Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Ireland Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Ireland Property Pack
Ireland's rental market is one of the tightest in Europe, which creates real opportunities for foreign investors willing to navigate the compliance requirements.
This guide covers everything from legal ownership rules to realistic yield expectations, with actual numbers you can use for planning.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest regulations, rent levels, and market conditions in Ireland.
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 Ireland.
Insights
- Ireland's gross rental yields outside Dublin often reach 6% to 8.5%, while Dublin yields compress to 4.5% to 6% due to higher property prices relative to rents.
- Non-resident landlords in Ireland face a unique 20% withholding tax trap where tenants must deduct tax from rent unless you appoint an Irish collection agent.
- A new national short-term letting register launches on 20 May 2026 in Ireland, requiring all Airbnb-style hosts to display registration numbers on listings.
- Dublin studio rents now reach around 1,700 to 2,050 euros per month, while similar studios in Limerick rent for roughly half that amount.
- Ireland's Rent Pressure Zones cap rent increases using a formula tied to the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, not a simple percentage limit.
- Short-term rental occupancy rates in Ireland vary dramatically by city, with Cork averaging 68% while Dublin sits closer to 58%.
- The RTB registration fee for landlords in Ireland is just 40 euros per year if filed on time, but late registration triggers penalties.
- Furnished rentals in Dublin's student and expat corridors typically rent 1 to 2 weeks faster than unfurnished equivalents in the same buildings.
Can I legally rent out a property in Ireland as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, Ireland does not restrict foreign individuals from buying, owning, or renting out residential property, so you can legally become a landlord regardless of your nationality.
The most common ownership structure for foreign investors in Ireland is direct personal ownership, though some choose to hold property through an Irish limited company for tax planning purposes.
The main practical challenge for foreigners is not ownership rights but rather compliance logistics, specifically around tax registration with Revenue, mandatory tenancy registration with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), and handling the non-resident landlord withholding tax system.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Ireland.
Do I need residency to rent out in Ireland right now?
You do not need Irish residency to rent out a residential property in Ireland, and many foreign investors successfully manage rentals entirely from abroad.
However, you will need to register with Revenue for Irish tax purposes because Ireland taxes rental income earned in the country regardless of where you live.
While there is no strict legal requirement to have an Irish bank account, most tenants and property managers strongly prefer SEPA euro transfers, so setting up an Irish or euro-zone account makes operations much smoother.
Remote management is entirely feasible in Ireland because the letting agency market is well-developed, and appointing an Irish-resident collection agent also solves your withholding tax obligations in one step.
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What rental strategy makes the most money in Ireland in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, long-term renting in Ireland typically offers steadier and lower-risk returns, while short-term rentals can generate higher gross revenue in tourist hotspots but come with significantly more regulatory complexity.
A well-managed long-term rental in Dublin might generate around 24,000 to 30,000 euros annually for a one-bedroom apartment, while a comparable short-term rental in peak areas could gross 30,000 to 40,000 euros (roughly 32,000 to 43,000 USD or 27,000 to 34,000 GBP), though operating costs and compliance burdens are much higher for short-term.
Short-term rentals tend to outperform financially in Ireland's tourist corridors like Galway's Salthill, Kerry's coastal towns, and Dublin's city center, where nightly rates can justify the extra management overhead and regulatory requirements.
What's the average gross rental yield in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential properties in Ireland sits around 5.5% to 7%, though this varies significantly between Dublin and regional areas.
The realistic range spans from about 4.5% gross yield in expensive Dublin neighborhoods up to 8.5% in strong regional cities like Limerick and parts of Cork where purchase prices are lower relative to achievable rents.
Smaller apartments and studios in Ireland typically achieve the highest gross yields because their rent-per-square-meter is higher, and they appeal to the largest tenant pool of young professionals and students.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Ireland.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield after all costs for residential properties in Ireland typically falls between 3.5% and 5.5%, depending heavily on location and property type.
Most landlords in Ireland realistically experience net yields ranging from about 3% in prime Dublin postcodes up to 6% in well-chosen regional locations with strong tenant demand.
