What is eConveyancing?

eConveyancing is the digital version of the legal process used to transfer property ownership. Instead of relying on paper documents and in-person meetings, everything is intended to handled online, from signing contracts to registering your new home.

Here’s how eConveyancing sets to benefit homebuyers:

• Faster Transactions: Traditional property deals can take up to 22 weeks. With eConveyancing, the goal is to reduce this to just 8 weeks.
• Less Stress: You’ll get real-time updates, fewer delays, and clearer communication between solicitors, banks, and local authorities.
• Remote Signing: No need to visit your solicitor’s office—digital signatures and secure online platforms make it easy to sign documents from home.

While eConveyancing is promising, it’s still being rolled out. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Not All Solicitors Are Digital Yet: Make sure your solicitor is familiar with eConveyancing tools.
• Some reforms won’t be fully in place until 2027.

Ireland’s move to eConveyancing is a game-changer for homebuyers. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving up the property ladder, understanding these changes will help you make informed decisions.

If you would like an help with conveyancing or econveyancing please contact us at info@mcgrathmullan.ie or 01 873 5012.

Under the terms of the contract, General Condition 32 states a Vendor warrants that:

• during their period of ownership there has been no developments to the property for which planning permission was required or compliance with Building Regulations was required, or
• if there was such a development, planning permission was obtained and all conditions were substantially complied with and that the terms of any Building Regulations have been substantially complied with, and
• the Vendor is not on any actual notice of any breach or non-compliance of planning legislation or building regulations affecting the property. Matters which were made known to the Vendor when they purchased/acquired the property must be disclosed.

However, whilst this warranty is welcome, it would be extremely careless for a Purchaser to rely only on the same without carrying out a full planning search before signing contracts as a Purchaser is deemed to be on notice anything appearing on the planning register. In addition, not all Vendors will be actually aware of a breach or non-compliance with planning legislation. E.g. where the registered owner has died and the property is being sold by a legal personal or where the property is being sold by a receiver or liquidator.

For this reason, all Purchasers should ensure that they or their solicitor carries out a full planning search prior to contracts being signed. To contact one of our solicitors about this or any other matter please call us at 01 873 5012 or email us at info@mcgrathmullan.ie

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• Three Requirements for Divorce in Ireland
• First-Time Buyers: Financial Help, Legal Advice, and What to Expect
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• Risks when buying property at auction

Apart from this, there are a lot of additional costs and finance required that may go unnoticed by first time buyers. This includes stamp duty, legal fees, survey costs and life and home insurance which is required to be in place before a mortgage is given. This is why it is important to be aware of the financial assistance that may be available to you.

Help to Buy Scheme

The Help to Buy Scheme is aimed at helping first time buyers get on the property ladder through purchasing a new build or building their own residential property. The scheme has been extended to 31^st December 2029 as announced in the 2024 budget.

The scheme provides a tax rebate of up to 10% (capped €30,000) usually to assist with the deposit.

In order to qualify you must:

• Be a first time buyer purchasing a new build or building
• The property must be your main place of residence for 5 years after purchase
• You must have accumulated sufficient income tax and DIRT over the previous 4 years

To apply for the scheme, register with Revenue online and submit your application in order for your eligibility to be determined.

Affordable Purchase Schemes

Another option available to assist first time buyers is the First Home Schemes.

Under this scheme, the government, through the relevant county council, will contribute up to 30% of the property’s market value in exchange for an equity share in the property. Giving you the chance to purchase at a lower price than market value.

Again, there are certain criteria before you are eligible:

• You must be a First Time Buyer
• You must be able to obtain a mortgage from an approved lender participating in the shared equity arrangement.
• Newly built property in a private development

In return for the reduced price, the Council will obtain an equity share in the property equal to the contribution they have made. If the Council has made a 20% contribution to the price, in return they will receive a 20% share in the property. This will have to be repaid when the property is sold, or you can make redemption payments or “buy out” the equity at any stage but there is no obligation to do so.

A first time buyer can obtain both the Help to Buy and Affordable Purchase Scheme for the same purchaser where they meet each of the eligibility criteria.

If you area first time buyer and looking for assistance with any of the above, our property team will be in a position to advise you on all aspects and guide you throughout the process. Please contact us here – at 01 873 5012 or info@mcgrathmullan.ie and we would be glad to assist you.