Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Ireland Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Dublin's property market is included in our pack
Everything in this article is based on data, official sources, and real numbers we track regularly.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest Dublin rental market conditions and regulations.
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.
Insights
- Dublin had fewer than 1,000 homes available to rent in late 2025, making it one of the tightest rental markets in all of Europe right now.
- A 2-bedroom apartment in Dublin costs around 2,450 euros per month in early 2026, which is roughly 65% above the Irish national average.
- Properties located near Luas Green Line stations in Dublin typically rent within 7 to 10 days, compared to 14+ days in less connected areas.
- Energy-efficient homes with BER ratings of A or B command a 5% to 10% rent premium in Dublin because tenants prioritize lower utility bills.
- Dublin gross rental yields typically range from 5% to 6.5%, but prime areas like Dublin 4 compress yields to 3.5% to 5% due to high purchase prices.
- For a non-resident investor, Airbnb in Dublin is legally complex because second homes require planning permission for short-term letting.
- New rental legislation expected in March 2026 will introduce 6-year minimum tenancies, changing the Dublin landlord-tenant dynamic significantly.
- The RTB recorded a 35% year-on-year increase in landlord Notices of Termination in Q3 2025, signaling many landlords are exiting the market.
- Dublin rent increases are capped at 2% annually for existing tenants under RPZ rules, creating a two-tier market between new and sitting renters.
Can I legally rent out a property in Dublin as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, Ireland allows non-residents and non-EEA nationals to buy residential property in Dublin and rent it out without any citizenship or residency barriers.
The most common ownership structure for foreigners in Dublin is direct personal ownership, though some investors use Irish limited companies for tax planning or liability reasons.
However, owning property in Dublin does not give you the right to live in Ireland, which means your immigration status and your landlord status are completely separate matters.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Dublin.
Do I need residency to rent out in Dublin right now?
You do not need Irish residency to be a landlord in Dublin, but being a non-resident changes how tax collection works and makes local support almost essential.
If you earn rental income in Dublin, you need to be registered with Revenue, and as a non-resident, you will interact with the Non-Resident Landlord Withholding Tax (NLWT) system.
A local bank account is not legally required in Dublin, but operationally most non-resident landlords use an Irish-resident collection agent who receives rent and handles the 20% withholding process.
Managing a Dublin rental entirely remotely is possible, but practically almost all foreign landlords hire a local property manager for viewings, emergencies, inspections, and compliance paperwork.
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What rental strategy makes the most money in Dublin in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, long-term renting is usually the more reliable and profitable strategy for non-resident investors in Dublin because short-term letting faces significant legal restrictions.
A well-managed long-term rental in Dublin might generate around 28,000 to 32,000 euros per year (roughly 29,000 to 33,000 USD), while a legally compliant short-term rental could theoretically earn 35,000 to 45,000 euros, but only if you can secure the required planning permission.
Short-term renting in Dublin tends to make more financial sense for properties that are your principal private residence or for unique, high-end units in tourist hotspots like Temple Bar or the Docklands where nightly rates can reach 200+ euros.
What's the average gross rental yield in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential properties in Dublin typically falls between 5% and 6.5%, depending on location and property type.
The realistic range covers most Dublin properties: prime areas like Ballsbridge or Donnybrook often compress yields to 3.5% to 5%, while areas like Phibsborough or parts of Dublin 8 can reach 6% to 7%.
Smaller units like studios and 1-bedroom apartments generally achieve the highest gross yields in Dublin because purchase prices are lower relative to rents, while large family homes in premium areas tend to have the lowest yields.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Dublin.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield after all costs for residential properties in Dublin typically falls between 3% and 4.8%, assuming professional management and proper compliance.
The realistic range most Dublin landlords experience spans from around 2.5% in high-price premium areas to approximately 5% in better-value neighborhoods with strong rental demand.
