What are rents like in Dublin right now? (January 2026)

If you're looking to rent or invest in Dublin, knowing current rental costs is essential.

We've compiled the most up-to-date rental figures for Dublin in 2026, from studios to family homes across all major neighborhoods.

This blog post is constantly updated to reflect the latest market data.

And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Dublin.

Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert

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Anthony McCann 🇮🇪

Co-Founder, FindQo.ie

Anthony McCann co-founded FindQo.ie to make property searching easier and smarter in Dublin. He recognised the growing demand for a modern solution in the city’s busy housing market. FindQo.ie helps Dubliners find places to buy, rent, or share—whether it’s a home or commercial space. The platform offers a smooth and helpful experience for anyone looking to move in Dublin.

Who is the author of this content?

INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Dublin. If you’d like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

What are typical rents in Dublin as of 2026?

What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Dublin as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio in Dublin is approximately 1,520 euros (around 1,580 USD).

Most Dublin studios fall within 1,350 to 1,700 euros monthly (roughly 1,400 to 1,770 USD), depending on location and building condition.

Main factors causing studio rents to vary include proximity to the city center or Docklands, the building's BER rating, access to Luas or DART, and whether it's a modern development or older converted property.

What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Dublin as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Dublin is approximately 1,920 euros (around 2,000 USD).

Most 1-bedroom apartments fall within 1,750 to 2,100 euros monthly (roughly 1,820 to 2,185 USD), with city-centre and south-side locations at the higher end.

For cheaper 1-bedroom rents, areas like Tallaght, Blanchardstown, and Dublin 15 offer lower prices, while Grand Canal Dock, Ballsbridge, and Ranelagh have the highest rents.

What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Dublin as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Dublin is approximately 2,490 euros (around 2,590 USD).

Most 2-bedroom apartments fall within 2,250 to 2,750 euros monthly (roughly 2,340 to 2,860 USD), though prime central areas can exceed this.

For affordable 2-bedroom rents, look toward Clondalkin, Lucan, and Finglas, while the priciest are in Dublin 2 (Docklands), Dublin 4 (Ballsbridge), and Dublin 6 (Ranelagh).

By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Dublin.

What's the average rent per square meter in Dublin as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Dublin is approximately 39 euros monthly (around 41 USD).

Across Dublin neighborhoods, rent per square meter ranges from 35 to 44 euros monthly, with central and south-side areas higher and outer suburbs lower.

Compared to Cork or Galway, Dublin's rent per square meter is 40 to 60% above the national average, reflecting its role as Ireland's economic hub.

Features pushing rent above average include modern construction, high BER ratings (A or B), balconies, secure parking, and proximity to Luas or DART stations.

How much have rents changed year-over-year in Dublin in 2026?

As of early 2026, open-market asking rents in Dublin have increased by approximately 3% year-over-year, slower than the double-digit growth of earlier years.

Main drivers include persistently low supply (under 2,000 homes available nationwide in late 2025), strong demand from professionals and international workers, and Rent Pressure Zone caps moderating existing tenancies.

Dublin's 2026 rent growth is noticeably cooler than prior years, as the market has shifted from crisis-level spikes toward a steadier equilibrium where caps and affordability limits slow increases.

What's the outlook for rent growth in Dublin in 2026?

As of early 2026, we project Dublin rents to grow by 2 to 5% over the year, with variation by neighborhood and property quality.

Key factors include March 2026 rental reforms, continued low supply, strong tech and professional job migration, and RPZ caps limiting increases for existing tenants.

Neighborhoods expected to see strongest growth include Grand Canal Dock, Sandyford (Luas Green Line), and Drumcondra near DCU, where demand consistently outstrips supply.

Risks include unexpected policy changes, economic downturns affecting employment, or increased housing completions easing the supply crunch.

We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Ireland. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.

Which neighborhoods rent best in Dublin as of 2026?

Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Dublin as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the three Dublin neighborhoods with highest average rents are Grand Canal Dock (2,400 to 2,800 euros for a 1-bed, or 2,500 to 2,915 USD), Ballsbridge in Dublin 4 (2,300 to 2,700 euros), and Ranelagh in Dublin 6 (2,200 to 2,600 euros).

These neighborhoods command premium rents because they offer modern apartments, walkability to tech and finance employers, excellent dining and nightlife, and strong Luas and DART links.

Typical tenants in these areas include senior professionals, tech workers on relocation packages, expats with corporate allowances, and couples prioritizing lifestyle over space.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Dublin.

Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Dublin right now?

The top three Dublin neighborhoods for young professionals are Stoneybatter/Smithfield (Dublin 7), Portobello (Dublin 8), and Grand Canal Dock (Dublin 2).

Young professionals typically pay 1,700 to 2,300 euros monthly (roughly 1,770 to 2,395 USD) for a 1-bedroom in these areas.

These neighborhoods attract young professionals with vibrant cafe scenes, walkability to city center, good public transport, and a social atmosphere with people in their 20s and 30s.

By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Dublin.

Where do families prefer to rent in Dublin right now?

