Shut The Front Door

When you're buying a home in Ireland from abroad (and also not abroad!), it's only natural to lean on friends or family still on the ground. After all, they live locally. They know the area. They care about your outcome.

But here’s the problem: well-meaning as they are, your friends can only offer perspective, not precision. They may see the street, walk past the house, even go to a viewing. But they're not trained to spot the subtleties that turn a promising property into a long-term win, or a slow-motion disaster.

Let’s look at the seven questions your friends can’t answer properly (even though they’ll probably try).

1. Is this property actually worth it?

They might say, "It looks lovely," or "Seems fair for the area." But without comparable sales data, context on condition, and market insight, their take is emotional, not financial.

2. Is it priced to sell, or to test?

Irish pricing can be strategic. Some listings are aspirational. Others are structured to spark bidding wars. A casual observer won't know which is which, and that's where overpaying starts.

3. What’s really going on with the seller?

Your friend won’t be privy to backchannel conversations. They won’t know if the seller is motivated, stubborn, forced to sell, or just curious. That context matters in negotiations.

4. Are there hidden structural or legal issues?

Unless your friend moonlights as a surveyor or solicitor, they won't spot red flags like old extensions without compliance, subtle signs of subsidence, or awkward title complications.

5. How does it compare to other options?

It’s hard to know if a house is a standout unless you’ve seen everything else on (and off) the market. Your friend’s view is limited. Yours, by nature, is remote. That gap creates risk.

6. Is this area the right fit for your lifestyle?

Your cousin might say, "It's lovely, there's a new coffee place nearby." But what's the commute like? School catchments? Community feel? Seasonal traffic? Context is everything, especially when it is for you… not them.

7. If this isn’t the one, what’s next?

Friends don’t manage long-term strategy. They’re there for support, not sequencing. If the deal stalls or fails, what happens next? Who’s keeping the momentum?

Why This Matters

Support is valuable. But so is strategy. Buying from abroad is not a weekend project, it’s a high-stakes process that needs professional context, careful pacing, and emotional distance.

Your friends can be your eyes. But you still need a brain behind the search.

“Once is a favour, twice is a chore” - and always remember, friends, family & fools will see your search through their own lens; a dream townhouse to you may seem pokey to someone used to acres in the country.

Three Points to Ponder:

1. Do you have clarity, or just commentary?

2. Who’s asking the questions your friends won’t think to ask?

3. If this property isn’t the one, who’s helping you line up the next one?

You don’t need more opinions. You need insight. 

Because friendly advice is lovely. But a clear strategy wins deals.