Ireland places no restriction on foreigners buying property, and the system is common-law conveyancing run by solicitors rather than notaries.
Solicitor-led conveyancing
Both buyer and seller instruct solicitors. The buyer’s solicitor investigates title, raises pre-contract enquiries, and reviews the contract for sale before you are bound.
Contracts and exchange
You typically pay a booking deposit (refundable until contracts are signed), then a contract deposit on exchange of contracts, after which the sale is binding. Completion follows on the agreed closing date.
Stamp duty and registration
Residential stamp duty is generally 1% up to €1 million and 2% above. Ownership is registered with the Land Registry, now part of Tailte Éireann.
For foreign buyers
Mortgage availability for non-residents and the title-investigation stage are where issues surface. A verified Irish colleague (solicitor) can run the conveyancing and confirm the stamp-duty position.
Stamp-duty rates and rules change — confirm with admitted Irish counsel.