List of documents to ask for when buying a house

E

Eireog007

Registered User
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Hi all, after a 2 year slog my wife and I are finally sale agreed on a property and things are progressing somewhat smoothly so far (touch wood).

We are now at the stage where the solicitors are communicating back and forth and they seem to have things in hand but the glass half empty part of me is getting a tad paranoid about if we are asking for all the relevant information. So if possible I wanted to get peoples feedback on what documentation you feel would be not so much necessary to see the sale go through but good/pertinent information to have etc...

Some background on the property to help with your feedback. It’s a 3 bed semi-d in South Dublin, has had a few alterations done over the years (by the previous owner to the current vendor) the garage was split and turned into an office and utility, they removed the fireplace and chimney breast in the sitting room and widened the access between the sitting room and dining room.

Both the valuation and survey came back without anything major flagged so this is more me trying to do as much due diligence before signing any contracts so any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Gordon Gekko said:
I’d say the main document you need is an email to your solicitor asking him or her to confirm the documents and information that are required.

Don’t buy a dog and then bark yourself.
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Oh absolutely I am engaging with the solicitors on everything and asking them what is required from a legal standpoint this was more in relation to what documentation you guys would recommend we ask for that wouldn’t be required for the sale to go through but would be good information to have about the property going forward, such as the BER report which I have asked the vendors for.
 
You need to ensure your solicitor is aware that there have been alterations made and the details of those alterations. It wouldn't be unheard of for a vendor to pretend no works were carried out if they don't have the necessary paperwork in hand. If so, it's most likely they will already have requested certification to confirm the works carried out are planning compliant and also compliant with the building regs in force at the time the works were carried out. If the vendor doesn't have those, they will likely need to engage an engineer to furnish an opinion on compliance that should confirm if all is in order.

In terms of other documentation you could ask for, instruction manuals for things like the heating system or appliances that will be left might be handy, but I believe it would be unusual to have your solicitor formally request those unless there's something out of the ordinary present.
 
Did the survey contain a proper drain inspection. I’m hearing of more and more issues with proper drainage and rodent issues. I’d definitely be throwing some money to get someone to scope the drains and report back.

Major thing is that you have all your ducks in a row, obv you have a full mortgage offer not AIP, house insurance, life assurance etc. Are you selling a property? What timescale are the vendors hoping for.

Find out what fixtures and fittings inc white goods are included - the estate agent should have a list of this.
The solicitor should be checking all the legal aspects so wouldn’t worry about those.

Above all make sure you do a pre sale closing 24-48 hours before the actual closing (not contract signing!) and check the attic and shed etc. You’d be amazed what rubbish people leave behind!!
 
luckystar said:
Did the survey contain a proper drain inspection. I’m hearing of more and more issues with proper drainage and rodent issues. I’d definitely be throwing some money to get someone to scope the drains and report back.
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Full drain surveys are extremely rare in the purchase process here and are usually reserved for very old properties that might have old clay pipes and settlement issues. We're had very little mention of any such issues over the years here. Usually the visual inspection a surveyor will carry out to show they are free draining is sufficient to highlight a potential issue.
 

I’d agree. But know of 2 people in the last year that have had terrible problems with vermin. All relatively new (10/20 years old) dublin suburban housing estates. And a old property that had work done but the old drains weren’t sealed and now problems or worse still built over manhole coverings. But yes it is unusual to have a drain survey I agree
 
Gordon Gekko said:
Be careful that you’re not just getting in the way here; you should leave it to the professionals.
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Ho, Ho, Ho and Ha, Ha, Ha

I once worked for a major builder, we put a 200+ apartment scheme on sale, we sold more than 100 before one purchaser's solicitor spotted that the Homebond documentation was invalid.

This was a legal requirement which should have been checked by every solicitor, but none of the first 100 did.

This was a simple error on the part of the builders solicitor and easily rectified for all buyers when uncovered. But if that 1 solicitor had not spotted the problem and some purchaser was trying to claim on Homebond 10 years later they would have had no claim.

As with any professional you should try to understand what your solicitor is doing on your behalf and ensure that they have done it correctly.

You wouldn't pay for a pint of milk without seeing that the shopkeeper had put it in your bag.

See this thread what happens when you dont watch the professionals you engage to act on your behalf. https://www.askaboutmoney.com/threads/non-compliant-property-mortgage-and-vulture-fund.223274/

See especially BBs post no. 5
 
I don’t agree, but then I make it my business not to deal with chancers or to seek out the cheapest quote.
 
Gordon Gekko said:
I don’t agree, but then I make it my business not to deal with chancers or to seek out the cheapest quote.
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Buying the best, or even the most expensive is no guarantee

Wrong kidney removed despite concern of parents

SURGERY WHICH resulted in a child having the wrong kidney removed at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Dublin…
www.irishtimes.com

This was 12 years ago, but I still remember the horror I felt when I read it. Sorry if this is a little off topic, but I believe the OP is right to be aware of what the professionals are doing on his behalf.
 
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