Buying office space in Ireland can be a smart move whether you’re future-proofing your startup, expanding your business footprint, or building long-term equity. But before you start browsing locations and comparing floorplans, it’s vital to understand the paperwork involved.
That’s where the FindQo Office Space Calculator comes in not just as a sizing tool, but as a strategic planner for your workspace needs. While you handle the legal side of things, the calculator gives you a data-backed breakdown of exactly how much space you need based on your team, goals, and growth plans. It’s free, requires no sign-up, and helps simplify the journey from “thinking about it” to signing the dotted line.
So, what do you actually need to legally purchase an office space in Ireland? Let’s walk through the essentials.
Legal Paperwork Required to Buy Office Space in Ireland
Whether you’re a limited company or a sole trader, there are several key documents you’ll need before you can acquire office space. These ensure the transaction is legally valid and financially secure.
1. Proof of Identity and Legal Entity
To begin the purchase, you’ll need to verify who is buying the property:
- Companies: Certificate of incorporation, director ID, and company registration number
- Individuals: Passport or driving licence and proof of address
- Foreign buyers: May require notarised or translated documents
2. Proof of Funds or Mortgage Approval
Whether buying outright or with financing, the seller and solicitor will require:
- Bank statements or
- A letter of mortgage approval from your lender
Funds will be checked for compliance with Ireland’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations.
3. Tax Identification Numbers
If your business is Irish-based, your Tax Reference Number or VAT number may be requested during due diligence.
For international buyers, a non-resident tax number will be needed to complete tax obligations tied to the transaction.
4. Solicitor Appointment & Title Checks
Before proceeding, you’ll need to:
- Appoint an Irish solicitor experienced in commercial property
- Request a title check on the property to confirm ownership, boundaries, and planning permissions
Solicitors will also review any covenants or zoning restrictions, which might limit how you can use the property.
5. Purchase Agreement and Deposit
Your solicitor will draft or review the Sale and Purchase Agreement, which outlines the price, terms, and closing conditions.
At this point, you’ll usually:
- Pay a booking deposit (typically 10%)
- Agree on a closing timeline
Why Space Planning Comes First – Not Last
Before finalising a purchase, it’s essential to know what kind of space your team actually needs. Buying too much leads to higher costs. Too little, and you’re renovating again within the year.
That’s where the FindQo Office Space Calculator becomes your best early-stage ally. It works in three smart ways:
1. List-Based Inputs for Clear, Structured Estimates
Start by entering key details:
- Number of employees
- Workspace preferences (e.g. private office, open plan, hotdesking)
- Facilities needed like meeting rooms, breakout zones, or quiet pods
This helps define the square footage required before you look at any listings or negotiate prices.
2. Question-Answer Logic for Smarter Results
After the initial inputs, the tool asks tailored follow-up questions based on your answers:
- “How often is your team in the office?”
- “Will this space be used for client meetings?”
- “Are you planning to grow the team in the next 12 months?”
This AI-driven logic provides refined, use-specific results that reflect how your office will operate rather than just how many people you employ.
3. Results by Use Case: Startups, Hybrid Teams, and More
Different types of businesses have different workspace needs. The calculator adapts accordingly.
Let’s take a closer look at how that plays out.
Use Case: Startups Needing Strategic Investment
Startups often aim to balance long-term investment with short-term runway. Owning office space offers control, but it has to make sense:
- Will your team scale fast?
- Are flexible layouts important?
- Can part of the space be sublet later?
With the office space calculator, startups can simulate different growth models and instantly get tailored size and layout suggestions so you can buy just the space you need, with room to expand.
Use Case: Hybrid Teams Navigating the New Normal
Not everyone is in the office every day and that changes everything. You might only need:
- 60% of desks compared to a traditional setup
- More collaboration rooms and fewer private offices
- Smart storage and booking systems
The calculator helps hybrid teams forecast occupancy needs by asking:
“How many team members are in the office at once, on average?”
From there, it delivers recommendations that avoid empty desks and wasted square metres.
Use Case: Remote-First Companies Planning for the Occasional Meet-Up
Remote-first doesn’t mean remote-only. You still need:
- Boardroom access for quarterly meetings
- Interview spaces
- A base for visiting teams or clients
Rather than committing to daily-use space, the calculator helps remote-first businesses plan occasional-use layouts. You can then search for flexible commercial properties or mixed-use office buildings that match that profile.
Other Benefits of Using the FindQo Office Space Calculator
Beyond precision and planning, the tool offers:
- Free access, no limits or sign-up walls
- Ireland-specific data, including trends and averages by region
- Support for a wide range of business types and industries
- AI-powered results that evolve with user trends and inputs
Whether you’re buying in Dublin, Galway, or Limerick, you’ll receive insights tailored to the local commercial landscape.
Final Steps After Using the Office Space Calculator
Once you’ve run your scenarios, here’s what to do next:
- Download or note the estimated space requirements
- Share this with your estate agent or solicitor to narrow property searches
- Ensure the building you’re considering fits your layout plan
- Proceed with your due diligence and documentation
Remember: Planning the right amount of space before you buy can save tens of thousands in renovation costs, underutilised space, or restrictive layouts later on.
Plan Smart, Buy Smart
Buying office space in Ireland is a milestone worth celebrating but it’s also one that demands smart planning. With the right paperwork in place and the FindQo Office Space Calculator guiding your space needs, you’ll be well positioned to make a confident, cost-effective purchase.
