IRELAND travel
http://www.buseireann.ie/site/home/
http://www.buseireann.ie/site/your_journey/maps.asp
Bus, Train & Airplane - http://www.iol.ie/~discover/rail.htm
BEST PLACE TO START A BUSINESS IN IRELAND:
http://www.escapeartist.com/international/ireland_0300.html
RETIREMENT HAVEN:
http://www.retirementhavens.com/residencehavens/republicofireland.html
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/Ireland.html
http://www.jewishireland.com/
Bard School - Clare - http://www.bard.ie/
The smallest cookery school -
http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,10322-1459315,00.html
Stormtroopers of the Wild - horseriding Sligo -
http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,10322-964999,00.html
3 new spas:
http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,10322-1288291,00.html
http://www.slowfoodireland.com/
Irish Archaeology - http://www.xs4all.nl/~tbreen/links.html
Ireland's new money, the Euro - http://www.iol.ie/~discover/fx.htm
Broadband - http://www.iol.ie/~discover/broadband.htm
http://www.iol.ie/~discover/net.htm
Slow Travel Ireland - notes -
http://www.slowtrav.com/ireland/jm_notes.htm
Our Tour of Ireland -
http://www.littlemysteries.com/irelandpage/irelandtour.html
http://www.iol.ie/~discover/
http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/ - LOTS GOOD
http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/A-Z/
German sites on Ireland -
http://www.westirland.com/galway/county.htm
http://www.suannamara.com/German/galway.htm
----------------
PARKS & RESERVES:
http://www.ireland-now.com/flora.html
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/location/europe/ireland/np_ire.htm
http://www.goireland.com/Scripts/low/xq/asp/cat.6/areatype.I/areaid.1/SubjectID.1/qx/listing.htm
http://mapsguidesandmore.com/results.html?search_string=Collins
CORK ENVIRO - THE ONE - GOOD:
http://cork.goireland.com/scripts/low/xq/asp/areatype.c/areaid.172/qx/area.htmhttp://cork.goireland.com/Scripts/low/xq/asp/cat.6/areatype.C/areaid.172/qx/area.htm
http://cork.goireland.com/Scripts/low/xq/asp/cat.6/areatype.C/areaid.172/qx/area.htm
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Clonmacnois - http://www.faculty.de.gcsu.edu/~dvess/ids/medieval/clonmacnois/clon.shtml
Burren - http://www.burrenpage.com/
Donegal - http://www.donegaltown.ie/
Festivals through Mayo -
http://www.mayo-ireland.ie/Mayo/Tourism/Festival/Festival.htm
http://www.festivals.ireland.ie/festivals_home
http://www.irishfestivals.net/festivals.htm
http://www.mayo-ireland.ie/Mayo/Tourism/Festival/Festival.htm
http://www.irish-music.net/LinkFestivals.htm
http://www.irishcelticfest.com/ - JULY
Cloghane and Brandon Celtic Festival of Lughnasa, County Kerry
MAPS:
http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/europe/ie.htm
http://www.lookintoireland.com/mapirl1.htm
http://www.12travel.com/goto/ie_maps/C16.html#map (GREAT MAP Glengariff area)
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/europe/ireland.jpg
http://www.12travel.com/goto/ie_maps/index.html?affid=google
PICTURES:
Google Searches:
Aillwee Cave, Ballyvourney, Cong Ireland, Drombeg Stone, Ennistymon, Hill of
Uisneach, Killarney, Knocknarea, Loch Hyne, Lough Gur, Rosscarbery
http://www.quainsworld.com/
http://www.irelandphotography.com/display.html
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/search.php?country=2
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=6333369
http://www.irishmythology.com/Irish_Mythology_Hill_of_Uisneach.htm
http://www.thewestofireland.com/
Donegal: Glencolumbkille (Gleann Cholm Cille)
Google search - Glencolumbille + Turas
http://www.donegallibrary.ie/memory/towns/glencc.htm
http://www.ramelton.net/Trips.htm
http://www.ramelton.net/Trips/Glencolumbkille.htm
