Conveyancing is the legal process by which ownership of real property is transferred from seller to buyer in Ireland. Unlike some jurisdictions, Irish law requires a qualified solicitor to conduct conveyancing on both sides of a residential property transaction — a buyer cannot legally dispense with a solicitor for property purchases above a certain threshold.
The process begins when both parties agree terms and sign a contract for sale. The seller's solicitor prepares the contract, searches the title deeds, and responds to the buyer's solicitor's requisitions on title (written queries about ownership history, planning permissions, and charges). This pre-contract phase typically takes four to eight weeks.
The buyer's solicitor conducts title searches, planning searches, company charges searches (for new builds), and drainage searches. They also review the land registry folio (or Registry of Deeds for older properties), check the title is good and marketable, and advise on any restrictions or covenants affecting the property.
Key Facts
| Solicitor requirement | Mandatory for both parties |
| Contract deposit | 10% paid on exchange |
| Search types | Title, planning, company charges, drainage |
| Title systems | Land Registry (folio) and Registry of Deeds |
| Completion | Balance paid, keys released same day |
Once title is satisfactory and the mortgage offer received, contracts are exchanged. The buyer pays a 10% deposit on exchange and completion typically follows within four weeks, though this is negotiable. On completion day, the balance of the purchase price is transferred, the title deeds are handed over, and the solicitor attends to stamp duty filing and land registry registration.
Conveyancing fees in Ireland are not regulated but typically range from €1,000 to €3,000 plus VAT and outlays (search fees, land registry fees) for standard residential transactions. Buyers should obtain a solicitor's fee quote in writing before instructing, as complexity, title issues, and leasehold properties attract higher fees.