Land Registry Check in Ireland — Folio, Map, and What to Look For Before You Buy
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A Land Registry folio costs €30 and shows ownership, burdens, rights of way, and map. Always check before exchange.
A Land Registry folio shows ownership, burdens (rights of way, wayleaves, easements), and a map. Costs €30 from the Property Registration Authority (PRA) at landregistry.ie. Always check before exchange. Look for: burdens that restrict building (rights of way that cross the building line, wayleaves for ESB or Uisce Éireann infrastructure), previous planning references that may bind the site, and the map boundary vs the actual fence line. If the folio map doesn't match the actual boundary, a boundary survey and a deed of rectification may be needed — adds €1,000–€3,000. For unregistered land (rare in urban areas, more common in rural Ireland with old titles), the solicitor does a 40+ year title search, which is slower and more expensive.
TL;DR
A Land Registry folio shows ownership, burdens, rights of way, and a map. Costs €30 from the Property Registration Authority (PRA). Always check before exchange.
Look for: burdens (rights of way, wayleaves, easements), previous planning references, and the map boundary vs the actual fence line.
If the folio map doesn't match the actual boundary, a boundary survey and a deed of rectification may be needed. Adds €1,000–€3,000.
When this matters most
You're sale-agreed on a site, or you're reviewing the title before exchange of contracts.
When this doesn't apply
You've already completed the purchase and have a clean folio in your name.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check the land registry in Ireland?
Go to landregistry.ie and request a folio. €30 per folio. Shows ownership, burdens, rights of way, and a map. Available within 1–3 working days.
What is a folio in Ireland?
A Land Registry document that records the ownership and title details of a property. Each registered property has a unique folio number. Costs €30 to view.
What is a burden on a folio?
A right or restriction registered against the property. Common burdens: rights of way, wayleaves for utility infrastructure, easements, and charges. Always check for burdens that affect buildability.
Sources
Property Registration Authority, Land registry folios. https://www.landregistry.ie/
Frequently asked questions
How do I check the land registry in Ireland?
Go to landregistry.ie and request a folio. €30 per folio. Shows ownership, burdens, rights of way, and a map. Available within 1–3 working days.
What is a folio in Ireland?
A Land Registry document that records the ownership and title details of a property. Each registered property has a unique folio number. Costs €30 to view.
What is a burden on a folio?
A right or restriction registered against the property. Common burdens: rights of way, wayleaves for utility infrastructure, easements, and charges. Always check for burdens that affect buildability.
When this matters most
You're sale-agreed on a site, or you're reviewing the title before exchange of contracts.
When this doesn't apply
You've already completed the purchase and have a clean folio in your name.
Where to go next
Next decision
The next step in your build sequence.