Derelict Sites Act Advice

Derelict Sites Act advice in Ireland helps owners whose property has been placed, or may be placed, on a local authority’s Derelict Sites Register. We give you a clear written plan to get the property removed from the register. A property on the register attracts an annual levy of 7% of its market value and a risk of compulsory acquisition.

You can upload your folio, deeds, contract, photos or other documents through our secure link; a solicitor would then typically review everything before preparing advice. There is no hourly billing: the price is fixed for the service described. Property and land issues are usually easier and cheaper to resolve early, before a sale, mortgage or family transfer is held up. The advice is based on Irish law and practice and on the documents you provide, so the more complete your documents, the more precise the advice can be. If the advice shows that further work is needed, such as correspondence, a Land Registry application or a planning or court process, a solicitor would explain the options and any further cost before anything else is done.

What’s included

• Notice review
• Folio review
• Removal route advice
• Cost and timeline view
• Written summary
• Work of this kind is carried out by a solicitor regulated by the Law Society of Ireland. We are not a solicitor’s practice and do not provide it — to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.

Who this is for

• Owners who received a derelict site notice
• Owners whose property is on the register
• Executors holding a derelict estate property
• Buyers of a property on the register

How it works

1. Find a solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory and send them the basic details and any existing documents or correspondence.
2. Complete a short questionnaire about your circumstances.
3. A solicitor would then typically review the documents and prepare written advice.
4. You receive your written advice by email and, where included, a follow-up call to ask questions.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Derelict Sites Act advice cost in Ireland?

This page is a free guide — nothing on it is for sale. Solicitors set their own fees for this work and must give you a written costs estimate (a section 150 letter) before starting. Get quotes through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.

What is the derelict sites levy?

Local authorities can charge an annual levy of 7% of the market value of a property on the Derelict Sites Register.

How can a property be removed from the register?

Usually by carrying out works so it is no longer derelict and applying for removal. The plan sets out the route.

For more on property, land and conveyancing, see our Property & Conveyancing in Ireland guide.

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.