Ok, so is housing in Ireland (esp. Dublin) really *that* bad??

[purpleplatypus2022]

Hello,

I'm in the UK and now that my job has been made WFH forever I've been toying with the idea of moving to Ireland, probably Dublin.

However several of my Irish relatives think this is a terrible idea. They say the cost of renting/buying in Dublin or even the surrounding counties is eye-watering and not even the well off can afford it anymore. I'd heard about this of course but I'm currently living in London and find it hard to see how it could be any worse. My needs are very modest - just a basic flat will do.

I wouldn't be bothered about living centrally... somewhere in the outer suburbs or even satellite towns (Swords, Bray, Nass etc) would be fine with me.

I thought also about Cork... I've heard it's lovely but it looks quite small and not sure I'd adjust so well to it having lived in big cities all my life. I'll be going over later this year so will check it out for myself. Galway and Limerick are nice but again quite small. I quite like Belfast though I find the whole sectarian division evident everywhere quite unpleasant.

anyway, would appreciate some inside knowledge.
thanks,
Beth

Yes there is a huge housing crisis in Ireland, it was there and being addressed slowly and then covid hit. The crisis will be made significantly worse by the war in Ukraine and the (absolutely right imo) housing of refugees. So it would definitely be a challenge getting housing sorted.

We live in London. My DH is from near Dublin and I’m from NI. We find it expensive but our experience is limited to buying things is shops when over there visiting and staying in hotels. Go in with your eyes open especially costs of healthcare etc. The country is not an extension of the UK. Others who are more informed will can add more.

If you're currently living (renting/ have a place to sell) in London, Dublin is no worse. Cork would feel small. Have a look on daft.ie and see what you think.

Just to add we struggled to find a hotel last weekend. There was 0 beds available in the whole county we were staying in according to booking.com. I think it was possibly due to Confirmations taking place and Ukrainian refugees being accommodated.

Yes re healthcare and school related costs if you have kids. Do look into health insurance.

I have Irish relatives on the dark side LOL. Search on Daft.ie or Myhome.ie, put in your budget and county and see what you can get.

I would avoid Dublin and suburbs, not because there is anything wrong with them, but it is just terribly expensive to rent anywhere within striking distance. Greystones in Wicklow is a lovely spot and on the train line into the city, Kildare town is similar and I love that place because it is horsey country and you can go see the stud farm and the little foals when just born. On the train line also, 25 minutes or so to Dublin.

We lived in Cork for a couple of years. Loved it, the people were so friendly and the city along the river is very nice. Lots to see and do in the surrounds. Train to Dublin 2.5hours, and buses to lots of places in the SW.

Just do a dig around on the above sites and if you find a few places within your budget, post again and get opinions from those living in Ireland right now.

I would consider NI. Doesn’t have to be Belfast. Look at propertypal. Housing very reasonable compared to London and you are still in the UK if relevant for work/tax reasons. I’d move back in a shot if my DH would agree but my DC prefer ROI.

Maybe commute distance …

instagram.com/emerald_isle_homes_?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

It's impossible to say without knowing your budget. Look on www.daft.ie
Even an hour from Dublin, a house will be minimum 2000 euro a month to rent. If you're buying, how much is your budget? I'd say a flat in Dublin is around 300,000 euro. Salaries are generally higher in the Republic than the UK though.