1. Phone around. You are likely to find quotes from €1K to €2.5K.
2. Try and find someone to deal with who comes recommended. This is a stressful process and you need to have confidence in the person you are dealing with.
3. Prepare in advance. Work out (a) who your mortgage is with (b) the approximate amount outstanding on your mortgage ( provide the solicitor with a current statement) and (c) the anticipated sale price.
4. Decide if you will only consider a fixed price fee or a price based on the amount of work done.
I closed a transaction today after three years and two previous transactions collapsing after a very substantial amount of work had already been done for the same fixed fee I had quoted. I did this on a "good will basis" but I won't do it again. The overall transaction actually cost me money.
5. Advise the solicitor if there are any big issues e.g. increased maintenance fees, management company struck off etc.,etc.
Finally, will your apartment sell at all? A lot of property is simply not shifting.