http://www.vincentpeters.nl/triskelle/attractions/glencolumbkille.php?index=100.040.008.040.010
http://www.megalithomania.com/show/site/1204
Donegal: Triskelle - Wallpapers
http://www.vincentpeters.nl/triskelle/siamsa/wallpapers.php?index=120.090.010
http://www.vincentpeters.nl/index.php?index=010
http://www.vincentpeters.nl/triskelle/siamsa/slideshow.php?index=120.080
http://www.vincentpeters.nl/triskelle/siamsa/remarkable.php?index=120.005
http://www.vincentpeters.nl/triskelle/siamsa/mooncalendar.php?index=120.095
ERRIFF RIVER - Waterfall:
http://www.castlebar.ie/photos/the-west/leenane/glry/index/dscn1908.html
http://www.picturesdirect.com/fa317.htm
Castlebar - http://www.castlebar.ie/daytrips/driving.htm
CONNEMARA:
http://www.pure-adventures.com/tours/connemara.htm
http://www.accapehart.com/ireland/main.html
http://www.wolframite.net/ireland2003/index.html
http://www.iwai.ie/index.php - Ireland Waterways Association
http://www.kevingardiner.net/Connemara.jpg
http://www.connemara-thatched-cottages.ie/
Google Search- Tullycross
Lough Mask, Lough Nafooey:
http://www.gsi.ie/activities/forthcoming/nhw2003/loughnafooey/loughnafooey.htm
http://www.irondonkey.com/selfguidedtours-connemara-attractions.php
http://www.spentool.com/living.htm - Spencer Auctioneers
http://www.tcd.ie/Zoology/Project.BUFFER/finny.html
http://homepages.iol.ie/~mattosul/clo.html
http://www.jonsullivan.com/misc/ireland_21-23.php3
GALWAY
http://web.ticino.com/multilingual/favourite_places.htm
DINGLE & KERRY (Google Search - Rossbeigh Strand)
http://www.roscaragh.btinternet.co.uk/location.html - Roscaragh, Glenbeigh
http://www.lakehotel.com/gallery.htm
German photos site:
http://www.bg65.de/html/irland2/irl_row14.html
AWESOME PHOTOS:
http://www.picturesdirect.com
http://www.kennys.ie/Exhibitions/2003/FarrellPatsyGabriel/index.shtml
http://www.kennys.ie/MapsPrints/SeanTomkinsPhotos/
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/ireland/kinsale.htm
RENTALS
http://www.tourismresources.ie/
http://www.irishgems.com/asp/home.asp
http://www.celtic-vacances.co.uk/
Renovate Alerts - http://www.renovatealerts.com/
HOW TO BUY AND BUILD:
http://www.welovedonegal.com/property.html
http://self-build-in-ireland.blogspot.com/
http://www.irishlinks.co.uk/mortgages-ireland.htm
http://www.irishlinks.co.uk/self-building-ireland.htm
http://www.keyproperties.ie/keys/planning.htm - Making a Planning Application
http://www.ipav.ie/ - Auctioneers
PROPERTY
Buying property in Ireland
http://www.hol.ie/West_Cork_Property/west_cork_sites.htm = Hernry O'Leary
http://www.hol.ie/west_cork_estate_agents/ireland_farms/Hillgrove%20Hse/detail.htm
- Hillgrove House
http://liamhodnett.ie/sites.htm - ERA
http://www.hol.ie/West_Cork_Property/west_cork_sites.htm
- farms, commercial sites
http://www.renovatealerts.com/ = fixer uppers
http://www.swsproperty.com/ - farms, sites, commercial
http://www.keyproperties.ie - mostly Cork & Kerry
http://www.propertypartners.ie/property_summary.pp?locationid=6&searchtype=LND
http://www.irishlinks.co.uk/county-cork-houses-for-sale.htm
Henry O'Leary - GOOD -
http://www.hol.ie/West_Cork_Property/west_cork_sites.htm http://www.hol.ie/west_cork_estate_agents/ireland_farms/Hillgrove%20Hse/detail.htm
http://www.house-for-sale-ireland.com/ - the all windows Glengarriff house
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
http://www.irishlinks.co.uk/mortgages-ireland.htm
http://self-build-in-ireland.blogspot.com/
http://www.irishlinks.co.uk/self-building-ireland.htm
http://www.welovedonegal.com/property.htmlWhy not rent a room and earn money
tax free!
A new "Rent a Room" scheme is being introduced which provides that
where a room (s) in a person's private residence is let as residential accommodation,
gross annual income of up to £6,000 per annum will be exempt from tax.
