{"id":21244,"date":"2026-02-13T20:39:36","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T19:39:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brokla.com\/?p=21244"},"modified":"2026-06-07T12:43:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-07T10:43:26","slug":"reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Reserveringscontract versus Arrascontracten in Spanje: De 2026 Gids om Je Borg te Beschermen"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Reservation vs Arras Contracts Spain<\/strong>: <strong>Proven<\/strong> 2026 Legal Guide: Finding your dream home in the Costa Blanca\u2014whether it\u2019s a frontline apartment in Benidorm or a rustic villa in Altea\u2014is an exhilarating moment. However, the second after your offer is accepted are often the most stressful. You want the property off the market, but you don&#8217;t want to risk thousands of Euros without legal protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"p-rc_73d4df21db334b45-34\">In the Spanish property market, this transition is managed through two key documents: the <strong>Reservation Contract<\/strong> and the <strong>Arras Contract<\/strong>.<sup><\/sup> While they may seem like interchangeable &#8220;deposit agreements,&#8221; they carry vastly different legal weights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this 2026 guide, we analyze <strong>Reservation vs. Arras Contracts in Spain<\/strong> to ensure your investment is safe from the moment you say &#8220;yes.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"brokla-key-takeaways\" style=\"background:#f4f8fb;border-left:4px solid #1a7ab8;padding:18px 22px;margin:24px 0;border-radius:6px;\">\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 10px;font-weight:700;font-size:1.05em;\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin:0;padding-left:20px;\">\n<li><strong>Reservation Contract:<\/strong> a small good-faith fee (&euro;3,000&ndash;&euro;6,000), valid 7&ndash;14 days, that takes the property off the market during due diligence.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Arras Contract:<\/strong> the standard 10% deposit (which includes the reservation fee) &mdash; the legal &ldquo;point of no return.&rdquo;<\/li>\n<li><strong>Three Arras types<\/strong> &mdash; Penitenciales, Confirmatorias and Penales; if the contract is silent, the law may default to the least flexible.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Arras Penitenciales (Civil Code Art. 1454)<\/strong> is recommended: a buyer who withdraws forfeits the deposit, a seller who withdraws repays double.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Add a &ldquo;subject to financing&rdquo; clause<\/strong> (usually 30 days) so you recover your deposit if your mortgage is denied.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Make the reservation fee refundable<\/strong> if due diligence uncovers hidden debts or legal issues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle tabel met inhoud\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#1_The_Reservation_Contract_Contrato_de_Reserva\" >1. The Reservation Contract (Contrato de Reserva)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#Reservation_vs_Arras_Contracts_Spain_%E2%80%93_Key_Features_in_2026\" >Reservation vs Arras Contracts Spain &#8211; Key Features in 2026:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#2_The_Arras_Contract_Contrato_de_Arras\" >2. The Arras Contract (Contrato de Arras)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#Why_10_is_the_Standard\" >Why 10% is the Standard:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#3_The_Three_Types_of_Arras_Which_One_Are_You_Signing\" >3. The Three Types of Arras: Which One Are You Signing?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#A_Arras_Penitenciales_The_Most_Recommended\" >A. Arras Penitenciales (The Most Recommended)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#B_Arras_Confirmatorias\" >B. Arras Confirmatorias<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#C_Arras_Penales\" >C. Arras Penales<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#4_The_%E2%80%9CSubject_to_Mortgage%E2%80%9D_Clause_in_2026\" >4. The &#8220;Subject to Mortgage&#8221; Clause in 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#5_Essential_Checklist_Before_Signing\" >5. Essential Checklist Before Signing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#6_Moving_to_the_Notary_The_Final_Step\" >6. Moving to the Notary: The Final Step<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#Verified_External_Resources\" >Verified External Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#What_is_the_difference_between_a_Reservation_and_an_Arras_contract_in_Spain\" >What is the difference between a Reservation and an Arras contract in Spain?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#How_much_is_the_deposit_for_an_Arras_contract\" >How much is the deposit for an Arras contract?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#What_are_the_three_types_of_Arras_contract\" >What are the three types of Arras contract?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#What_happens_if_I_back_out_after_signing_Arras_Penitenciales\" >What happens if I back out after signing Arras Penitenciales?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/reservering-versus-arrascontracten-spanje-2026\/#How_can_I_protect_my_deposit_if_my_mortgage_is_refused\" >How can I protect my deposit if my mortgage is refused?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_The_Reservation_Contract_Contrato_de_Reserva\"><\/span><strong>1. The Reservation Contract (<em>Contrato de Reserva<\/em>)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"p-rc_73d4df21db334b45-35\">The Reservation Contract is typically the first document you sign. Its primary purpose is commercial: it stops the estate agent from showing the property to other potential buyers while your lawyer conducts &#8220;Due Diligence.&#8221;<sup><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reservation_vs_Arras_Contracts_Spain_%E2%80%93_Key_Features_in_2026\"><\/span><strong>Reservation vs Arras Contracts Spain &#8211; Key Features in 2026:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Deposit:<\/strong> Usually a small &#8220;good faith&#8221; fee, ranging from <strong>\u20ac3,000 to \u20ac6,000<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Timeline:<\/strong> Valid for a short window, typically <strong>7 to 14 days<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Effect:<\/strong> The seller (or the agent on their behalf) agrees to withdraw the property from the market.