How to Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in Macher: Downloadable Arras Contract Template

When buying a used vehicle in Macher, Lanzarote, it is common practice to secure the deal with a "Contrato de Arras." This is a private earnest money agreement where the buyer pays a small deposit to the seller to "reserve" the car, ensuring the seller does not sell it to someone else while the transfer paperwork is being organized. This template provides a legally binding bilingual framework to protect both parties in the Canary Islands.

Instructions on How to Use and Formalize This Contract in Macher

Since this is a private contract between two individuals, it does not need to be submitted to a government office to be valid. However, you should follow these steps to ensure its effectiveness:

• Print two copies of the document (one for the buyer, one for the seller).
• Fill in all details clearly using blue or black ink.
• Both parties must sign every page of the document.
• If you are meeting in Macher, ensure you have verified the vehicle's "Informe de Vehículo" from the DGT to ensure there are no outstanding liens or embargoes before signing.
• Keep the original signed copy safe until the final transfer of ownership is completed at the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico in Las Palmas.

CONTRATO DE ARRAS (EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT)

En Macher, a [Date] de [Month] de 202X.

REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES:

D./Dña. [Seller Name], con DNI/NIE [Seller ID], con domicilio en [Seller Address]. (En adelante, el VENDEDOR / Hereinafter, the SELLER).

D./Dña. [Buyer Name], con DNI/NIE [Buyer ID], con domicilio en [Buyer Address]. (En adelante, el COMPRADOR / Hereinafter, the BUYER).

ACUERDAN / AGREE:

1. Que el VENDEDOR es propietario del vehículo marca [Brand], modelo [Model], matrícula [Plate Number].

2. Que el COMPRADOR entrega en este acto la cantidad de [Amount in Euros] € en concepto de arras (depósito) para reservar la compra del vehículo.

3. El precio total de venta se acuerda en [Total Price] €. La cantidad entregada hoy se descontará del precio final.

4. Si el COMPRADOR desiste de la compra, perderá la cantidad entregada. Si el VENDEDOR desiste, deberá devolver el doble de la cantidad recibida según el Art. 1454 del Código Civil español.

5. La firma del contrato definitivo de compraventa se realizará antes del día [Deadline Date].

Firmas / Signatures:

El VENDEDOR / The SELLER: ____________________

El COMPRADOR / The BUYER: ____________________

Additional Documentation Required

While the Arras contract secures the commitment, you will eventually need the following to finalize the vehicle transfer:

• The "Permiso de Circulación" (Vehicle Registration Certificate).
• The "Ficha Técnica" (Technical Inspection Card) with a valid ITV.
• Proof of payment of the "Impuesto de Circulación" (IVTM) for the previous year.
• A copy of the DNI/NIE of both the buyer and the seller.
• The "Contrato de Compraventa" (Final Bill of Sale), which is a separate document from the Arras contract.

Expert Tip: Always perform a "Informe de Vehículo" via the DGT website before handing over any money. In the Canary Islands, ensure that the "Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales" (ITP) is calculated correctly based on the current tax tables provided by the Agencia Tributaria Canaria, as this is often a point of confusion for residents in Lanzarote. Never pay the full amount until the vehicle is physically in your possession and you have verified the VIN number matches the documentation.