Where an individual makes a claim under this scheme, they will not lose their
entitlement to relief's for mortgage interest, capital gains tax on principle
private residence and stamp duty on owner-occupied residences.
----------------
Why Buy in Ireland -
http://www.keyproperties.ie/keys/services2.htm
www.keyproperties.ie/keys/cottages1.htm
Key Properties Estate Agents, Bantry, Co. Cork, Ireland houses up ...
... Cork, Old Ruins on circa 0.5 acre with magnificent sea views, €51000.
sale agreed. 4177, Bantry, Co. Cork, Old farmhouse on circa 0.5 acre, €51000
...
“Celtic Tiger” notwithstanding, can you still buy
a lovely Irish cottage for less than Ir£40,000? Yep...
http://www.escapeartist.com/international/00_celtic_tiger.html
http://www.escapeartist.com/emerald/isles.html - Moving to Ireland
http://www.escapeartist.com/international/ireland_0300.html
A Survivor's Guide To Living in Ireland:
http://www.escapeartist.com/e_Books/Ireland_Report/
Ireland - The best place to
http://www.escapeartist.com/international/ireland_0300.html
http://www.yourpad.org.uk/ (+ UK)
http://www.reals.com/
http://www.nwwea.net/index.html
http://www.linkre.com/ - LinkRE
http://www.keyproperties.ie/keys/Section23.htm
http://www.propertypartners.ie/property_summary.pp?locationid=6&searchtype=LND
(Cork)
http://www.swsproperty.com/index.jsp - SWS Property Services - West Cork
ERA Real Estate:
http://liamhodnett.ie/sites.htm
http://www.real-estate-european-union.com/
Ireland Economy, Overseas - http://www.idaireland.com/home/index.aspx
http://www.europeanirish.com/
Google Searches:
buying property in Ireland
buying property in Ireland Cork
church for sale Cork
church property for sale Cork
land for sale Cork
ruins for sale
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
http://www.welovedonegal.com/property.html
*PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY AND NOTE*
This section is mainly devoted to buying houses or sites for residential purposes
although we will touch briefly on purchasing commercial property. It should
be remembered that
although we have taken every precaution to ensure that the information is accurate
and up to date (and we shall update the information as changes occur) that before
entering into a
contract for the purchase of any property it is imperative that one consults
on a one to one basis with a practising solicitor (lawyer) who will advise on
each individual case on
being furnished with full details of the proposed purchase and the circumstances
of the proposed purchaser.
**********
BUYING A HOUSE
There is no restriction for all EU (European Union) citizens in purchasing a
house in Ireland and no consent is required from any Governmental Agency. However
non EU citizens still
require consent of the Irish Land Commission under the provisions of the Land
Act 1965 and this is applied for through the proposed purchaser's solicitor
(lawyer).
Purchase of a house (and property in general) in Ireland is usually through
an Estate Agent (Auctioneer, Realtor) but one may also purchase directly from
a vendor (seller). Properties are often advertised directly by the vendor (seller)
through local Newspapers or publications (many places in Ireland have a publication
devoted entirely to advertising items for sale from household goods to cars
to houses or sites). When purchasing through an Estate Agent (Auctioneer, Realtor)
there is usually no charge to the purchaser (buyer) by the Estate Agent whose
fees are paid by the vendor (seller). In all cases however before agreeing to
purchase the purchaser should ask for and obtain full copy of conditions of
sale.
PROCEDURE (this applies to all property)
Once you have found a house or property which suits your requirements you will
be asked to pay a booking deposit to the Estate Agent. Typically this will be
equal to 5% of the agreed purchase price. THE PAYMENT OF THE BOOKING DEPOSIT
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A BINDING CONTRACT. No contract is deemed to exist until
the actual contract document is signed by both the purchaser and vendor. On
payment of the booking deposit the solicitor (lawyer) for the vendor will receive
instructions to forward contracts together with legal title documents to the
solicitor for the purchaser for consideration and solicitor for the purchaser
will then advise the purchaser on the contents of contract and if in order will
have purchaser sign or execute same and return with balance deposit (a further
5% of the overall price) to the solicitor for the vendor who will have the vendor
sign same and return one copy to the solicitor for the purchaser. THERE IS THEN
A BINDING CONTRACT AND NO PARTY MAY WITHDRAW WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE OTHER.
