How to buy land in Ireland: a guide for UK buyers

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for reference purposes only. All information on this page should not be considered financial or tax advice. You are also solely responsible for calculating and paying your tax liabilities depending on the applicable law. All tax saving strategies or decisions should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor.

Looking to buy land in Ireland? Not only does Ireland have breathtaking scenery, but it’s also one of the most accessible property markets in Europe for international buyers.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to buy land in Ireland from the UK. We'll talk about factors to consider, fees, and average land prices.

If you’re also looking for ways to save money on currency exchange during the purchase, we’ll introduce a reliable and cost-effective way to send and receive large sums internationally from the money services provider Wise.

With low, transparent fees*, great mid-market exchange rates and secure, trackable transfers, Wise makes international money transfers simple and stress-free. Plus, you’ll get dedicated support from their expert team and volume discounts when sending large amounts.

Get expert support for large transfers 📞

Can foreigners buy land in Ireland?

Yes, all foreigners, regardless of their country of origin, can buy land in Ireland. There are no restrictions on foreigners, and they have the same legal rights as Irish citizens when buying land.

However, buying property in Ireland doesn’t qualify you for residency, as Ireland’s Golden Visa scheme is no longer active.

What to consider before buying land in Ireland

• Land type: Land in Ireland can be designated as agricultural, residential, industrial, or commercial. Before buying land, check the zoning category and assess planning permission to ensure it fits your intended use and avoid costly mistakes.

• Additional fees: When buying land in Ireland, you'll encounter additional fees such as legal fees, land registry fees, and surveyor fees. These fees can make up 2% - 3.5% of the purchase price.¹

• Taxes: You'll need to pay a one-time property transfer tax when you buy land in Ireland, as well as annual land taxes.

• Currency conversion costs: To buy land in Ireland, you may need to convert your British pounds to euros to be able to finance your land and any extra fees. Some banks can include a markup in the exchange rate, which can make cross-border transfers more expensive. Sign up with Wise online and you can send money worldwide for low fees* and mid-market exchange rates..

How to buy land in Ireland from the UK

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to buy land in Ireland from the UK:

Decide on the type of land

Land in Ireland is zoned for different uses. Choose residential land if you intend to build, agricultural land if you want to farm, and commercial land if you intend to start a business. However, note that zoning doesn’t equal automatic permission.

Arrange your finances

Make sure your money is ready or get pre-approval for a mortgage from a broker. Consider opening an international account in euros, as it can make transactions easier, faster, and cheaper.

Get a Personal Public Service Number

You need a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) to buy land in Ireland. You can apply for one through the Client Identity Services Office.

Find land you like

Use local real estate agents or online property sites like the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) website to find land for sale.

Get an Irish Solicitor

This is non-negotiable if you want to avoid costly mistakes. A solicitor will help you check the legal history of the land, confirm the zoning and planning status, review ownership, draft contracts, and register the land.

Hire a qualified surveyor

As in the UK, sellers in Ireland are not legally obligated to disclose any issues with the land. So it’s best to hire a surveyor to inspect the land. You can find one using the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) register

Make an offer through an estate agent

Once you and the seller agree on a price, you can sign the contract for sale and make a deposit. This ensures both parties commit to the property transfer.

Sign the deed of transfer to close

The deed of transfer is the official document signifying the land is yours. Pay the remaining sum and sign the deed. Your solicitor will register the land under your name at the Tailte Éireann after which the land is officially yours.

Is land expensive in Ireland?

Land is relatively expensive in Ireland compared to other European countries. But like everywhere else, land prices vary based on region and type. Agricultural land is typically the most affordable, while residential land is more pricey.

When you buy land in Ireland, you’ll come across some additional fees, including:

• Stamp duty: 1-6%¹
• Lawyer fees: 1% to 1.5% plus VAT¹
• Land registry: several hundred Euros
• Survey costs: €300- €600¹

How much does 1 acre of land cost in Ireland?

The average price of non-residential agricultural land in Ireland is €9,900 per acre and can range from €3,075 to €23,500 per acre.²

On the other hand, the average price of residential land is €231,171 per acre and can range from €42,981 to €1,528,324 with the most expensive regions being Dublin, Cork, and Kerry.³

Cheapest agricultural land in Ireland²

Cheapest residential land in Ireland³

Prices are for land without Residentially Zoned Land Tax

Make your investment go further with Wise

Ireland has one of the most accessible property markets in Europe for foreigners. Not only are there no restrictions, but you enjoy the same land rights as any Irish citizen. Working with an agent, a solicitor and surveyor makes buying land in Ireland from the UK easier and more secure.

Need a secure, convenient and low-cost way to pay for your land purchase in Ireland? Take a look at the Wise account from the money services provider Wise. It's not a bank account but offers some similar features and your money is safeguarded.

With Wise, you can set up large amount transfers worldwide to 140+ countries for low, transparent fees* and the mid-market exchange rates with no markup.

✅ Sign up with Wise for free

**Investments in funds are never guaranteed and your capital can be at risk. In the UK, Interest and Stocks are provided by Wise Assets — this is the trading name of Wise Assets UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Wise. Wise Assets UK Ltd is authorised as an investment firm and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA number is 839689. We do not give investment advice, and you may be subject to pay tax. If you're not sure, seek qualified advice. You can find more information about the funds on our website.

Sources used:

1. Investropa - Can foreigners buy and own land in Ireland?
2. SCSI - 2025 Agricultural land report
3. CSO - Residentially zoned land prices 2024

Sources last checked on: 2 February, 2026