Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from a seller to a buyer in Ireland. It is handled by a solicitor and covers contracts, title checks, closing funds, stamp duty, and post-closing registration.
If you are selling as well, pair this with our full seller roadmap: How to Sell a House in Ireland: Complete 2026 Guide.
Conveyancing in Ireland: the plain-English version
Think of conveyancing as the legal safety system behind the sale. It confirms:
- the seller actually owns the property and can sell it,
- there are no hidden legal issues (planning, access, charges, rights),
- money changes hands properly,
- ownership is recorded correctly after closing.
The conveyancing process in Ireland (step-by-step)
1) Sale agreed (not legally binding yet)
Once a property goes sale agreed, a booking deposit is often paid to the estate agent. At this stage, the deal is usually not legally binding until contracts are signed and exchanged.
2) Seller’s solicitor issues the Contract for Sale
The seller’s solicitor sends the buyer’s solicitor a draft Contract for Sale and title documents (proof of ownership plus supporting paperwork).
For sellers, early legal prep reduces avoidable delays: Why You Need a Solicitor Before You Find a Buyer.
3) Buyer’s solicitor investigates title and raises requisitions
The buyer’s solicitor reviews the contract and title, then sends formal legal questions called requisitions on title. Buyers generally sign contracts only when their solicitor is satisfied with the replies.
4) Contracts signed and deposit paid (now legally serious)
Once contracts are signed and exchanged, the buyer pays the contract deposit (commonly 10% minus booking deposit, depending on agreed terms). Pulling out after this can carry real legal and financial consequences.
5) Loan drawdown and pre-closing checks
The buyer’s solicitor finalises mortgage drawdown (if borrowing), completes final searches, and agrees the closing date and required closing documents.
6) Closing (completion day)
The buyer sends the balance funds. The seller provides signed transfer documents, and keys are released once solicitors confirm completion.
7) After closing: stamp duty and registration
The buyer’s solicitor pays stamp duty to Revenue (where due) and registers ownership in the relevant property register (Land Register or Registry of Deeds).
Land Register vs Registry of Deeds (why it matters)
- Land Register (registered title): ownership is recorded on folio/map (common).
- Registry of Deeds (unregistered title): deeds are recorded, but this system does not confirm title in the same way.
This can affect timelines, legal complexity, and document requirements.
How long does conveyancing take in Ireland?
A common timeline is about 8 to 12 weeks for a straightforward transaction, but it can be faster for clean, mortgage-ready sales and slower where legal issues appear.
Common delay culprits include:
- missing or unclear title documents,
- planning permission or compliance queries,
- boundary or map mismatches,
- management company delays (often for apartments),
- slow mortgage drawdown or valuation issues.
What does conveyancing cost in Ireland?
Costs vary by solicitor and complexity, but buyers usually pay:
- solicitor professional fees (plus VAT),
- outlays (searches, Land Registry fees, and other disbursements),
- stamp duty (if applicable).
For broader sale-side costs, see: Estate Agent Fees in Ireland: 2026 Cost Breakdown.
Stamp duty on residential property (Ireland)
Revenue residential rates (as reflected in October 2025 guidance) include:
- 1% up to €1,000,000,
- 2% on the portion over €1,000,000 up to €1,500,000,
- 6% on the portion over €1,500,000.
Special cases and additional rules can apply, so your solicitor should confirm the correct treatment for your transaction.
What documents are involved? (quick checklist)
Seller typically needs
- title deeds or folio details (or unregistered deeds),
- BER certificate (usually),
- planning permission/compliance documents (where relevant),
- photo ID and proof of address,
- mortgage account details (if a loan is being redeemed).
Related BER guide: The BER Factor.
Buyer typically needs
- mortgage approval (if borrowing),
- ID and proof of address,
- PPS number (commonly requested),
- deposit proof and source-of-funds evidence,
- survey/engineer report (recommended).
Requisitions on Title (the part most people find confusing)
Requisitions are formal legal questions from the buyer’s solicitor to confirm the seller can provide good title and to reduce the risk of surprises later.
Examples often include:
- rights of way and access,
- boundary and map consistency,
- planning permissions and compliance certificates,
- charges, burdens, or mortgages affecting title,
- management company documentation for apartments.
Seller vs buyer: who does what?
Seller
- provides title and property documents,
- answers requisitions (via solicitor),
- signs transfer documents,
- clears mortgage (if any) from sale proceeds.
Buyer
- gets loan funds ready,
- pays deposit and balance,
- pays stamp duty and registration costs (where due),
- registers ownership post-closing.
How to avoid delays (practical tips)
If you are selling
- locate deeds early (or confirm folio details),
- if apartment, request management-company paperwork early,
- be upfront about extensions/alterations and compliance docs.
If you are buying
- prepare mortgage documentation before contract stage,
- do not skip the survey,
- keep deposit and source-of-funds paperwork tidy and ready.
For valuation context before you buy or bid, see: How to Search the Irish Property Price Register Like a Pro.
FAQ
Is conveyancing the same as closing?
No. Closing is one completion day. Conveyancing is the full legal process from sale agreed through post-closing registration.
When is a house sale legally binding in Ireland?
Generally when contracts are signed and exchanged, not at sale agreed.
What happens after closing?
Stamp duty (if due) is handled, then the buyer is registered as owner in the correct property registry.
Do I need a solicitor?
In practice, yes. Conveyancing involves contracts, undertakings, title checks, legal queries, and registration formalities that require professional legal handling.
