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Blog Posts


Planning Exemption Is Not Retrospective. A Warning for Property Sales
The new 2026 planning exemptions (S.I. No. 340 of 2026) arrived on 27 July 2026, creating a dangerous legal fallacy: that older unauthorized works are now regularized. Discover why this "retrospective assumption" is the greatest threat to smooth Irish residential conveyancing, and how solicitors and estate agents can avoid total deal collapse.

STAN MCGOWAN
1 day ago5 min read


Avoiding Conveyancing Delays Where a Property Contains Exempted Development
Undocumented attic conversions, extensions, garden rooms, and detached garden dwellings are leading causes of property sale delays in Ireland. Discover how solicitors and estate agents can avoid conveyancing bottlenecks by securing professional Opinions of Exemption before going to market.

STAN MCGOWAN
Aug 86 min read


New Planning Exemptions 2026. What Solicitors and Estate Agents Need to Know
The Planning and Development Regulations 2026 (S.I. No. 340 of 2026) came into effect on 27 July 2026, introducing significant changes to residential planning exemptions, including the new Class 3A for auxiliary habitable dwellings (garden homes). Read our practical overview designed specifically for Irish solicitors and estate agents to understand the strict new criteria and the essential documentation required for a smooth conveyancing process.

STAN MCGOWAN
Jul 235 min read


Certificates required for selling a property in Ireland. What solicitors and estate agents must have.
This blog post explores the critical certificates required to sell a property in Ireland, focusing on the compliance documentation that solicitors and estate agents must obtain to ensure a smooth transaction. It addresses common issues and highlights the importance of proper paperwork to satisfy lenders and buyers alike.

STAN MCGOWAN
Dec 27, 20253 min read


My solicitor requires the Land Registry Map at the last minute
Land registry maps and compliance certificates are crucial in the property-selling process in Ireland. Last-minute requests for these documents can be stressful, but understanding the requirements and preparing in advance can help mitigate issues. It's essential to engage the right professionals and maintain open communication with your solicitor to ensure a seamless transaction.

STAN MCGOWAN
Sep 27, 20252 min read


How To Obtain a Compliance Certificate for My Property's Sale
This blog post outlines the steps required to obtain a Compliance Certificate necessary for selling a property in Ireland, emphasising the importance of legal compliance and the engagement of professionals to streamline the process.

STAN MCGOWAN
Sep 24, 20253 min read


Understanding the Building Regulations Compliance Certificate in Ireland
In Ireland, ensuring that construction projects adhere to established standards is paramount for safety, accessibility, and legal compliance. A key component in this process is the Building Regulations Compliance Certificate, a mandatory document that certifies a building's conformity with planning permissions and building regulations.

STAN MCGOWAN
Sep 21, 20253 min read


Key Facts About Exemption Certificates for Planning
Understanding exemption certificates can seem daunting. However, with the right information, you can navigate the complexities of...

STAN MCGOWAN
Jun 23, 20253 min read


Why a Declaration of Identity Could Save Your Property Sale. The Invisible Lines That Could Derail Your Property Sale And How to Outsmart Them.
Discover how sustainable living is reshaping urban life, one rooftop garden, zero-waste building, and community-powered solution at a time. From innovative eco-designs to inspiring personal stories, this post explores how individuals and cities are turning everyday choices into powerful change. Ready to see how urban sustainability can transform the way we live? Dive in.

STAN MCGOWAN
May 29, 20252 min read


The mysterious case of the missing opinion of compliance. How one piece of paper can save your sale (And Your Sanity)
Imagine for a moment that you're hosting a fancy dinner party. You’ve polished the cutlery, lit candles that smell of something ambiguous and Scandinavian, and selected a playlist with just the right level of smug jazz. The guests arrive. The wine flows. And just as you bring out the main course, you realise you've forgotten to cook the bloody chicken.
Welcome to the world of property sales without compliance documents.

STAN MCGOWAN
May 21, 20253 min read


How Brian’s “Paperwork” Nightmare Almost Cost Him Thousands (and What You Can Learn From It)
Imagine for a moment that you're hosting a fancy dinner party. You’ve polished the cutlery, lit candles that smell of something ambiguous and Scandinavian, and selected a playlist with just the right level of smug jazz. The guests arrive. The wine flows. And just as you bring out the main course, you realise you've forgotten to cook the bloody chicken.
Welcome to the world of property sales without compliance documents.

STAN MCGOWAN
May 8, 20252 min read


Why selling a house is like hosting a dinner party (And how compliance is the forgotten ingredient that can ruin the meal)
Imagine for a moment that you're hosting a fancy dinner party. You’ve polished the cutlery, lit candles that smell of something ambiguous and Scandinavian, and selected a playlist with just the right level of smug jazz. The guests arrive. The wine flows. And just as you bring out the main course, you realise you've forgotten to cook the bloody chicken.
Welcome to the world of property sales without compliance documents.

STAN MCGOWAN
May 1, 20253 min read


How to outwit compliance chaos and close property deals without a hitch. Compliance Certificates
The hidden villain in your property deal Angry house owner with compliance issues Imagine this: you're sailing towards the sunlit horizon...

STAN MCGOWAN
Apr 28, 20252 min read


A Quick Guide to Retention and Planning Rules
In the world of architecture and construction, understanding the rules surrounding retention planning is essential. Retention planning...

STAN MCGOWAN
Apr 23, 20254 min read


How to Navigate Land Registry Services in Ireland
Navigating the land registry services in Ireland can be a daunting task, especially for first-time buyers and property investors. The...

STAN MCGOWAN
Apr 17, 20254 min read


How to Access and Understand Land Registry Mapping Records
Understanding land registry mapping records can seem daunting at first glance. However, accessing these maps is an important step for...

STAN MCGOWAN
Apr 7, 20254 min read


How Land Registry Maps Help with Property Ownership
Navigating the world of property ownership can often feel overwhelming. Potential homeowners and real estate investors face numerous...

STAN MCGOWAN
Apr 7, 20253 min read


How Land Registry Mapping Shapes Property Ownership
Understanding the intricacies of property ownership can often feel overwhelming. One key aspect that significantly influences real estate...

STAN MCGOWAN
Mar 25, 20254 min read


Why Property Ownership Documentation Matters
Understanding the importance of proper property ownership documentation is vital for anyone involved in real estate. Whether you are a...

STAN MCGOWAN
Mar 17, 20254 min read


The Importance of Property Identity Documentation
In the fast-paced world of real estate, understanding the significance of property identity documentation is crucial for both buyers and...

STAN MCGOWAN
Mar 4, 20254 min read
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