Engineer's Certificate of Compliance for Planning and Sale
An engineer's certificate of compliance, often called an opinion on compliance, is a professional document confirming that works to a property comply with the planning permission granted and with the Building Regulations. In Ireland it is routinely required when selling a house where works have been carried out, such as an extension, attic conversion, garage conversion or new build, because the buyer's solicitor needs assurance the works were done lawfully and to standard. It is provided by a chartered engineer or architect who inspects the works and, where appropriate, certifies compliance. Without it, a sale can stall.
Many house sales in Ireland hit the same snag late in the process: the solicitor asks for a certificate of compliance, and the seller does not have one for the extension or attic conversion done years ago. It is one of the most common causes of delay at completion, and it is worth understanding well before you sell. This explains what a certificate, or opinion, of compliance is, when it is needed, and who can provide it.
What the Certificate Confirms
The certificate, or opinion, of compliance addresses two things: that the works comply with the planning permission granted, or were exempt from needing permission, and that they comply with the Building Regulations. It is the professional's considered opinion, based on inspection and the available information, that the works are lawful and built to the required standard.
For a buyer and their lender, it is the assurance that they are not inheriting an unauthorised or non-compliant structure.
When You Need One
- Selling a house where an extension has been added
- Attic or garage conversions that changed the use or structure
- New builds and one-off houses at completion
- Any works where planning permission was required, or where exemption needs to be confirmed
- Whenever a solicitor or lender requests it as part of conveyancing
Why It Causes Delays
The problem is timing. The certificate is easiest to obtain when the works are done and the paperwork is fresh, but it is usually only asked for years later, at the point of sale, when the original builder is gone and records are thin. That is when a rushed inspection and a scramble for documents holds up a completion.
Who Can Provide It
A certificate or opinion of compliance is provided by a suitably qualified professional, a chartered engineer or architect, who inspects the works and forms the professional opinion. Banrach are chartered structural engineers and provide certificates and opinions on compliance for planning and sale across Dublin, Kildare and the surrounding counties.
See structural engineer, architect or surveyor for who does what, and what a structural engineer's report includes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a certificate of compliance to sell my house?
Where works such as an extension, attic conversion or new build have been carried out, a certificate or opinion of compliance is routinely required by the buyer's solicitor and lender. It confirms the works comply with planning permission and the Building Regulations. Sorting it before sale avoids delays.
What is the difference between a certificate and an opinion of compliance?
The terms are used interchangeably in practice for the professional document confirming works comply with planning and the Building Regulations. It is the qualified professional's considered opinion based on inspection and available information. Your solicitor will tell you the exact wording they require.
Who can issue a certificate of compliance in Ireland?
A suitably qualified professional, a chartered engineer or architect, who inspects the works and forms the professional opinion. Banrach are chartered structural engineers and provide these certificates for planning and sale.
Selling Soon and Missing a Certificate?
Tell us about the works involved, such as an extension, conversion or new build, and when you plan to sell. We'll advise what's needed and respond with a written scope within one business day.