Property Registration Authority of Ireland Update - COVID-19

Further to their closure on 27 March 2020, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) announced that in order to facilitate property transactions they will be open to receive applications via An Post and DX from Monday, 20 April 2020. The announcement also confirms that the public counter will remain closed and applications will not be accepted by hand.

Solicitors will continue to lodge applications and associated payments through the pre-lodgement online facility.

Two further updates are available:

(i) In respect of Land Registry applications;

Registrations continue to be temporarily suspended save for e-registrations, however, where activities are required to support essential services and vulnerable people, these applications will be considered on a case by case basis. Land Direct services will operate as normal with the exception of copy document requests.

(ii) In respect of the Registration of Deeds.

Registrations will recommence, however no official searches or copy memorials will be available.

It is understood that any dealings received that have not been provided a dealing number to date will be entered on to the system and provided with dealing numbers during the week commencing 13 April 2020. From Monday 20 April, post and DX will be accepted and dealing numbers will be provided as soon as possible.

We understand that priority will be given as and from the date of lodgement regarding existing registered land for the period between closure on 27 March 2020 and re-opening on 20 April 2020 but priority regarding first registrations (in the Land Registry), is the date of completion.

It is welcome that the PRA is re-opening in these difficult times which will facilitate the safeguarding of priority following the completion of transactions and the carrying out of up to date property searches to facilitate closings.