The top three Dublin neighborhoods for families are Dundrum (Dublin 14), Castleknock (Dublin 15), and Clontarf (Dublin 3).

Families renting 2 to 3 bedroom properties typically pay 2,400 to 3,200 euros monthly (roughly 2,500 to 3,330 USD) in these areas.

These neighborhoods attract families with larger homes, gardens, quieter streets, good parks, reliable transport (Luas for Dundrum, DART for Clontarf), and quality schools.

Dundrum and Castleknock are particularly known for strong school catchment areas, while Clontarf offers good options along the northside coast.

Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Dublin in 2026?

As of early 2026, the three Dublin areas near transit or universities that rent fastest are Ranelagh (Luas Green Line), Drumcondra (near DCU), and Sandymount (DART and UCD access).

Properties in these high-demand areas typically stay listed just 7 to 10 days, compared to 14+ days in less connected neighborhoods.

The rent premium for walking distance to transit or universities is around 100 to 200 euros monthly (105 to 210 USD) above comparable properties further away.

Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Dublin right now?

The top three Dublin neighborhoods for expats are Grand Canal Dock/Docklands, Ballsbridge/Donnybrook (Dublin 4), and Blackrock (DART line).

Expats typically pay 2,000 to 2,800 euros monthly (2,080 to 2,915 USD) for a 1 to 2 bedroom apartment in these areas.

These neighborhoods attract expats with modern move-in-ready apartments, proximity to multinational employers, English-speaking services, international restaurants, and easy airport access.

The most represented expat communities include Americans, British, EU nationals (French, German, Spanish), and increasingly Indian and Brazilian tech professionals.

And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Dublin.

Who rents, and what do tenants want in Dublin right now?

What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Dublin?

The top three tenant profiles dominating Dublin's rental market are young professionals (tech and finance), couples without children, and sharers (groups of 2 to 4 splitting larger properties).

Young professionals represent roughly 35 to 40% of Dublin rental demand, couples 25 to 30%, and sharers 20 to 25%, with students and families making up the rest.

Young professionals seek 1-beds near city center, couples look for 1 to 2 beds in well-connected areas, and sharers target 2 to 3 bed properties to split costs.

If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Dublin.

Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Dublin?

In Dublin, approximately 70 to 75% of tenants prefer furnished rentals, while 25 to 30% opt for unfurnished, reflecting the city's mobile workforce and international tenant base.

The typical rent premium for furnished apartments is 100 to 150 euros monthly (105 to 155 USD), varying by furniture quality and price bracket.

Profiles preferring furnished rentals include expats, professionals on short-term contracts, students, and anyone relocating who doesn't want to buy furniture.

Which amenities increase rent the most in Dublin?

The top five rent-boosting amenities in Dublin are: prime transit location (Luas/DART), high BER rating (A or B), secure parking, in-building gym or concierge, and private outdoor space.

In Dublin, transit proximity adds 150 to 250 euros monthly, top BER adds 100 to 200 euros, parking adds 100 to 150 euros, building amenities add 50 to 150 euros, and a balcony adds 50 to 100 euros.

In our property pack covering the real estate market in Dublin, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.

What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Dublin?

The top five ROI renovations for Dublin rentals are: energy upgrades (insulation, heating controls), kitchen modernization, bathroom refresh, durable flooring, and built-in storage.

Energy upgrades cost 2,000 to 8,000 euros and add 100 to 200 euros monthly; kitchens cost 3,000 to 10,000 euros adding 75 to 150 euros; bathrooms cost 2,000 to 6,000 euros adding 50 to 100 euros; flooring costs 1,500 to 4,000 euros adding 30 to 70 euros; storage costs 500 to 2,000 euros adding 20 to 50 euros.

Avoid poor-ROI renovations like luxury finishes exceeding neighborhood norms, pools, overly personalized designs, and expensive landscaping in apartments.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Ireland versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.

How strong is rental demand in Dublin as of 2026?

What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Dublin as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the advertised rental vacancy rate in Dublin is approximately 0.5 to 0.8%, meaning fewer than 1% of rental homes are actively available.

Vacancy rates range from near 0.3% in high-demand areas like Grand Canal Dock and Ranelagh to 1.0 to 1.5% in outer suburbs like Tallaght, though even these remain extremely tight.

Dublin's current vacancy rate is at or near record lows, with severe rental shortages persisting since the late 2010s.

Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Dublin.

How many days do rentals stay listed in Dublin as of 2026?

As of early 2026, rentals in Dublin stay listed approximately 7 to 14 days for well-priced, well-presented properties.

Days on market range from 3 to 5 days in prime central areas to 3 to 4 weeks for overpriced or poor-condition properties.

The current figure is similar to a year ago, as low supply keeps competition intense and correctly priced properties moving quickly.

Which months have peak tenant demand in Dublin?

Peak months for Dublin tenant demand are August through October and January, when the market sees highest activity.

Drivers include university term starts (September intake at Trinity, UCD, DCU), graduate job cycles, international relocations timed to school years, and post-holiday January moves.

Lowest demand months are November through December and February through March, when landlords may need to price more competitively.

What will my monthly costs be in Dublin as of 2026?