The three main cost categories that reduce gross yield to net yield specifically in Dublin are property management fees (typically 10% to 12% of rent plus VAT for non-residents), apartment service charges and sinking funds (often 150 to 250 euros monthly), and the cumulative burden of Local Property Tax, insurance, and RTB registration fees.
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Dublin.
What monthly rent can I get in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical monthly rent in Dublin is approximately 1,500 euros (around 1,560 USD) for a studio, 1,900 euros (around 1,975 USD) for a 1-bedroom, and 2,450 euros (around 2,550 USD) for a 2-bedroom apartment.
A realistic entry-level monthly rent for a decent studio in Dublin ranges from 1,330 to 1,670 euros (roughly 1,385 to 1,740 USD), with the lower end found in outer suburbs like Tallaght or Blanchardstown.
A typical 1-bedroom apartment in Dublin rents for somewhere between 1,750 and 2,100 euros monthly (roughly 1,820 to 2,185 USD), with city-centre and south-side locations commanding the higher end.
A typical 2-bedroom apartment in Dublin rents for somewhere between 2,230 and 2,690 euros monthly (roughly 2,320 to 2,800 USD), with premium areas like Grand Canal Dock and Ballsbridge at the top of this range.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Dublin.
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.
What are the real numbers I should budget for renting out in Dublin in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated total "all-in" monthly cost to hold and maintain a typical rental apartment in Dublin (excluding mortgage and income tax) ranges from 350 to 650 euros (roughly 365 to 675 USD), plus property management fees as a percentage of rent.
The realistic low-to-high monthly cost range for most standard Dublin rental properties spans from around 300 euros for a simple, owner-managed unit to 750 euros (310 to 780 USD) for a professionally managed apartment with high service charges.
The single largest cost contributor for Dublin apartments is typically the service charge and sinking fund, which can run 150 to 250 euros monthly and is often underestimated by first-time investors.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Dublin.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for rental properties in Dublin is estimated at just 1% to 2%, making it one of the tightest rental markets in Europe.
A Dublin landlord should realistically budget for 0.5 to 1.5 months of vacancy per year, which accounts for tenant turnover, minor repairs between tenancies, and the time needed to properly screen new tenants.
The main factor causing vacancy rates to vary across Dublin neighborhoods is proximity to major employers and public transport, with areas near the Docklands tech hub or Luas lines filling almost instantly while some outer suburbs take longer.
The highest tenant turnover in Dublin typically occurs in late summer (August to September) when students and young professionals relocate, while winter months see slower movement and potentially longer vacancy if a tenant leaves unexpectedly.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Dublin.
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Where do rentals perform best in Dublin in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Dublin are Dublin 2 (including the Docklands and Grand Canal Dock area), Dublin 4 (Ballsbridge and Donnybrook), and Dublin 6 (Ranelagh and Rathmines).
Families in Dublin tend to favor neighborhoods like Dublin 14 (Dundrum and Churchtown), Dublin 15 (Castleknock), and Dublin 18 (Sandyford and Leopardstown), where they can find more space, good schools, and parks while still commuting easily.
Students in Dublin cluster around their universities, meaning Dublin 2 near Trinity College, the Belfield area (Dublin 4/14 border) near UCD, and Drumcondra/Glasnevin (Dublin 9/11) near DCU have consistently strong student demand.
Expats and international professionals in Dublin gravitate toward Ballsbridge, Grand Canal Dock, Ranelagh, and the Dundrum/Sandyford corridor because these areas offer walkability, amenities, and proximity to major tech and finance employers.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Dublin.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the best rental yields in Dublin are Dublin 7 (particularly Phibsborough and Stoneybatter), select pockets of Dublin 8 (Portobello edges), and parts of North Dublin where purchase prices remain lower than the south side.
The estimated gross rental yield range for these top-yielding Dublin neighborhoods is approximately 6% to 7%, compared to the city-wide average of 5% to 6.5%.