If a purchaser attempts to withdraw from a binding contract without good reason
he or she is liable to forfeit the full amount of the deposit (10% of purchase
price) and may be liable to a suit or action in damages by the vendor.
When the contract is signed by both parties a closing or completion date will
be agreed (typically three to six weeks hence) but the actual closing date is
a matter for agreement between both parties and their respective solicitors
or legal advisers. The closing date is the date on which the balance of the
purchase price (90%) is payable and that possession of the property is handed
over. Please note that interest is chargeable by the vendor and payable by the
purchaser on late payment (if the balance is not paid by the closing date) and
the rate of interest is punitive (currently between 8% and 12% but the contract
will specify).
Following completion solicitor for the purchaser will stamp the deed (this will
be explained later) and register your ownership in the Land Registry or Registry
of Deeds. This can take some months due to the substantial number of applications
in the Land Registry but once money is paid and documents handed over to purchaser's
solicitor the property legally belongs to the purchaser.
COST OF BUYING A HOUSE
The cost of buying a house or apartment in Ireland varies from around €100,000.00
(One Hundred Thousand Euro) in some rural areas to well in excess of €1,000,000.00
(One Million Euro) in Dublin City. There are of course many properties or houses
of varying values within these limits and indeed you can spend more than this
depending on the size and location of property you require. However typically
a three bedroom semi-detached or terraced house in Donegal or a two bedroom
apartment (new or second hand) ranges from €150,000.00 (One Hundred and
Fifty thousand euro) at the lower end of the scale to around €250,000.00
(Two Hundred and Fifty thousand euro) at the Upper end of the scale again depending
on the location (rural or urban, South Donegal or North Donegal etc.). In cities
costs are of course much higher and again vary from location to location within
the city (there are particularly sought after areas where prices can be extremely
high). Prices again obviously vary in accordance with the size and type of house.
Dublin City is the most expensive location in Ireland to purchase property.
Detached houses having their own individual plots or gardens are more expensive.
It is impossible to give an accurate guide of house prices as we do not intend
this as a house buying price guide and any interested purchaser should telephone
or visit a number of Estate Agents/Realtors in the area in which they are interested
in purchasing and obtain details of number of properties which might meet their
requirements.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
In most cases the purchase of a brand new house (the building of which has just
been completed) does not include any carpets, blinds, curtains or furniture.
It will usually include a fitted kitchen including kitchen presses and sink
(although not the kitchen appliances such as fridge, cooker, freezer, cooker
hood, washing machine or other electrical appliances). Electrics and plumbing
are included as are bathroom furniture and fittings. Nowadays the main or master
bedroom is usually en suite (toilet, sink and shower). Floors will usually be
concrete or wood depending on the specifications (these can be got from the
builder/developer or Estate Agent). Purchasers are normally given the option
to upgrade specifications at an additional cost but the cost of any such improvements
or extras should be agreed in writing with the builder/developer before any
such works are carried out.
In purchasing a second hand or existing property the property is sold as seen
and normally includes carpets, curtains and light fittings. Sometimes appliances
(fridge, washing machine, cooker or freezer) are also included but in all cases
the contract should specify what is included and what is not included. Furniture
is rarely included but in some instances the vendor may if requested include
certain items of furniture in the purchase price or agree the sale of same at
an additional cost. Remember that there is no binding contract until the actual
contract document is signed by both parties and therefore one should check the
provisions of the contract as to what is included before signing same.
INCIDENTAL COSTS
There are a number of incidental costs in acquiring a property or house in Ireland.
They are as follows:-
1. Stamp Duty. 2. Registration fees. 3. Copy folio and map. 4. Land Certificate.
5. Search Fees. 6. Solicitor's fees. 7. V.A.T. on Solicitor's fees.
STAMP DUTY
This is a tax on the purchase of property payable to the Irish Government and
is payable in all cases by the purchaser or buyer of property in Ireland. Various
rates of stamp duty apply depending on the nature (residential or non-residential)
of the property, the price paid for same and the circumstances of the buyer.
Rates are from 1% to 9% of the purchase price. This is by far potentially the
most expensive incidental cost of purchasing a property.
