This week we closed half a dozen sales that had all been agreed in 2020. Some had taken up to 7 months to complete from going Sale Agreed. The conveyancing process in Ireland is notoriously slow. On average it can be 5-6 months.

Here’s 9 tips to get your property ready so you can make yours a quick and successful sale.

1. 1. INSTRUCT YOUR SOLICITOR EARLY

Many sellers wait until their house is almost sale agreed before contacting their solicitors. Do not do this. Contact them as soon as you decide to go to market, so they can start working on a contract.

2. 2. GET TITLE DEEDS FROM THE BANK

If you have a mortgage, your bank holds your title deed documents. Have your Solicitor requests these asap, they can take forever to issue them.

3. 3. CHECK THE PLANNING AND BUILDING REGS

If you did any building work, from a modest extension to an attic conversion, make sure the planning is sorted. Old works are usually excepted but will need sign off.

4. 4. PAY YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY TAX

Make sure your local property tax is paid and up to date. This can often be The final last minute thing that can delay a sale so get it done early.

5. 5. PAY MANAGEMENT FEES

If You are in an apartment building or development with management fees, Make sure they are all up to date and paid. Request mgmt accounts early.

6. 6. CLEAR YOUR NPPR

The Non-Principal Primary Residence Charge was a tax on 2nd homes between 2009 – 2013. But you need to prove it was Either paid or not payable becaUse it was your main residence. Find old Bills to show you were living there.

7. 7. TAX CLEARANCE CERT

If you are selling an investment property or 2nd residence that has been rented at sometime, you will need a tax clearance cert. the buyers will want to ensure they have no liability.

8. 8. GRANT OF PROBATE

If you are selling as the Executor of an estate, Your solicitor will need to apply For probate. This can take 2-3 months from submission. Do it early, before selling.

9. 9. PREPARE A TITLE MAP

If the property has not been sold in the last 10 years, the title map will need to be digitally registered. Get your solicitor to instruct a surveyor to map the property.