Law Society and Dublin Solicitors Bar Association outline practical advice when buying or selling your home

House hunting in 2025? The Law Society and Dublin Solicitors Bar Association (DSBA) are sharing helpful tips to help prospective home buyers and sellers avoid the most common pitfalls that can lead to frustrating delays.

Whether you are a first-time buyer, downsizing or relocating, the process of buying and selling a home can be both daunting and exciting, but knowledge is always your most powerful tool.

Vice Chair DSBA Property Committee, Clodagh O’Hagan, said, “Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you can make in your life.

“Local solicitors are often best placed to help you prepare and guide you through this process. As homeowners face an increasingly competitive property market, solicitors want to ensure a smooth and efficient process for all involved.”

Gather your documents early

“The volume of documentation required to buy or sell a home might surprise you.

“Gathering all your relevant documents early in the process will save you time later.

“For buyers, this means looking at finances and making sure you are purchase ready.

“First, work out what you can practically afford to maintain your lifestyle.

“This is often more than just how much you can afford on your monthly mortgage repayments.

“Talking to a financial lender or mortgage adviser can help you here.

“You will also need to have a cash deposit saved – 10% for first time buyers, and 20% thereafter.

“You will also be liable to pay government stamp duty Local Property Tax, agency fees, legal fees, surveyor fees as well as any mortgage protection or life assurance that you need as a mortgage requirement. Your mortgage broker can often help you with any lender’s requirements.

“For sellers, ensure your home is ready for sale. You will need to locate the title deeds to the property and show all relevant taxes and charges are paid up to date.

“Last year, the Law Society and the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland published ‘Speed up your property sale: a guide to avoiding the most common delays’.

This guide is designed to help identify and hopefully avoid, potential delays in selling your home. The helpful checklist in the guide is a good way to keep you on track throughout the process.

Talk to your solicitor      

“When it comes to buying or selling a property your local solicitor is well-versed on the steps that need to be completed before any sale goes through.

“Your solicitor will know the most common pitfalls that can delay a sale.

“Crucially, you solicitor is there to safeguard your interests to ensure a speedy and secure transaction, potentially saving you time and money in the long run.

“The average person does not regularly deal with drafting contracts, legal documents, raising title queries and searches, or even liaising with banks on loan cheques.

“This is why we recommend you talk to your local solicitor early,” explained Clodagh.

Find the right buyer or seller

“While it might be tempting to get a quick sale when the perfect property or interested buyer comes along, remember to follow all the necessary steps in the process, and take advice from the experts guiding you along the way. Skipping crucial steps could cause frustrating delays further down the line.”

Closing the sale

“When all official checks are completed, your solicitor will arrange to finalise the sale and take care of all necessary closing steps e.g. in the case of a buyer, registering the buyer’s title in the Land Registry and in the case of a seller paying off any mortgage on the property and taking care of all matters after closing the sale.

“Your solicitor will guide you through the process, and help you complete the transaction successfully so you can start enjoying your new home or to be satisfied with your sale.”

Consumer guide

“There are many complex layers to selling or buying a house, but with the right guidance, the process can be made easier.

“’Speed up your property sale’ was produced by the Law Society and the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland to help property sellers avoid common delays.

“This guide is intended as information only and does not replace professional legal advice from your solicitor.

“Remember to contact your local solicitor early in the buying or selling process to advise you each step of the way.”