What property taxes should landlords expect in Dublin as of 2026?

As of early 2026, Dublin landlords should expect Local Property Tax (LPT) of approximately 300 to 1,200 euros yearly (310 to 1,250 USD), depending on property value.

Annual LPT ranges from around 250 euros for lower-value outer suburb properties to over 1,500 euros for high-value homes in Dublin 4 or 6.

LPT is calculated on market value as of November 1, 2025 for the 2026 to 2030 period, with local authorities able to adjust the base rate up or down by 15%.

Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Dublin, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.

What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Dublin right now?

A realistic annual maintenance budget in Dublin is 2,000 to 4,000 euros (2,080 to 4,165 USD) for apartments and 2,500 to 5,000 euros for houses.

Costs range from 1,500 euros for newer apartments to over 6,000 euros for older houses needing regular heating, plumbing, or roofing repairs.

Dublin landlords typically set aside 5 to 10% of annual rental income for maintenance, roughly 1,000 to 3,000 euros yearly.

What utilities do landlords often pay in Dublin right now?

In Dublin, landlords typically pay building management fees (apartments), landlord insurance, and sometimes waste collection, while tenants pay electricity, gas, and internet.

Management fees run 1,200 to 3,000 euros yearly (100 to 250 euros monthly), insurance costs 200 to 500 euros annually, and bin charges add 150 to 300 euros yearly.

Common practice is for tenants to put utilities in their names, with arrangements specified in the lease.

How is rental income taxed in Dublin as of 2026?

As of early 2026, rental income in Dublin is taxed as part of overall income after expenses, with rates of 20% up to about 42,000 euros and 40% above, plus USC and PRSI.

Main deductions include mortgage interest (100%), repairs, insurance, management fees, advertising, accountancy fees, and Local Property Tax.

A common Dublin-specific tax mistake is failing to distinguish repairs (deductible) from improvements (capitalizable), or not keeping adequate expense records.

We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Dublin.

We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Ireland compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.

What sources have we used to write this blog article?

Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Dublin, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and we don't throw out numbers at random.

We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used and explained how we used them.

Source	Why It's Authoritative	How We Used It
Daft.ie Irish Rental Report Q3 2025	Ireland's most widely cited open-market rent report, written by Trinity College Dublin economist Ronan Lyons.	We used its Dublin rent snapshots to anchor studio, 1-bed, and 2-bed levels. We also used availability figures to describe market tightness.
Daft.ie Report Landing Page	The publisher's official page explaining report coverage and structure.	We used it to cross-check our interpretation of rents and segments. We used it as a reference link for readers.
RTB/ESRI Rent Index Q1 2025	Based on mandatory tenancy registration, independently analyzed by ESRI, closest to official statistics.	We used it to sanity-check Dublin rent levels. We used it for policy context on new vs existing tenancies.
RTB Data Hub	The rental market regulator's official data portal.	We used it to frame paid vs asking rents. We used it to support our triangulation methodology.
RTB: RPZ Rent-Setting Rules	The regulator's definitive explanation of rent-increase rules.	We used it to explain existing vs new tenant rent dynamics. We used it to ground 2026 outlook in legal mechanics.
Gov.ie: Rent Pressure Zones Overview	Central government's plain-English rent control policy page.	We used it to explain cap logic (2% or HICP). We used it to keep explanations accurate.
Gov.ie: Rental Reforms March 2026	Official policy publication for 2026 rule changes.	We used it to describe 2026 changes. We used it to shape outlook with policy reality.
CSO: Census 2022 Housing Key Findings	Ireland's national statistics office on who rents and structural changes.	We used it for tenant profiles and rented sector shifts. We used it as demographic backbone.
CSO: Dwelling Characteristics Census 2022	CSO publication with verifiable rent distribution facts.	We used it for affordability context. We used it to cross-check rent narratives.
Revenue: Irish Rental Income Tax	Tax authority's official landlord guidance.	We used it to explain taxation and filing. We used it to keep costs section factual.
Revenue: LPT Valuation 2026-2030	Tax authority's step-by-step valuation page.	We used it to explain LPT from 2026. We used it to anchor property tax to Ireland's system.
Dept. of Finance: LPT Changes	Government's official LPT structure announcement.	We used it to confirm base-rate and timing. We used it as cross-check against Revenue pages.
Revenue Technical Paper: LPT 2026-2030	Detailed technical source behind 2026 LPT design.	We used it to confirm base rates and bands. We used it to justify LPT examples.
SEAI: Building Energy Rating (BER)	Ireland's official energy authority on BERs and renting.	We used it to explain BER as a rent lever. We used it as reference for landlord upgrades.
Energy Efficiency and Rental Prices Study	Academic research measuring energy efficiency and Irish rents.	We used it to support efficiency rent premiums. We used it to keep ROI section evidence-based.
Citizens Information: Landlord Obligations	Go-to public resource for practical landlord guidance.	We used it to explain utility and furnished norms. We used it to align with legal requirements.
Gov.ie: Minimum Standards	Official publication on rental property requirements.	We used it to ground maintenance estimates. We used it to explain landlord budgeting needs.