Real Estate Law Services Compared — Choose the Right Legal Path for Your Property Matter
Not every property issue requires the same legal approach. This guide compares our core real estate services side by side, so you can identify exactly what applies to your situation before making a commitment.
Service-by-Service Comparison
Use this matrix to understand scope, typical timelines, and what each service covers. Hover any row for detail.
| Service Area | Conveyancing | Lease Disputes | Property Litigation | Planning & Zoning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Client | Buyers, sellers, remortgagers | Tenants, landlords, commercial lessees | Landowners, developers, neighbours | Developers, homeowners, local authorities |
| Average Duration | 6–12 weeks | 2–8 months | 4–18 months | 3–9 months |
| Court Involvement | ✗ Rarely | ✓ Sometimes | ✓ Often | ✓ Possible (An Bord Pleanála) |
| Title Search Included | ✓ Always | ✓ When relevant | ✓ Always | ✗ Not standard |
| Negotiation Phase | Contract terms only | Central to resolution | Pre-litigation & mediation | Objection & submission stage |
| Fee Structure | Fixed fee (most cases) | Hourly or staged | Staged billing | Fixed + variable |
| Urgency Level | Moderate — tied to sale closing | Can escalate quickly | High — deadlines apply | Moderate — tied to planning calendar |
| Remote Consultation | ✓ Full | ✓ Full | ✓ Initial only | ✓ Full |
Why a Comparison-First Approach Matters in Property Law
Most people contact a solicitor after they've already decided what they need. The problem is that property law doesn't always fit neatly into one category. A boundary dispute might start as a neighbour disagreement but require full litigation. A lease review might reveal planning non-compliance. Conveyancing can uncover title defects that demand separate resolution.
At Visionary Estate Law, we encourage prospective clients to compare service areas before engaging. This isn't a sales tactic — it's a diagnostic step. When you understand how conveyancing differs from property litigation, or when a lease dispute crosses into planning territory, you make sharper decisions about scope, budget, and timing.
We've structured this entire page as a comparison guide so you can self-assess before your first call. If you're still unsure after reviewing the matrix above, the scenario section below maps common situations to the right service path.
When You Need Us — Situation Guide
You're buying your first home and the vendor's solicitor is slow
This falls under Conveyancing. We handle requisitions, title checks, and closing logistics. If the vendor's side creates delays, we escalate through formal channels without letting your mortgage approval lapse.
Your commercial landlord is refusing to return your deposit
This is a Lease Dispute. We review the lease terms, assess whether the withholding is lawful, and pursue recovery through negotiation or, if necessary, the Residential Tenancies Board or Circuit Court.
A neighbour has built a structure that encroaches on your land
This requires Property Litigation. We commission a boundary survey, issue a formal notice, and if the encroachment isn't remedied, pursue an injunction through the courts.
You want to convert a barn into a dwelling but the council rejected your application
Planning & Zoning applies here. We assess the refusal grounds, prepare an appeal to An Bord Pleanála, and advise on modified designs that may satisfy planning conditions.
You've inherited property and aren't sure what obligations come with it
This often spans Conveyancing (title transfer) and potentially Lease Disputes (if tenants are in place). We map the full legal picture before recommending a single or combined engagement.
Four Legal Routes — Mapped
Route A: Transactional
For purchases, sales, transfers, and remortgages. Defined start and end. Fixed-fee in most cases. You receive a completion pack with all filed documents.
Route B: Dispute Resolution
For lease conflicts, rent arrears, deposit recovery, and break-clause disagreements. We pursue negotiation first, formal proceedings second. Staged billing applies.
Route C: Contentious Property
For boundary disputes, adverse possession claims, easement conflicts, and trespass. Court-ready from day one. We prepare evidence packs and manage expert witnesses.
Route D: Regulatory & Planning
For planning appeals, zoning challenges, enforcement notices, and development compliance. We interface directly with local authorities and An Bord Pleanála on your behalf.
What We Don't Do
Transparency includes being clear about boundaries. We do not handle family law property divisions (though we can refer you). We do not provide tax advice — we work alongside your accountant on stamp duty and CGT matters. We do not act for both parties in any transaction. If a conflict of interest arises, we disclose it immediately and help you find alternative representation.
Cost Comparison Snapshot
Indicative ranges based on 2024–2025 engagements. Actual fees depend on complexity.
| Service | Starting From | Typical Range | Fee Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Conveyancing | €1,450 | €1,450 – €2,800 | Fixed |
| Commercial Conveyancing | €2,200 | €2,200 – €6,500 | Fixed + disbursements |
| Lease Dispute | €800 | €800 – €5,000 | Hourly / staged |
| Property Litigation | €2,500 | €2,500 – €15,000+ | Staged |
| Planning Appeal | €1,800 | €1,800 – €7,000 | Fixed + variable |
Is Visionary Estate Law Right for Your Matter?
- Your property issue is based in Ireland (Republic of Ireland jurisdiction)
- You need a solicitor who explains the process before quoting a fee
- You want written scope and fee estimates before any work begins
- You prefer a firm that limits caseload to maintain responsiveness
- You value direct solicitor access — not being passed to a paralegal for substantive queries
- You are comfortable with remote consultations for initial and ongoing meetings
- Your matter involves residential or commercial property, land, leases, or planning
Request a Comparison Consultation
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Effective: 1 January 2026
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The comparison tables, fee estimates, scenario descriptions, and route maps on this page are for informational purposes only. They reflect general patterns observed across our practice and do not guarantee outcomes for any specific matter.
Every property legal issue is unique. Timelines, costs, and court involvement depend on the facts of your case, the conduct of other parties, and external factors such as court scheduling and regulatory processing times.
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