Many expats moving to Ireland will find an ample of comfortable and reasonably priced property types. The standard of properties in Ireland is similar to other countries, although it varies on what area you will decide to live in, with different types of options available.
Most expats rent accommodation unless they will be staying in Ireland for a long period of time and when looking for accommodation, keep in mind the length and time it takes to get to work, what public transport there is and the schools for those with children. In Ireland, the less close you are to public transport the less expensive a property is.
There are different types of properties in Ireland, these include:
- Apartments: These are more spacious and are fully furnished with furniture included. 1-2 bedrooms apartments are available.
- Semi-Detached
- Free Standing – Detached: These houses are more common in towns and villages
- House Sharing: Most expats and students house share having their own bedroom
- Studio Flats
Finding accommodation
There are many ways accommodation can be found and most local and national newspapers will advertise accommodation as well as websites. Expats will find that in local supermarkets there will be notice boards where properties that can be rented are shown.
Another way of finding accommodation is by using a real estate agent; however there may be a charge for this which is usually the same amount as one month’s rent.
Some websites to find property include:
- Irish property owners association website
- Irish property market
- The golden pages website
Renting property
There is a wide range of accommodation in the country that can be rented out which includes both houses and apartments.
Rent is quite high depending on the area that expats choose to live in and cheaper rental properties can be found outside of the main urban centres. When accommodation has been chosen expats will be required to pay one month’s rent to secure and then payments are taken monthly.
There are two main types of tenancy agreements in Ireland
- Periodic Tenancy: This does not specify the period of time the tenant can stay. Both the landlord and tenant can end the tenancy at any time if a notice of termination has been given. These are best for people who are not staying in the country for longer than 3 months.
- Fixed-Term Tenancy: This covers rent for a fixed period of time that is detailed on the lease. The landlord and tenant are able to settle on the length of the lease but cannot end the tenancy before the end date unless obligations have been breached.
Please note: Utilities are usually not included with a lease agreement
Buying property
Expats looking to buy property can do so in different ways:
- Real estate agents
- At an auction
- Private treaty
- Websites
Majority of the properties in Ireland are sold on a freehold basis but can be on lease.
The properties that will be on auction are usually advertised in newspapers a few weeks before the viewing/auction date. A guide price will then be issued which the owners accept and the successful bidder will be required to pay a deposit of 10% straight after the auction. A solicitor should already be appointed and legal checks as well as a conducted survey should have been done on the property.
Those who are looking for a private treaty sale, the property will be advertised at a price and buyers can make offers against this until an offer is accepted by the seller. The buyer will then be required to pay a deposit and then get a solicitor to carry out legal checks as well conducting a survey. A completion date will then be agreed for the property to be transferred over.
Expats are able to get mortgage facilities which are offered by the Irish banks for foreign buyers.