Stay Safe

Protect yourself from fraud and scams when buying or selling property

If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is

Never transfer money, provide banking details, or sign contracts until you have:

•Verified the seller's identity with proper documentation
•Physically viewed the property in person
•Engaged a qualified solicitor to handle the transaction
•Confirmed property ownership through the Land Registry

The DO's - Essential Safety Steps

DO Use a Solicitor

Always engage a qualified solicitor to handle your property transaction. They will:

✓Conduct title searches and verify ownership
✓Review contracts and protect your interests
✓Handle funds securely through client accounts
✓Ensure legal compliance throughout the process

DO Verify Identity

Always verify the identity of the person you're dealing with:

✓Meet in person and request photo ID
✓Verify ownership with Land Registry documents
✓Check the seller's name matches the title deeds
✓Be wary of sellers who avoid in-person meetings

DO View in Person

Never commit to a property without seeing it first-hand:

✓Arrange a physical viewing of the property
✓Visit the neighborhood and check local amenities
✓Consider hiring a surveyor for inspection
✓Take photos and notes during your viewing

DO Conduct Due Diligence

Research thoroughly before making any commitments:

✓Check property price history and market value
✓Research planning permissions and restrictions
✓Verify BER certificate and energy ratings
✓Check for any outstanding mortgages or liens

DO Get Mortgage Approval

Secure financing before making serious offers:

✓Get mortgage approval in principle from your bank
✓Understand all costs involved (legal fees, stamp duty, etc.)
✓Factor in renovation or repair costs
✓Only offer what you can genuinely afford

DO Keep Records

Document everything throughout the process:

✓Save all emails and messages with sellers/buyers
✓Keep copies of all documents and contracts
✓Document viewing dates and observations
✓Maintain a paper trail for all payments

The DON'Ts - Critical Warnings

DON'T Send Money Directly

NEVER transfer money directly to a seller. Common scams include:

✗"Deposit" or "holding fee" requests before viewing
✗Wire transfers to foreign bank accounts
✗Cash-only deals with no paper trail
✗Cryptocurrency or untraceable payment methods

All payments must go through your solicitor's client account.

DON'T Rush Your Decision

Be wary of high-pressure tactics designed to rush you:

✗"Must decide today" or limited-time offers
✗Claims of "other buyers waiting" without evidence
✗Pressure to skip legal or inspection processes
✗Sellers who discourage getting professional advice

Take your time. Legitimate sellers will understand due diligence takes time.

DON'T Ignore Red Flags

Walk away if you encounter these warning signs:

✗Prices far below market value with no explanation
✗Seller refuses in-person meetings or viewings
✗Poor quality photos or stolen property images
✗Inconsistent stories or reluctance to answer questions
✗Seller claims to be "overseas" or "relocating urgently"

DON'T Share Sensitive Info

Protect your personal and financial information:

✗Never share bank account details or passwords
✗Don't send copies of ID documents via unsecured channels
✗Avoid providing PPS number unless legally required
✗Be cautious with personal details in public messages

Your solicitor is the only person who needs sensitive financial details.

DON'T Sign Without Legal Advice

Never sign documents without proper legal review:

✗Contracts or agreements without solicitor review
✗"Simple agreements" that bypass legal processes
✗Pre-signed blank contracts or forms
✗Documents with unusual clauses or terms

DON'T Use Unsecured Channels

Avoid unsafe communication and transaction methods:

✗Meeting in isolated or unsafe locations
✗Using only mobile numbers (get landline/business number too)
✗Relying solely on WhatsApp or social media messaging
✗Accepting verbal agreements without written confirmation

Common Property Scams to Watch For

The "Too Good to Be True" Cash Buyer

Scam: Buyer offers significantly above asking price, claims to be a cash buyer, and wants to close quickly. They may send fake bank statements or checks.

Protection: Always verify funds through your solicitor. Never accept personal checks or direct transfers. Genuine cash buyers will have no problem with proper legal verification.