The three main cost categories that eat into gross yields in Ireland are property management fees (often 8% to 12% of rent plus VAT), Local Property Tax which varies by valuation band, and the maintenance burden on Ireland's older housing stock which frequently requires heating system upgrades and damp remediation.
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Ireland.
What monthly rent can I get in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical monthly rents in Dublin are around 1,850 euros (2,000 USD, 1,600 GBP) for a studio, 2,100 euros (2,270 USD, 1,800 GBP) for a one-bedroom, and 2,700 euros (2,920 USD, 2,300 GBP) for a two-bedroom apartment.
A decent studio in Ireland's capital rents for roughly 1,700 to 2,050 euros per month (1,840 to 2,220 USD, 1,450 to 1,750 GBP), though entry-level options in less central areas can start around 1,500 euros.
A typical one-bedroom apartment in Dublin commands 1,900 to 2,350 euros monthly (2,050 to 2,540 USD, 1,620 to 2,000 GBP), with newer builds and good locations pushing toward the higher end.
For a two-bedroom apartment in Dublin, expect rents of 2,400 to 3,100 euros per month (2,600 to 3,350 USD, 2,050 to 2,650 GBP), while regional cities like Cork and Galway offer similar units for 30% to 40% less.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Ireland.
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 Ireland in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total monthly holding cost for a typical rental property in Ireland (excluding mortgage payments) ranges from about 300 to 700 euros (325 to 760 USD, 255 to 600 GBP), depending on property type and location.
For apartments with service charges, budget 350 to 750 euros monthly (380 to 810 USD, 300 to 640 GBP), while houses without management company fees typically cost 250 to 600 euros monthly (270 to 650 USD, 215 to 510 GBP) to maintain.
The single largest cost contributor for most Irish landlords is property management and letting fees, which typically run 8% to 12% of monthly rent plus 23% VAT on the service, easily reaching 200 to 350 euros monthly on a Dublin apartment.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Ireland.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for well-priced rental properties in Ireland is extremely low at around 2% to 4% in Dublin and 3% to 6% in other cities, reflecting the country's severe rental supply shortage.
Landlords in Ireland should realistically budget for about half a month to one month of vacancy per year, though properties in high-demand Dublin neighborhoods often re-let within one to two weeks of listing.
The main factor driving vacancy differences across Irish neighborhoods is proximity to employment hubs and public transport, with areas near tech campuses, hospitals, and universities experiencing virtually zero vacancy while more isolated locations see longer void periods.
Tenant turnover in Ireland typically peaks in late summer (August and September) when students and young professionals relocate, creating a brief window of higher vacancy risk that smart landlords can avoid by aligning lease terms accordingly.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Ireland.
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Where do rentals perform best in Ireland in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Ireland are Dublin's Docklands/Grand Canal area, Rathmines in Dublin 6, and Galway city center, all driven by concentrated employment and lifestyle amenities.
Families in Ireland gravitate toward neighborhoods with good schools and green space, with Clontarf in Dublin 3, Douglas in Cork, and Castleknock in Dublin 15 showing consistently strong family-oriented rental demand.
Student rental demand in Ireland concentrates heavily around university campuses, particularly Glasnevin near DCU, the Belfield/Donnybrook area near UCD, and Castletroy in Limerick near the University of Limerick.
Expats and international professionals in Ireland cluster in premium areas with modern housing stock, especially Dublin's Docklands (Dublin 2), Ballsbridge (Dublin 4), and Ranelagh (Dublin 6), where corporate relocation packages often cover higher rents.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Ireland.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods offering the best rental yields in Ireland are Stoneybatter/Phibsborough in Dublin 7, Castletroy in Limerick, and parts of Cork city near UCC, where strong tenant demand meets relatively affordable purchase prices.
These top-yielding Irish neighborhoods typically deliver gross rental yields of 6% to 8.5%, compared to just 4% to 5% in premium Dublin 4 postcodes where property prices are much higher.
