Tips for Finding Accommodation in Ireland

Published on March 4, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Finding housing in Ireland can be a real challenge, due to increased demand, limited supply, and high costs that characterize the country’s real estate market.

For those considering moving to the island, whether for work or study, it is essential to master the nuances of the rental market to successfully find a home that meets their needs.

This article offers practical advice and proven tips to overcome potential obstacles and navigate the housing search process in Ireland effectively, while avoiding common pitfalls and maximizing your chances of finding the ideal place.

Finding Housing in Ireland: Strategies and Resources

Understanding the Irish Real Estate Market

The Irish real estate market is characterized by high demand, limited supply, and steadily rising prices. Major cities like Dublin have high prices (around €450,000 for an apartment), while rural areas remain more affordable (€180,000 to €250,000). There are significant regional differences to consider when searching for housing. The housing shortage in urban centers often requires geographical flexibility.

Key Strategies for Finding Housing

• Research the local market: Track price trends and regional developments to target areas that fit your budget.
• Be flexible: Expand your search to suburbs or secondary towns where supply is greater and prices more reasonable.
• Prepare your application: Obtain a mortgage approval in principle or gather necessary documents to act quickly when an opportunity arises.
• Prioritize energy efficiency: Homes with a good BER (Building Energy Rating) are increasingly sought after for their long-term savings.

Resources for Housing Search

Popular Websites and Apps

• Daft.ie
• Rent.ie
• MyHome.ie
• Property.ie

Reputable Real Estate Agencies

• Sherry FitzGerald
• DNG (Douglas Newman Good)
• Savills Ireland
• Knight Frank Ireland

Online Groups and Forums

• Facebook Groups: “French in Ireland”, “Expats in Dublin”, “Irish Property Market”
• Reddit: r/ireland, r/dublin
• InterNations: Expat community

Types of Housing Available in Ireland

Housing Type	Description	Regional Differences
Apartment	Often in city centers, expensive in Dublin	More affordable outside major cities
Detached House	Common in suburbs and rural areas	More space, variable prices
Coliving	Shared spaces, popular with young professionals	Mainly in large cities
Studio	Budget-friendly option, rare in Dublin	More common in smaller towns

Tips to Avoid Scams and Succeed in Viewings

• Never send money before visiting the property and signing a contract.
• Verify the identity of the landlord or real estate agent.
• Read the lease carefully, especially clauses regarding the security deposit and condition report.
• Be wary of listings that seem too good to be true or of contacts who refuse to provide official documents.
• During viewings, inspect the general condition (insulation, dampness, security) and ask for a BER certificate.

Expat Testimonials and Tips

“I found my apartment in Cork through a Facebook group for expats. The members’ advice on neighborhoods saved me from making many mistakes.”

“In Dublin, you have to be super responsive. I recommend preparing all your documents in advance and going to viewings as soon as an interesting listing appears.”

“Coliving allowed me to meet other young professionals and reduce my expenses. However, you should carefully check the house rules before committing.”

“Never pay anything without having seen the property. I avoided a scam thanks to a forum where others had reported the fake landlord.”

Key Takeaways

Finding housing in Ireland requires planning, flexibility, and vigilance. Using the right tools, engaging with the community, and paying attention to contract details helps avoid pitfalls and find a home suited to your needs.

Planning Your Housing Budget in Ireland: What You Need to Know

Average Rental Costs in Ireland by City (2025)

City	Average Monthly Rent (€)	City Center Studio (€)	City Center 3-Bed Apartment (€)
Dublin	2,481	2,064	2,562
Cork	2,097	~1,300	N/A
Galway	2,197	~1,200	N/A
Limerick	2,271	~1,171	N/A
Waterford	~968	N/A	N/A

Key Takeaways

• Rents in Dublin are the highest in the country, with an annual increase of about 4%.
• Other major cities (Cork, Galway, Limerick) are experiencing faster increases, sometimes exceeding 10% per year.
• Prices vary significantly by neighborhood and type of housing.

Additional Expenses to Budget For

• Electricity: €70 to €120 per month depending on consumption and season.
• Heating: €60 to €120 per month, often higher in winter.
• Internet: €40 to €60 per month for a high-speed connection.
• Water and waste management: sometimes included in rent, otherwise budget €20 to €30 per month.
• Home insurance: optional, €10 to €20 per month.

Typical security deposit: Generally equivalent to 1 month’s rent, sometimes up to 3 months for some landlords or agencies.

