First-Time Buyers

Buying your first home in Ireland can be both exciting and daunting. There are a number of legal and practical steps involved, and for many first-time buyers it will be their first experience of dealing with a solicitor and the conveyancing process.

Our conveyancing solicitors regularly act for first-time buyers and will guide you through the purchase from the time you go sale agreed until you receive the keys. We explain each stage in clear language, review the contracts and title to the property, deal with your mortgage lender and make sure you understand what is required before you commit to the purchase.

What happens after you go sale agreed?

Once your offer has been accepted, the estate agent will issue details of the sale to the solicitors. The seller’s solicitor will then prepare the contract for sale and provide the title documents for the property.

We will review the contract and investigate the title, raise any necessary queries with the seller’s solicitor and advise you on any issues that arise. If you are obtaining a mortgage, we will also deal with your lender’s legal requirements.

Once we are satisfied that the legal matters are in order, we will arrange to meet with you to explain the contract and mortgage documents before you sign them. We will then guide you through the remaining steps towards closing and getting the keys to your new home.

Mortgages

Most first-time buyers purchase their home with the assistance of a mortgage. Your lender will issue a formal loan offer setting out the terms on which it is prepared to lend to you.

As part of the conveyancing process, we will review the legal documentation provided by your lender, explain the mortgage documents to you and deal with the legal requirements necessary to draw down your mortgage funds in time for the purchase.

It is important that your mortgage approval remains in place throughout the transaction and that any conditions imposed by your lender are dealt with before closing.

Help to Buy and the First Home Scheme

First-time buyers may be eligible for Government schemes designed to assist with the purchase of a home, including the Help to Buy Scheme and the First Home Scheme. Different conditions apply to each scheme and they do not apply to every property or purchase.

If you are using one of these schemes, there are additional requirements which must be dealt with as part of the conveyancing process. We can advise you on the legal aspects of the scheme and ensure that the necessary documentation is dealt with as part of your purchase.

Buying a new-build property

Many first-time buyers purchase newly built homes. The conveyancing process for a new build differs in some respects from the purchase of a second-hand property and there can be additional documentation and requirements to consider.

We will review the contract and title documentation, advise you on the legal aspects of the development and deal with the documentation required to complete your purchase.

If you are purchasing a new-build property, you can read more about our New-Build Properties service.

How much does a solicitor cost for a first-time buyer?

The legal costs of buying a home will generally include both your solicitor’s professional fee and a number of additional outlays and expenses associated with the purchase.

These can include registration fees, searches and other expenses, while stamp duty will also need to be taken into account when budgeting for your purchase.

We will explain our professional fees and the anticipated outlays at the outset so that you have a clear understanding of the likely legal costs of your purchase.

When should I contact a solicitor?

You do not need to wait until you have found a property to contact a solicitor. Many first-time buyers choose their solicitor while arranging mortgage approval or beginning their property search.

Once you go sale agreed, the estate agent will ask for your solicitor’s details so that the legal process can begin. Having a solicitor selected in advance can therefore help avoid unnecessary delay at that stage.