The defining characteristic that allows these neighborhoods to achieve higher yields is that they sit in the "value sweet spot" where purchase prices have not yet caught up to rental demand driven by nearby universities, hospitals, or emerging tech employers.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Ireland.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Ireland are Dublin's Docklands/Grand Canal (Dublin 2), Ballsbridge (Dublin 4), and Ranelagh (Dublin 6), all commanding significant premiums over other areas.
A standard two-bedroom apartment in these premium Dublin neighborhoods typically rents for 2,800 to 3,500 euros per month (3,000 to 3,800 USD, 2,400 to 3,000 GBP), with newer builds and penthouses exceeding 4,000 euros.
These neighborhoods command Ireland's highest rents because they combine walkability to major tech employers (Google, Meta, LinkedIn headquarters), access to premium restaurants and cultural venues, and Ireland's best-maintained period architecture.
The typical tenant in Ireland's highest-rent neighborhoods is a senior professional or tech executive, often an international relocator on a corporate housing allowance, willing to pay premium prices for turnkey apartments with modern finishes and concierge services.
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 Ireland in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three property features that increase monthly rent the most in Ireland are high-efficiency heating systems (heat pumps or A-rated BER), secure car parking in urban areas, and dedicated home office space or a flexible second bedroom.
A top-tier BER energy rating (A or B) can add a rent premium of around 5% to 10% in Ireland because tenants know their heating bills will be dramatically lower during the country's long, damp winters.
One commonly overrated feature that Irish landlords invest in but tenants rarely pay extra for is expensive kitchen appliances beyond the basics, since most renters care more about layout and storage than having a premium brand dishwasher.
An affordable upgrade that delivers strong returns for landlords in Ireland is improving insulation and draft-proofing, which costs relatively little but noticeably improves tenant comfort and helps secure higher-quality long-term renters.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished apartments in Ireland's high-demand urban areas typically rent about one to two weeks faster than unfurnished equivalents, though this advantage is most pronounced in student zones and expat-heavy neighborhoods.
Furnished rentals in Ireland generally command a rent premium of around 5% to 15% over unfurnished units, with the premium being highest for short-stay corporate tenants and lowest for families who prefer to bring their own furniture.
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How regulated is long-term renting in Ireland right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Ireland right now?
For a new tenancy in Ireland, landlords can generally set the initial rent at market rates, but most of the country falls within Rent Pressure Zones where subsequent rent increases are strictly regulated.
Once a tenancy is established in an Irish RPZ, rent increases are capped at the lower of 2% per year or the rate of inflation as measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, and landlords must give tenants 90 days written notice before any increase takes effect.
What's the standard lease length in Ireland right now?
The most common initial lease length for residential rentals in Ireland is 12 months, though Irish law automatically grants tenants "Part 4" security of tenure rights after six months, allowing them to stay for up to six years.
Landlords in Ireland can legally request a security deposit of up to one month's rent, which works out to roughly 1,700 to 2,500 euros (1,840 to 2,700 USD, 1,450 to 2,130 GBP) for a typical Dublin apartment.
Irish law requires landlords to return the security deposit promptly at the end of a tenancy, minus any legitimate deductions for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear, and disputes over deposits are one of the most common cases heard by the RTB.
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 Ireland in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Ireland right now?
Airbnb-style short-term rentals are legal in Ireland but subject to significant regulation, and compliance requirements are tightening substantially in 2026.
A new national Short-Term Letting Register operated by Failte Ireland launches on 20 May 2026, after which all hosts must obtain a registration number and display it on their listings or face enforcement action.
Ireland applies planning-based restrictions on short-term lets, including the well-known 90-day annual limit for renting rooms in your principal private residence in certain areas, with anything beyond that requiring planning permission.
The most common penalties for non-compliant short-term rentals in Ireland include fines, enforcement notices from local planning authorities, and platform-level removal of listings once the new registration system enables Airbnb and Booking.com to verify host compliance.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Ireland.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Ireland ranges from about 58% in Dublin to 68% in Cork, with Galway sitting around 60%.
