Why a Declaration of Identity Could Save Your Property Sale. The Invisible Lines That Could Derail Your Property Sale. And How to Outsmart Them.
- STAN MCGOWAN
- May 29
- 2 min read
Imagine this.
You’ve found the perfect buyer for your property. Everyone’s smiling. The champagne is chilling. You’re already browsing holiday deals.
Then, out of nowhere, a solicitor squints at your file and asks:
“Can you prove your boundary’s legal?”
Suddenly, that perfect sale is wobbling like jelly on a trampoline.
Why legal boundaries are like invisible fences for grown-ups
In property, we make a dangerous assumption: that everyone knows where a property ends. You’ve got a hedge. A fence. Maybe even a mossy wall that’s been around since the Vikings were raiding monasteries. Surely that’s enough?
Alas, no.
The modern property market doesn’t run on assumptions. It runs on documentation. And this is where the Declaration of Identity enters stage left — quietly, like a character actor who ends up saving the whole film.
What is a Declaration of Identity (and why should you care)?
Think of it as a property’s character reference. It confirms two crucial facts:
That the boundaries of your property are clearly defined – no grey areas, no guesswork.
That it has proper access to utilities – water, electricity, sewage, all the essentials we rarely notice until they go missing.
And while urban homes often come with neat digital paper trails, rural or older properties can feel more like a historical mystery novel. A Declaration of Identity helps solve the plot before the lawyers even start reading.
The hidden cost of not having a Declaration of Identity
Here’s the bit the estate agent probably forgot to mention. Without a Declaration of Identity:
Buyers get nervous.
Solicitors stall.
Banks hesitate to release funds.
Your sale could drag on… or disappear altogether.
In a world obsessed with “location, location, location”, a missing document about where your actual location ends can become a nightmare.
You may say:
“The opposite of a good idea can also be a good idea.”
But when it comes to legal property boundaries?
“The opposite of a Declaration of Identity is a very expensive delay.”
Practical wisdom (without the boring bit)
If you’re selling a property, especially one that’s:
Outside the city centre
Over 40 years old
Sitting near old laneways, shared drives, or confusing field boundaries
...get your Declaration of Identity sorted before the sale sign goes up.
It’s quicker than explaining to your buyer why their dream home now comes with a bonus legal battle.
At ComplianceCertificates.ie, We’ve Made It Frictionless
We’re not just form-fillers. We’re problem preventers.
Fast turnaround
Fully compliant with legal and planning standards
Peace of mind for you, confidence for your buyer
Let’s face it, the only surprises you want in a property sale are over how much you made.`
Don’t let a boundary be your roadblock
Secure your Declaration of Identity today.
Make the sale stick - https://www.compliancecertificates.ie/contact-us
Because in property, as in life, clarity beats chaos every time.
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