We receive thousands of paper applications in the post on a weekly basis which we aim to process as quickly as possible. General information on our current processing times is provided below.
We unfortunately cannot provide a specific date for when your application will be completed as it is not possible to predict how long it will take to process all applications in line ahead of yours. Every application received is different. Many require complex queries and issues to be resolved, which are only brought to light when the paper documents are examined.
We acknowledge that for certain application types, our processing times are longer than what we want them to be and assure you we are working hard to reduce times for all customers.
Useful information
Rule 58(1) of the Land Registration Rules 2012-2021 provides that applications rank for priority of registration in the order in which they are received by TÉ.
This means that we process applications in order of receipt, with the earliest lodged applications given priority for processing. This ensures fairness to all customers who are waiting on an application to complete.
For all applications that apply to make a change to a folio (registered lands), the date on which we receive your application is the date that is used for registration.
Your legal rights are protected from the moment the application is lodged, not at the point at which it is processed or completed. Where a valid application is lodged, that is in order for registration, the legal property transaction contained within the application is protected.
For applications for First Registration, it is the date of settling that is used for registration however, your legal property rights are protected from the date of lodgement due to the priority of processing provided on the date a valid application is received.
Unless there are genuine grounds for urgency, please wait for us to contact you. You can keep an eye on the current status of the application on LandDirect.ie.
You do not need to contact us for updates on the progress of your application.
You can check the current status of a pending application on LandDirect.ie for all applications which affect registered property, i.e. has a folio number.
For applications pending first registration, the status is viewable in the LandDirect.ie business account of the solicitor who lodged the application.
See more information what the different stages of processing relate to.
Validation Stage
All applications go through dedicated Validation Units on receipt. We aim to complete initial validation stage within 15 working days of receipt of an application.
Where an application meets the minimum requirements for lodgement, the application will progress through validation and on to processing. Queries may be raised at any stage during processing.
Registered Land Applications
Transactions affecting all of folio
Applications for registration which involve a transfer, charge or release of registered lands, where no change to the registry map is required, account for approximately 60% of applications for registration.
Applications are typically processed within 15 working days where the application is lodged in order.
Electronic Applications
Applications submitted electronically through eRegistration account for approximately 18% of all applications received and are processed within 10 working days.
eDischarges are typically processed within 2 working days.
Applications which require a change to the Registry Map
Processing times for applications which require a change to the Registry map are improving due to the impact of additional resourcing and implemented procedural efficiencies throughout the registration application process.
First Registration Applications
Applications for first registration of title account for approximately 12% of overall intake. First registration applications are often complex and diverse, and the first registration process often identifies issues on title or missing deeds. Once a title is registered it is guaranteed under State indemnification provisions and each application must satisfy all legal requirements prior to proceeding to registration.
Average processing times vary depending on the type of application lodged.
Solicitor certified Form 3 applications
Applications for first registration on Form 3 of the Land Registration Rules 2012-2021 which are certified by a solicitor and lodged in order, typically have substantially shorter processing times than those cases requiring an Examination of Title.
Applications requiring Examination of Title
Form 1, Form 2 and Form 5
Applications on Form 1 or Form 2 and where first registration is based on possession on Form 5 require full examination of title by Tailte Éireann. These applications often involve clarifying queries, issuance of notices and dealing with objections, which can extend processing times significantly.
Organisation wide efforts to reduce the age of applications on hand continue to have a significant impact on processing times. Applications are proceed in date of lodgement order with the oldest applications getting priority. Unless there are genuine grounds for urgency, please wait for us to contact you.
Where there is an onward sale of a property that is pending first registration, the Law Society have provided guidance on their website for practitioners: Sales where first registration is pending in the Land Registry