Reservation Deposit vs Contrato de Arras
Reservation Deposit vs Contrato de Arras explains the Spanish steps and the separate obligations that matter to someone living in the United Kingdom. It is designed as a decision guide, not a promise that one rule fits every buyer or property.
The Spanish process
Work through reservation wording, deposit recipient, due-diligence condition first, then coordinate finance condition, deadline, arras type. The exact sequence can change with the property, region, finance and contract.
- reservation wording
- deposit recipient
- due-diligence condition
- finance condition
Official source → BOE — Código Civil, artículo 1454
Checks before you commit
Before paying or signing, verify due-diligence condition, finance condition, deadline, arras type. Put conditions, deadlines and consequences in writing and have the documents checked independently.
- deadline
- arras type
- withdrawal consequence
- refund wording
Official source → BOE — Código Civil, artículo 1454
Costs, timing and evidence
Build a file for deadline, arras type, withdrawal consequence, refund wording. Obtain a property-specific cost calculation and confirm current regional rules at the date of completion.
Official source → BOE — Código Civil, artículo 1454
United Kingdom module
For a buyer connected with the United Kingdom, the Spanish transaction and the home-country position must be documented in parallel.
Prepare UK bank statements, payslips or company accounts, tax documents, and evidence showing how savings arose. Banks and lawyers may ask for a clear source-of-funds trail before accepting a large transfer.
A Spanish lender will assess UK income, existing debt and the GBP/EUR currency mismatch. Ask for a personalised European Standardised Information Sheet and do not assume a fixed loan-to-value ratio.
Official source → Spanish Consulate in London — NIE · HMRC — tax on foreign income
Tax, banking and records at home
A UK resident normally reports taxable foreign rental income through Self Assessment. Keep the Spanish return, exchange-rate workings, invoices and proof of tax paid.
Official source → HMRC — selling overseas property · UK–Spain tax treaty
Official sources
- BOE — Código Civil, artículo 1454 ↗
- Spanish Consulate in London — NIE ↗
- HMRC — tax on foreign income ↗
- HMRC — selling overseas property ↗
- UK–Spain tax treaty ↗
Last legal/source review: 2026-09-16
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