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"p-rc_73d4df21db334b45-39\"><strong>The Risk:<\/strong> Many Reservation Contracts drafted by agents are &#8220;bare-bones.&#8221;<sup><\/sup> If you back out because you simply changed your mind, you will lose this fee. Always ensure your lawyer adds a clause stating the deposit is refundable if major legal issues (like hidden debts) are found during the search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/luxury-penthouse-for-rent-villajoyosa-sea-views-22.jpg\" alt=\"Reservation vs Arras Contracts Spain\" class=\"wp-image-21187\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover;width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_The_Arras_Contract_Contrato_de_Arras\"><\/span><strong>2. The Arras Contract (<em>Contrato de Arras<\/em>)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the initial legal checks are cleared, you move to the <strong>Arras Contract<\/strong>. This is a private purchase agreement that sets the &#8220;point of no return.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_10_is_the_Standard\"><\/span><strong>Why 10% is the Standard:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While not a legal requirement, the standard deposit in 2026 remains <strong>10% of the purchase price<\/strong>. This amount includes the reservation fee you already paid. For example, on a \u20ac200,000 home:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Reservation:<\/strong> \u20ac5,000 paid to the agent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Arras:<\/strong> \u20ac15,000 paid to the seller (bringing the total to \u20ac20,000).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_The_Three_Types_of_Arras_Which_One_Are_You_Signing\"><\/span><strong>3. The Three Types of Arras: Which One Are You Signing?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"p-rc_73d4df21db334b45-40\">This is where most buyers make a critical error. In the Spanish Civil Code, there are three types of Arras.<sup><\/sup> If your contract doesn&#8217;t explicitly state the type, the law often defaults to the one that offers the <em>least<\/em> flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Arras_Penitenciales_The_Most_Recommended\"><\/span><strong>A. Arras Penitenciales (The Most Recommended)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"p-rc_73d4df21db334b45-41\">Regulated by <strong>Article 1454 of the Civil Code<\/strong>, this is the most common type used in the Costa Blanca.<sup><\/sup> It acts as a &#8220;withdrawal&#8221; agreement with clear penalties:<sup><\/sup>+1<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>If the Buyer backs out:<\/strong> They forfeit the 10% deposit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If the Seller backs out:<\/strong> They must return <strong>double<\/strong> the deposit to the buyer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"B_Arras_Confirmatorias\"><\/span><strong>B. Arras Confirmatorias<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"p-rc_73d4df21db334b45-43\">This is simply a down payment. It does <strong>not<\/strong> allow for a &#8220;clean break.&#8221; If one party tries to cancel, the other can take them to court to <strong>force the sale<\/strong> to go through.<sup><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"C_Arras_Penales\"><\/span><strong>C. Arras Penales<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"p-rc_73d4df21db334b45-44\">A &#8220;penalty&#8221; clause. If a party fails to comply, they pay a penalty, but the &#8220;innocent&#8221; party can still demand either the completion of the sale <em>or<\/em> further damages.<sup><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Reservation vs Arras Contracts Spain &#8211; Brokla Tip:<\/strong> For most expats, <strong>Arras Penitenciales<\/strong> is the best choice because it provides a clear &#8220;exit price&#8221; if circumstances change.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Brokla-Realty-1-26.jpg\" alt=\"New Build Villa for Sale in Calpe\" class=\"wp-image-19387\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Brokla-Realty-1-26.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/brokla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Brokla-Realty-1-26-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_The_%E2%80%9CSubject_to_Mortgage%E2%80%9D_Clause_in_2026\"><\/span><strong>4. The &#8220;Subject to Mortgage&#8221; Clause in 2026<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With global interest rates fluctuating, many buyers in 2026 are including a <strong>&#8220;Subject to Financing&#8221;<\/strong> clause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Without this clause, if you sign an Arras contract and your bank denies your mortgage, <strong>you lose your 10% deposit.<\/strong> In 2026, we strongly advise our clients to ensure the contract explicitly states that the deposit will be returned if a mortgage offer is not secured within a specific timeframe (usually 30 days).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Essential_Checklist_Before_Signing\"><\/span><strong>5. Essential Checklist Before Signing<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you transfer a single Euro from your <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/opening-a-spanish-bank-account-2026\/\">Spanish Bank Account<\/a>, ensure your lawyer has verified:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ownership:<\/strong> Does the person signing actually own 100% of the property?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Debts:<\/strong> Are there outstanding <a href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/spanish-property-taxes-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spanish Property Taxes<\/a> or community fees?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legality:<\/strong> Does the property have a valid <em>C\u00e9dula de Habitabilidad<\/em> (Habitation Certificate)?