I read a story in the Irish Times about people
losing deposits of up to €20,000, when a building company went into examinership.
Laragan Developments, building apartments at Santry and Carrickmines, were paid deposits by prospective purchasers over two years ago. In March, they went into examinership with debts of almost €75m.
Deposits paid to building companies are covered under a Homebond guarantee for a maximum of 24 months. As the project stalled, this time period was used up, so the deposits were no longer covered.
Both developments are partially built with some apartments occupied. It appears that there will be a substantial delay in the completion of both developments. The examiner has said that depositors will be allowed to exit their contracts. He said the 95 individuals or couples who had put deposits on the properties would “suffer an immediate impairment”, but they would also receive a “substantial benefit” as they would be released from their contracts and could acquire alternative properties at a “substantial discount” in the current market.
I am not sure that losing a €20,000 deposit can be seen as a “substantial benefit.” Fine, they will buy a cheaper home now than the apartments were costing two years ago. But to lose that amount of money, which is very difficult for most to save while renting and living, is a serious blow to young first-time buyers. Most will not be in a position to buy anything for the foreseeable future.
As agents, when we sell a home, we ask for a deposit. This usually ranges from €5-10,000 depending on the value of the property sold.
Estate agents in Ireland have to carry a bond to protect depositors in the event of the agency running into difficulty. This bond is ridiculously small, and is not really a protection at all. It is under review at the moment, but like most things under review during this Governments tenure, it has been left undone for the last number of years.
The Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute (IAVI), of which we are members, represents c. 2,000 fully qualified auctioneers, estate agents, valuers and property professionals throughout Ireland and abroad. The Institute was founded in 1922.
In 1977 the IAVI established a Voluntary Compensation Fund, into which all members pay a contribution each year. This fund offers extra protection to the public in relation to paying deposits for property (land and/or buildings) in Ireland to IAVI Member Firms.
So if asked for a deposit when buying a property, ensure that the estate agents are members of the IAVI. This will protect your money. You should receive a Deposit Receipt letter, stating that you can ask for the return of your monies, in full, until you have signed an unconditional contract, following which the agent holds the monies as stakeholder on behalf of the seller.
Never pay a deposit directly to the seller of the property. You have no protection, little or no paper trail and potential for difficulty without the supervision of a third-party to the agreement.
Unfortunately, the purchasers above paid directly to the builder and it did not end well for them.
Buyer beware. Know who you are dealing with.
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