Choosing your solicitor...in times past solicitors’ offices were daunting forbidden places with dusty books, ancient deeds and a grumpy man or woman to greet you...nowadays we are much more accessible, dynamic and user-friendly.  Getting in touch with your solicitor is now only a touch of a button or a phone call away where we are always happy with new custom and value it very much.

1. Once you have chosen your solicitor the first thing you need to do is have yourself set up as a new client.  This requires production of valid ID and a Utility Bill.
   
   
2. The next step is to let your bank and auctioneer know who your solicitor is and engage a surveyor.
   
   
3. Your solicitor’s job is to ensure that you are buying “good marketable title”.
   
   
4. Your solicitor will make pre- contract enquiries including requisitions and once they are answered to his or her satisfaction, your solicitor will recommend signing the contracts.  At this stage you will usually pay 10% of the purchase price and have a legally enforceable contract.
   
   
5. Your cost?  The National Consumer Agency Average Fee in Dublin is €1285 plus VAT and Outlay. This figure is not set in stone so don’t be afraid to negotiate! 
   
   
6. What is outlay? 
   
   
   1. Stamp Duty 1%
      
      
   2. Vat on Professional Fees 23%
      
      
   3. Land Registry fees (House worth €290k registration fees €700 + €175 to register mortgage)
      
      
   4. Searches (in or about €65)
      
      
   5. Commissioner for Oaths Fees (in or about €20)
      
      
7. Reasons to chose a local solicitor:
   
   
   1. Lots of paperwork and visits
      
      
   2. Knowledge of the area and relevant council’s local development plan
      
      
   3. Reputation
      
      
8. Land ownership in Ireland:
   
   
   1. The Land Registry (folio number guaranteed by the state)
      
      
   2. The Registry of Deeds (in decline since compulsory registration from June 2011)
      
      
      1. If your property has to be registered for the first time in Land Registry the fee is €130 (includes the registration of a mortgage) 
         
         When buying a house the Local Property Tax is apportioned based on the remainder of the months left in the year.