How to Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in Sanchidrián: Downloadable Deposit Agreement Template
Buying a second-hand vehicle in Sanchidrián can be a great investment, but it comes with risks. To ensure the seller doesn't sell the car to someone else while you arrange financing or inspection, you need a "Contrato de Arras" (Earnest Money Deposit Agreement). This legal document acts as a binding reservation, ensuring that if the seller backs out, they must pay you back double the deposit, and if you back out, you forfeit the deposit. This guide provides a bilingual template to protect your interests during the transaction.
Instructions on how to execute this agreement in Sanchidrián
Because this is a private contract between two individuals, it does not need to be submitted to a government office in Sanchidrián. Instead, it serves as your personal legal protection. Follow these steps:
- Meeting: Arrange to meet the seller in person to inspect the vehicle.
- Verification: Verify the vehicle's "Informe de Vehículo" from the DGT to ensure there are no outstanding liens or "embargos."
- Signing: Print two copies of the template below. Both the buyer and the seller must sign every page of both copies.
- Exchange: Provide the deposit amount (usually via bank transfer to leave a paper trail) and keep your signed original copy safe.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS / EARNEST MONEY AGREEMENT
En Sanchidrián, a [DATE]
REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES:
De una parte, D./Dña. [SELLER NAME], con DNI [SELLER ID], en adelante "EL VENDEDOR" / "THE SELLER".
De otra parte, D./Dña. [BUYER NAME], con DNI [BUYER ID], en adelante "EL COMPRADOR" / "THE BUYER".
OBJETO / OBJECT:
El VENDEDOR se compromete a vender al COMPRADOR el vehículo marca [MAKE], modelo [MODEL], matrícula [LICENSE PLATE], por un precio total de [PRICE] €.
THE SELLER agrees to sell the vehicle (Make/Model/Plate) to THE BUYER for a total price of [PRICE] €.
ARRAS / DEPOSIT:
El COMPRADOR entrega en este acto la cantidad de [DEPOSIT AMOUNT] € en concepto de arras penitenciales.
THE BUYER delivers the amount of [DEPOSIT AMOUNT] € as a penitential deposit.
CONDICIONES / TERMS:
Si el COMPRADOR desiste, perderá la cantidad entregada. Si el VENDEDOR desiste, deberá devolver el doble de la cantidad recibida (Art. 1454 Código Civil). La compraventa final deberá formalizarse antes del día [DEADLINE DATE].
If THE BUYER withdraws, they lose the deposit. If THE SELLER withdraws, they must return double the amount received (Art. 1454 Spanish Civil Code). The final sale must be completed by [DEADLINE DATE].
FIRMAS / SIGNATURES:
Fdo: [SELLER SIGNATURE] ____________________ Fdo: [BUYER SIGNATURE] ____________________
Additional documentation required
Beyond this agreement, ensure you request and verify the following documents before completing the final transfer of ownership:
- Permiso de Circulación: The vehicle's registration document.
- ITV Card: Ensure the "Inspección Técnica de Vehículos" is valid and up to date.
- Proof of Tax Payment: Receipt showing the "Impuesto de Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica" (IVTM) for the current year has been paid to the Sanchidrián town hall.
- DGT Vehicle Report: A "Informe de Vehículo" obtained from the DGT website to confirm the car is free of charges, liens, or administrative restrictions.
Expert Tip: Always prefer bank transfers over cash for the deposit. Even if the amount is small, having a bank receipt showing the transfer to the seller's account provides irrefutable evidence of the transaction date and the identity of the parties involved. If the seller refuses to provide their ID or shows hesitation regarding the DGT report, consider it a major red flag and walk away from the deal.