Missing Title Deeds – Expert Advice from Solicitor Partner Damian Woods – Jacob Law LLP | Irish Independent Article
AML
When purchasing a property for cash, the legal requirements on both you (as purchaser) and us (as your solicitors) are more extensive than if the property were being purchased with the benefit of a mortgage loan.
This is because financial institutions carry out their own anti-money laundering checks when providing mortgage funds. Where no bank is involved, it falls entirely on us to ensure that the money being used to purchase the property comes from a legitimate and verifiable source.
The law requires solicitors to carry out strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks. These are designed to prevent money that may come from illegal activity from being used in property transactions. The checks protect not only the integrity of the transaction but also you as a client, by ensuring that everything is fully above board and properly recorded.
For a cash purchase, the level of detail we must request is higher than in a mortgage purchase. This means we must obtain clear documentary evidence showing where the funds have originated. Examples include:
These requirements may feel intrusive, but please be assured they are a standard legal obligation for all cash purchases-
We cannot proceed to complete your purchase without first establishing and documenting the source of funds to the required legal standard. This protects you from future complications and ensures that the purchase complies with all statutory obligations. By carrying out these checks thoroughly now, we safeguard your interests and ensure there is no question about the legitimacy of the transaction at a later stage.
The additional work involved in carrying out these extensive AML checks is significant. Our fee for completing this element of the work will be €200 plus VAT. This covers the time spent reviewing documents, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with the regulatory framework.
We appreciate that these requirements can sometimes feel burdensome, but they are essential to protect both you and the transaction. Please rest assured that this is a routine part of cash purchases, and once the checks are complete, you can move forward with confidence knowing that everything is fully compliant.
If you have any questions or need guidance on the type of documents we will need, please let us know. We will be happy to walk you through the process step by step.
Jacob Law LLP, September 2025
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