Buying a Secondhand House in Ireland
Blanchardstown, Castleknock, Dublin City Centre
Buying a Secondhand House in Ireland
Buying a secondhand house in Ireland is a different process than purchasing a new house. The principal of caveat emptoror buyer beware still very much applies to secondhand house purchases and to ensure that you know exactly what you are purchasing.
There is no substitute for a thorough survey report of the property to avoid any future unforeseen problems arising that you may have been unaware of, which could lead to planning complications.
Complications that can arise when Buying a Secondhand House in Ireland
- Heating problems
- Poor insulation
- Poor ventilation
- Illegal extensions
- Additions to the property.
It is advisable for you to retain your own architect or surveyor to carry out a structural survey of the secondhand house, and you should deal directly with your Architect or Surveyor in this regard. If you are a first-time buyer of a secondhand house read our guide below.
10-STEP GUIDE TO BUYING A SECONDHAND HOUSE IN IRELAND
1. Booking Deposit
Once you have paid your booking deposit you will need to give your conveyancing solicitor’s name to the auctioneer in order that they may instruct the solicitors for the vendor (Seller) to forward us the Contracts for Sale and vouching documentation.
2. Loan Approval
In the meantime, you should be attending to the matter of Loan Approval and you will need to instruct your Mortgage Broker / Lender of the full purchase price, the property address, and your Solicitor details in order that they issue the complete letter of offer of loan approval (i.e. not loan approval in principle). The Bank will generally conduct now a valuation of the property before the loan offer issues.
3. Planning Issues
It is important at this time that you make enquiries as to the planning in the area and the likely future development of the locality.
The best way to find out this information is to enquire personally with the Planning Department of the Local Authority offices to inspect the planning file and ascertain the development plan, the zoning of the area, and any planning application in the local area that may affect the property.
Please look to our conveyancing practice areas to find the solution for your particular need.
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At the relevant Planning Department, you can inspect and ascertain the following:
- The Planning File
- The Development Plan
- The zoning of the area
- Road development
- Planning Applications in the local area
You should attend to any planning queries you may have before the execution of contracts.
Once you execute contracts you will be bound to purchase the property and as you intend on making the locality your home for many years to come it is important that you are satisfied with any proposed development for the locality.
In April 2012 the Department of the Environment, Community, and Local Heritage launched myplan.ie providing free access to zoning in some developments and local area plans.
You may wish also to visit this information service to view what information is available there regarding matters such as flooding, census, and other information that may be of assistance if it covers the area where you intend to purchase.
4. Property Survey
We strongly advise at this stage that you engage an Architect, Engineer, or Surveyor to conduct a full and thorough survey of the property and its maps. This will help avoid any future unforeseen problems arising that you may have been unaware of such as heating problems, poor insulation or ventilation, illegal extensions, or additions to the property which could lead to planning complications.
We also strongly advise you to consult an architect to deal with any issues relating to planning permissions for any development that has taken place OR may take place, during or following the sale.
You also need to check the planning issues for the surrounding areas, as these may affect the property being sold.
Likewise, if there are issues relating to engineering matters such as mapping or the laying of pipes arise, these should be dealt with by an engineer.
5. Examination of the Title
Once we receive contracts, we read the title and raise any queries regarding it with the solicitors acting for the vendor. When all queries are addressed and when your written loan approval is to hand, we will contact you we will make an appointment for you to attend at our Blanchardstown office for the purpose of executing Contracts for Sale and payment of the balance deposit.
6. Signing of Contract
When the contracts and balance deposit are returned to the vendor’s solicitors, the agreement to purchase is binding. The contracts are then countersigned by the Vendor with their Solicitor and one part returned to our office whereupon the contract is binding upon all parties to the transaction.
7. Transfer of Title
Further legal work then takes place between the Vendor’s Solicitor and the Purchaser’s Solicitor to prepare for the transfer of the title and legal ownership to you.
8. Lodging Title with your bank
If you are borrowing, your solicitors submit further legal documentation in connection with the loan to your bank. This includes a report on the title to the bank and undertaking to deposit the title deeds and Certificate of Title with the bank on drawdown of the loan as well as registration of the change of ownership.
9. Getting your mortgage cheque
You must attend directly with your bank/building society to ensure that all items necessary are in place to have your loan cheque issued in time for closing. Also ensure that your direct debit mandate, mortgage protection, house insurance, etc. are in place. The balance of the monies towards the purchase of the property should also be organised in anticipation of the closing date.
