Buying property in Ireland as an Expat is never as simple as it seems, but having someone with you that is invested in understanding what you need from a home is a brilliant first step. Especially if they help you find what you want when you didn’t even know yourself.

This is Part 1 of my conversation with Andrew Rhatigan of Rhatigan Real Estate and I have to say, I really enjoyed this one! Many of you are either planning a move to Ireland or trying to buy from abroad, and what Andrew brings is something quite different. His background in psychology means he approaches property through a people-first lens - not a sales lens. He’s not just a buyers agent who spends your money, but takes the time to understand you.

Andrew walks us through what buying in Ireland is really like: why Sale Agreed isn’t legally binding, why timelines can stretch far longer than expected, and why simply having funds doesn’t automatically put you at the top of the list.

For Andrew, buying property is rarely just about bricks and mortar. It’s about life decisions, relationships, expectations, and sometimes blind spots we don’t even realise we have. Andrew’s real skill is helping clients step back, gain clarity, and avoid making an expensive decision for the wrong reasons.

Main Topics Discussed in this Episode:

Andrew’s Psychology-Led Approach to Property: Andrew explains how his background in psychology shapes the way he works with clients, focusing on uncovering motivations and blind spots rather than simply facilitating a transaction.
Clarity Over Pressure in the Buying Process: We discuss how Andrew challenges clients’ assumptions, respectfully “picks apart” wish lists, and helps them separate wants from needs before making a major financial commitment.
Common Misconceptions Expats Have About the Irish Property Market: From assuming the asking price is fixed to believing money alone guarantees priority, we unpack the realities that often surprise buyers moving to Ireland.
Understanding the Nuances of Sale Agreed, Booking Deposits & Legal Timelines: We step through what “under offer” and “sale agreed” really mean in Ireland, why booking deposits are not legally binding, and why timelines can be far longer than expected.
Why Property is 90% People and 10% Bricks & Mortar: Andrew shares how sellers’ motivations, family dynamics, and personal circumstances can shape outcomes, and why understanding the human side of a deal is often the key to securing the right home.

**Special Offer from Andrew**

Taxbytes For Expats listeners will get 25% off their purchase of the Property Blueprint when you mention “ExpatTaxes” upon your purchase. Click the following link to access this deal: https://propertyplan.ie/.

Get in touch with Andrew Rhatigan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewrhatigan/

Website: https://www.rre.ie/

Podcasts: “Shut the Front Door” / “Beyond Just Business”

*****

Use the link below and quote "Expat Taxes" when registering with Currencies Direct to receive a €50 One4All or Amazon voucher when you transfer €5000 or more in your first six months with Currencies Direct.

*Click here for a special offer from our sponsor, Currencies Direct*

*****

If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/book-a-consult/.

*****

Chapters:

(00:00) Welcome to Taxbytes for Expats
(01:00) Meet Andrew Rhatigan – Psychology Meets Property
(06:36) Clarity Over Pressure: What a Buying Agent Really Does
(11:45) The Quirks of the Irish Property Market Expats Don’t Expect
(14:05) Why Viewing Ireland on Holiday Isn’t the Same as Living Here
(16:21) Relationship-Building vs Online Portals: How Property Really Works
(17:47) Timelines & Legal Realities: Why Buying in Ireland Takes Time
(19:25) Booking Deposits Explained – A Glorified Handshake?
(23:36) Under Offer vs Sale Agreed – What’s the Difference?
(24:55) From Survey to Signed Contracts – When It Becomes Legally Binding