How to Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in Navalcarnero: Download Our "Contrato de Arras" Template
Buying a second-hand car in Spain can be a stressful process, especially when you find the perfect vehicle and want to ensure the seller doesn't sell it to someone else before you finalize the payment. In Spain, the "Contrato de Arras" (Earnest Money Contract) is a private agreement where the buyer pays a small deposit to reserve the vehicle. If the buyer backs out, they lose the deposit; if the seller backs out, they must typically return double the amount. This document protects your interests in Navalcarnero and beyond.
Instructions on how to execute and use this template in Navalcarnero
To make this contract legally binding, you do not need to visit a government office. Because this is a private transaction, you simply need to fill out the document, print two copies, and ensure both the buyer and the seller sign every page. If you are meeting in Navalcarnero, ensure you verify the seller's DNI or NIE against the vehicle's "Permiso de Circulación." Once signed, keep one copy for your records and hand the other to the seller. This acts as your legal receipt for the deposit paid.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES / EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT
En Navalcarnero, a [DATE] de [MONTH] de 202X.
REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES:
De una parte, D./Dña. [SELLER NAME], con DNI/NIE [NUMBER], en adelante "EL VENDEDOR" / "THE SELLER".
De otra parte, D./Dña. [BUYER NAME], con DNI/NIE [NUMBER], en adelante "EL COMPRADOR" / "THE BUYER".
EXPONEN / DECLARE:
I. Que el VENDEDOR es propietario del vehículo [MAKE/MODEL], con matrícula [LICENSE PLATE].
II. Que ambas partes han acordado la compraventa del vehículo por un precio total de [PRICE] €.
CLÁUSULAS / TERMS:
1. El COMPRADOR entrega en este acto la cantidad de [DEPOSIT AMOUNT] € en concepto de arras, que serán descontadas del precio final. / THE BUYER pays [AMOUNT] € as a deposit, which will be deducted from the final price.
2. La compraventa se formalizará antes del día [DEADLINE DATE]. / The sale will be finalized before [DATE].
3. Si el COMPRADOR desiste, perderá las arras. Si el VENDEDOR desiste, deberá devolver el doble de la cantidad recibida. / If the BUYER withdraws, they lose the deposit. If the SELLER withdraws, they must return double the amount received.
Firma Vendedor / Seller Signature: ____________________
Firma Comprador / Buyer Signature: ____________________
Additional documentation required
- A copy of the seller's DNI or NIE (essential for the subsequent transfer at the DGT).
- The "Ficha Técnica" of the vehicle to verify technical specifications.
- A "Informe de Vehículo" from the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) to ensure there are no outstanding liens, seizures, or unpaid traffic fines (embargos o precintos) on the car.
- Proof of payment for the deposit (bank transfer receipt or a signed receipt if paid in cash).
As an expert consultant, my top tip for your purchase in Navalcarnero is to never pay the full amount until the change of ownership (cambio de titularidad) has been officially processed at the DGT. Always perform a quick check on the DGT website using the vehicle's license plate to ensure the car is free of "cargas" (encumbrances). If the car has any pending fines, the debt stays with the vehicle, not the person, so be diligent before handing over your money.