Greater Duty On Seller, Says Society

Plans for a shake-up in the way property transactions are dealt with in Ireland are to be brought forward today.

It is expected the Law Society's report, named eConveyancing: Back to Basic Principles, will suggest those selling homes should have increased responsibility.

The Society will recommend the legal processes of buying, selling and remortgaging should all be conducted electronically.


Proposals will also be made for all land sales to be recorded by the Land Registry.

Today's proposals have been described as a "root and branch reform of the entire conveyancing process".

The report, which is the result of a three-year study, aims to reduce fraudulent actions associated with property and land purchases. Focusing on the illegal practice of borrowing multiple mortgages on a single property.

The burden of risk connected with buying property should be shifted from the buyer to the seller, according to the Law Society. A change that would revolutionise a centuries long tradition.

The report also stipulates sellers should also have a duty to divulge any relevant details associated with a house.

The comprehensive report will be presented to the Law Reform Commission later today.

(PR/JM)