Selling a Property

Legal support when selling your property

When you are selling a house, apartment or other residential property, one of the most important steps is to speak with your solicitor early. Ideally, this should happen before the property is placed on the market, or as soon as possible once you decide to sell.

The reason is simple: delays often happen before contracts are issued. If title documents have to be requested from a bank, if planning documents are missing, or if tax matters need to be clarified, the sale can slow down before it has properly started.

David Walley & Co Solicitors advises clients selling property across Ireland. We work to make the legal side of the sale as clear and efficient as possible, while also identifying any issues that need to be resolved before they become a problem for the buyer, the buyer’s solicitor or the sale itself.

Preparing your property for sale

A smooth sale often depends on good preparation. Once instructed, we can begin gathering and reviewing the documents needed to prepare contracts for sale. This may include title documents, mortgage details, identity documents, PPS numbers, marriage or divorce documentation where relevant, planning documents, tax information and other property-specific records.

If the property is mortgaged, the title deeds may be held by your bank or lending institution. In that case, we will need your written authority to request the deeds. This can take time, so it is better not to leave this until a purchaser has already been found.

We will also review the planning history of the property. If works have been carried out since you bought the property, the purchaser’s solicitor may ask for planning permissions, certificates of compliance or confirmation from an architect or engineer. Identifying these requirements early can help avoid unnecessary pressure later in the transaction.

What we do for sellers

Our role is to guide the legal process from instruction through to completion. This includes preparing the contract for sale, reviewing the title, dealing with pre-contract enquiries, liaising with the purchaser’s solicitor, arranging for documents to be signed, dealing with the redemption of any mortgage and completing the transfer of ownership.

We will also advise on practical requirements that may apply to your sale. These can include Local Property Tax clearance, Household Charge or NPPR matters where relevant, management company documentation for apartments or managed developments, BER documentation, planning records, boundary issues and any rights or burdens affecting the property.

Every sale is different. Some properties are straightforward, while others require additional work before contracts can be issued. Our aim is to explain what is needed, deal with the paperwork clearly and keep you informed throughout.

Avoiding delays in the sale process

Delays in selling a property are often caused by missing documents or unresolved questions. Common issues include title deeds not being available, unpaid property taxes, missing planning certificates, delays from management companies, questions about extensions or alterations, or uncertainty around boundaries and services.

By dealing with these matters early, you give the sale the best chance of progressing without unnecessary delay. Once contracts are ready and a purchaser is in place, the transaction can move more confidently.

If you are thinking of selling, it is worth speaking with us before the property goes to market. Even a short early conversation can help identify what documents are needed and what steps should be taken first.

Why choose David Walley & Co Solicitors?

David Walley & Co Solicitors has many years’ experience acting for clients selling residential property. We understand that sellers want the process to be efficient, but also properly managed. A sale can involve important legal, financial and practical issues, especially where there is a mortgage, previous building work, family circumstances or outstanding documentation to consider.

We provide clear advice, careful preparation and steady communication throughout the sale. Our focus is to help you understand what is happening, avoid avoidable delays and complete the transaction as smoothly as possible.