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Step 4 - Engage a solicitor

What should you expect during the conveyancing stage?

Conveyancing is the term for all the legal work carried out in the process of buying your home, from transferring the booking deposit to registering the title deeds with Tailte Éireann, also known as the Land Registry. You need to appoint a solicitor to do this work on your behalf; if you don't already have one, visit the Law Society's website. You should research a number of local solicitors. Be sure to ask for their estimate of costs. 

Top tip

Research from the CCPC and ESRI shows that delays during the conveyancing process are common for many first‑time buyers. To help reduce the risk of delays, engage a solicitor as early as possible and discuss any factors that might lead to delays.

 

Read the CCPC / ESRI research findings for more. 

Estimating the cost

Always ask the solicitor for a cost estimate breakdown. You are entitled to a ‘costs notice’ in advance. This may include: 

  • Solicitor’s fee: This may be a flat fee or a percentage of the purchase price. 
  • Land Registry fees: This fee is required to have the property registered in your name and the lender’s name until the mortgage is paid off.  
  • Search fees: Your solicitor may carry out searches to ensure there are no barriers to the sale being cleared. 
  • Miscellaneous fees: These are to cover the cost of postage, printing, etc.
  • VAT: The total VAT to be charged.

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