Used at Stage 1: Find and check a site
How long until you move in?
The date you start your first unfinished phase. If you haven't bought a site yet, that is buying the site.
Example weeks, not Irish averages. Use your team’s schedule; enter only the time still needed for each phase, or zero if finished.
Use zero if you have already completed this phase.
Include drawings, reports and preparing a valid application.
Your allowance for waiting and further information, not a council deadline.
Allow for the appeal window and final grant. An appeal can add months.
Include prices, bank approval and notice to building control before work starts.
Use a schedule from your builder or design team.
Include certificates, fixing defects and connecting services.
Spare time at the end, before you need to leave your current home.
Your dates stay on this device.
Example: change the numbers to see yours.
Estimated move-in date
When you could move in if each phase takes the weeks entered.
| Before constructionSite 13 + design 17 + planning decision 22 + final permission 4 + builder and bank 13 | 69 weeks |
|---|---|
| Construction | 52 weeks |
| Final checks and connections | 9 weeks |
| Spare time for delays | 8 weeks |
| Total time | 138 weeks |
4 January 2027 + 138 weeks = 27 August 2029. Phases run one after another; the spare weeks sit at the end.
You have 8 weeks for delays after the planned work ends on 2 July 2029. Longer delays would push move-in back.
What to do next
- Agree the weeks with your architect and builder; set finished phases to zero and enter only the time still needed.
- Check the dates with your team before booking a move or giving notice on your current home.
- Before construction, ask your designer to confirm planning conditions and arrange the notice to building control.
Find out which insurance you need before construction begins.
See what cover I needThese dates are estimates, not council deadlines or permission to start building.
Your phase dates
- 4 January 2027 to 5 April 2027Site purchase and surveys13 weeks
- 5 April 2027 to 2 August 2027Design and submitting the planning application17 weeks
- 2 August 2027 to 3 January 2028Planning decision and any requests for more information22 weeks
- 3 January 2028 to 31 January 2028Time for appeals, then final planning permission4 weeks
- 31 January 2028 to 1 May 2028Builder prices, mortgage approval and notice to the council13 weeks
- 3 April 2028 to 17 April 2028Send the commencement notice to the councilThis tells the council when building work will start; it must arrive 14 to 28 days before that date.
- 1 May 2028 to 30 April 2029Construction52 weeks
- 30 April 2029 to 2 July 2029Final certificates, fixing defects and connecting services9 weeks
- 27 August 2029Move inAfter 8 spare weeks
How this is worked out
- Phases run one after another, each starting the day the last ends. Some work can overlap, such as design and buying the site. This planner adds all the weeks; ask your team for a separate schedule if phases will overlap.
- For the planning phase use the planning decision date tracker once you have submitted your application. A request for more information or an appeal can add months. The figures here are your own allowances, not predictions.
Notice timing follows the National Building Control Office’s guidance. Meet planning conditions and building-control requirements before starting work.
Guides that explain these figures
- How long does it take to build a house in Ireland?
- How long does planning permission last in Ireland?
- Commencement notice: what to file before you start