Property jargon can feel like a different language, especially when you are buying or selling for the first time. This glossary explains common Irish property terms in clear, plain English.
If you have ever searched a spelling like “conveyanceing” or “conveyencing,” you are not alone. Start here and then jump to the full guides when you need detail.
Useful next read: What is Conveyancing in Ireland?.
How to use this glossary
- Read the one-line definition first.
- Check the “why it matters” line so you know the practical impact.
- Use related terms and links to go deeper only where needed.
Most searched terms in Ireland
- Conveyancing
- Sale Agreed
- Booking Deposit
- BER (Building Energy Rating)
- Gazumping
Property terms explained (first 10)
Conveyancing
One-line definition: The legal process of transferring a property from seller to buyer.
Why it matters: It helps prevent legal surprises and makes sure ownership transfer is valid.
Common mistake: Thinking it is only paperwork done at the very end.
Real-life example: A buyer’s solicitor spots a planning issue before contracts are signed.
Related terms: Sale Agreed, Contracts Signed, Closing, Title, Stamp Duty.
Sale Agreed
One-line definition: Buyer and seller agree a price, but the deal is usually not legally binding yet.
Why it matters: The deal can still fall through before contract signing.
Common mistake: Treating sale agreed as fully secured.
Real-life example: A buyer goes sale agreed but later loses the property before contracts.
Related terms: Booking Deposit, Gazumping, Contracts Signed.
Booking Deposit
One-line definition: A deposit paid after sale agreed to show the buyer is serious.
Why it matters: It can take the property off the market, but terms vary by agency and stage.
Common mistake: Assuming it is always non-refundable in every case.
Real-life example: A buyer withdraws after a survey finding before contracts are signed.
Related terms: Sale Agreed, Contracts Signed, Survey.
Contracts Signed (or Exchanged)
One-line definition: The stage where both parties sign legal contracts and the deal becomes legally serious.
Why it matters: Pulling out after this stage can have legal or financial consequences.
Common mistake: Confusing this with sale agreed.
Real-life example: Buyer signs, pays contract deposit, and closing date is fixed.
Related terms: Sale Agreed, Conveyancing, Closing.
Closing (Completion)
One-line definition: The day final funds are transferred and keys are released.
Why it matters: It is the handover day, but legal registration continues after.
Common mistake: Assuming registration is fully complete that same day.
Real-life example: Funds clear via solicitors and the buyer gets keys.
Related terms: Conveyancing, Stamp Duty, Land Registry.
BER (Building Energy Rating)
One-line definition: An energy-efficiency rating for a home from A (best) to G (worst).
Why it matters: BER can influence running costs and buyer confidence.
Common mistake: Treating BER as a structural survey.
Real-life example: Similar homes list at the same price, but stronger BER gets more interest.
Related terms: Survey, Valuation, Snag List.
Title / Deeds / Folio
One-line definition: Legal records proving ownership and any rights or burdens on a property.
Why it matters: Title issues can delay or derail a sale.
Common mistake: Assuming old paper deeds are enough without updated legal checks.
Real-life example: A folio map mismatch triggers solicitor queries before closing.
Related terms: Conveyancing, Right of Way, Land Registry.
Survey vs Valuation
One-line definition: A valuation estimates market value; a survey checks condition and defects.
Why it matters: They answer different questions, and buyers often need both.
Common mistake: Relying on a lender valuation as if it were a condition report.
Real-life example: Valuation is acceptable, but survey finds damp and roof issues.
Related terms: BER, Mortgage Approval, Snag List.
Right of Way (Easement)
One-line definition: A legal right allowing someone to use part of land they do not own.
Why it matters: It can affect access, privacy, resale value, and future works.
Common mistake: Discovering access rights too late in conveyancing.
Real-life example: A shared driveway includes legal access for a neighbouring property.
Related terms: Title, Boundary, Conveyancing.
Gazumping
One-line definition: When a seller accepts a higher offer from another buyer after agreeing a lower one.
Why it matters: It can happen before contracts are signed, causing lost time and costs.
Common mistake: Assuming sale agreed fully protects the buyer.
Real-life example: Buyer pays booking deposit but loses the deal before contracts.
Related terms: Sale Agreed, Booking Deposit, Contracts Signed.
Property terms explained (next 10)
Land Registry vs Registry of Deeds
One-line definition: Land Registry records ownership on a folio/map, while Registry of Deeds records legal documents linked to ownership.
Why it matters: The type of title can affect legal complexity and timeline.
Common mistake: Assuming every property has identical title records and process steps.
