Buying a Home in Ireland: A Helpful Directory
Buying a home is a big milestone, however it can also feel like a maze of paperwork, decisions and confusing terms. Whether you're just starting to think about home ownership or already browsing listings, this list below will provide trusted resources to help you make confident, informed choices.
Get Your Finances in Order
Before you begin your search for a property, understand what you can afford.
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate your borrowing power based on income and deposit.
Getting Mortgage Ready
Learn what lenders look for and how to prepare your documents.
Valuing Your Property
Use Revenue’s guidance to value a property and learn about how local property tax is determined in Ireland:
Explore Government Support Schemes
The Irish Government offers several support schemes for buyers get on the property ladder.
Help to Buy Scheme
A tax refund of up to €30,000 or 10% of a new build property’s value.
First Home Scheme
A Government shared equity scheme for new build homes in Ireland.
Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme
Buy a new build home below the market value, with the local authority retaining an equity share.
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
This grant provides funding so you can refurbish vacant and derelict homes in Ireland.
Research the Property Market
Understanding property trends may help you make smarter decisions when starting the house hunt. Here are some helpful links for you to conduct your research before the search begins:
Residential Property Price Register
See actual sale prices of homes across Ireland. Please note if you are searching for a new build address, completed new homes sales are listed ex VAT:
Sherry FitzGerald Residential Market Research
Our industry leading research experts create high quality, data-driven and unrivalled property market research:
Buying a Home – Step-by-Step Guide
Another helpful resource is this comprehensive home buying guide from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in Ireland:
Consider Environmental and Energy Factors
Environmental factors can also affect your home's value, safety and future running costs. Here are some helpful links to help you conduct your research:
Building Energy Rating (BER)
Check the energy efficiency of a property.
Flood Risk and Management Check
If the property is in a flood-prone area, you can search using this helpful tool:
Local Environment Data
This very handy interactive tool helps to explore the local air quality, water safety, radon risk, soil type, waste-water and more.
Legal Considerations
Once a decision has been made on proceeding with a property, legal steps are essential to protect your interests and ensure the transaction is thoroughly assessed by a legal professional.
Hire a Solicitor
A solicitor will handle contracts, title checks, and ensure the property is legally transferred to you. They’ll also check for any restrictions, planning issues and make sure any extensions or modifications to the property have proper planning permission and comply with building regulations.
Stamp Duty
You’ll need to pay stamp duty, typically 1% of the property’s value up to €1 million. Your solicitor will arrange this payment to Revenue.
Land Registry (Tailte Éireann)
Once the sale is complete, your solicitor will register your ownership with the Property Registration Authority, an agency responsible for maintaining the national database of land and property ownership, and for the official registration of property transactions.
Final Research Tips
- Attend helpful buyer webinars or events. View our library of webinar events here.
- Speak to a mortgage advisor early in the process. Speak to a mortgage broker today.
- Don’t rush! Research thoroughly and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- If you are buying your first home, we have a dedicated first time buyer helpdesk. If you would like to speak to an expert who can help you get started, please contact ftbspecialist@sherryfitz.ie or call 01 667 1888.
