Property Investment and Rental in Ireland — K&L Global Ireland Desk

K&L Global introduces clients to licensed Irish estate agents, explains the conveyancing process, and advises on stamp duty, rental income tax, and non-resident landlord obligations in Ireland.

What K&L Global does

• Explain the purchase process and all tax obligations in plain English before you commit

• Introduce you to licensed Irish estate agents and auctioneers in your target area

• Refer you to an Irish solicitor for the conveyancing

• Advise on stamp duty and LPT obligations

• Advise on rental income tax obligations for non-resident landlords and assist with appointing a collection agent

• Introduce you to Irish property managers (letting agents) for ongoing rental management

• Advise on the annual return obligations if you are a non-resident landlord receiving Irish rental income

Can foreign nationals buy property in Ireland?

Yes. There are no restrictions on foreign nationals — EU or non-EU — purchasing residential or commercial property in Ireland. Corporate entities can also purchase Irish property. There is no minimum purchase price requirement attached to any residency benefit (the Immigrant Investor Programme has been suspended — see the Residence and Work Permits page).

All Irish property transactions must be completed through a qualified Irish solicitor. Both the buyer and the seller must have independent legal representation. K&L Global does not provide conveyancing services; we make the introduction to the solicitor and co-ordinate the process.

The purchase process — key steps

Step 1: Agree the price Property in Ireland is sold by licensed estate agents (auctioneers). Buyers make offers through the agent. When a price is agreed, the property is marked "sale agreed" — but this is not legally binding at this stage. Either party may withdraw before contracts are exchanged.

Step 2: Engage a solicitor Engage an Irish solicitor as soon as you agree a price. The solicitor checks the title, raises queries on the contract, reviews the planning history, and handles the conveyancing.

Step 3: Structural survey A building survey is commissioned to identify structural issues. This is not legally required but is strongly recommended before committing to purchase.

Step 4: Exchange of contracts Once the solicitor is satisfied with the title, contracts are exchanged and the buyer pays a 10% deposit. The transaction becomes legally binding at this point.

Step 5: Completion On the agreed completion date, the balance of the purchase price is paid and legal title passes to the buyer. The solicitor registers the new ownership with the Property Registration Authority (PRA — https://www.prai.ie).

Step 6: Stamp duty payment Stamp duty is paid within 30 days of the date of the deed. The solicitor manages this payment and the filing with Revenue.

Key tax obligations for property owners in Ireland (2026)

Stamp duty:

• Residential property: 1% on the first €1 million of the purchase price; 2% on the balance above €1  million

• Commercial property: 7.5%

*Source: https://www.revenue.ie/en/gains-gifts-and-inheritance/stamp-duty/index.aspx

Local Property Tax (LPT): LPT is a self-assessed annual tax on all residential properties. The current valuation band system is based on valuations as of 1 November 2021. Base rate: 0.1029% of the mid-point of the valuation band for properties up to €1.05 million; 0.25% on the portion between €1.05 million and €1.75 million. Collected by Revenue in a single annual payment or by direct debit. Source: https://www.revenue.ie/en/property/local-property-tax

Rental income tax — resident landlords: Net rental income (gross rents less allowable expenses including mortgage interest, repairs, insurance, and letting agent fees) is subject to income tax at the marginal rate (20% or 40%), plus USC and PRSI. Landlords file an annual income tax return (Form 11) with Revenue by 31 October.

Rental income tax — non-resident landlords: Non-resident landlords are subject to Irish income tax on their Irish rental profit. The tenant or letting agent must withhold 20% of gross rent and pay this to Revenue on behalf of the landlord, unless the landlord has appointed a collection agent in Ireland. The collection agent takes responsibility for filing the annual return and paying any balance of tax due. K&L Global advises non-resident landlord clients on the collection agent arrangement and the annual return obligation.

Source: https://www.revenue.ie/en/property/rental-income/non-resident-landlords/index.aspx

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on disposal: Gains from the sale of Irish property are subject to CGT at 33%. An exemption applies for an individual's principal private residence. Non-resident vendors of Irish property must file a CGT return with Revenue within 30 days of closing and deal with a 15% withholding requirement at the point of sale. Source: https://www.revenue.ie/en/gains-gifts-and-inheritance/cgt/index.aspx

Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT): A 3% annual tax on the market value of land that is zoned for residential use but is not yet developed. Applies from 1 February 2025. Relevant only to those acquiring undeveloped zoned land. Source: https://www.revenue.ie/en/property/residential-zoned-land-tax/index.aspx

The rental market in 2026

The Irish residential rental market is regulated by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB — https://www.rtb.ie). All landlords must register their tenancy with the RTB within one month of the tenancy commencing (fee: €40 per tenancy per year).

Rent increases in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) — which cover most of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford — are capped at the lower of 2% per year and the rate of the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices. Most urban areas in Ireland are currently RPZs. *Source: https://www.rtb.ie/rent-pressure-zonesPractical checklist — property purchase in Ireland

End of Ireland service pages — K&L Global Ireland Desk All figures sourced from official Irish government authorities or major audit firm publications. Effective dates noted throughout. Review all figures after Budget 2026 (October 2026) and following any PRSI rate change on 1 October 2026.