Granny Flat / Annex Legal Advice — Guide

Granny flat or annex legal advice in Ireland helps families understand the legal issues before building or using a granny flat or annex. We give you a clear written view of the legal landscape. A granny flat or annex can raise planning, RTB and tax issues you might not expect.

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, the template will explain the options and any further cost before anything else is done.

What’s included

• Folio and planning review
• Use and occupancy advice
• Tax flagging
• Recommended approach
• 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

• Families planning a granny flat for an elderly parent
• Owners converting a garage or annex
• Owners considering renting out an annex
• Families concerned about how an annex affects inheritance

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. the template then reviews your documents and prepares your 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 granny flat legal 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.

Do I need planning permission for a granny flat?

It depends on the size, location and use. Some family flats may need planning permission and can be subject to occupancy conditions.

What if I rent out the annex?

Renting it out may create a tenancy with RTB obligations and tax consequences. The advice flags these.

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.