Buying property in Northern Ireland?
It should be exciting.
But too often, it turns stressful, expensive, or worse – a legal mess.
We’ve seen it all at Allsopp Campbell Rainey.
Buyers rushing into deals. Sellers hiding problems.
So, if you’re buying a house, investing in a rental, or purchasing business premises – here’s what you need to know to avoid the pain.
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“Conveyancing isn’t just paperwork. It’s where real risks hide” – Darren Rainey
Darren Rainey has been helping people buy and sell property across Northern Ireland for 20+ years.
He’s handled everything from first homes to big developments.
“One client came to me after trying to do things cheap and fast elsewhere. The paperwork looked tidy – but the title had major access issues. It could’ve cost them thousands.”
Conveyancing might seem straightforward. But it’s where critical legal checks happen:
- Ownership and title: is the seller even entitled to sell it?
- Boundaries and access: any shared driveways? Rights of way?
- Planning permissions and building control: are there past breaches that could become your problem?
- Mortgage lender requirements: There is a whole handbook of standing rules from lenders which can slow the process or prevent matters proceeding.
2. “Buyers often don’t know what’s missing – until it’s too late.” – Neil Allsopp
Neil Allsopp has worked on everything from homes to multi-million-pound commercial deals.
“I once spotted a lease clause that would have stopped a retailer putting up signage. The buyer hadn’t seen it. Their business relied on footfall. That clause would have killed the trade they expected.”
Don’t rely on instinct. Rely on someone who’s actually read the small print – and knows what it means in real life.
3. “When commercial deals go wrong, they go very wrong.” – Andrew Campbell
Andrew has 20+ years in law in London and Belfast.
He’s worked with entrepreneurs, developers, and high-growth firms.
“In one case, our client almost signed up to take on £40,000 of rental payment obligations to a landlord company that had fallen into administration. The contract had hidden triggers buried in legalese. We rewrote the deal and kept the client safe.”
4. What To Do Next
Before you buy, get advice that is:
- Local: Northern Ireland law and local property quirks matter
- Commercial: someone who understands how the deal stacks up
- Fast: conveyances have a reputation for plodding along at a set pace, frustrating clients. We will try to fit your timeframe if that is in any way possible.
FAQs
Q: How much does conveyancing cost?
We offer fixed-fee conveyancing. No surprises, no hidden charges.
Q: Can Allsopp Campbell Rainey act for both buyer and seller?
Usually not – that’s a conflict of interest. We’ll always explain how it works.
Q: What’s the first step?
Talk to us before you make an offer on a purchase or a lease. We’ll help you start right.
Buying property in Northern Ireland?
Don’t get burned.
Let Allsopp Campbell Rainey keep it clean, clear and legally watertight.