10. Getting your keys!
We will then arrange to draw down your loan cheque and make arrangements with the vendors’ solicitors for the completion of this transaction at which time our fees will be payable and you will get the keys to your new home!
Get your conveyancing quote now by calling our Blanchardstown office on 01-8272888 or use the quick enquiry form to find out more about buying a secondhand house in Ireland for a first-time buyer from our conveyancing solicitors.
Frequently Asked Questions on Buying a Secondhand House in Dublin and Ireland
Why do I need a survey when buying a secondhand house in Ireland?
When buying a secondhand house in Ireland, it is crucial to conduct a full and thorough survey to identify potential issues such as heating problems, poor insulation, ventilation issues, or illegal extensions. These problems may not be visible at first glance but could lead to costly repairs or planning complications later. A professional surveyor or architect can help uncover these issues before you commit to purchasing.
What is the booking deposit, and what happens after I pay it?
The booking deposit is the initial payment you make to reserve the property once you’ve decided to purchase. After paying the booking deposit, you’ll need to provide the auctioneer with the details of your conveyancing solicitor. The vendor’s solicitor will then forward the Contracts for Sale and other necessary documentation to your solicitor, which officially starts the legal process of buying the house.
What should I check regarding planning issues before buying a secondhand house in Ireland?
Before purchasing a secondhand house, you should check the planning history of both the property and the surrounding area. Visit the Planning Department of the Local Authority to inspect the planning file, development plan, zoning of the area, and any nearby planning applications. This helps ensure that there are no future developments or existing issues that could negatively affect your property. Websites like myplan.ie can also provide valuable insights into zoning and other local information.
What happens after signing the contracts for a secondhand house purchase in Ireland?
Once both parties sign the contracts and the balance deposit is paid, the agreement becomes legally binding. After that, further legal work will take place between your solicitor and the vendor’s solicitor to prepare for the transfer of the title and legal ownership. If you’re borrowing, your solicitor will also work with the bank to ensure everything is ready for the mortgage drawdown.
What are the steps involved in completing the purchase of a secondhand house in Dublin and Ireland?
The process of purchasing a secondhand house involves several key steps:
- Pay the booking deposit.
- Obtain loan approval and make planning enquiries.
- Conduct a thorough property survey.
- Your solicitor examines the title and raises any legal queries.
- Sign the contract and pay the balance deposit.
- The vendor’s solicitor and your solicitor complete the legal work for transferring ownership.
- Your solicitor works with the bank to finalise mortgage arrangements.
- Once everything is complete, you get the keys to your new home!
Each step ensures that all legal and financial aspects are covered to protect your investment and ensure a smooth transaction.
Your Expert Conveyancing Claims Legal Team in Blanchardstown
At Carmody Moran Solicitors in Blanchardstown, our experienced conveyancing solicitors are on hand to advise and skilled in handling the process of buying a secondhand house in Ireland.
The two partners of Carmody Moran Solicitors in Blanchardstown have a combined total of in excess of twenty-five years of professional legal experience. Together with their associates, they aim to make the Court process as straightforward and navigable as possible while being on hand to alleviate their clients’ concerns and worries about going through the Court process.
Anthony Carmody
Anthony Carmody is one of the founding Partners of Carmody Moran Solicitors.
He has significant experience in personal injury cases and general litigation having handled literally thousands of cases on behalf of clients based in Ireland and abroad.
Niamh Moran
Partner
Niamh Moran is one of the founding partners of Carmody Moran Solicitors and is a solicitor with wide ranging experience across all areas of general practice.
Niamh manages the family law, conveyancing in Dublin, and probate divisions of the practice. Niamh’s practice of law is extremely varied and she is regularly sought out for her expertise by clients and colleagues alike.
*While we have made every effort to provide accurate information, the law is always changing and it affects each person differently. This information is not a substitute for specific advice about you personally and it is not intended as legal advice. We will not be liable to you if you rely on this information. In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement. This statement is made in compliance with Reg.8 of SI 518 of 2002.
You should note that no solicitor/client relationship or duty of care or liability of any nature shall exist or be deemed to exist between Carmody Moran Solicitors and you until you have received a written letter of engagement from us in which we confirm our appointment as your Solicitors.
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