First-Time Buyer Legal Check

A first-time buyer legal check in Ireland gives buyers a written risk summary before they sign anything. A solicitor would review the folio, BER, planning information and listing. You are about to commit to one of the biggest financial decisions of your life on a property you may barely know.

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

• Folio and map review
• BER and planning quick-check
• Listing red-flag review
• Written buyer report
• 30-minute call
• 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

• First-time buyers about to go sale agreed
• Buyers of older homes
• Buyers with concerns about a listing
• Buyers who want an early legal view

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 a first-time buyer legal check 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.

Does this replace my conveyancing solicitor?

No. It is an early risk check. You will still need a solicitor to complete the purchase.

What red flags does the check look for?

Issues such as title problems, planning concerns, access and boundary questions are common red flags.

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.