Buy-to-Let Property Purchase Conveyancing

Buy-to-Let Property Purchase Conveyancing in Ireland

Buying a residential property to rent out is a different legal transaction from buying a home. An investment purchase brings a buy-to-let mortgage with its own lender conditions, a possible sitting tenant, Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) obligations from day one, and tax questions that affect how the title should be held.

What is included

• Review of the contract for sale, title documents, Land Registry folio and filed plan
• Pre-contract enquiries and requisitions on title, including planning permission, Building Energy Rating (BER), NPPR and Local Property Tax clearance
• Review of any existing tenancy agreement, rent records and RTB registration so you know exactly what you are taking on with a sitting tenant
• Investment mortgage: dealing with your lender’s loan offer, solicitor’s undertaking and drawdown of funds
• Closing searches (judgments, planning and Land Registry), completion and payment of stamp duty on your behalf
• Registration of your ownership and the lender’s charge in the Land Registry (Tailte Éireann)
• Written guidance on your obligations as a landlord after completion, including RTB registration and rent pressure zone rules

How the service works

1. Instruct a solicitor of your choice and complete a short questionnaire about the property, your lender and any existing tenancy.
2. We are not a solicitor’s practice and do not book consultations — to speak to a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
3. Contracts and title are reviewed and queries raised with the seller’s solicitor. You receive a plain-English summary of the title and any issues found.
4. You sign the contracts and mortgage documents by post or in person as required by your lender; declarations are sworn before an independent commissioner for oaths.
5. We close the purchase, pay stamp duty and register you as owner.

What is not included

Third-party outlays (Land Registry fees, searches, commissioner for oaths fees) and stamp duty are payable in addition and are itemised in your section 150 letter. Apartments and properties in managed estates may need additional management-company enquiries. A buy-to-let tenancy agreement and RTB registration pack is available separately if you are letting the property for the first time.

Frequently asked questions

How much is stamp duty on a buy-to-let property in Ireland?

Residential stamp duty is 1% of the price up to €1 million, 2% on the balance from €1 million to €1.5 million and 6% above €1.5 million, whether or not you intend to live in the property. Higher rates apply to bulk purchases of ten or more houses. Stamp duty is paid by us at closing from funds you provide.

Can I buy a property with a tenant already in it?

Yes. You take over the existing tenancy on the same terms, including the current rent and any Part 4 security of tenure the tenant has built up. A solicitor would review the tenancy, rent history and RTB registration before you sign so there are no surprises.

Do I need a different solicitor service for a buy-to-let than for a home?

The core conveyancing steps are the same, but an investment purchase involves lender conditions specific to buy-to-let mortgages, tenancy due diligence and landlord compliance from the day you complete. A service of this kind typically covers those additional checks.

Is the price inclusive of VAT?

Yes. The price shown includes VAT at 23%. Outlays and stamp duty are separate and itemised in advance.

Who provides the legal service?

OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited, which is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice.

If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.