Real-life example: An unregistered title sale needs extra deed checks before closing.
Related terms: Title / Deeds / Folio, Conveyancing, Closing.
Boundary / Mapping Issue
One-line definition: A mismatch between physical boundaries on the ground and legal maps/records.
Why it matters: Boundary issues can trigger solicitor queries and delay contracts.
Common mistake: Assuming existing walls or fences are always the legal boundary line.
Real-life example: A side extension appears outside the folio boundary and needs clarification.
Related terms: Title / Deeds / Folio, Right of Way, Conveyancing.
Planning Permission / Retention Permission
One-line definition: Planning permission approves works before they happen; retention permission is sought after unauthorised works are already done.
Why it matters: Missing or unclear planning paperwork can slow or derail a sale.
Common mistake: Leaving planning checks until sale agreed instead of preparing early.
Real-life example: A seller applies for retention on a garden room before listing to avoid buyer concerns later.
Related terms: Conveyancing, Survey vs Valuation, BER.
Snag List
One-line definition: A checklist of defects or unfinished items identified before final handover, especially in newer homes.
Why it matters: It helps ensure issues are fixed or agreed before completion.
Common mistake: Treating a snag list as a full structural survey report.
Real-life example: A buyer logs cracked tiles and sticking doors for remedy before closing.
Related terms: Survey vs Valuation, Closing, BER.
Management Company / OMC
One-line definition: The Owners' Management Company (OMC) runs shared areas/services in many apartment and duplex developments.
Why it matters: OMC documents and governance can affect lender approval and buyer confidence.
Common mistake: Requesting management-company documents too late in the process.
Real-life example: Missing fire-safety paperwork from the OMC delays completion.
Related terms: Service Charge, Sinking Fund, Conveyancing.
Service Charge / Sinking Fund
One-line definition: Service charge pays ongoing upkeep; sinking fund is money saved for major future works.
Why it matters: High charges or a weak sinking fund can affect affordability and risk.
Common mistake: Looking only at mortgage repayment and ignoring annual management costs.
Real-life example: A low sinking fund means owners may face a one-off levy for roof repairs.
Related terms: Management Company / OMC, Conveyancing, Closing.
Probate Sale
One-line definition: A sale handled by an executor/administrator after a property owner has died.
Why it matters: Probate timelines can lengthen the transaction compared with a standard sale.
Common mistake: Expecting the same speed as a non-probate transaction.
Real-life example: A buyer waits for Grant of Probate before contracts can proceed fully.
Related terms: Sale Agreed, Conveyancing, Closing.
Vacant Possession
One-line definition: The property is handed over empty of people and possessions unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Why it matters: It sets clear expectations about move-in condition on completion day.
Common mistake: Assuming every included item or occupant arrangement is obvious without contract wording.
Real-life example: Contract states vacant possession at closing, so keys are released with the property cleared.
Related terms: Fixtures and Fittings, Contracts Signed, Closing.
Fixtures and Fittings
One-line definition: Fixtures are usually fixed to the property; fittings are generally more removable items.
Why it matters: Clear agreement avoids disputes about what stays and what goes.
Common mistake: Not listing inclusions and exclusions in writing before contracts are signed.
Real-life example: A buyer expects kitchen appliances included, but contract clarifies exactly which items stay.
Related terms: Vacant Possession, Sale Agreed, Contracts Signed.
Chain
One-line definition: A linked sequence of transactions where one sale/purchase depends on another completing.
Why it matters: One delay in the chain can impact everyone else’s timeline.
Common mistake: Planning dates as if your transaction is independent when it is part of a chain.
Real-life example: A seller cannot close because their own onward purchase has not completed yet.
Related terms: Sale Agreed, Closing, Gazumping.
Need help with your next step?
If you are moving from “what does this mean?” to “what should I do next?”, these guides can help:
- How to Sell a House in Ireland (Step-by-Step)
- Estate Agent Fees in Ireland
- The BER Factor
- Compare Estate Agents
FAQ
When does sale agreed become legally binding in Ireland?
Usually when contracts are signed and exchanged, not at sale agreed stage.
Is a booking deposit always refundable?
Not always. It depends on timing, the terms agreed, and the stage reached in the legal process.
Do I need a solicitor before I find a buyer?
Starting early is often helpful because legal prep can remove avoidable delays later.
Is BER the same thing as a survey?
No. BER is energy performance. A survey checks condition and defects.
Legal note
This guide is general information only, not legal advice. For your own transaction, always confirm details with your solicitor.