Becoming mortgage free is a huge achievement, but it also comes with new responsibilities - including deciding where to keep your house deeds.
These important documents prove your legal ownership, and with some solicitors no longer offering storage services, homeowners are often left to figure out the next steps on their own.
We've been taking a look at the different ways to store your house deeds now that the mortgage is finally behind you.
Do solicitors store deeds?
Most solicitors in Ireland do store house deeds, according to the Law Society of Ireland, the representative and regulatory body for the sector.
"The storage of deeds is a service that many solicitors provide for free, with others offering this service for a fee," the body said in response to our query.
"Generally, solicitors practices are well equipped to store deeds upon request," it added.
The Law Society added that it would encourage homeowners to ensure that their deeds are stored safely and securely.
What other options are there?
There are other storage options if your solicitor doesn't provide the service, or if you simply want to explore other routes.
Specialist storage facilities are available across the country, with many accepting important documents such as deeds and wills.
One such company, Deeds Storage in Lucan was set up in 2013 by solicitor Dermot P Coyne for that exact purpose.
Mr Coyne was already storing his own clients' title deeds, but noticed a growing number of non-clients coming through his door looking for storage, as their own solicitors did not have the facilities to store them.
"Dermot recognised the need for this service and set about developing the facilities - fire insulating the storage vault and installing specialised shelving," said Dermot's son Dan Coyne who manages Deeds Storage.
Why are some solicitors not storing deeds?
Property solicitors can be dealing with hundreds of sales in a year - which equals a lot of documentation.
According to Mr Coyne, some solicitors just don't have the space to store all the deeds they're asked to look after.
"Title deeds are bulky documents that take up a lot of space," he said.
He also highlighted the responsibility and costs involved in storing such documents - including insurance and protection against fire and flooding.
Mr Coyne, who is hoping to begin his solicitor's traineeship in December, said they plan to expand Deeds Storage in the new year and take on a legal executive with experience in conveyancing and handling title deeds.
How does Deeds Storage work?
In addition to storing the documents, the team at Deeds Storage check that your title deeds are in order.
For example, they'll check if you have all the documents required.
"It's very common for a client to have received title deeds from the bank and the mortgage discharge has not been registered," Mr Coyne explained.
"You cannot sell your property with an outstanding mortgage charge registered with the land registry, unless you present the sealed discharge to the purchasing solicitors."
They will also scan and digitise your documents, and provide clients with copies.
The company said most of their clients are individuals or couples who have just finished paying off their mortgage and want to place their title deeds in storage for their heirs.
"For these people, it is very important that their affairs are in order, that their title deeds are complete and their loved one's know where to find their Deeds," Mr Coyne said.
"Where a client has passed, the executor will contact and inform us.
"We then request that they ask the solicitor handling the probate to formally request the title deeds and we will send them directly to their offices."
Mr Coyle said they often give clients their card to put with their will, so their executor knows who to contact.
What about storage boxes?
There are plenty of companies across the country that have storage box facilities, such as Merrion Vaults and Sentinel Vaults.
These could be an option for people who have their title deeds in order, and who also want to store other items.
"Ensuring the protection and security of your valuable possessions, important documents, or even precious gold bullion is our top priority," Merrion Vaults writes on its website.
"Rest assured, our custom built vaults, modern security systems, and well-trained staff will give you the peace of mind you deserve."
How do prices differ?
Whether you choose to store your deeds with a solicitor or at a storage facility you will mostly likely be charged an annual fee.
Costs will vary from solicitor to solicitor, and according to the Law Society of Ireland the service is sometimes offered for free to clients.
In terms of storage facilities, fees start at around €40 per year.
It's worth shopping around to see where you can get the best price for your secure storage.
What happens if I lose my deeds?
Title deeds can be expensive to replace if lost or stolen.
The Law Society of Ireland warned the cost can be significant.
"This is to take account of the professional time required to replace these deeds, and cover costs to others, including the replacement of professional opinions on compliance, maps, local authority planning permissions and letters of compliance etc," the body explained.
So, wherever you decide to store your documents, make sure it's secure and offers easy access.
Afterall, your home's future is in those papers.
