The certificate of compliance cost in Ireland typically ranges between €400 and €1,500 for standard residential properties, and between €2,000 and €5,000+ for larger commercial developments.
The exact price will depend on the scale of the work, location, and the level of inspection required.
Now, if you’re planning building work or buying a property, it’s essential to understand why this certificate matters, how it’s issued, and what goes into the cost.
What Exactly is a Certificate of Compliance?
A Certificate of Compliance is an official confirmation—usually issued by a registered architect, engineer, or building surveyor—that a property or construction project complies with planning permission and/or building regulations.
This certificate may relate to:
- Planning compliance: that the development was built in accordance with planning permission or qualifies as exempted development.
- Building regulation compliance: confirming that the building meets building regulations.
It can come in the form of an Opinion on Compliance or a Certificate of Exemption, depending on the case. These documents are essential for property sales, legal conveyancing, or mortgage approvals—the Law Society of Ireland expects solicitors to request them before completing property transfers.
Why is This Certificate So Important?
Without a Certificate of Compliance, you’re essentially taking a legal and financial risk. You may face:
- Legal issues if the property doesn’t meet planning regulations
- Delays in property sale or mortgage approval
- Insurance claim issues in the event of structural damage
- Questions from the local authority about non-compliance
This document assures all parties—owners, buyers, lenders, and regulators—that the building and planning aspects were handled properly.
Certificate of Compliance Cost in Ireland: Average Prices You Can Expect
Here’s a rough guide to current pricing in Ireland:
| Type of Property | Average Cost Range |
| Small residential extension | €400 – €800 |
| Full residential property | €800 – €1,500 |
| Commercial unit or large build | €2,000 – €5,000+ |
These are ballpark figures. Costs may increase if:
- Additional inspections are needed
- The original drawings or permissions are missing
- Legal clarifications or planning searches are required
Remember, the cost of non-compliance—such as fines, legal costs, or reduced property value—far exceeds the cost of getting it done right.
What Influences the Cost of a Certificate of Compliance?
Although there’s a general cost range, several key factors will influence what you’ll end up paying.
1. Type and Size of the Property
A small house extension or attic conversion may cost less to certify than an entire new dwelling or commercial unit. That’s because larger or more complex projects require more visual inspection, more time reviewing documentation, and more risk for the professional issuing the certificate.
If your project is extensive or involves unusual building work, it’s likely to fall on the higher end of the cost scale.
2. The Nature of the Certificate Needed
There are generally two types:
i). Opinion on Compliance with Planning Permission: confirms that development was carried out according to the approved plans or qualifies as exempted development.
ii). Opinion on Compliance with Building Regulations: relates to the construction methods and materials used.
Sometimes, both are required. If so, this will increase the cost slightly.
3. The Location of the Property
Location matters. In major urban centres like Dublin or Cork, fees may be slightly higher due to increased demand for qualified professionals. In contrast, rural areas might see slightly reduced pricing—but also potentially fewer available professionals.
Also, some planning authorities have unique local conditions or restrictions which may complicate the compliance check.
4. The Condition of the Property
Older buildings or properties that underwent undocumented modifications may need additional assessments to confirm compliance. Missing planning documents, poor building records, or alterations without prior approvals can require a more involved review.
A straightforward visual inspection might suffice in one case, while another might require digging through archives or even submitting a retention application before a certificate can be issued.
5. Professional’s Expertise
Fees are also influenced by the registered architect, engineer, or building surveyor you hire. Experienced professionals with a reputation for diligence and compliance (rightly) charge more because they take on legal liability when signing an original signed certificate.
They’re not just filling out a form—they’re putting their name to a professional opinion on compliance. And that carries real weight if questions arise later.
What’s Included in the Cost?
While every professional works differently, you’re typically paying for:
- Site inspection and review of building works
- Checking documentation (planning permissions, maps, drawings)
- Professional drafting of an Opinion or Certificate of Compliance
- If required, clarification from the planning authority
You may also need a Certificate of Exemption if the works fall under exemption from planning rules—but this still requires a formal assessment.
What About Self-Builds or Unregulated Work?
If you’ve done any construction without planning permission, even if you believe it’s exempt, it’s vital to get a professional to issue a certificate of exemption or review it under planning regulations. Many homeowners assume small jobs don’t need certification—but this can backfire when it’s time to sell or refinance.
Getting that opinion on compliance ensures you’re not left in limbo.
Tips for Choosing a Professional
- Look for a registered architect, chartered engineer, or building surveyor with experience in both planning compliance and building regulations.
- Always ask what’s included in the fee.
- Ensure the document is an original signed certificate—not just a letter or note.
The right professional will flag issues early and provide you with a clear path to compliance.
Need Expert Help? Talk to TPD Solutions
If you’re unsure whether your property is compliant—or if you’re about to buy, sell, or refinance—a Certificate of Compliance is not something to leave to chance.
At TPD Solutions, we provide Certificate of Compliance Services and our consultants handle everything from simple visual inspections to complex building and planning assessments. Whether you need help understanding exempted development or want an accurate opinion on compliance with building regulations, we’ve got the experience to guide you.
Conclusion
In summary, the cost of a Certificate of Compliance in Ireland will usually sit between €450 and €1,200, depending on your project’s size, complexity, and location. This fee covers the inspection, review, and issuance of a professionally backed certificate.
For anyone involved in building work, whether current or historical, having this certificate ensures your property is market-ready, compliant with Irish planning regulations, and protected from future disputes.
It’s a vital document—not just a tick box—and having it done right can save you time, money, and legal stress down the road.
Need a Certificate of Compliance? Get it done right with TPD Solutions. Reach out to us now!