Selling a house in Ireland involves more than just listing a property online. Whether you’re in Dublin or a rural village, understanding the process can help you maximise your return, avoid delays, and stay compliant with legal requirements. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the journey — from preparing your home to closing the sale — including a full checklist and cost breakdown.
Understanding the Current Market
Before you do anything else, get a sense of the landscape. Dublin remains Ireland’s busiest property market, where demand stays high and prices remain strong. Regional hotspots vary—so dig into the Property Price Register or chat to local estate agents to see what comparable homes are achieving.
- Pro tip: Demand often spikes in spring and early autumn, so timing your sale can help.
- Dublin houses for sale often fetch more per square metre, but competition is fierce—making presentation and pricing even more important.
1. Get Your Home Ready to Sell
Appearances matter. A polished, welcoming home:
- Feels brighter (open curtains, add lamps)
- Looks fresh (a quick coat of neutral paint)
- Smells clean (ditch strong scents)
- Feels well maintained (tighten handles, fix dripping taps)
Tidy gardens and neat driveways are equally important—they set the first impression.
2. Learn Your Home’s Worth
A realistic asking price is your secret weapon. Get it right, and you’ll attract more interest.
- Consider a professional valuation or estate agent appraisal.
- Use online tools—just as context, not gospel.
- Compare recent sales of similar properties in your area.
This extra effort helps you set a price that sells.
3. Appoint a Solicitor Early
Conveyancing can take weeks, especially waiting on title deeds from your lender (expect up to 8 weeks). Nor should you leave this for the last minute.
Your solicitor will:
- Request and review title deeds
- Draft and vet contracts
- Check permits, planning permissions, and compliance documents
Choosing someone experienced in Irish conveyancing can save you from delays later on.
4. Secure a BER Certificate
By law, every selling property needs a Building Energy Rating (BER certifies how energy-efficient your home is, from A to G).
Actions:
- Hire a registered BER assessor
- Add the rating to all marketing materials
A good BER rating can be a selling point—many buyers care about energy efficiency these days.
5. Choose a Good Estate Agent
Selling privately might save on fees, but most vendors in Ireland go with an agent. Here’s what to consider:
- Fees: Typically 1–2.5% + VAT
- Local expertise: Especially for Dublin homes
- Marketing reach: Do they list on Daft, MyHome, social media?
Interview a few, ask for a recent sales list, and choose someone who understands your specific area.
6. Set a Competitive Asking Price
Use the valuation and local comparables to set a price that strikes a balance—high enough to value your home fairly, but not so high that it drowns in listings.
- Larger Dublin houses: Up to €X,000 per m²
- Regional homes: Vary significantly—research your county’s median
Minor adjustments upward or downward can bring buyer interest if needed.
7. Market Your Property Well
Marketing can make or break the sale. A good agent will:
- Arrange professional photographs and virtual tours
- Write compelling, clear listing descriptions
- List on prime portals: Daft.ie and MyHome.ie
- Promote on social media and newsletters
Aim for attractive visuals and sharp descriptions—no empty adjectives, just facts like “South-facing garden” or “Great commuter links.”
8. Host Viewings That Win
For buyers to love your home:
- Keep rooms light, clean, and clutter-free
- Offer flexible viewing times (even evenings/weekends)
- Supply information packs: BER cert, floor plan, council documents
- Let buyers imagine living there—no staged over-decor
Your agent will handle scheduling and feedback. If you’re present, be polite, unobtrusive, and ready to answer questions.
9. Handling Offers & Booking Deposit
When you receive an offer:
- Weigh it carefully—sometimes a slightly lower but faster-moving buyer is better
- A booking deposit (usually €5,000) shows serious intent
- Negotiations typically centre on price, sale date, or inclusion of furnishings
Once accepted, the agent holds the booking deposit until contracts are exchanged.
10. Exchange Contracts + Pay Deposit
At this point:
- Your solicitor and the buyer’s exchange signed contracts
- The buyer pays a 5–10% deposit
- The sale becomes legally binding
Make sure your solicitor confirms receipt of the deposit and that all paperwork (plans, certs, title deeds) is complete.
11. Finalise the Sale
On or before your agreed closing date:
- The buyer pays the balance of the price
- Your mortgage is repaid from the proceeds
- Ownership passes over
Your solicitor will handle funds transfer, send final accounts, and register the transfer.
12. Vacate & Transfer Ownership
Before handing over keys:
- Cancel utilities and insurance
- Deep-clean the property
- Leave keys as agreed—usually with your agent or the buyer’s solicitor
A friendly, organised handover leaves everyone satisfied.
What Selling a House in Ireland Costs
| Expense | Typical Range |
| Solicitor fees | €1,200 – €2,500 |
| Estate agent commission + VAT | 1 – 2.5% of sale price |
| BER certification | €150 – €300 |
| Home staging, repairs, cleaning | €200 – €2,000+ |
| Capital Gains Tax (if not primary residence) | 33% of profit |
| NPPR / LPT clearance paperwork | Varies by local authority |
Keep receipts and ask for clear quotes from solicitors and agents.
Legal and Tax Essentials to Check
When buying or selling property in Ireland, it’s important to be aware of the taxes and legal responsibilities involved. You can find a full breakdown of what you might be liable for in this guide on property taxes in Ireland.
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT): Only if the property isn’t your main home (33% rate)
- Local Property Tax (LPT): Ensure your registration is up to date
- NPPR Charges: For second homes, get a clearance certificate
- Planning Consents: Provide documentation for extensions or renovations
If you’re unsure, your solicitor or a tax advisor can guide you—better to ask early than be caught out later.
Quick Checklist Before You Sell
- Clean, declutter, fix
- Arrange valuation
- Appoint solicitor
- Order BER certificate
- Select estate agent
- Set asking price
- Launch marketing
- Hold viewings
- Review offers and accept
- Exchange contracts
- Close sale and repay mortgage
- Cancel services and hand over keys
Final Thoughts
Selling a house in Ireland is more straightforward with the right plan, support team, and attention to detail. Whether your goal is to sell a Dublin house or a rural retreat, preparation and timing are essential.
By following this guide—covering every aspect, including a selling a house in Ireland checklist and outline of selling a house in Ireland costs—you’ll be well on your way to a smooth sale and a fair price.If you’re looking for expert legal support throughout the process, McKenna & Co Solicitors can help. With a reputation for responsiveness, exceptional client satisfaction, and deep expertise in Irish property law, we make complex transactions feel simple.