The realistic range of occupancy rates that most Irish short-term rentals experience spans from around 45% for poorly optimized listings up to 75% to 80% for professionally managed properties in prime tourist locations.
The highest occupancy months for short-term rentals in Ireland are June through September, when summer tourism peaks, plus brief spikes around St. Patrick's Day in March and major sporting or cultural events.
The lowest occupancy periods in Ireland typically fall in January and February and again in November, when tourist arrivals drop and domestic travel slows due to weather and post-holiday budgets.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Ireland.
What's the average nightly rate in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Ireland is approximately 180 euros (195 USD, 155 GBP) in Dublin, 133 euros (145 USD, 115 GBP) in Cork, and 198 euros (215 USD, 170 GBP) in Galway.
The realistic range of nightly rates across Irish short-term rentals spans from about 80 euros (87 USD, 68 GBP) for basic listings in smaller towns up to 350 euros (380 USD, 300 GBP) or more for premium properties in Dublin city center or scenic coastal locations.
The typical difference between peak and off-season nightly rates in Ireland is around 40% to 60%, so a property charging 200 euros per night in August might only achieve 120 to 140 euros in January.
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the short-term rental market in Ireland is competitive rather than oversaturated, with upcoming regulation likely to reduce supply as non-compliant operators exit the market after May 2026.
The trend in active short-term rental listings in Ireland appears to be stabilizing or slightly declining in major cities as hosts prepare for stricter registration requirements and some convert properties back to long-term rentals.
The most saturated neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Ireland are Dublin's Temple Bar area, Galway's city center near Eyre Square, and popular coastal villages in Kerry and West Cork where the density of listings creates intense competition.
Neighborhoods in Ireland that still have room for new short-term rental supply include emerging tourism corridors like Waterford's Viking Triangle, Limerick city center following its regeneration, and less-discovered coastal areas in Donegal and Sligo.
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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 Ireland, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) | Ireland's statutory regulator for all residential tenancies. | We used RTB guidance to confirm landlord obligations including registration, rent reviews, and deposit rules. We also referenced their RPZ compliance resources for rent cap explanations. |
| Revenue (Irish Tax Authority) | The definitive source for Irish tax rules on rental income. | We used Revenue's non-resident landlord and NLWT pages to explain tax compliance for foreign owners. We also referenced their LPT and VAT schedules for cost calculations. |
| Daft.ie Rental Reports | Ireland's largest property portal with transparent time-series data. | We used Daft reports to estimate market rents by property size and region. We also used their availability metrics to assess vacancy and market tightness. |
| ESRI RTB Rent Index | Ireland's leading research institute analyzing official tenancy data. | We used ESRI's analysis to validate advertised rent data against actual rents paid. We also used it to compare Dublin versus regional rent gaps. |
| Gov.ie (Department of Housing) | Official Irish government policy publications on housing regulation. | We used gov.ie to confirm current and upcoming short-term letting rules. We referenced their policy timeline to explain the May 2026 registration launch. |
| Citizens Information | Ireland's government-backed public information service in plain English. | We used Citizens Information to explain Airbnb rules and the 90-day concept clearly. We also referenced their tenancy guidance for lease and deposit rules. |
| AirDNA | Industry-standard short-term rental analytics platform used globally. | We used AirDNA for occupancy rates and average daily rates across Irish cities. We also referenced their market saturation indicators. |
| Failte Ireland | Ireland's national tourism authority operating the new STR register. | We used Failte Ireland to explain the upcoming registration system and compliance requirements. We referenced their guidance on what hosts need to prepare. |
| Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) | Primary source for legislative details and implementation dates. | We used parliamentary records to confirm the 20 May 2026 STR register launch date. We referenced this to avoid relying on media summaries. |
| European Central Bank | Official euro reference rate source used across Europe. | We used ECB exchange rates to convert USD-denominated STR metrics to euros transparently. We referenced this to keep currency conversions verifiable. |
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.