The main characteristic that allows these neighborhoods to achieve higher yields is that they offer strong rental demand driven by young professionals and good transport links, but purchase prices have not yet caught up to premium south-side levels.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Dublin.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Dublin are Dublin 2 (Docklands and city centre), Dublin 4 (Ballsbridge and Donnybrook), and parts of South City including Ranelagh and the inner south suburbs.
The typical monthly rent range for a standard 2-bedroom apartment in these premium Dublin neighborhoods is approximately 2,600 to 3,500 euros (roughly 2,700 to 3,640 USD), with newly built units in the Docklands sometimes reaching 4,000+ euros.
The main characteristic that makes these neighborhoods command the highest rents is their concentration of multinational tech and finance headquarters, meaning tenants have high incomes and prioritize walkability to work over price.
The typical tenant profile in these highest-rent Dublin neighborhoods includes tech workers at companies like Google, Meta, and LinkedIn, finance professionals in the IFSC, senior expats on corporate packages, and dual-income professional couples without children.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Ireland. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
What do tenants actually want in Dublin in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three property features that increase monthly rent the most specifically in Dublin are proximity to Luas or DART stations (tenants will pay significantly more to avoid long commutes), high BER energy ratings (A or B rated homes command premiums because Irish energy costs are high), and in-unit washer-dryers (surprisingly valuable in a market where many older apartments lack them).
The single most valuable feature, being within a 5-minute walk of a Luas Green Line or DART station, can add an estimated 8% to 12% rent premium in Dublin compared to similar units further from public transport.
One commonly overrated feature that Dublin landlords invest in but tenants do not pay much extra for is luxury kitchen finishes, as tenants care more about having a functional dishwasher and washer-dryer than marble countertops or premium appliances.
One affordable upgrade that provides a strong return on investment for Dublin landlords is improving the BER rating through better insulation or heating controls, which can cost a few thousand euros but adds both rental value and attracts higher-quality tenants.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished apartments in Dublin typically rent 3 to 7 days faster than unfurnished ones, particularly when targeting expats or professionals relocating quickly into the city.
The typical rent premium that furnished apartments command over unfurnished ones in Dublin is approximately 5% to 10%, though this varies depending on furniture quality and whether the target tenant pool is short-term corporate renters or long-term families.
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How regulated is long-term renting in Dublin right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Dublin right now?
Landlords in Dublin have significant freedom to set the initial rent for a new tenancy, but the rent must be justifiable and in line with market rates for comparable properties in the area.
Rent increases during a tenancy are strictly capped in Dublin under Rent Pressure Zone rules: landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months, and the increase cannot exceed 2% per year (or the rate of inflation if lower).
What's the standard lease length in Dublin right now?
Ireland does not have a fixed "standard lease length" like some countries, but tenancies in Dublin typically start with an initial period and then continue under the Residential Tenancies framework, with new legislation from March 2026 introducing 6-year minimum tenancies for new agreements.
The maximum security deposit a landlord can legally require in Dublin is one month's rent, and tenants generally cannot be asked to pay more than two months' rent upfront (deposit plus one month in advance).
When a tenancy ends in Dublin, landlords must return the security deposit promptly, minus any legitimate deductions for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear, with the RTB available to adjudicate disputes if the tenant challenges any withholdings.
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.
How does short-term renting really work in Dublin in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Dublin right now?
Airbnb-style short-term rentals are legal in Dublin, but the rules depend heavily on whether the property is your principal private residence or a second home purchased purely for investment.
If the property is your principal private residence, you can let it for up to 90 days per year without planning permission by filing Form 15 with Dublin City Council; if it is a second home or you exceed 90 days, you need planning permission for "change of use."
Dublin enforces a 90-day annual cap on short-term letting of entire homes for principal residences, and a new national Short-Term Letting Register launching in May 2026 will require all hosts to register with Failte Ireland and display a registration number on listings.
