When embarking on the exciting journey of buying a home, especially in the charming and sought-after neighbourhoods of Ireland, it’s crucial to look beyond the surface. At HomeCheck, we understand that purchasing a home, particularly an older one inevitably requiring repairs and upkeep, involves more than meets the eye. Older homes often carry a certain…
The “Mica Crisis” in Donegal, Ireland, is a term that refers to the structural damage observed in thousands of homes built with concrete blocks that contain high levels of mica. This issue has affected not only private residences but also commercial and public buildings, including schools, libraries, hospitals, and government buildings. The severity of the…
There are a number of terms that solicitors may use when discussing the land or site, rather than the building when it comes to buying and selling houses. Here’s a brief explanation of what some of these terms mean. Land Registry Map The Property Registration Authority maintains the Irish Land Registry. This is a centralised…
We are actively looking to buy a home, but we are having difficulty finding the perfect layout to suit our family needs. Do all alterations to houses require planning permission? There are many alterations which you can make to a property which do not require planning permission. You can carry out any internal alteration you…
The “Seller’s Legal Pack for Property Buyers Bill 2021” is a proposed law aimed at improving the home buying and selling process by introducing a Seller’s Legal Pack that must be made available up front when a property is put on the market. It is due to be debated in the Dáil in September 2023….
Have you been considering investing in a vacant property and refurbishing it? If so, you may be eligible for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. This grant is available to homebuyers who are looking to live in a refurbished property. The maximum amount available is €70,000. In this blog post, we’ll explain what this scheme is…
Woodworm Infestation This pest is a serious problem for homeowners in Ireland, with thousands of households affected each year. Woodworm is caused by wood-boring beetles, which in extreme cases, can cause significant damage to the structural integrity of a home. As a result, it is essential for prospective home buyers to be aware of the…
Wondering how to get rid of mould in your house? Unfortunately, mould is a common nuisance and even the best-maintained buildings can be affected by it. If you’re thinking about investing in a new property, signs of mould and dampness should be flagged in a pre-purchase survey. If you’re looking to buy an older property,…
When you’ve found your dream property, it can be tempting to rush in and complete the deal. However, even if your deposit is in place and you’re almost certain to get approval on a mortgage, don’t neglect the importance of a property survey. It’s staggering how many would-be property buyers in Ireland overlook pre-purchase surveys….
If you’re planning to purchase residential property, you may be wondering “what does a structural survey cover?” If you’re negotiating a selling price for the property, your mortgage valuation survey is not enough to get an actual impression of the property’s true condition, which is why structural surveys are an essential component for prospective homebuyers. …