Looking to move to the urban centre of Ireland, but not sure where to start? It can be a difficult process – especially for first-time buyers – but there are tips available which will help you to buy property in Dublin.
WORK OUT YOUR BUDGET
First and foremost, you need to work out how much you are willing to spend when you buy property in Dublin. You need to take into consideration the average price of properties in the area you want to buy in, and be aware that the listed price is likely to rise in a competitive market like Dublin.
You also need to take into account additional costs you can amass during the buying process (the cost of renovations, refurbishment, etc.), as well as mortgage costs and legal fees.
GET MORTGAGE APPROVAL
Most people need a mortgage in order to be able to buy a property.
A mortgage is a long-term loan that allows buyers to get cash up front to buy property in Dublin, which needs to be paid within a fixed term (or the property can be repossessed).
Before deciding on a property to buy, you can get a mortgage approval in principle. Just make sure you get a formal approval before you sign a Contract of Sale.
FIND A SOLICITOR
Your solicitor will be handling all the legal work involved in the buying process. As such, it is important that you choose a solicitor with experience in property law.
BEGIN THE PROPERTY SEARCH
You should begin by looking at property listings from real-estate agents and online. If you want to be thorough, be sure to check the local newspaper as well.
If you find your property search is too time-consuming, or that you are arriving at a dead end, you might want to consider hiring a buyers’ agent. A buyers’ agent can be particularly helpful for first-time buyers and international buyers, as they carry out the searching, selecting, and negotiating phases of the process.
Before finalising your purchase, make sure you have a surveyor check the property to ensure there are no problems with it.
CHOOSE A PROPERTY AND MAKE AN OFFER
Once you have selected the right house for you, you can start thinking about making an offer. In Ireland there are two popular methods for buying and selling property:
- PRIVATE TREATY
In a private treaty, the seller or the estate agent lists the property at a certain price. Buyers are then invited to make offers to agree on a purchase price.
If you have agreed to purchase the property, you may need to pay a booking deposit which is refundable up until the contract of sale is signed.
This gives you a little flexibility in case you change your mind.
- PUBLIC AUCTION
In a public auction, the seller advertises the time and date of the auction, and buyers enter the auction to bid for the property. The seller outlines a reserve figure, which is the value the property has to achieve.
The property will be withdrawn from the market if the reserve figure is not met.
BUY PROPERTY IN DUBLIN AND SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE
This is the final phase of the buying process – and once you sign on the dotted line there is no turning back. This is why it is essential that you have an experienced solicitor to check over the contract with you.
COMPLETION
At this point, your solicitor will contact your mortgage loan provider to acquire a loan cheque.
The loan cheque with the remaining cash is handed over to the seller’s solicitor, while the documentation and keys of the property are handed to the buyer.
The process is now complete, and the property is yours!
If you are looking to have a buyer’s agent represent you throughout the property purchasing process, then Eldron can help. Fill out our contact form and we will be in touch to arrange a free consultation.
