How to Sell Your Irish Property: A Step-by-Step Guide

The selling process in Ireland is a common-law system that relies heavily on solicitors and the formal exchange of contracts. In 2026, the process has become more streamlined due to digitized Land Registry services (Tailte Éireann) and stricter requirements for pre-sale documentation to avoid “conveyancing delays.”

 

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Step 1: Appoint Your Professionals Early

In Ireland, you need two key professionals from the very start. Do not wait for a buyer to find a solicitor.

• Estate Agent: They will value your property and handle marketing. Commissions in 2026 typically range from 1% to 2% + VAT.

• Solicitor: Essential for the legal “conveyancing.” You must instruct them immediately so they can request your Title Deeds.

   

  Note: If you have a mortgage, your bank holds your deeds. It can take 4–8 weeks for the bank to release them to your solicitor. Starting this on Day 1 is the best way to prevent the sale from falling through later.

   

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Step 2: The Pre-Sale Checklist

Before your agent puts the “For Sale” sign up, you must have several items in order:

• Building Energy Rating (BER): It is a legal requirement to have a valid BER certificate before advertising. Certificates are valid for 10 years.

• Local Property Tax (LPT): You must provide a printout from Revenue.ie showing your LPT is paid up to date. You cannot sell a house with LPT arrears.

• NPPR Certificate: If the property was not your primary residence between 2009 and 2013, you need proof of payment or an exemption certificate for the Non-Principal Private Residence charge.

• Compliance Documents: If you’ve added an extension or converted an attic, you’ll need a Certificate of Compliance from a surveyor to prove it meets building regulations.

   

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Step 3: Marketing and Bidding

Your agent will list the property on portals like Daft.ie and MyHome.ie.

 

• The Bidding Process: Most sales in Ireland are “Private Treaty.” Bidders will place offers, and your agent will verify if they have “Proof of Funds” (a mortgage approval in principle or bank statement).

• 2026 Rental Reforms: If selling a rental property, new rules effective March 2026 require specific notice periods and statutory declarations if you are terminating a tenancy to sell.

   

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Step 4: Sale Agreed and Booking Deposit

When you accept an offer, the property is “Sale Agreed.”

• Booking Deposit: The buyer pays a small deposit (usually 2%–3%) to the estate agent.

• Important: This stage is not legally binding. Either party can walk away at any point before the contracts are signed and exchanged without a penalty. The booking deposit is fully refundable until then.

   

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Step 5: Contracts and Conveyancing

Your solicitor sends the “Draft Contract for Sale” to the buyer’s solicitor.

• Pre-Contract Enquiries: The buyer’s solicitor will ask questions about boundaries, rights of way, and planning.

• Signing: Once satisfied, the buyer signs two copies of the contract and pays the remainder of the 10% deposit.

• Exchange: You then sign the contracts. Once your solicitor sends one signed copy back to the buyer’s solicitor, the deal becomes legally binding.

   

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Step 6: Completion and CGT

The “Closing Date” is usually 2–4 weeks after the exchange of contracts.

• Final Handover: On the closing day, the buyer’s solicitor transfers the remaining 90% of the funds to your solicitor. Once the money is confirmed, you leave the keys with the estate agent for the buyer to collect.

• Capital Gains Tax (CGT):

  • Principal Private Residence Relief: If the house was your main home, you are generally exempt from CGT.

  • Investment Property: If it was an investment, you pay 33% CGT on the profit.

• PPS Number: You must have a valid Irish PPS number to complete a property sale. If you are a non-resident, your solicitor can help you apply for one.

   

Congratulations, you have successfully sold your Irish property!