature: ____________________
Firma Comprador / Buyer Signature: ____________________

Additional documentation required

To finalize the transaction after the deposit is paid, you will need to ensure the following documents are in order:

• Ficha Técnica: The vehicle's technical inspection card (must be valid).
• Impuesto de Circulación: Proof that the "IVTM" (road tax) for the current year has been paid in Lumpiaque or the corresponding municipality.
• Libre de Cargas: A "Informe de Vehículo" from the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) to ensure there are no outstanding fines, seizures, or liens on the car.

Expert Tip: Never pay the full amount of the car until the "Cambio de Titularidad" (transfer of ownership) is officially confirmed by the DGT. Use the "Contrato de Arras" to protect your initial deposit, but use a formal "Contrato de Compraventa" for the final transaction. If you are unsure about the mechanical state of the vehicle, insist on a pre-purchase inspection at a local mechanic in the Zaragoza province before signing the final contract.