Why Hiring an Irish Buyers Agent is the Smartest Move for US Buyers in 2025
If you're dreaming of owning a home in Ireland but live overseas, the process can feel completely overwhelming. From navigating local laws to bidding in an unfamiliar system, buying property abroad can quickly go from exciting to exhausting. That’s where working with a reliable Irish Buyers Agent makes all the difference.
Whether you’re after a peaceful cottage in County Clare or a stylish townhouse in Dublin, a trusted expert on the ground can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the biggest benefits of hiring an Irish Buyers Agent, especially if you're an international buyer who can’t attend viewings or manage the process in person.
What Is an Irish Buyers Agent?
An Irish Buyers Agent is a licensed property professional who represents the buyer - not the seller - during the entire home buying process. Unlike estate agents (who are paid by and act for the seller), a buyer’s agent works solely in your best interests.
Top Reasons to Hire an Irish Buyers Agent in 2025
✅ 1. Get extra clarity on your property buying plans
A Buyer’s agent will listen to your thoughts, plans and wishes and help you get crystal clear on what a successful property purchase would be for you. A Buyer’s agent will help you think through how often you would use your Irish home, how far from an airport it would ideally be, whether you could rent it out when you’re not there, how walkable it should be to shops and pubs, how much work, if any, it requires, how much land you need / want. A Buyer’s agent will also be able to alert you to the type of property that might well be a mistake for you to buy.
✅2. You’ll Have a Trusted Partner on the Ground
If you're based in the US or anywhere abroad, having someone physically present in Ireland is invaluable. A Buyer’s Agent will help you understand the unique features of different parts of Ireland and advise you on their merits. She/ he will attend viewings, assess properties , and send you detailed feedback – so you're not relying solely on the selling agent whose job it is to promote and sell the property.
“This was singlehandedly the biggest purchase of our lives and we felt safe knowing Breffnie had our best interests at heart.” – Laura
✅ 3. Get Access to Off-Market Properties
Some of the best Irish homes never make it onto the public market. When a buyer’s agent is crystal clear on the kind of property that will suit you, a well networked agent is likely to have access to upcoming sales, and discreet listings that match your needs. This allows you see a wider range of properties than are available to buyers who aren’t working with a Buyer’s agent.
✅ 4. Avoid Common Pitfalls of Buying Property in Ireland
Buying in Ireland isn’t the same as buying in the US. There are different laws, bidding systems, legal timelines, and ownership types . In Ireland the legal principle is “Buyer Beware” ie. the onus is on the buyer to satisfy themselves in every particular rather than on the seller to disclose material facts. An expert Irish buyers agent helps you navigate:
Legal and planning issues
BER ratings and renovation risks
Negotiation strategies that reflect local norms
Cultural etiquette around offers and communication
✅ 5. Personalised Property Search Based on Your Needs
A great buyer’s agent takes time to understand your lifestyle, goals, and non-negotiables, whether that’s:
Rural peace and quiet
Proximity to a vibrant town
Dog-friendly land
Energy-efficient homes
They filter out unsuitable options and only send you homes that actually match your brief.
✅ 6. Timesaving
Many of the properties advertised for sale online are actually “sale agreed” ie , an offer has already been accepted by the selling agent. Selling agents often keep the sales listing for a property live on line in order to attract other potential sellers and to build up a bank of interested buyers in case the current buyer falls through. A buyer’s agent will sift through all potentially interesting properties and shortlist only those that match your preferences and needs and are actually available to buy right now.
✅ 7. It Takes the Stress Off Your Plate
Buying property remotely can feel like a full-time job - especially if you’re already working, parenting, or managing life in another country.
A reliable Irish buyers agent:
Coordinates with solicitors, engineers, and surveyors
Keeps track of deadlines and legal requirements
Updates you consistently (in your timezone!)
Manages the paperwork and keeps the pressure on all professionals involved to move the purchase forward to conclusion.
You get the home - without the headache.
How to Choose the Right Irish Buyers Agent
Not all agents are created equal. Here’s what to look for when choosing someone to represent you:
🔍 Look For:
Verified reviews and testimonials from overseas buyers
Experience working with clients in your country or timezone
Transparent pricing and services
Knowledge of both urban markets (such as Dublin, Cork and Galway) and rural areas
Excellent communication and empathy
Why Breffnie O’Kelly Is One of Ireland’s Best Buyers Agents
If you want an agent with local insight, integrity, and a calm, no-pressure approach, Breffnie O’Kelly is a name to know.
With years of experience representing buyers (especially those abroad), Breffnie brings a highly personal, honest, and thorough process to every client. From first enquiry to final handover, you’ll never feel left out of the loop or pushed into a decision.
Her approach is especially suited for:
American buyers
Expats returning home
People relocating for lifestyle or retirement
First-time international buyers
Final Thoughts: Your Home in Ireland Starts With the Right Support
Buying a home in Ireland from abroad doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming. By working with a trusted Irish Buyers Agent, you get a local expert in your corner - someone who understands your vision, protects your interests, and makes the entire experience feel manageable (and even enjoyable).
If you’re ready to explore your options, start a conversation with someone like Breffnie O’Kelly - and take the first step toward your new life in Ireland, minus the stress.
Listen to Colleen’s Tale of Moving to Ireland from America
Click on the podcast image below to listen to Colleen’s story. Colleen began by browsing homes in California, then looked at options across Europe before choosing Ireland. In the podcast, she shares her first steps in Ireland, the challenges of buying a home abroad, the contrasts between Irish and American property markets, and her concerns about relocating. She also talks about settling into village life and offers advice for anyone considering a move to the Irish countryside. This a great listen for anyone considering moving to Ireland from someone who’s been there done it and worn the t-shirt.
What Does it Cost? And How Does it Work?
Find out all about my 15 Step Buying Process and my fee structure here