Real Estate in Ireland

How do I find a place to live in Ireland?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Originally we sought a retirement area south of the USA to live that was going to give us a good life for our retirement income (social security and savings).. Having discovered expatexchange.com over three years ago we found Ireland ranked highly in a listing there for cost of living affordability and we speak the language! In our additional research we found a gent and his wife who had preceded us to Tobercurry in County Sligo, who had retired and relocated 7 years before us. We struck up internet chatting and with the friendship that developed, our move was especially easy," explained one person living in Tobercurry, Ireland.

"We came to Ireland on a pre-move visit to get a 'feel' for the different areas in and around Dublin. In the months previous to our move we scoured the homes for rent list on www.daft.ie which is THE website for real estate on which virtually all real estate agents and prive landlords advertise their properties. We eventually found our home via an estate agent," said one expat in Dublin.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Ireland?

"Flat. Usual. Most homes are flats, or ugly row homes. Best homes are in the south, but very expensive," remarked one member in Dublin.

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What is the average cost of housing in Ireland?

If you are thinking about moving to Ireland, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Far more expensive here. House cost about twice the price as in Boston. Food is about 30 to 40% more," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Dublin.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Ireland?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Ireland, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Buying a home in Ireland can be an attractive option, particularly if you plan to stay in the country long-term. Purchasing a property allows you to build up your own equity, while renting usually means throwing money away each month with no returns. On the other hand, the cost of buying a home in Ireland is relatively high and can be difficult to finance. Additionally, buyers may be required to pay taxes and fees, such as registration fees, legal fees and stamp duty, when purchasing a property. Renting a home in Ireland is typically less expensive and may also give you more flexibility, allowing you to move to a different location without incurring additional costs. Furthermore, there are various incentives available for landlords, such as the rent-a-room scheme and tax reliefs. Ultimately, whether you choose to buy or rent a home in Ireland depends on your individual circumstances," said one expat who made the move to Ireland.

"In Ireland the quickest method to find housing is through an Estate Agent or Auctioneer. We arrived during a housing shortage but once on lists we found a rental home quite easily. We are now purchasing a home, a simple cash process. There are slight differences here, rent price is locked in for two years instead of the typical one, so that is a plus," explained one foreigner living in Tobercurry, Ireland.

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What do I need to know when buying property in Ireland?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Ireland, they said:

"You should research the area where you are purchasing, including the local services, schools and public transport network. Consider whether you would be able to secure finance for the property, and obtain an independent valuation of the house. It is advisable to talk to and get advice from a solicitor who is experienced in buying property in Ireland. Ensure you have a good understanding of contracts, ownership rights, and how long a property lease would last. Make sure that the property you are buying is free from any legal or planning obligations, such as zoning restrictions or building regulations. It is important to investigate potential building and insurance costs, too. You should also investigate the rental potential of the property, if renting is something you are interested in. Finally, be aware of the costs associated with buying a property, such as deposit, stamp duty and solicitors’ fees," wrote one expat who made the move to Ireland.

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Are foreigners allowed to own property in Ireland?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Ireland, they said...

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Ireland, but there are some restrictions. Non-residents from outside of the European Economic Area are required to obtain a special permission to purchase real estate in Ireland, called the Non-Resident Conveyancing Application. In addition, foreign buyers must also provide proof of source of funds and taxes must be paid on the purchase. Also, the permission is required to be granted before the purchase of the property is completed," said one in Ireland.

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What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Ireland what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"When renting a home in Ireland, many properties come with essential appliances such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer. Other common amenities in rental homes include an oven and microwave, as well as a television and internet access. In some cases, depending on the property, additional appliances such as a toaster, vacuum cleaner, and kettle may be included," wrote one expat who made the move to Ireland.

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Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Ireland:

We asked foreigners in Ireland what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"Expats often begin their search for homes in Ireland by consulting real estate professionals who specialize in helping international clients, who can advise on local neighborhoods and housing availability. Expats can also search local classifieds and real estate websites, as well as consult relatives and other contacts who may have local knowledge and/or contacts with private landlords. Additionally, many Irish landlords are willing to discuss long-term rental agreements and can often provide useful tips and resources to help find a home," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Ireland.

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