When buying a property, not everything fits neatly into the quote. Below are examples of what’s not included in the standard legal fee for a property purchase:
Contract Surprises
If the Contract for Sale includes unusual or non-standard terms — like missing planning warranties, dissolved management companies, or unresolved rights of way — it usually means more back-and-forth and extra time to sort it out.
Problems with the Title
If the title deeds have errors or are missing key documents, this can cause delays. Fixing title defects isn’t part of the basic service, but we’ll guide you through what’s needed.
Outstanding Property Taxes
If taxes like the Household Charge, NPPR or LPT are unpaid or unclear, we may need extra time to chase up records or deal with Revenue to get everything in order.
Mortgage Pack Issues
If your loan documents expire and need to be re-issued, or if extra conditions apply (such as gifts from family members or special declarations), this usually involves extra paperwork and advice.
Engineer’s Red Flags
If your engineer’s report uncovers issues — say, structural concerns, boundary errors or mapping discrepancies — these may need to be resolved before we proceed to signing.
Questions About Ownership
If queries arise when replying to Requisitions on Title (legal questions about ownership and condition of the property), this might involve deeper investigation — for example, ownership disputes, environmental matters, or licensing/planning complications.
Closing Day Complications
If closing documents are missing, incorrect or incomplete, they’ll need to be chased and possibly re-drafted. This adds time and complexity.
Delays with Loan Drawdown
Delays in drawing down mortgage funds can happen if your documents (like payslips or salary certs) are out of date, if the bank has concerns about the property, or if buying from a Receiver or NAMA. We’ll assist, but extra time may be needed to resolve it.
Search Surprises
If issues pop up in the final title searches — like old mortgages, judgments against the seller, or hidden legal burdens — these need to be sorted before closing can happen.
After-Sale Snags
Sometimes, problems arise after the purchase — like incorrect PPS numbers, Revenue queries, or mapping issues with Land Registry. These can take time and expertise to fix.
A Final Note
Most transactions run smoothly — but sometimes, surprises pop up that no one could have predicted. If they do, we’ll explain what’s needed and work with you to resolve it. But please note: these additional steps go beyond the original quote, as they often require significant time and legal input.