Buying a home in Ireland: the main steps

A plain-English overview of the usual journey from mortgage preparation to collecting the keys. Your own transaction may differ, so use your solicitor and lender for advice about your circumstances.

Important: Being sale agreed does not usually make the purchase legally binding. The CCPC explains the stages from approval to closing and recommends staying in contact with your solicitor and mortgage provider.

1. Understand your budget and mortgage options

Review your income, regular spending, savings and existing borrowing. Speak with a regulated mortgage lender or broker about approval in principle, the deposit required, loan conditions and the documents they need. Approval in principle is not the same as a formal loan offer.

2. Find a property and make an offer

Before bidding, understand your maximum budget and allow for costs beyond the purchase price. If an offer is accepted, the property may become sale agreed and a booking deposit may be requested. Ask the estate agent and your solicitor to explain the deposit terms and refund arrangements.

3. Instruct a solicitor early

Your solicitor handles conveyancing: the legal work involved in transferring ownership. Ask for a written costs estimate and a clear explanation of what is included, what is extra, likely milestones and how updates will be provided.

4. Complete legal and lender checks

Your solicitor reviews the contract and title documentation and carries out relevant searches. Your lender may require a valuation and further checks before issuing a formal loan offer. Consider whether an independent survey is appropriate for the property.

5. Review and sign contracts

Do not sign until your solicitor has explained the contract and you understand the obligations, conditions, deposit and closing arrangements. Once contracts are signed and exchanged, the parties are generally legally committed, subject to the contract terms.

6. Prepare for closing

Arrange the insurance required by your lender and solicitor, transfer funds as instructed, and confirm stamp duty and registration costs with your solicitor. Ask what must be completed before mortgage drawdown.

7. Closing and getting the keys

Your solicitor coordinates the transfer of funds and completion. Confirm with your solicitor and estate agent when closing has taken place and when keys can be collected. Keep copies of closing documents and insurance details.

Questions to ask as you go

What is the next milestone and who is responsible for it?
What documents or funds are needed from me, and by when?
What costs are still outstanding?
Could anything delay closing?
What should I avoid doing before drawdown?

Official Irish resources

Last reviewed: November 2026. General information only; check live official guidance and seek professional advice before acting.