RESIDENTIAL
Residential property is essentially a house or apartment (a building used solely
for residential purposes). The rates of Stamp Duty chargeable on Residential
property varies from 0% to 9% based on whether the purchaser is a "first
time buyer" and the value of the property. A "first time buyer"
is a person or persons who have never previously purchased or owned a house
or apartment (residential property) in Ireland or elsewhere. The rates applicable
are as follows:-
Cost of property First
time buyer Others
Up to €127,000.00 .......No stamp duty ..............No stamp duty
€127,000 - €190,500 ...No stamp duty ..............................3%
€190,501 - €254,000 .. No stamp duty ..............................4%
€254,001 - €317,500 .. No stamp duty ..............................5%
€317,501 - €381,000 ............. 3% ......................................6%
€381,001 - €635,000 ... ..........6% ....................................7.5%
Over €635,000 ........................9% ......................................9%
NON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY
Non residential property is all other property other than residential property
and includes building sites even if there is planning permission attached to
same. The rates of Stamp Duty applying to non residential property are the same
for "first time buyers" and others. They are as follows:-
Cost of Property Stamp
Duty
Up to €10,000.00 ...........No stamp duty
€10,001 - €20,000 ........................1%
€20,001 - €30,000 ........................2%
€30,001 - €40,000 ........................3%
€40,001 - €70,000 ........................4%
€70,001 - €80,000 ........................5%
€80,001 - €100,000 ......................6%
€100,001 - €120,000 .....................7%
€120,001 - €150,000 .....................8%
Over €150,000 ...............................9%
Stamp duty is paid through your solicitor to the Revenue Commissioners (Tax
Authorities) and is payable within 30 days after completion of your transaction
(30 days of closing date). The payment must reach the Revenue Commissioners
within that period and therefore the normal practice is that Stamp Duty is paid
to your solicitor either with the balance purchase monies or immediately on
receipt of completion documents. The deed transferring ownership to the purchaser
is sent to the Revenue Commissioners with payment of Stamp Duty and the deed
is returned with the amount of Stamp Duty paid receipted or stamped thereon.
Hence the term Stamp Duty.
REGISTRATION FEES
There are two systems of registration in Ireland. The most common is the Land
Registry. All property registered in the Land Registered is recorded under a
"folio number" which number is unique to each individual owner. Each
folio is a document of public record. A copy of any folio is available to any
person from the Land Registry on payment of a fee of €25.00 (as of date
of writing) and this document normally consists of four pages. Page 1 gives
the townland and County where the property is situate with the area of the holding
concerned. Page 2 gives the ownership of the property (the registered owner)
and page 3 specifies any charges or burdens affecting the property (mortgages,
rights of way etc.). Page 4 consists of a map of the property outlining the
plot owned by the registered owner. Please note that the prefix DL denotes County
Donegal (other counties have their own prefix).
The second system of registration is Registry of Deeds. This system is in place
for many years and is superseded by the Land Registry but the transition from
Registry of Deeds to Land Registry is not yet complete. Most new houses are
now registered in the Land Registry. The Registry of Deeds simply records the
history of the property transaction by transaction and if the property being
purchased is "a Registry of Deeds Property" your solicitor will explain
the relevance of the title documents.
LAND REGISTRY FEES
Land Registry fees are based on purchase price (whether Residential Property
or Non Residential Property) and are currently as follows:-
Cost of Property Land
Registry Fee
€ 000 1 - €13,000 .....................€125.00
€ 13,001 - €26,000 ....................€190.00
€ 26,001 - €51,000 ....................€250.00
€ 51,001 - €255000 ..................€375.00
€255,001 - €385,000 .................€500.00
Over €385,000 ..............................€625.00
COPY FOLIO AND MAP
On completion of your registration the purchaser will receive (through his or
her solicitor) copy folio and map which will show details of the property and
ownership with a map outlining the extent of the purchased property. See explanation
above. It is advisable for the purchaser to read this and examine the map when
received and if necessary to ask their solicitor to explain any part which the
purchaser does not understand. Also the map and area of the property should
be confirmed. The charge (currently) for this payable to the Land Registry is
€25.00 (Twenty Five Euro) and is not included in the Registration fee (above).
