Buying or Selling your home?
Conveyancing includes the purchase and/or sale of residences and the transfer of sites, whether by purchase, sale or gift. We have tailored our services to meet the particular requirements of all client types, be they first-time buyers or investors.
At the outset of a transaction, we are happy to provide clients with written details of the cost of the transaction, including legal fees, stamp duty, Land Registration fees, Searchers fees, etc.
Buying a House:
1. Prepare Budget and Booking Deposit: Begin with a budget that covers the house price, solicitor fees, survey costs, and stamp duty (details here). Pay a refundable booking deposit to the Auctioneer to secure the property.
2. Contract and Financing: Once you find a property, the seller’s solicitor issues contracts to your solicitor. Before signing, ensure:
- A thorough house inspection by a surveyor.
- Secure loan approval and a written offer from your bank.
3. Signing and Closing: Your solicitor reviews contracts and title documents. Sign contracts and pay the balance deposit (typically 10% minus booking deposit). Contracts become binding once sellers sign.
4. Closing Process: Contracts specify a closing date for finalizing payment and receiving title documents. Ensure your bank issues a loan cheque by meeting all their requirements promptly.
5. Completion and Deed Signing: On the closing date, your solicitor exchanges funds with the seller’s solicitor. Keys are collected from the Auctioneer upon confirmation of purchase. Fees, outlays, and stamp duty are settled.
6. Registration and Deeds: Deeds, including any mortgage, are signed and submitted to the Revenue Commissioners for stamping within 30 days of closing. Title registration can take up to 12 months.
Selling a House:
1. Prepare Title Deeds: Provide your solicitor with title deeds (authorizing release from the bank if necessary) before listing the property for sale.
2. Sale Contract and Deposit: The Auctioneer informs your solicitor of the sale details. Review the sales contract, including closing date and any specific terms. Purchaser’s solicitor signs and returns contracts within 3-4 weeks with a 10% deposit.
3. Exchange of Contracts: Both parties sign contracts, creating a binding agreement. Legal documents are exchanged in preparation for the closing date.
4. Closing Day: Purchaser’s solicitor pays the balance of the sale price to your solicitor. Title documents are handed over, and keys are released to the buyers by the Auctioneer.
5. Settlement and Proceeds: Your solicitor settles any outstanding mortgage and other charges against the property (e.g., rates, service charges). After deducting fees and expenses with your approval, they release the balance of the sale proceeds to you.