Download Free Word/PDF Template: Car Purchase Deposit Agreement (Contrato de Arras) in Rieral De Bigues

Buying or selling a used car privately in Spain can sometimes feel like navigating a maze of bureaucratic and legal uncertainties. Whether you are a resident in the quiet urbanizations of Rieral De Bigues or dealing with a buyer from neighboring L'Ametlla del Vallès, securing the vehicle before the final transfer of ownership is crucial. This is where a Contrato de Arras (Earnest Money Contract) comes into play. In simple terms, this is a legally binding private deposit agreement where the buyer pays a small upfront percentage (the "arras") to reserve the car, and the seller takes the vehicle off the market. If the buyer backs out, they lose the deposit; if the seller backs out, they must legally return double the amount (arras penitenciales). Utilizing a proper bilingual template ensures both parties—regardless of their native language—fully understand their rights and obligations under Spanish civil law.

Instructions on how and where to execute this agreement in Rieral De Bigues

Unlike official tax forms, a Contrato de Arras is a private contract between individuals and does not need to be submitted to the local Town Hall (Ajuntament de Bigues i Riells) or the DGT (Traffic Authority) at the moment of signing. However, location and execution matter:

Where to sign: You can sign this document anywhere, but it is highly recommended to do so in a neutral, safe public space within Rieral De Bigues (such as a local café or plaza), or digitally if using certified electronic signatures.

Payment of the deposit: Avoid paying large sums of cash. Bank transfers or secure mobile payment apps (like Bizum) leave a verifiable paper trail, which is critical if any legal disputes arise.

Next steps after signing: Once the deposit contract is signed and the vehicle is held, the buyer and seller must proceed to sign the official bill of sale (Contrato de Compraventa) and complete the DGT ownership transfer within 30 days.

CONTRATO DE ARRAS / EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT

En Rieral De Bigues (Barcelona), a [Día] de [Mes] de [Año]. / In Rieral De Bigues (Barcelona), on [Day] of [Month] of [Year].

REUNIDOS / PARTIES

De una parte, D./Dña. [Nombre Vendedor], mayor de edad, con DNI [DNI Vendedor] y domicilio en [Dirección en Rieral De Bigues], en adelante el VENDEDOR. / On one part, Mr./Ms. [Seller Name], of legal age, with ID [Seller ID] and address at [Address in Rieral De Bigues], hereinafter the SELLER.

Y de otra parte, D./Dña. [Nombre Comprador], mayor de edad, con DNI/NIE [NIE/DNI Comprador] y domicilio en [Dirección Comprador], en adelante el COMPRADOR. / And on the other part, Mr./Ms. [Buyer Name], of legal age, with ID/NIE [Buyer ID] and address at [Buyer Address], hereinafter the BUYER.

Ambas partes se reconocen capacidad legal suficiente para otorgar el presente contrato. / Both parties mutually recognize sufficient legal capacity to enter into this contract.

MANIFIESTAN / DECLARE

I. Que el VENDEDOR es propietario del vehículo marca [Marca], modelo [Modelo], con matrícula [Matrícula] y número de bastidor [Nº Bastidor]. / That the SELLER is the owner of the vehicle brand [Brand], model [Model], with license plate [Plate Number] and VIN [VIN number].

II. Que el COMPRADOR está interesado en la adquisición del citado vehículo y, para ello, ambas partes acuerdan suscribir un CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES, conforme al artículo 1454 del Código Civil español, sujeto a las siguientes: / That the BUYER is interested in purchasing the aforementioned vehicle and, to that end, both parties agree to sign an EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT (PENITENTIAL ARRAS), pursuant to article 1454 of the Spanish Civil Code, subject to the following:

CLÁUSULAS / CLAUSES

PRIMERA (Precio): El precio total convenido para la compraventa del vehículo es de [Precio Total] euros ([Cantidad en letra] €). / FIRST (Price): The total agreed price for the sale of the vehicle is [Total Price] euros ([Amount in letters] €).

SEGUNDA (Arras): En este acto, el COMPRADOR entrega al Vendedor la cantidad de [Cantidad Arras] euros ([Cantidad en letra] €) en concepto de señal o arras, mediante [Método de pago: efectivo/transferencia]. Esta cantidad será descontada del precio final en el momento de la firma del contrato de compraventa definitivo. / SECOND (Deposit): In this act, the BUYER delivers to the Seller the sum of [Deposit Amount] euros ([Amount in letters] €) as a deposit, via [Payment method: cash/transfer]. This amount will be deducted from the final price upon signing the final sales contract.

TERCERA (Plazo): La firma del contrato definitivo de compraventa y el pago del resto del importe ([Precio Total menos Arras] €) se realizarán como máximo el día [Fecha Límite]. / THIRD (Deadline): The signing of the final sales contract and payment of the remaining amount ([Total minus Deposit] €) shall take place no later than [Deadline Date].

CUARTA (Incumplimiento): Si el COMPRADOR desistiere del contrato, perderá la cantidad entregada. Si el VENDEDOR desistiere, estará obligado a devolver el doble de la cantidad recibida, de conformidad con el artículo 1454 del Código Civil. / FOURTH (Breach): If the BUYER withdraws from the contract, they shall lose the deposit delivered. If the SELLER withdraws, they shall be obliged to return double the amount received, in accordance with article 1454 of the Civil Code.

Y en prueba de conformidad, firman el presente documento por duplicado en el lugar y fecha arriba indicados. / And as proof of conformity, they sign this document in duplicate at the place and date indicated above.

Fdo. El Vendedor / Signed Seller: _________________          Fdo. El Comprador / Signed Buyer: _________________

Additional documentation required

To ensure a smooth transition of the vehicle once the Contrato de Arras is executed and you approach the final purchase date, make sure you collect and verify the following paperwork in Spain:

Permiso de Circulación: The vehicle's registration certificate, ensuring there are no hidden administrative blocks (embargos) or leasing charges.

Ficha Técnica (Tarjeta ITV): Must show a valid and up-to-date ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) inspection stamp.

DNI / NIE / Passport: Valid identification documents of both the buyer and the seller.

Impuesto de Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica (IVTM): Proof of payment for the local municipal road tax (commonly known as the "recibo del ayuntamiento") corresponding to the previous year.

As an expert recommendation when buying or selling in Rieral De Bigues, always verify the vehicle's status by requesting an official vehicle report (Informe del Vehículo) from the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) beforehand. This small fee protects you from acquiring unexpected fines, debts, or mileage discrepancies, ensuring your private transaction goes off without a hitch.