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
If you're considering investing in Irish property, understanding rental yields is essential to making a smart decision.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about rental returns in Ireland, from national averages to neighborhood-level differences.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data and market conditions.
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 in early 2026 sit around 5.5% to 6.5% nationally, but Dublin yields typically run 1 to 2 percentage points lower due to elevated property prices.
- The gap between gross and net yields in Ireland is often 2 to 3 percentage points, mainly because of Local Property Tax, RTB registration fees, and maintenance costs on older housing stock.
- Small apartments and studios in Ireland can deliver gross yields of 6% to 8%, while large detached homes often stay below 5% because prices rise faster than rents.
- Ireland's rental vacancy rate sits around 2% to 4% nationally, and drops to just 1% to 3% in Dublin, making it one of the tightest rental markets in Europe.
- High-yield areas in Ireland like Tallaght, Finglas, and parts of Cork can reach 7% gross, while premium Dublin postcodes like D4 and D6 often struggle to hit 5%.
- MetroLink, DART+ expansion, and BusConnects Dublin are the three infrastructure projects most likely to push rents higher along their corridors by 2030.
- Full-service property management in Ireland typically costs 8% to 12% of monthly rent plus VAT, with some agents charging an additional letting fee per tenancy.
- Ireland's median dwelling price reached €381,000 in late 2025, which means a property generating €1,700 per month in rent delivers roughly a 5.4% gross yield.
What are the rental yields in Ireland as of 2026?
What's the average gross rental yield in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield in Ireland sits around 5.5% to 6.5%, meaning landlords typically collect about €55 to €65 in annual rent for every €1,000 of property value.
This range covers most standard residential properties across the country, though you can find yields as low as 4% in premium Dublin neighborhoods and as high as 7% or more in certain regional towns.
Compared to the rest of Europe, Ireland's gross yields are moderate, sitting higher than cities like London or Paris but lower than some Eastern European capitals where property prices remain more accessible.
The single biggest factor shaping Ireland's rental yields right now is the severe housing shortage, which keeps rents elevated even as property prices continue to climb.
What's the average net rental yield in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield in Ireland falls between 3.0% and 4.5%, which is what landlords actually keep after paying all their recurring costs.
The typical gap between gross and net yields in Ireland is around 1.5 to 2.5 percentage points, depending on whether you self-manage or hire an agent and whether you own a house or an apartment with service charges.
Maintenance and repairs tend to be the biggest cost that eats into Irish landlords' returns, especially for older properties where boiler replacements, roof repairs, and general upkeep can add up quickly.
Most standard investment properties in Ireland deliver net yields somewhere between 3% and 4.5% because Local Property Tax, RTB registration fees, insurance, and management costs consistently chip away at gross income.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Ireland.
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 yield is considered "good" in Ireland in 2026?
A gross rental yield of around 6% or higher is generally considered good by investors in Ireland, as it typically leaves enough margin to cover costs and still generate meaningful returns.
The threshold that separates average properties from high performers usually sits around 5.5% gross, with anything above 6% putting you in the upper half of the market, though in prime Dublin areas even 4.5% to 5% can be acceptable given stronger capital growth potential.
How much do yields vary by neighborhood in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, gross rental yields in Ireland can vary by 2 to 3 percentage points or more between the highest-yield and lowest-yield neighborhoods, which makes location one of the most important decisions for any property investor.
The highest yields in Ireland typically come from more affordable areas with steady renter demand, such as Tallaght and Finglas in Dublin, Blackpool and Togher in Cork, or Ballybane in Galway, where purchase prices stay reasonable while rents remain strong.
On the other hand, the lowest yields tend to cluster in premium, high-price neighborhoods like Ballsbridge, Ranelagh, Blackrock, and Dalkey in Dublin, where buyers pay substantial lifestyle premiums that rents simply cannot match.
The main reason yields vary so much across Irish neighborhoods is that property prices jump more dramatically than rents when you move from "value" areas to "prime" locations, which compresses returns in upscale postcodes.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Ireland.
How much do yields vary by property type in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, gross rental yields in Ireland range from around 3.5% for large detached homes up to 8% for small studios, meaning your choice of property type can make a bigger difference than many investors realize.
Studios and small one-bedroom apartments currently deliver the highest average gross yields in Ireland, often reaching 6% to 8%, because they command strong rent per square meter from young professionals and students.
Large detached houses and premium family homes sit at the other end, typically generating only 3.5% to 5.5% gross yields because their purchase prices climb much faster than the rents they can achieve.
The key reason yields differ by property type in Ireland is that smaller units rent for more per square meter, which mathematically pushes their yield higher even though the absolute rent is lower.
By the way, you might want to read the following:
What's the typical vacancy rate in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Ireland's rental vacancy rate sits around 2% to 4% nationally, which is extremely low by international standards and reflects just how tight the market has become.
Vacancy rates vary across Ireland, with Dublin often running at just 1% to 3% while some regional areas may see slightly higher turnover, though even those remain relatively constrained.
The main factor driving vacancy rates in Ireland right now is the chronic undersupply of rental housing, which keeps available units scarce and tenants competing for every listing.
Compared to many European countries, Ireland's vacancy rates are among the lowest, which is both good news for landlords seeking steady income and a reflection of the country's ongoing housing crisis.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Ireland.
