Often, the word arras is mentioned several times when explaining the property buying process… and I always think the same: how remarkable it is that such an old word still plays such an important role in buying a home today.  

Because arras are actually much more than a contract. They symbolize promise, guarantee, and a mutual commitment. It’s a way of saying: “we’re going for it.”  

IN THE REAL ESTATE WORLD: THE FIRST REAL STEP

When a buyer and seller sign a purchase agreement with arras, they are taking a very concrete step.

The buyer pays a significant amount (usually 10% of the agreed price) as a sign of intent. From that moment on, both parties commit to completing the sale.

In Spain, there are different types of arras, but the most common is the “arras penitenciales.” In practice, it works like this:

If the buyer withdraws, they lose the deposit.
If the seller withdraws, they must repay double the amount.

It’s simple, yet powerful: it provides security… without everything being fully finalized just yet.

BUT WHERE DOES THE WORD “ARRAS” COME FROM?

The word arras has very ancient origins and comes from Latin: “arrha” or “arrhae,” meaning a pledge or guarantee.

So it’s not a modern or purely legal invention, but a concept that has carried the same idea for centuries: giving something as a sign of trust and commitment.

Over time, this concept has endured, and in Spain it has evolved into what we now know as arras.

AND HERE IS WHERE IT GETS BEAUTIFUL: ARRAS IN MARRIAGE

What many people don’t know is that this word is not only used in real estate.

In Spain, it also appears in wedding ceremonies: the 13 coins that the couple gives to each other.

According to an old Spanish tradition, Christians living in the Middle Ages on the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), under Islamic rule, preserved their faith while adopting influences from Arabic culture in daily life, such as language, art, and customs.

The twelve gold coins represent the months of the year, while the thirteenth—now usually silver, but often bronze in the past—is meant to be shared with those less fortunate. Some interpretations also say that this last coin, often of slightly lesser value, reminds the couple that life is not always sunshine and roses, but also about facing challenges together.

The ceremony usually follows a clear and meaningful ritual. After exchanging rings, the priest blesses the arras. The groom then gives the coins to the bride, saying words such as:
“With these arras, I offer you my commitment and my devotion.” She receives them and replies: “I receive them.”
Then she returns them to the groom, symbolizing their mutual commitment to care for their shared future.

A WORD THAT STILL HOLDS MEANING TODAY

If you think about it, arras tell the same story in both marriage and real estate: trust.

It’s not just money. It’s not just tradition.

It’s that moment when something truly begins. And in real estate, it’s often just like in love: you walk into a home and immediately feel it—love at first sight, a good feeling… this is it! And that’s when you know you’re ready to take the step, to trust, and to formalize that first real commitment by signing and paying the arras.

A nice insight, isn’t it?