When a property is changing ownership the transferring attorney will
 need to apply to the council (local authority) for a rates clearance
 certificate. The clearance figure is normally six months in advance
on the sellers account. Only once the amount is paid in full will the
 council give the transferring attorney the clearance certificate.
Without the clearance certificate the transfer will be rejected by
 the Registrar of Deeds and this will prolong the change of ownership.
 After registration the council will refund the seller the amount paid
 in advance. The transferring attorney will notify the council of the
registration, however it is not their responsibility to get the refund
back it is ultimately the responsibility of the seller. Due to workloads
 at the council it normally takes several months to obtain the refund.