Housing & Property in Ireland
Navigate the Irish housing market with confidence, whether you're renting, buying, or exploring government support schemes.
Renting Property
Guide to finding rental accommodation in Ireland
Buying Property
Process and requirements for purchasing property
Mortgage Information
Guide to mortgages and financing in Ireland
Renting in Ireland
Find the right rental accommodation and understand your rights as a tenant.
Finding Rental Properties
The rental market in Ireland can be competitive, especially in Dublin and other major cities. Here are the best places to search for rentals:
Rental Process
- 1
Property Search: Use online platforms to find suitable accommodations.
- 2
Viewings: Arrange to see properties - be prepared to make quick decisions in competitive areas.
- 3
Application: Provide references, employment details, and identification.
- 4
Deposit & First Month's Rent: Typically one month's rent as deposit plus first month's rent in advance.
- 5
Lease Signing: Review and sign a lease agreement (usually 12 months).
Tenant Rights & Responsibilities (2026 Reforms)
Major rental reforms effective March 1, 2026 significantly strengthen tenant protections:
- •6-Year Rolling Tenancies: New tenancies are now minimum 6-year cycles (Tenancies of Minimum Duration)
- •Nationwide 2% Rent Cap: Rent increases capped at 2% annually or CPI (whichever is lower) – applies everywhere, not just RPZs
- •No-Fault Eviction Ban: Landlords with 4+ tenancies cannot evict for sale, renovation, or personal use
- •Smaller Landlord Restrictions: Landlords with ≤3 tenancies have restricted termination grounds for first 6 years
- •Right to privacy and peaceful occupation
- •Property must meet minimum standards
Your responsibilities include:
- •Pay rent on time
- •Keep the property in good condition
- •Inform landlord of repairs needed
- •Allow reasonable access for inspections and repairs
Rental Costs & Assistance
Average Monthly Rents (2026)
- Dublin City: €2,200-3,000 (1-bed), €2,700-3,600 (2-bed)
- Cork City: €1,500-2,000 (1-bed), €1,900-2,400 (2-bed)
- Galway City: €1,400-1,900 (1-bed), €1,800-2,300 (2-bed)
- Limerick City: €1,200-1,700 (1-bed), €1,500-2,000 (2-bed)
- Smaller towns: €900-1,400 (1-bed), €1,100-1,700 (2-bed)
Rental Assistance Programs (2026):
- •Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)
Increased limits for 2026 with maximum rent limits raised by 20-25% in high-demand areas. Apply through your local authority.
- •Rent Tax Credit
€850 tax credit for 2026 (increased from €750). Claim through Revenue's MyAccount.
- •Cost Rental Scheme
Expanded nationwide with rents set at 25% below market rates. Available for households with income below €66,000.
- •Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS)
Long-term housing support with streamlined application process through local authorities.
Irish Mortgage Information
Essential information about mortgages in Ireland
Comprehensive Mortgage Guide
Everything you need to know about mortgages in Ireland for 2026
Our complete mortgage guide covers all aspects of the Irish mortgage landscape, including:
- •2026 Fixed and Variable Rate Comparisons (including Green Mortgages)
- •Mortgage Application Process and Timeline
- •Help to Buy Scheme (Extended to December 2027)
- •Required Documentation and Eligibility Criteria
- •2026 Central Bank Mortgage Rules and Regulations
Buying Property in Ireland
Navigate the process of purchasing your own home in Ireland.
Property Search
Finding the right property involves careful research and consideration of many factors:
- •Location and proximity to amenities
- •Property size and type
- •New vs. second-hand homes
- •BER (Building Energy Rating)
- •Future development plans in the area
Use property websites like Daft.ie andMyHome.ie, and work with reputable estate agents.
Buying Process
- 1
Mortgage Approval in Principle: Secure this before house hunting.
- 2
Property Search: View potential properties that match your criteria.
- 3
Making an Offer: Submit your offer through the estate agent.
- 4
Booking Deposit: Pay a booking deposit to secure the property (typically €5,000-10,000).
- 5
Mortgage Application: Apply for formal mortgage approval.
- 6
Conveyancing: Hire a solicitor to handle legal aspects.
- 7
Surveys & Searches: Conduct property surveys and legal searches.
- 8
Contracts & Deposit: Sign contracts and pay deposit (usually 10% minus booking deposit).
- 9
Closing: Pay balance, sign final papers, and receive keys.
Costs & Considerations
Beyond the property price, be prepared for these additional costs:
- •Stamp Duty (2026):
1% on properties up to €1 million, 2% on portion above €1 million. First-time buyers may qualify for reduced rates on new builds.
- •Legal Fees:
Approximately 1-1.5% of property price
- •Surveyor Fees:
€300-600 depending on property
- •Mortgage Costs:
Arrangement fees, valuation fees
- •Local Property Tax (LPT):
Annual tax based on property value (revaluation in 2026). Rates range from €90 to €2,630+ depending on value band.
- •Help to Buy (Extended to 2027):
First-time buyers can claim up to €30,000 tax refund for new builds. Scheme confirmed until December 2027.
- •Home Insurance:
Building and contents insurance