Finding Accommodation in Ireland: What Works and What Doesn't
Blog post description.
12/15/20252 min read
The Rental Crisis Reality
Ireland faces severe rental shortages, with only 5.9 properties available for rent or sharing per 10,000 people nationwide as of August 2024. When limited to rental units only (excluding sharing), this drops to just 3.5 properties per 10,000 people, compared to a pre-pandemic average of 9.1.
Regional Disparities:
Dublin leads with 15.3 rental units per 10,000 people, though this remains "very low compared to demand"
Monaghan has the lowest availability at 2.4 rentals per 10,000 people
Roscommon (2.5) and Donegal (3.3) also face severe shortages
Key Challenges
Supply Shortage
Over half a million households now live in rented accommodation, yet available rental properties continue dwindling. Apartment completions in Dublin dropped 25% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, indicating worsening future supply.
Rising Rents
Average new tenancy rents reached just under €1,600 across Ireland and close to €2,100 in Dublin, with annual increases of 9.1%. Between January 2020 and March 2025, approximately 42,300 rental properties owned by private investors were lost from the market.
Limited Availability
New tenancies registered dropped 30% to 11,895 in the final quarter of 2023 compared to late 2022, reflecting unprecedented scarcity.
What Works: Practical Strategies
Start Early and Be Prepared
Begin your search well in advance of your move date and have all required documentation ready: references, proof of income, and security deposit. This demonstrates seriousness to landlords and improves your candidacy.
Expand Your Search Area
Consider locations beyond your preferred area, including neighborhoods just outside city centers. Exploring different areas can offer unexpected benefits like lower rent, more space, or better amenities.
Use Multiple Platforms
Daft.ie (Ireland's primary property website)
Local Facebook groups and community boards
Property management companies directly
Consider Shared Accommodation
Shared rooms typically cost €350 per person monthly, significantly cheaper than solo apartments. This option helps secure accommodation faster and reduces costs while you search for permanent housing.
Move Quickly
When you find a suitable property, be ready to view it immediately and make decisions quickly. Properties disappear within hours in competitive markets.
What Doesn't Work: Common Pitfalls
Waiting for Perfect Options
In Ireland's tight market, waiting for the ideal property often means losing out entirely. Be prepared to compromise on location, size, or amenities.
Relying Solely on Online Listings
Many properties never reach public listings. Network through work colleagues, university housing offices, or local community groups.
Underestimating Deposits
Most landlords require one month's rent as deposit plus first month's rent upfront. Budget accordingly to avoid missed opportunities.
Ignoring Rent Pressure Zones
Rent Pressure Zones (RPZ) were expanded to include all private and student-specific accommodation tenancies nationwide from March 2026, limiting annual rent increases but also potentially reducing new supply.
The Rental Process
Typical Requirements:
Photo ID (passport or driver's license)
Proof of employment or income
References from previous landlords
Irish bank account (for setting up direct debits)
PPS number (Personal Public Service Number)
Tenant Rights: Register your tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for legal protection. If you believe your Notice of Termination or rent increase breaks the rules, you can contact the RTB to challenge it.