The Revenue Commissioners have confirmed that: "Land or buildings will be treated as acquired on or before 31 December 2014 where either An unconditional contract has been made on or before that date (and regardless of the fact that the asset may be conveyed or transferred after that date), or A contract is made subject to a condition precedent and the condition is satisfied on or before that date."
For further information see Revenue eBrief No.101/14