The most common penalty for operating an unlicensed or non-compliant short-term rental in Dublin includes enforcement orders from Dublin City Council, potential court proceedings, and fines, plus platforms will soon be barred from listing unregistered properties.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Dublin.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Dublin is approximately 55% to 60%, reflecting strong but seasonal demand.
The realistic low-to-high occupancy rate range that most Dublin short-term rentals experience spans from around 45% for average listings to 70%+ for well-reviewed, professionally managed properties in prime locations.
The months with the highest occupancy rates for short-term rentals in Dublin are typically June through September (summer tourism season) and March around St. Patrick's Day, when the city sees peak visitor numbers.
The lowest occupancy rates in Dublin typically occur from November through February (excluding the Christmas/New Year period), when tourism slows and weather discourages leisure travel.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Dublin.
What's the average nightly rate in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Dublin is approximately 190 euros (around 200 USD), though this varies significantly by property type and location.
The realistic low-to-high nightly rate range that covers most Dublin short-term rental listings spans from about 100 euros for basic studios in outer areas to 350+ euros (105 to 365 USD) for premium city-centre apartments or entire homes.
The typical nightly rate difference between peak season (summer and St. Patrick's Day) and off-season (winter) in Dublin is approximately 40 to 80 euros (40 to 85 USD), with peak rates sometimes 30% to 50% higher than winter rates.
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, the Dublin short-term rental market is competitive but not fully saturated, with approximately 7,500 active listings competing for tourist demand in a city with strict regulatory limits.
The trend in active short-term rental listings in Dublin has been relatively stable, as new registrations are offset by enforcement actions and landlords switching to long-term letting due to regulatory complexity.
The most oversaturated neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Dublin are Temple Bar, Dublin 2 city centre, and areas immediately around major tourist attractions, where competition is fierce and differentiation is essential.
Neighborhoods in Dublin that still have room for new short-term rental supply include emerging areas like Dublin 8 (Portobello/Rialto edges) and parts of Dublin 7 (Stoneybatter), where tourist interest is growing but STR density remains lower.
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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 and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Citizens Information | Ireland's official public information service for residents and newcomers. | We used it to confirm that non-residents can legally buy and rent out property in Dublin. We also used it to explain deposit caps and tenant rights. |
| Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) | Ireland's rental sector regulator responsible for tenancy registration and disputes. | We used it to explain RPZ rent cap mechanics and landlord registration requirements. We also used it to quantify compliance costs like registration fees. |
| Gov.ie (Dept of Housing) | The Irish Government's official policy page for housing and rental rules. | We used it to confirm that RPZ rules apply nationwide including Dublin. We also used it to explain the rent increase cap formula. |
| Revenue (Irish Tax Authority) | Ireland's tax authority and the rulebook for rental income compliance. | We used it to explain non-resident landlord withholding tax requirements. We also used it to describe the collection agent workflow. |
| Daft.ie Rental Report | Ireland's dominant property listings platform with transparent methodology. | We used it to estimate Dublin rents by unit type and neighborhood. We also used it to infer vacancy pressure from available rental stock data. |
| Central Statistics Office (CSO) | Ireland's national statistics agency for official economic data. | We used it to anchor Dublin property price trends and directions. We combined it with rent data to estimate realistic gross yields. |
| AirDNA | A widely used short-term rental data provider with consistent methodology. | We used it to estimate typical short-term occupancy and nightly rates in Dublin. We converted USD figures to euros using ECB reference rates. |
| Dublin City Council | The local authority that enforces planning rules in Dublin. | We used it to explain short-term letting planning requirements. We also used it to clarify what triggers "change of use" permission needs. |
| Irish Statute Book | The official text of Irish primary and secondary legislation. | We used it to ground the 90-day short-let exemption concept. We also used it to explain why investors usually need planning permission for STR. |
| European Central Bank (ECB) | The eurozone's central bank and cleanest reference for FX conversion. | We used it to convert USD-denominated metrics into approximate euros. We kept conversions explicitly approximate to reflect rate fluctuations. |
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.
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