How to Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in Valleseco: Download Our Bilingual 'Contrato de Arras' Template
Buying a car from a private seller in Spain can be a daunting process, especially when you want to ensure the vehicle is held for you while you arrange financing or mechanical inspections. A Contrato de Arras (Earnest Money Contract) is a private legal agreement where the buyer pays a deposit to the seller to reserve the vehicle. If the buyer backs out, they lose the deposit; if the seller backs out, they must return double the amount. This protects both parties in Valleseco and across Spain.
Instructions on how and where to use this document
This document is a private contract between two individuals and does not need to be submitted to a government office to be valid. However, you should follow these steps in Valleseco to ensure legal safety:
- Print two copies of the template (one for the buyer, one for the seller).
- Fill in the details clearly, including the VIN (Número de Bastidor) and the license plate number.
- Sign both copies at the bottom of every page.
- Keep a copy of the seller’s DNI/NIE (National ID) attached to the contract.
- If you are paying the deposit in cash, ensure the amount is under the Spanish legal limit for cash transactions (currently 1,000 EUR for professional-to-consumer transactions, though bank transfers are highly recommended for private sales).
CONTRATO DE ARRAS / EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT
En Valleseco, a [Fecha] / In Valleseco, on [Date]
REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES
Vendedor / Seller: [Nombre y apellidos / Full Name], con DNI/NIE [Número / Number].
Comprador / Buyer: [Nombre y apellidos / Full Name], con DNI/NIE [Número / Number].
OBJETO / OBJECT
El Vendedor se compromete a vender el vehículo / The Seller agrees to sell the vehicle:
Marca/Modelo: [Make/Model]
Matrícula / License Plate: [Plate Number]
Bastidor / VIN: [VIN Number]
PRECIO Y ARRAS / PRICE AND DEPOSIT
El precio total es de [Precio] €. El Comprador entrega en este acto la cantidad de [Cantidad Arras] € en concepto de arras / The total price is [Price] €. The Buyer pays the amount of [Deposit Amount] € as earnest money.
CONDICIONES / CONDITIONS
La venta se formalizará antes del día [Fecha límite] / The sale will be finalized before [Deadline Date]. Si el Comprador desiste, perderá las arras. Si el Vendedor desiste, deberá devolver el doble de lo recibido / If the Buyer withdraws, they lose the deposit. If the Seller withdraws, they must return double the amount received.
FIRMAS / SIGNATURES
Fdo. El Vendedor / Signed by Seller: ____________________
Fdo. El Comprador / Signed by Buyer: ____________________
Additional documentation required
To finalize the purchase after signing the Contrato de Arras, you will need to prepare the following documentation for the official transfer at the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico):
- Permiso de Circulación: The original car registration document.
- ITV Card: The technical inspection card showing the vehicle has passed its roadworthiness test.
- Proof of Tax Payment: The "Impuesto de Circulación" (IVTM) for the current year must be paid.
- Transfer Form: The official DGT transfer of ownership form (Solicitud de cambio de titularidad).
- Payment Receipt: Proof of payment of the "Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales" (ITP), which varies by autonomous community.
Expert Tip: Always perform a "Informe de Vehículo" (Vehicle Report) from the DGT website before paying any deposit. This report will tell you if the car has any outstanding liens, embargoes, or unpaid fines that could prevent you from registering it in your name. If you are buying in Valleseco, ensure the seller has no pending local taxes with the municipality.