Buying property in Ireland: your questions answered

The main steps are securing your funds, appointing a solicitor, finding a home and negotiating, and completing contracts through to closing. International buyers also need proof of funds and may need a PPS number. Irish lenders apply age limits to mortgage applicants, so check early if you plan to borrow.

At Rhatigan Real Estate we introduce clients to trusted solicitors, tax advisors and financial partners, search for suitable homes and handle the negotiations, from first viewing to keys in hand.

Yes. Americans can buy property in Ireland without residency or citizenship. Owning a home does not give you the right to live in Ireland long term, so many of our US clients buy while they arrange visas or plan their move. We guide them through the financial, legal and relocation steps.

You can buy property in Ireland without being there in person, for example by appointing a solicitor with power of attorney. Many of our international clients buy remotely. We preview homes, provide virtual tours and negotiate for them while their solicitor manages the contracts.

The main cost is Stamp Duty. On residential property it is 1% on the first €1,000,000, 2% on the portion between €1,000,000 and €1,500,000, and 6% on any amount above €1,500,000. You should also budget for solicitor fees, survey costs and registration charges. International buyers may need a PPS number and advice on inheritance or capital gains tax. Rates can change, so your solicitor will confirm the figures for your purchase. We connect clients with specialist tax and legal advisors so the full cost is clear before you commit.

It can take anywhere from six weeks to eight months. The time depends on how quickly the right home is found, how the purchase is financed, the legal checks and the type of property. We coordinate solicitors, sellers and surveyors at each stage, which helps keep the purchase moving. Our guide to how long buying takes goes through each stage.

No. “Sale agreed” means the seller has accepted your offer, subject to contract. Until contracts are signed and the deposit is paid, either side can still withdraw, and a seller can accept a higher offer from someone else.

Contracts usually follow some weeks later, once your solicitor has completed the legal checks. The deposit is commonly 10%. Your solicitor will confirm the terms for your purchase.

It varies by area, price point and how a home is marketed. In many parts of Dublin and in popular areas, well-priced homes often sell above the asking price after competitive bidding, while others sell at or below it. The asking price is a starting point, not a ceiling.

The Property Price Register shows what homes have actually sold for. We compare recent sold prices before advising on what to offer.

Many international families look first at south Dublin suburbs such as Foxrock, Blackrock, Monkstown, Ballsbridge, Ranelagh and Dalkey, and at Howth, Malahide and Castleknock. They are popular for schools, transport links and a good choice of homes, from city-centre convenience to coastal family living.

The right area depends on your family, your commute and how you want to live, so we work through that with you before the search begins.

New-builds usually offer modern design, high energy ratings and warranty cover, but supply in prime locations is limited. Second-hand homes often offer more character, established surroundings and more space for the money, though they may need updating.

Knowing where stock is genuinely moving, and where it isn't, helps you avoid wasted time and missed opportunities.

The most common are starting without clear criteria, misunderstanding local areas, choosing a solicitor without checking their experience, relying on friends or family for advice on areas and properties, being indecisive in a competitive market, and assuming Ireland works the way the buyer's home market does.

We help clients define what they need early, share local knowledge, introduce suitable professional partners and keep decisions focused and timely.

When you get in touch, we start with a short call to understand what you are looking for: your budget, location and lifestyle needs. Some clients then choose a Property Blueprint session at PropertyPlan.ie, a private 75 to 90 minute conversation to get clear on their criteria.

If you choose our full service, we search for homes that meet your brief, handle the negotiations and guide you through the purchase. Once you have bought, we can also advise on management, renting, resale or exit plans.

Rhatigan Real Estate charges a clear fee for buyer representation, agreed with you in advance. It is not a seller's commission, so our interests stay aligned with yours. The fee depends on the scope of the search and is confirmed upfront, so you know the cost before we start.

We work across Ireland. Dublin and the surrounding counties are frequent focal points, and we also help clients find city, coastal and countryside homes, and investment properties, in other parts of the country, including Kerry.

Many of our clients complete within six to 20 weeks, depending on the market, the type of property and the legal process. Across the market a purchase can take anywhere from six weeks to eight months. Our guide to how long buying takes goes through each stage.

Yes. Negotiation is a core part of our service, and we act only for the buyer. We advise on value and agree your limits with you before you bid. In competitive bidding, we manage the strategy and the communication so decisions stay measured.

Yes. We focus on acquisition, but we can advise on renting, management and the timing of a resale, and connect you with trusted partners for tenant services and ongoing management.

You can read every review on our Google Business Profile. Here are two, in the clients' own words.

“My husband and I live in the United States and Andrew was a game changer in our search for an Irish home.” Sharon M., USA · Google review

“Andrew regularly sent us suitable listings with detailed descriptions, attended viewings on our behalf, and managed the bidding process for us.” Lee S., Singapore · Google review

Book a briefing call with Andrew Rhatigan. It is a 15 to 20 minute conversation about what you want to achieve and your timeline. We will tell you honestly whether we are the right fit and, if we are, what the next steps look like.