Buying Irish property
What taxes do you need to pay?
Stamp Duty
When you buy Irish property, you may execute (sign, seal or both) an instrument (written document). The instrument transfers ownership of the property to you. You must:
- file a Stamp Duty return on this instrument
- pay Stamp Duty on this instrument.
Irish property includes:
- land
- buildings – residential (houses or apartments) and non-residential (office buildings, manufacturing plants)
- business assets (such as goodwill)
- shares in Irish companies.
You can find detailed information in the Stamp Duty section.
Some instruments are exempt from Stamp Duty or benefit from a relief.
You can read about the exemptions and reliefs in:
Local Property Tax (LPT)
The amount of LPT you will have to pay depends on the market value of your property. The market value is the best price that you could sell your property for on the open market.
Before you buy a property, you must ensure you obtain the LPT property identification (ID) number and the valuation from the seller. You must also check that all LPT returns and payments have been filed and are up to date.
See the Local Property Tax (LPT) section for more information.
Vacant Homes Tax (VHT)
VHT applies to residential properties in use as a dwelling for less than 30 days in a 12-month chargeable period. It is an annual, self-assessed, tax. It is the responsibility of the property owner to assess their liability and comply with their VHT obligations.
Please see the Vacant Homes Tax (VHT) section for further information.
Next: What reliefs are available?