Dublin is experiencing the worst housing crisis in its modern history. With only 2,300 properties available for rent across the entire market, the Irish capital offers one of the most imbalanced supply-demand ratios in Europe.
Experts predict this situation will persist for at least another 15 years. This alarming projection is explained by a structural construction deficit: Ireland would need 50,000 new homes per year to meet demand, but produces only about 25,000.
Rents have reached record levels. For a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, expect to pay between €1,700 and €2,500 per month. Even in the suburbs, prices remain high, making access to housing extremely difficult for young professionals and newcomers.
This crisis is the result of several converging factors: the explosion of employment in the tech sector (European headquarters of Google, Meta, Apple...), the influx of international students, and long-standing insufficient construction policies.
The Irish rental market works differently from what French residents are used to. Here are the essential points to know before you start your search.
Dublin and other high-demand areas are designated as Rent Pressure Zones (RPZ). In these sectors, rent increases are theoretically capped at 2% per year. In practice, this only affects existing tenants: for a new rental, the landlord freely sets the initial rent.
The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) is the public body that regulates landlord-tenant relationships. Every rental contract must be registered with them, and the RTB can intervene in case of disputes. This is an important protection for tenants.
Unlike other European markets, properties in Dublin go extremely fast: between 7 and 14 days after listing. An attractive ad can generate dozens of viewing requests within hours. Responsiveness is therefore absolutely crucial.
To properly prepare your application, check our guide on references and guarantees required by Dublin landlords.
Facing this ultra-competitive market, here are the approaches that work to secure housing.
Irish landlords place enormous importance on references. A letter from your previous landlord and an employer recommendation letter are practically essential. Without them, your application risks being dismissed even if you have the necessary income.
Unlike France where deposits are capped, Ireland imposes no legal limit. It's common to have to pay 2 to 3 months' rent upfront (deposit + first month). Make sure you have this cash available.
House-sharing is the norm in Dublin, including for young professionals. It's often the only affordable option, with rooms ranging from €800 to €1,200 in shared houses. Check our article on house sharing in Dublin as a solution to high rents.
A rental agent in Dublin can considerably speed up your search. Thanks to their network and responsiveness, they can give you access to properties before they're even published on public sites like Daft.ie.
Also discover our analysis of the budget to plan for renting in Dublin and our guide to the best neighborhoods based on your profile.
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