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>NIE Requirements:<\/strong> Ensure your <a href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nie-number-spain-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NIE Number<\/a> is ready, as it will be required for the Arras contract.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1153\" src=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Luxury-Apartmentsiin-Santa-Rosalia-Lake-Murcia-19.jpg\" alt=\"Reservation vs Arras Contracts Spain\" class=\"wp-image-20839\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Luxury-Apartmentsiin-Santa-Rosalia-Lake-Murcia-19.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/brokla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Luxury-Apartmentsiin-Santa-Rosalia-Lake-Murcia-19-1536x1107.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Moving_to_the_Notary_The_Final_Step\"><\/span><strong>6. Moving to the Notary: The Final Step<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Arras contract will include a &#8220;deadline for completion&#8221;\u2014usually 60 to 90 days from signing. On this date, both parties meet at the Notary to sign the <em>Escritura<\/em> (Title Deed).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Payment:<\/strong> You pay the remaining 90%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Possession:<\/strong> You receive the keys.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Taxes:<\/strong> Your lawyer will then handle the ITP (Transfer Tax) and registration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Navigating the <strong>Reservation vs Arras Contracts Spain<\/strong> is the most technical part of your purchase journey. By insisting on a well-drafted <em>Arras Penitenciales<\/em> and including protective clauses for financing, you can enjoy the process of moving to the Costa Blanca without the fear of financial loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Verified_External_Resources\"><\/span><strong>Verified External Resources<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Spanish Civil Code:<\/strong> Read the full text of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boe.es\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Article 1454 on Penitential Deposits<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spanish Notary Association:<\/strong> Guide on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.notariado.org\/portal\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Public Deed of Sale<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Reservation vs Arras Contracts Spain by <a href=\"https:\/\/brokla.com\/costa-blanca-real-estate-agency\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"16650\">Brokla Realty<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_a_Reservation_and_an_Arras_contract_in_Spain\"><\/span>What is the difference between a Reservation and an Arras contract in Spain?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Reservation Contract is a small initial fee that takes the property off the market for a short window (7-14 days) while your lawyer runs checks. The Arras Contract is the binding private purchase agreement, signed with a 10% deposit, that commits both parties to the sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_is_the_deposit_for_an_Arras_contract\"><\/span>How much is the deposit for an Arras contract?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The standard Arras deposit in 2026 is 10% of the purchase price, and it includes the reservation fee already paid. On a 200,000 euro home that is typically a 5,000 euro reservation plus 15,000 euro at the Arras stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_three_types_of_Arras_contract\"><\/span>What are the three types of Arras contract?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Arras Penitenciales (a withdrawal agreement with clear penalties), Arras Confirmatorias (a simple down payment that can force the sale through court), and Arras Penales (a penalty clause). Penitenciales is usually the safest for buyers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_if_I_back_out_after_signing_Arras_Penitenciales\"><\/span>What happens if I back out after signing Arras Penitenciales?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under Article 1454 of the Civil Code, if the buyer withdraws they forfeit the 10% deposit, and if the seller withdraws they must return double the deposit to the buyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_I_protect_my_deposit_if_my_mortgage_is_refused\"><\/span>How can I protect my deposit if my mortgage is refused?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Include a subject-to-financing clause in the Arras contract stating that the deposit will be returned if a mortgage offer is not secured within a set timeframe, usually 30 days. Without it, a refused mortgage means losing your 10% deposit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the difference between a Reservation and an Arras contract in Spain?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A Reservation Contract is a small initial fee that takes the property off the market for a short window (7-14 days) while your lawyer runs checks. The Arras Contract is the binding private purchase agreement, signed with a 10% deposit, that commits both parties to the sale.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How much is the deposit for an Arras contract?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The standard Arras deposit in 2026 is 10% of the purchase price, and it includes the reservation fee already paid. 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You want the property off the market, but you don&#8217;t [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20839,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"googlesitekit_rrm_CAowzI3FDA:productID":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21244","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21244","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21244"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21244\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20839"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21244"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21244"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brokla.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21244"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}