Irish Property Buying Process

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Step-by-Step Overview

Buying a home in Ireland typically takes 12 — 20 weeks from offer acceptance to closing. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Mortgage Approval in Principle

Before you start viewing homes, get mortgage approval in principle from a lender. This confirms how much you can borrow and shows estate agents you are a serious buyer.

Step 2: House Hunting and Viewings

Register with estate agents, set up property alerts on Daft.ie and MyHome.ie, and start viewing properties. Keep a checklist of your needs vs wants.

Step 3: Making an Offer: The Bidding Process

In Ireland, most residential property sales are conducted through private treaty (negotiation), not auction. Here's how it works:

• You submit a written offer to the estate agent
• The agent presents it to the seller
• If other buyers are interested, a bid system operates: you increase your offer in increments
• The agent records all bids, and the seller chooses the highest (or best terms)
• Some estates use "closed bid" or "best and final" rounds

Step 4: Offer Accepted: Going Sale Agreed

Once your offer is accepted, the property is marked "Sale Agreed" or "Under Offer." At this point:

• You instruct a solicitor to handle the conveyancing
• The seller instructs their solicitor to prepare the contract
• You arrange a property survey (structural, BER, etc.)
• You apply for full mortgage approval

Step 5: Contracts and Signing

Your solicitor reviews the contract of sale, including:

• Title deeds and property registration
• Planning permissions and building regulations compliance
• Boundaries and rights of way
• Fixtures and fittings included

Once everything checks out, you sign the contracts and pay the booking deposit (typically 5 — 10% of the purchase price). Both buyer and seller must sign before the contract is binding.

Step 6: Closing (Completion)

The closing date is agreed between both parties. On this day:

• Your solicitor transfers the balance of the purchase price
• The seller's solicitor hands over the keys and deeds
• The property is registered in your name with the Property Registration Authority
• You pay stamp duty to Revenue

Key Timelines

Gazumping

In Ireland, the sale is not legally binding until contracts are signed by both parties. This means the seller can accept a higher offer even after agreeing to yours: this is known as gazumping. To reduce your risk:

• Move through the process quickly
• Keep in regular contact with the estate agent
• Consider paying a small non-refundable deposit to take the property off the market

Costs at Closing

• Solicitor fees: €1,500 — €3,000
• Stamp duty: 1% of purchase price
• Property registration fees: €600 — €1,400
• Survey fee: €400 — €800

2026 Updates

• Digital conveyancing is now more widely accepted, speeding up the process
• Most firms now offer online contract review and e-signatures
• Property registration turnaround has improved to 6 — 10 weeks