Why is Finding Accommodation in Ireland So Difficult?
Ireland’s rental market is under intense pressure: soaring demand from students and international professionals meets years of undersupply, driving prices up and availability down—especially in Dublin.
If you've tried to rent a flat or find a place to live in Ireland recently, you already know: it’s a battle. From long queues at viewings to inflated prices for rooms in questionable condition, the housing crisis in Ireland is not just a headline—it's a daily struggle for thousands.
A Demand That Keeps Growing
Ireland is experiencing unprecedented demand for rental accommodation, with urban areas taking the brunt. Population growth is part of the story, but the real driver is a convergence of pressure points:
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A booming student population. Universities in cities like Dublin, Galway, and Limerick are welcoming thousands of new students each year, many from abroad. Most of them need housing—and student accommodation options are severely limited.
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An influx of international professionals. Ireland's appeal as a tech and pharma hub has brought in foreign talent. These professionals, just like students, are entering a rental market that’s already stretched thin.
In short, it’s not just locals who are looking—international demand is pushing capacity far beyond its limits.
Not Enough Supply, Not Fast Enough
The country simply hasn’t built enough housing. The construction slowdown after 2008 created a backlog that Ireland has never truly recovered from. Recent development hasn’t scaled fast enough to match current needs, especially in urban centres. Zoning issues, delayed planning approvals, and slow-moving local councils have compounded the problem.
New housing may be under construction—but it’s arriving late and often priced far beyond the reach of average renters.
Dublin Rents Among the Highest in Europe
Rental prices, especially in Dublin, continue to rank among the most expensive in Europe. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can easily cost over €2,000 per month. For students, young professionals, and families alike, that’s unsustainable.
Even shared accommodation is no longer a low-cost solution. In many cases, renters are paying premium prices for overcrowded or substandard housing.
Short-Term Lets and a Shrinking Landlord Pool
The impact of platforms like Airbnb remains significant. Despite regulatory efforts, short-term holiday rentals still divert a large portion of housing stock away from long-term tenants. At the same time, many smaller landlords are exiting the rental market entirely, put off by increased regulation, tax burdens, and rent caps.
This dual pressure means fewer properties are available—even as demand grows.
The Broader Impact on Business and Mobility
Housing is now a barrier to mobility and recruitment. Companies trying to attract talent to Ireland face unexpected friction: people can't move where they can't live. This affects relocation, international hiring, and even internships or short-term assignments.
For digital marketers and business leaders, this crisis isn’t abstract—it shapes the context in which your audience lives and decides. A job ad in Dublin may get clicks, but if housing isn’t within reach, the funnel breaks early.
At Hauzed.com, we cut through the chaos by offering verified tenant profiles, transparent pricing, and secure, scam-free listings tailored to students, professionals, and families alike—so you spend less time in queues and more time settling into a place you can truly call home.