How to Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in Valle de Guerra: Downloadable Deposit 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 the funds or inspection, you need a "Contrato de Arras." This is a legally binding deposit agreement that reserves the vehicle for you. If the seller backs out, they are often legally required to return double the deposit amount. This template is specifically designed for your transaction in Valle de Guerra, Tenerife.
Instructions on how to use and formalize your contract in Valle de Guerra
Once you have inspected the vehicle and agreed on the price, follow these steps to secure the deal:
- Download the bilingual template provided below and fill in the details for both the buyer and the seller.
- Print two copies: one for you and one for the seller. Both parties must sign every page.
- In Valle de Guerra, you do not need a Notary for this private contract to be valid, but you must attach a copy of the seller's DNI/NIE to the document.
- The deposit should be made via bank transfer (transferencia bancaria) so there is a digital trail of the payment, rather than cash.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES / PENITENTIAL DEPOSIT CONTRACT
En / In: Valle de Guerra, Tenerife.
REUNIDOS / PARTIES:
VENDEDOR (SELLER): [Full Name], con DNI/NIE [Number].
COMPRADOR (BUYER): [Full Name], con DNI/NIE [Number].
OBJETO / OBJECT:
El VENDEDOR se compromete a vender al COMPRADOR el vehículo / The SELLER agrees to sell to the BUYER the vehicle:
Marca/Modelo: [Brand/Model] | Matrícula/License Plate: [Plate Number]
PRECIO Y ARRAS / PRICE AND DEPOSIT:
El precio total es de [Amount] €. El COMPRADOR entrega en este acto la cantidad de [Deposit Amount] € en concepto de arras / The total price is [Amount] €. The BUYER delivers the amount of [Deposit Amount] € as a deposit.
CONDICIONES / CONDITIONS:
Si el COMPRADOR desiste, perderá las arras. Si el VENDEDOR desiste, deberá devolver el doble de lo recibido / If the BUYER withdraws, they forfeit the deposit. If the SELLER withdraws, they must return double the amount received.
FECHA LÍMITE / DEADLINE:
La compraventa se formalizará antes del día / The sale shall be finalized before: [Date].
Firmas / Signatures:
[Firma Vendedor] ____________________ [Firma Comprador] ____________________
Additional documentation required
To finalize the transfer of the vehicle (transferencia de vehículo) after the deposit contract, you will need to prepare the following documents once the full payment is made:
- Permiso de Circulación: The original vehicle registration document.
- ITV Card: The "Ficha Técnica" showing the vehicle has passed its technical inspection.
- DNI/NIE: Copies of the identification documents for both the buyer and seller.
- Tax Payment: Proof of payment of the "Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales" (Model 620), which can be processed through the Canary Islands Tax Agency (ATC).
Expert Tip: Before signing the contract, always check the vehicle's "Informe de Vehículo" via the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) website. This report will tell you if the car has any outstanding liens, seizures, or unpaid traffic fines (cargas) that could prevent you from registering the car in your name. Never finalize the full payment until you have verified that the vehicle is free of any legal encumbrances.