Price Differences by Housing Type

Housing Type	Price Range (€ / month)	Particularities
Apartment (1 bed)	1,300 – 2,500	Furnished, utilities extra
Detached House	2,000 – 3,500	More expensive, suitable for families
Shared Accommodation (Room)	700 – 1,200 (per room)	Utilities often shared
Coliving (shared space)	1,000 – 1,400	Services included, flexible

Impact of Economic Fluctuations on the Real Estate Market

• Rent increases accelerated by the shortage of available housing.
• Rising cost of living (energy, food) putting pressure on housing budgets.
• Increased volatility since the pandemic, with rental supply down 25% compared to 2023.
• Outlying neighborhoods remain cheaper, but the gap is narrowing.

Tips to Optimize Your Housing Budget

• Negotiate the rent when signing the lease, especially outside the city center or during the off-season.
• Opt for shared accommodation to split expenses (rent, electricity, Internet, etc.).
• Choose furnished housing to avoid setup costs.
• Compare listings on the main platforms: Daft.ie, Rent.ie, MyHome.ie.
• Check what’s included in the rent to avoid unpleasant surprises.
• Choose the urban periphery for better value for money, while staying close to transportation.

Statistics and Useful Resources

• Listing platforms: Daft.ie, Rent.ie, MyHome.ie
• Specialized agencies: Sherry FitzGerald, Savills, Lisney
• Price indicators: Numbeo, Central Statistics Office (CSO)
• Practical guides: Expat.com, Lepetitjournal.com/dublin, Société France Irlande

Important tip: To reduce costs, prioritize shared accommodation and always negotiate the amount of the security deposit as well as what is included in the rent.

The Best Neighborhoods for Expats in Ireland: Our Selection

Ireland attracts expats with its unique blend of dynamic culture, growing economy, and high quality of life. Its warm welcome, straightforward setup procedures, and the presence of many international companies draw professionals from around the world. The country offers a safe environment, rich cultural life, and spectacular landscapes, while guaranteeing numerous career opportunities and a low unemployment rate.

Popular Neighborhoods Among Expats in Major Irish Cities:

City	Neighborhood	Particularities	Nightlife	Green Spaces	Transportation	International Community	Local Services
Dublin	Ballsbridge	Upscale residential, embassies, close to center	Quiet, traditional pubs	Parks, near Merrion Square	Very well served	Very present	Shops, restaurants
Dublin	Temple Bar	Lively, cultural, artistic area	Very lively	Few green spaces	Easy bus/tram access	Strong presence	Bars, galleries
Dublin	Rathmines	Young, cosmopolitan, affordable	Lively, cinemas	Near the canal	Good accessibility	Mixed	Supermarkets, cafes
Cork	Douglas	Family-friendly, quiet, shops	Moderate	Local parks	Frequent buses	Diverse community	Shopping centers
Cork	City Centre	Central, historic, vibrant	Lively	Near River Lee	Very accessible	Cosmopolitan	Restaurants, shops
Galway	Salthill	Seaside, relaxed atmosphere	Bars, pubs	Coastal promenade	Bus access	Expat presence	Local shops
Galway	City Centre	Young, student, cultural	Lively	Near Eyre Square	Easy access	Strong community	Restaurants, shops

Overview of Average Housing Prices (2025):

City	Neighborhood	1-Bed Apartment (Center)	1-Bed Apartment (Periphery)
Dublin	Ballsbridge	€2,100	€1,650
Dublin	Temple Bar	€2,000	€1,600
Dublin	Rathmines	€1,800	€1,400
Cork	Douglas	€1,400	€1,100
Cork	City Centre	€1,500	€1,200
Galway	Salthill	€1,300	€1,000
Galway	City Centre	€1,350	€1,050

Main Available Infrastructure:

• International schools (mainly Dublin and Cork)
• Modern hospitals and private clinics
• Social and cultural centers promoting expat integration
• Public libraries and sports centers
• Efficient public transportation services in large cities

Tips for Choosing the Right Neighborhood in Ireland:

• Define your priorities: proximity to work, schools for children, access to transportation, nightlife or tranquility.
• Evaluate housing costs based on your budget and desired lifestyle.
• Consider the presence of essential infrastructure (hospitals, schools, shops).
• Consider the size and diversity of the international community to facilitate social integration.
• Visit several neighborhoods before making a decision and talk to other expats to benefit from their experience.

Ireland combines a strong economic dynamic and a quality of life that make it a top destination for expats. Choosing the right neighborhood ensures a successful integration and a daily life suited to your personal and professional needs.