Guide only — this matter needs a solicitor. Under Irish law this work must be carried out by a solicitor, so it is not sold on this site. The information below explains what is involved so you can brief a solicitor with confidence.
OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited, which is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice. To instruct a regulated practice, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
A property ownership check in Ireland confirms who legally owns a house, site or piece of land. It is done by searching the records held by Tailte Éireann — the Land Registry for registered land and the Registry of Deeds for unregistered land. You may need to know who owns a property before you buy, dispute, inherit or build.
Property and land issues are usually easier and cheaper to resolve early, before a sale, mortgage or family transfer is held up.
What a property ownership check involves
- A search of the Land Registry or Registry of Deeds
- Identification of the registered owner(s)
- Confirmation of the folio number and map
- A short written report on what the search shows
Who this is for
- Buyers checking ownership before making an offer
- Neighbours needing to identify an owner
- Families checking inherited property
- People considering an adverse possession claim
How it works
- Read this guide so you know what is involved and what to ask.
- Find a solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
- Ask for a written costs estimate (a section 150 notice) before any work starts.
- The solicitor you instruct carries out the work and advises you directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a property ownership check cost in Ireland?
This page is a free guide — nothing on it is for sale. Tailte Éireann charges a small fee for a copy folio or map. If you ask a solicitor to carry out and interpret the search, the solicitor sets the fee and must give you a written costs estimate (a section 150 notice) before starting. Get quotes through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
Can anyone search the Land Registry?
Yes. Folios are public records and can be inspected through Tailte Éireann’s landdirect.ie service, although interpreting them can require expertise.
What if the property is unregistered?
A Registry of Deeds search may be needed, which can be less straightforward and is usually carried out by a solicitor or law searcher.
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.
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