The Fake Rental/Sale Listing

Scam: Fraudsters copy legitimate property listings, lower the price, and claim to be the owner. They may use stolen photos and request deposits.

Protection: Verify ownership through Land Registry. Meet the seller at the property. Be suspicious of prices well below market value or sellers who can't show the property.

The Advance Fee Fraud

Scam: Seller requests upfront payments for "application fees," "paperwork," "security deposits," or "surveys" before you've seen the property or engaged a solicitor.

Protection: Never pay any fees before engaging your own solicitor. All legitimate costs go through proper legal channels, not directly to sellers.

The Overseas/Urgent Sale

Scam: Seller claims to be overseas or in an urgent situation (inheritance, divorce, illness) and needs quick sale. They can't meet in person and pressure for immediate payment.

Protection: Insist on in-person meetings and viewings. If seller truly can't attend, they should have a local solicitor or power of attorney representative. Never buy sight unseen.

Found Properties - Special Safety Guidelines

The Found Properties feature connects people with vacant and derelict properties. This requires extra care and respect for property rights and privacy.

For Property Spotters - DO's

✓Take photos from public land only - Never enter private property without permission
✓Be respectful and discreet - Don't disturb neighbors or the surrounding area
✓Only report genuinely vacant properties - Don't report occupied homes
✓Provide accurate information - Include visible details that help verify the property's status
✓Respect "No Trespassing" signs - Always stay on public roads and paths

For Property Spotters - DON'Ts

✗Never trespass - Stay off private property. Trespassing is illegal and potentially dangerous
✗Don't contact owners directly - Let interested parties and legal processes handle contact
✗Don't harass or repeatedly photograph - One submission is enough
✗Don't break in or enter structures - Even if doors are open, entering is illegal
✗Don't share exact addresses publicly - Our platform handles location information appropriately

For Interested Buyers - DO's

✓Engage a solicitor first - Have legal representation before contacting owners
✓Verify ownership through Land Registry - Confirm who actually owns the property
✓Be polite and professional - Owners may be dealing with difficult circumstances
✓Understand renovation costs - Derelict properties often need extensive work
✓Get professional surveys - Structural issues may not be visible

For Interested Buyers - DON'Ts

✗Don't show up unannounced - Always arrange proper meetings through legal channels
✗Don't pressure or harass owners - They're under no obligation to sell
✗Don't enter the property - Wait for formal viewing arrangements
✗Don't make cash offers directly - All negotiations must go through solicitors
✗Don't assume abandonment means availability - Someone still owns the property

For Property Owners

If you own a property that's been listed on our Found Properties section

Your Rights

•You have the right to request removal of your property from our platform
•We can add your property to a "Do Not Relist" zone to prevent future submissions
•You can report any harassment or inappropriate contact

To Request Removal

•Property address and listing URL
•Proof of ownership (Land Registry folio or title deeds)
•Your contact details for verification

We typically process removal requests within 48 hours of receiving valid proof of ownership.

Important Legal Information

NotForSale.ie does not:

• Verify property ownership or legal status
• Facilitate or mediate property transactions
• Guarantee accuracy of property information
• Provide legal, financial, or property advice

Users must:

• Conduct their own due diligence through proper legal channels
• Engage qualified solicitors for all property matters
• Comply with all applicable laws including trespass and privacy laws
• Accept full responsibility for their actions and communications

The Found Properties feature is a community service to help surface housing supply. All parties must act lawfully, respectfully, and with appropriate professional guidance.

Report Suspicious Activity

If you encounter suspicious behavior, potential fraud, or any safety concerns on NotForSale.ie, please report it immediately.

• Email: [email protected]
• Report to An Garda Síochána: 999 or 112 (emergency) / Local Garda Station (non-emergency)
• Consumer Protection: Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)

We take all reports seriously and will investigate promptly. Your information helps keep our community safe.

Ready to Buy or Sell Safely?

Now that you understand how to stay safe, start your property journey with confidence.