FAQs

Selling a Property

  • What do you need to act on my behalf in a sale?
    • Your title deeds if you have them.
    • Your mortgage account number and lender's details if you have a mortgage.
    • Copies of any planning documents, or Architect's Opinions if not with your deeds.
    • Your PPS number(s).
    • A copy of your State Marriage Certificate (where applicable).
    • An LPT Payment History Statement showing a NIL balance and the property in the correct valuation band.
    • Evidence that any Non-Principal Private Residence (NPPR) for 2011-2013 has been paid (see www.nppr.ie).
    • If your property has a septic tank, a certificate of registration with Protect Our Water (see www.protectourwater.ie).
    • If you home is in a managed development, details of the managing agents.
  • When will you issue Contracts for my sale?
    • Ideally, before you place your property on the market, you should discuss the impending sale with your solicitor.  This allows your solicitor time to review the title documents, secure any outstanding documents, liaise with lenders / management companies and draft Contracts so that they are ready to issue when you go sale agreed.
  • How long will it take to complete the sale?
    • As the Vendor, you can decide a closing date but that date is not set in stone and is subject to the property being vacant and the Purchaser being in funds to close. 
    • If you are in a chain, and your purchaser is selling a house, a delay with their transaction will naturally have a knock on effect on with yours.
    • There can be delays and as a result, the closing date should be seen as a guideline only.  

Buying a Property

  • What do you need to act on my behalf in a purchase?
    • Details of the property you are buying.
    • Details of your proposed lender and the amount you are borrowing from them (where applicable).
    • Your PPS numbers.
    • A copy of your State Marriage Certificate (where applicable).
    • A copy of your survey (for second hand properties).
  • When will I sign my contracts?
    • This will vary depending on 
      • when the contracts issue;
      • if there are any queries with the title;
      • the title being in order;
      • whether the survey shows any issues; 
      • your loan offer (not AIP) issuing.
  • When do you think I will get my keys?
    • Until contracts arrive, it's hard for me to give any exact timeframes.  
    • If it's a second hand sale, the Vendor determines the closing date.  This can take a number of weeks, in the event of a Probate sale, and equally, if you are securing a mortgage and the bank's pre-drawdown requirements are outstanding, this can delay the issuing of your mortgage and in turn, the closing date.
    • If it's a new build, the construction timeframe will dictate any closing date.
    • The closing date is a guideline and is not set in stone so bear this in mind when booking removal trucks etc.
  • What outlays will I have to pay?
    • Commissioner's Fees - varies based on whether you are selling / buying and number of declarations
    • Searches - depends on number of parties involved (circa €300)
    • Stamp duty @ 1% on first €1m and 2% on the balance.
    • PRAI Fees
      • register a mortgage - €175
      • register a deed - between €600 and €800 depending on purchase price
      • open new folio - €75 (new property)
      • copy folio and file plan - €40
      • register deed in Registry of Deeds - €50
      • first registration of title in PRAI - €130 or €500 depending on value

General

  • What information do you need from me at the outset?
    • I require, for money laundering purposes, a copy utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months and photographic evidence of your identity.  These documents can be brought with you to our first consultation.
    • I also need the following details (a) your name(s) (b) address (c) the address of the property you are buying / selling (d) mobile number(s) and (e) email address(es).
  • How much are your fees?
    • It depends on the nature of the work being done.  A conveyance (sale or purchase) starts at €1,600 plus VAT and outlays.
    • For a re-mortgage / voluntary conveyance I will charge €1,000 plus VAT and outlays. 
    • For a more detailed quote please contact us directly.
  • When do your fees have to be paid?
    • Fees are not payable in advance.
    • I will send the following documents to you before closing -
      • If Buying - a cash account.  This will detail the monies required to complete the purchase including the mortgage monies and any shortfall that I will require from you i.e. Local Property Tax (LPT) and any service charge.
      • If Selling - a completion account.  This will detail the monies involved in the sale and will, where there is a mortgage on the property, show the redemption amount to be paid to your lender and the balance payable to you.
      • My invoice which will incorporate any outlays.  In the event of a purchase, outlays include stamp duty and registration fees.  
  • Do you pay the stamp duty?
    • Yes - it will form part of my invoice.
  • How often do you need to meet with me?
    • I will usually need to meet you twice. 
    • If buying, I will meet you to sign your contracts and to go through your mortgage documents with you at which stage you will pay the balance of the 10% deposit.  I will also meet you post closing to have you sign your deed and family law declaration (where applicable). 
    • If selling, I will need to also meet with you twice.  The first occasion will be to have you sign contracts and then, just prior to closing to have the documentation signed by you.
  • How often will you update me?
    • I try to keep my clients in the loop as the transaction progresses.  If you don't hear from me, there is likely to be no update but I will let you know when documents are received and as matters progress.  I do not use WhatsApp for work purposes and would be grateful if contact could be limited to emails and calls.  
  • Do you charge if the sale falls through?
    • Not usually with regard to a professional fee, however it does depend on how much work has been done.  If significant time has been expended we charge €300 plus VAT and any outlays incurred.  Often no fee is charged, just outlays recovered in the hope that you might come back for your next sale / purchase or recommend us to others.
  • Are there any additional fees for administration and/or postage?
    • If documents are sent by courier or registered post, the actual cost of same is invoiced.  We also use email, where possible, to reduce costs.  A nominal amount is charged to cover printing / photocopying costs and occasional post and is currently €35.

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