LAND CERTIFICATE
This document is similar to copy folio but does not have a map attached. It
is however a VALUABLE DOCUMENT as only one Land Certificate is issued for each
individual property. It is not necessary in all cases for the purchaser to receive
this document and indeed the current practice of the Land Registry is not to
issue the Land Certificate EXCEPT in cases where the purchaser or his or her
solicitor specifically requests same. If not required for a specific purpose
the Land Certificate should not be requested. The non issue of same or the fact
that the purchaser does not have the Land Certificate in his or her possession
(provided it has not issued from the Land Registry) does not in any way affect
the ownership of the property and the purchaser's ownership is adequately evidenced
by the folio and map (see above).
SEARCH FEES
Searches are necessary to ensure that the property you are buying is free from
any incumbrances (mortgages, charges, law suits etc.) and also to ensure that
there are no planning applications or proposed developments relevant to the
property that you are buying. For example would you buy a house when it is proposed
to build an apartment block in front, behind or beside you. Admittedly it is
possible that someone could and would apply for a development beside your home
after you have purchased same but in that instance you could and would be entitled
to object to an application for planning permission. You might not be successful
in your objection but then it is a matter for yourself when buying a property
to assess (with the help of your advisers) the future potential development
of the area and to decide whether you want to buy into the area. There are of
course advantages in that some people want to buy into a developed area and
will pay an increased price for the privilege.
At any rate search fees (planning, Land Registry, Judgement and Bankruptcy)
will cost you anywhere from €100.00 to €200.00. Planning searches
can be slow and if you employ a Professional to carry out same (an Architect
or Planning Consultant) then this can add additional expense of up to a further
€200 - €300.
SOLICITOR'S FEES
Solicitor's professional fees for a house, apartment or site purchase are typically
1% of the purchase price plus V.A.T. @ 21%. However this figure can vary from
solicitor to solicitor and there is no obligation on any solicitor to adhere
to this figure and fees do vary from solicitor to solicitor. Each solicitor
is obliged to furnish a written quotation of fees prior to commencing work on
the purchaser's behalf and purchaser should seek a written quotation which should
not only specify solicitor's fees but also other incidental costs (as detailed
herein).
V.A.T. (VALUE ADDED TAX)
V.A.T. (Value Added Tax) is chargeable on solicitor's fees at the rate of 21%
and this is in addition to the professional fee. This 21% is a tax payable to
the Irish Government even though same is paid through the solicitor. Solicitor's
fees (including V.A.T) are usually paid on completion of the transaction.
EXAMPLE
A Purchaser (not a first time buyer) buys a house for €200,000.00 (Two
Hundred Thousand Euro). Incidental Costs will be as follows:-
Stamp Duty (4%)……………………………………………………€8,000.00
Registration fees ……………………………………………………..€
375.00
Copy folio and map………………………………………………….....€
25.00
Land Certificate (if required)………………………………………......€
25.00
Search Fees (estimated)…………………………………………….€
150.00
Solicitor's fees……………………………………………………….€2,000.00
V.A.T. (21%)………………………………………………………......€
420.00
TOTAL……………………………………………………………..€10,995.00
ASSOCIATED COSTS OF OWNING A HOUSE IN IRELAND
There are no rates or annual government charges on the ownership of residential
property in Ireland (house or apartment). There is as in any country the usual
utility bills (Electricity, heating oil, telephone etc.).and maintenance of
the property (repairs, painting etc.). There is normally no charge for water
from the Local Authority supply although in the case of some private water schemes
there may be an annual fee or charge. This should be checked prior to purchase
of the property. Also there is a charge in Ireland for disposal of refuse and
this charge varies from area to area or County to County. Enquiries should be
made prior to purchase.
Obviously any income derived from the property may be liable to Income Tax.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY (PROPERTY USED FOR BUSINESS PURPOSES)
There is no restriction on EU (European Union) citizens purchasing commercial
property in Ireland. Consent is required from the Irish Land Commission in the
case of non EU (European Union) citizens. As with residential property the incidental
costs associated with the purchase of commercial property are as above. Stamp
duty Rates are as for Non Residential Property (See Stamp Duty Non Residential
Property above). Most commercial property in Ireland will cost more than €150,000.00
and will therefore be subject to the top rate of Stamp Duty, that is 9%. This
is a major consideration when deciding to purchase such property. Registration
fees and other incidental costs will be calculated as above.
