The people you need, and what each one costs
Checked 21 Oct 2026typical fees from published sources, never a quote.
Buying or selling a home takes a small team. This page says who they are, when you need each one, what they usually cost, and the official register to check before you hire anyone. One form gets you quotes from the ones you tick.
| Who | When | Typical cost | Check the register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mortgage advisor (broker) | Before approval in principle, and again when a fixed rate ends | Often free; up to €500 | Central Bank register |
| Conveyancing solicitor | Before you bid, and on every sale | €1,500 to €3,000 + VAT | Law Society: find a solicitor |
| Surveyor or engineer (pre-purchase or structural survey) | After sale agreed, before you sign | €300 to €600 + VAT | SCSI: find a chartered surveyor |
| BER assessor | Before a home is advertised for sale, and for a green mortgage | €225 to €400 | SEAI: register of BER assessors |
| Architect or architectural technologist | An extension, a renovation or a self-build | €2,500 to €15,000 + VAT | RIAI: register of architects |
| Estate agent or valuer | When you decide to sell, and for a valuation | 1% to 2.5% + VAT | PSRA: licence register |
| Snag list (new builds) | Before you close on a new build | €350 to €600 + VAT | SCSI: find a chartered surveyor |
| Mortgage protection and home insurance | Between the loan offer and signing | €200 to €700 | Central Bank register |
| Removals | Closing week | €500 to €1,500 + VAT | Companies Registration Office |
Each one, explained
- The conveyancing solicitor: what they do and what they costWhat a conveyancing solicitor does when you buy or sell, typical fees and outlays, how to compare quotes and how to check they're registered.Read →
- The mortgage advisor (broker): what they do, how they are paid and how to chooseWhat an Irish mortgage broker or advisor does, how they're paid, questions to ask, and how to check the Central Bank register first.Read →
- The house survey: what the engineer's report covers and what it costsWhat a pre-purchase survey covers, typical costs, who's qualified (engineers, building surveyors), and what to do with the report.Read →
- Structural survey or engineer's report: which one do you need?Full structural survey or standard pre-purchase report? When a deeper survey is worth it (cracks, extensions, pyrite, mica) and what it costs.Read →
- The BER assessor: what a BER cert costs and how to get oneWhat a BER assessment costs, how long it takes, when you legally need one, and how to find an SEAI-registered assessor in your county.Read →
- The architect: fees for extensions, new builds and planningTypical architect and technologist fees for extensions, renovations and new builds, fee stages, planning drawings and RIAI registration.Read →
- The estate agent: fees, the PSRA licence and what to negotiateEstate agent and auctioneer fees: 1% to 2.5% plus VAT or fixed fees, sole agency, marketing costs, the PSRA licence and what to negotiate.Read →
- The snag list: what a snag survey costs on a new buildWhat a professional snag survey covers, typical costs, when to book it before closing, and how to get the builder to fix the snags.Read →
- Mortgage protection insurance: what it is and whether you need itMortgage protection is usually required by law. What it covers, typical costs, exemptions, health conditions and comparing quotes.Read →
- Home insurance when you buy: what the lender needs and what to checkBuildings insurance your lender requires from signing, contents cover, rebuild values, and what to check before you buy a policy.Read →
- Removals: what a house move costs and how to bookWhat a house move costs in Ireland, when to book, insurance in transit, storage between homes and a moving-day checklist.Read →
- The house valuation: a free agent appraisal or a paid valuerA free agent appraisal or a paid valuation? When you need a registered valuer (probate, separation, CGT) and what each costs.Read →