Site Assessment Cost in Ireland — Soil Test, Percolation Test, Water Test, and What to Order Together
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Bundle soil + perc + water tests for €1,500–€3,000. Add a desktop feasibility study from an engineer for €300–€600.
Site assessment in Ireland runs €1,500–€3,000 if you bundle the three core tests: soil test (€800–€1,500), percolation test (€400–€800), and water yield test (€600–€1,200). Add an engineer's desktop feasibility study for €300–€600, which uses the county development plan, the OSI map, and the GSI soil map to confirm the site is buildable before you spend money on the physical tests. Most engineers will quote a bundle — saves 10–20% versus ordering separately. Don't skip the desktop study: a €500 study can tell you in two days what the €3,000 site investigation takes two weeks to confirm. Schedule the physical tests for the same visit to save on mobilisation.
When this matters most
You're sale-agreed on a site and need to commission the site assessment.
When this doesn't apply
You already have a site investigation report and a soil classification.
Sources
Geological Survey Ireland, Soil maps and geological data. https://www.gsi.ie/
Frequently asked questions
How much does a site assessment cost in Ireland?
€1,500–€3,000 if you bundle soil test, percolation test, and water yield test. Add €300–€600 for an engineer's desktop feasibility study.
Can I skip the water yield test on a site with mains water?
Yes. If the site has a confirmed Uisce Éireann connection, you don't need a well yield test. You still need a soil test and (if no mains sewer) a percolation test.
What is a desktop feasibility study?
A study by an engineer using the county development plan, OSI maps, GSI soil maps, and aerial photography. Confirms the site is buildable before commissioning physical tests. €300–€600.
When this matters most
You're sale-agreed on a site and need to commission the site assessment.
When this doesn't apply
You already have a site investigation report and a soil classification.
Where to go next
Next decision
The next step in your build sequence.
- Foul Drainage Connection in Ireland — Mains Sewer, Treatment System, or Septic →
- Is My Site Buildable in Ireland? The Five Checks That Decide It →
- Land Registry Check in Ireland — Folio, Map, and What to Look For Before You Buy →
- On-Site Electricity for a Self-Build in Ireland — Temporary Connection, Generator, or Solar →
- Ribbon Development in Ireland — The Planning Policy That Refuses Houses Along Rural Roads →
- Site Access in Ireland — Road Entrances, Sightlines, and the Road Opening Licence →
- Site Office and Welfare for a Self-Build — What You Need by Law (SHWW 2013) →
- Site Security on a Self-Build in Ireland — Hedges, Hoardings, CCTV, and Insurance →
- Site Survey in Ireland — Topographical, Measured, and Boundary Surveys →
Branch into
Adjacent decisions at the same stage.
- Flood Risk Maps in Ireland — How to Check opw.ie Before You Buy a Site →
- Percolation Tests in Ireland — EPA T-values, What They Mean, and What Costs When You Fail →
- Rural Housing Policy in Ireland 2026 — Local-Needs Tests and How Counties Vary →
- Septic Tank vs Mains Sewer in Ireland — When Each Applies and What It Costs →
- Well Yield Tests in Ireland — How to Confirm a Rural Water Supply Before You Buy →
Watch out for
Common mistakes, hidden costs, gotchas.
- Percolation Tests in Ireland — EPA T-values, What They Mean, and What Costs When You Fail →
- Septic Tank vs Mains Sewer in Ireland — When Each Applies and What It Costs →
- Site Purchase Costs in Ireland — Stamp Duty, Legal Fees, and What Adds Up →
- Irish Soil Classification — Class 1 to Class 5+ and What Each One Costs You in Foundation →
Compare with
Alternative approaches worth knowing.