Contrary to the position with residential property commercial property is liable
to "Annual Rates" payable to the Local Authority. The Annual charge
is based on the "Rateable Valuation" of the property and the particular
charge of the Local Authority (County Council or Town Council) in whose area
the property is located. Enquiries should be made prior to purchase as to the
amount of the Annual Rates. In some areas there may be a yearly charge also
for supply of water by the Local Authority in addition to the Annual Rates.
Again enquiries should be made prior to purchase. As it is normally the occupier
who is responsible for both Annual Rates and Water Charges if the property is
rented by the owner the tenant or lessee will be responsible for same under
the provisions of the typical Commercial Lease. However if letting property
which one has purchased a proper Lease should be drawn by a properly legal qualified
person (solicitor etc.).
In relation to commercial property refuse disposal is normally through a private
collection firm or company and it is up to each individual owner to seek the
best possible contract in this regard.
SITES AND BUILDING IN IRELAND
There is no restriction on EU (European citizens) purchasing a site or building
plot in Ireland. Others have to apply to Irish Land Commission for consent under
the provisions of the Land Act 1965. Application is usually made through the
purchaser's solicitor or legal adviser. Purchase of a site or building plot
in Ireland is subject to the same incidental costs as above. Stamp duty is based
on Non Residential Property (for rates see under Stamp Duty Non Residential
Property above).
PLANNING PERMISSION
In order to build in Ireland it is necessary to obtain planning permission from
the Local Authority Planning Department (Town Council, Corporation or County
Council). There are guidelines published by each Local Authority outlining whether
a particular type of development (houses, apartments or commercial buildings)
will be considered in a particular area. IT IS HOWEVER RECOMMENDED to employ
the services of an Architect or Planning Consultant in the particular area in
which one is interested in building as he or she will know the attitude of the
Planning Authority to any particular proposed development. The Local Authority
has sole discretion to grant or refuse planning permission for a particular
development (subject to an Appeal to "An Bord Pleanala" (the Planning
Appeals Authority) who have the final say or make the final decision. "An
Bord Pleanala" may confirm, vary or reverse the decision of the Local Authority.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE that in respect of applications to build a house or
home in many rural areas PERMISSION is often limited persons from that particular
location or area or whose families are from the location or area. One should
always CHECK THE PLANNING REGULATIONS before purchasing land on which they intend
to build.
FEES:
The typical fee payable to a Planning Authority for an application to construct
a single dwelling is the sum of €65.00. In addition to this one must publish
a notice in a local Newspaper circulating in the area (the costs of which is
approximately €50 - €100.00). As regards the preparation of plans
(house plans, site layout and site location maps) professional fees chargeable
will vary from Architect to Architect or Planning Consultant to Planning Consultant
depending on the size of the proposed house or building and the complexity of
the plan involved. It may also be prudent to employ an Architect or Engineer
to oversee or supervise the building or construction to ensure that good building
practice and materials are employed by your builder. This brings us to the matter
of a builder for your house. There are of course as in all countries many builders
on hand who will build your house. As always it is prudent to seek recommendations
rather than choose the first or least expensive. Likewise with anyone employed
in connection with your project. IT IS OF COURSE IMPORTANT to ensure that your
builder is fully insured in the event that any problems do arise and that you
obtain an Indemnity in relation to the building. There are "Guarantee Schemes"
in existence in Ireland but these are not always available in respect of individual
buildings but are more common in respect of multiple developments. Your solicitor
or lawyer will advise in this regard and you SHOULD ENSURE that he or she makes
the relevant enquiries in this regard. Your Architect or Engineer may if required
recommend or seek a builder for you and also agree the cost of the building
with the builder on your behalf. Building costs in Ireland are quite expensive
and again before considering whether to buy and build ONE SHOULD check the costs
of any proposed building. One's Architect or Planning Consultant should be able
to advise on the cost of building any particular building or house once he or
she knows the type and size of building it is intended to build.
NOTE: This section is a guide for anyone interested in buying or building in
Ireland but WE DO RECOMMEND AND STRESS that before entering into any legally
binding agreements for buying or building one should consult the relevant professionals
(solicitor/lawyer; architect/engineer/planning consultant; estate agent/realtor).