Conveyancing Conference 2026 | Webinar

Pre-contract enquiries in conveyancing: navigating the new Law Society practice note
Presenter: Alex Nichol, Solicitor & Head of Title Investigations, Jacob Law LLP

The Law Society of Ireland recently published a Practice Note addressing what constitutes appropriate pre-contract enquiries in conveyancing transactions. This presentation examines the new guidance and its practical implications for solicitors managing client expectations and protecting professional boundaries.

Solicitors routinely receive client queries extending far beyond traditional conveyancing matters – from boiler service histories to septic tank maintenance records. The new Practice Note draws a distinction between legitimate title-related enquiries and “non-title matters,” but the absence of a clear definition creates significant ambiguity for practitioners.

This presentation will explore:

• Overview of the new Law Society Practice Note – key provisions and objectives
• The “title matters” vs. “non-title matters” distinction – what the guidance says (and does not say)
• Practical challenges in application – real-world scenarios where the boundary is unclear
• Managing client expectations – handling requests for non-legal matters without damaging the client relationship
• Risk management strategies – protecting your practice while providing appropriate service
• Best practice recommendations – developing clear policies on the scope of pre-contract enquiries

Navigating tax issues in conveyancing: practical implications for daily practice
Presenter: Finola O’Hanlon, Solicitor, FITI Chartered Tax Advisor, TEP – O’Hanlon Tax Limited

Tax issues arise in almost every conveyancing transaction, and as Revenue compliance becomes increasingly automated, solicitors are routinely expected to navigate complex CGT, CAT, stamp duty, and VAT queries in the course of advising clients on property matters. This session will assist practitioners in identifying and managing tax issues in day-to-day conveyancing work.

Tax considerations can fundamentally influence contract conditions, completion timing, documents required, and the release of client funds. Solicitor firms can also carry secondary liability for CGT and income taxes in transactions involving non-resident clients – making early identification of tax issues essential.

This presentation will explore:

• Common tax scenarios in property transactions – CGT, stamp duty, and VAT issues solicitors encounter regularly
• Tax implications at each transaction stage – from pre-contract considerations through to post-completion obligations
• How tax affects contract terms and conditions – including clauses that account for tax positions and liabilities
• Timing and completion strategies – when tax considerations dictate transaction scheduling
• Client advisory best practices – communicating tax implications clearly and knowing when to refer to specialists
• Risk management and due diligence – identifying red flags and protecting your practice
• Recent developments and common pitfalls – legislative updates and frequently encountered errors

Tenancy reforms: key legislative changes & emerging issues in landlord and tenant law
Presenter: David Soden, Solicitor – Lecturer & Tutor, Law Society of Ireland

Significant reforms to the rental sector came into effect on 1 March 2026, representing some of the most substantial changes to landlord and tenant law in recent years. This presentation provides a timely overview of the key legislative developments and examines their practical impact for legal practitioners advising landlords, tenants, and property clients.

This presentation will explore:

1. Overview of the 2026 rental sector reforms
   The Government has approved significant changes to rent regulation, tenancy duration, and security of tenure, applying to new tenancies created on or after 1st March 2026. These reforms arise from Government decisions of June 2025 and subsequent legislative proposals.
2. Tenancies of Minimum Duration (TMDs) – rolling six-year tenancies. From 1st March 2026, new tenancies are subject to rolling six-year Tenancies of Minimum Duration, featuring:

• Stronger security of tenure for tenants for the full six-year term
• Limited grounds on which landlords may end tenancies (e.g., breach of obligations, property no longer suitable)
• Different rules for smaller landlords (three or fewer tenancies) versus larger landlords (four or more tenancies)
• Specific termination rights at the end of each six-year term

3. Rent setting and rent increase rules. New reforms introduce clearer and stricter rent regulation:

• Rules for new tenancies created from 1st March 2026 (including market rent resets and CPI caps)
• Rules for existing tenancies in place before 28th February 2026 (continued CPI or 2% caps)
• Understanding when landlords can reset rent to market level

4. Additional context from wider rental sector changes. Related developments including:

• Government approval of the Residential Tenancies Bill 2026
• Establishment of a forthcoming Rent Price Register and statutory definition of “market rent”
• Confirmation that current tenancies remain unaffected by the new rules

Conference sponsor:

We are delighted to welcome Currencies Direct Ireland as sponsor of this conference.

Currencies Direct Ireland provides currency transfer solutions tailored to solicitors and legal professionals. With over 25 years’ experience, offices across four continents, and a team of 750+ currency experts transferring €11 billion in international payments annually, they are one of Europe’s most established and trusted currency providers.

To find out more about how Currencies Direct Ireland can support your practice, visit here.