What's the rent-to-price ratio in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the rent-to-price ratio in Ireland averages around 5% to 6% annually, which means if you buy a property for €400,000, you can typically expect around €20,000 to €24,000 in yearly rent.
A rent-to-price ratio above 5% is generally considered favorable for buy-to-let investors in Ireland, and since this ratio is essentially another way of expressing gross yield, hitting 6% or higher puts you in solid territory.
Ireland's rent-to-price ratio is comparable to other high-demand European markets like Amsterdam or parts of the UK, though it remains lower than what you might find in cities with more affordable property prices and strong rental demand.
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 and micro-areas in Ireland give the best yields as of 2026?
Where are the highest-yield areas in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the highest-yield areas in Ireland include Tallaght (Dublin 24), Finglas (Dublin 11), and parts of Dublin 8 like Inchicore, along with Blackpool in Cork and Ballybane in Galway.
These top-performing areas typically deliver gross rental yields in the range of 6% to 7.5%, with some properties in Cork and Galway occasionally reaching even higher returns.
What these high-yield neighborhoods share is relatively accessible purchase prices combined with strong, steady renter demand driven by nearby employment centers, universities, or good transport links.
You'll find a much more detailed analysis of the areas with high profitability potential in our property pack covering the real estate market in Ireland.
Where are the lowest-yield areas in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the lowest-yield areas in Ireland are the premium Dublin neighborhoods like Ballsbridge (Dublin 4), Ranelagh (Dublin 6), and coastal suburbs such as Blackrock and Dalkey.
Gross rental yields in these low-yield areas typically fall between 3.5% and 5%, which is noticeably below the national average.
The main reason yields are compressed in these areas is that property prices carry a significant lifestyle and prestige premium, while rents, though high in absolute terms, do not rise proportionally enough to maintain strong returns.
Buying a property in a low-yield area is one of the mistakes we cover in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Ireland.
Which areas have the lowest vacancy in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the lowest residential vacancy rates in Ireland include Dublin's Docklands and city centre, Rathmines, Drumcondra, and areas near University College Cork and the University of Limerick in Castletroy.
Vacancy rates in these areas often run at just 1% to 2%, meaning properties rarely sit empty for more than a few days between tenants.
The main demand driver keeping vacancy low in these locations is their proximity to major employment hubs, universities, hospitals, and high-frequency public transport.
The trade-off investors face when targeting these low-vacancy areas is that purchase prices tend to be higher, which compresses gross yields even as occupancy remains exceptionally strong.
Which areas have the most renter demand in Ireland right now?
The neighborhoods currently experiencing the strongest renter demand in Ireland are Dublin's city centre and Docklands, Rathmines and Drumcondra in Dublin, as well as Cork city centre and Castletroy near the University of Limerick.
Most of the demand in these areas comes from young professionals working in tech and financial services, along with students and healthcare workers who need to live close to their workplaces or universities.
Rental listings in these high-demand neighborhoods typically get filled within days, sometimes even hours, reflecting just how competitive the Irish rental market has become.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Ireland.
Which upcoming projects could boost rents and rental yields in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three infrastructure projects most likely to boost rents in Ireland are MetroLink (connecting Swords to Dublin city centre via the airport), the DART+ expansion bringing new trains and routes, and the BusConnects Dublin core bus corridors.
The neighborhoods most likely to benefit include Swords, Ballymun, and areas along the MetroLink corridor in Dublin, as well as commuter towns served by DART+ and streets along the new BusConnects priority routes like Clongriffin, Blanchardstown, and Tallaght.
Once these projects are operational, investors might realistically expect rent increases of 5% to 15% in affected areas, as improved transport access consistently drives up rental desirability.
You'll find our latest property market analysis about Ireland here.
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What property type should I buy for renting in Ireland as of 2026?
Between studios and larger units in Ireland, which performs best in 2026?
As of early 2026, studios and small one-bedroom apartments generally outperform larger units on gross rental yield in Ireland, often delivering 6% to 8% compared to 4% to 6% for two or three-bedroom properties.
In euro terms, a studio in Dublin might generate around €1,400 to €1,600 per month (roughly $1,500 to $1,750 USD or €1,400 to €1,600 EUR) on a €200,000 purchase, while a three-bed house costing €400,000 might bring in €2,200 to €2,500 monthly, yielding less percentage-wise.
The main factor explaining this difference is that smaller units command higher rent per square meter, which mathematically translates to stronger yields even though total rent is lower.
However, if you are targeting families or professional sharers who tend to stay longer and cause less turnover, a well-located two or three-bedroom property might actually be the smarter choice for stability over raw yield.
What property types are in most demand in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the most in-demand property type in Ireland is the two-bedroom apartment, which strikes the best balance between affordability for tenants and versatility for different household types.
The top three property types ranked by current tenant demand in Ireland are two-bedroom apartments, one-bedroom apartments, and three-bedroom terraced or semi-detached houses in commuter-friendly locations.
The primary trend driving this demand pattern is Ireland's growing population of young professionals, couples, and sharers who need city-accessible housing but cannot afford larger family homes.
Large detached houses in rural areas are currently underperforming in demand and are likely to remain so, as most renters prioritize proximity to jobs and transport over space.
What unit size has the best yield per m² in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the unit size delivering the best gross rental yield per square meter in Ireland is typically between 35 and 55 square meters, which covers most studios and compact one-bedroom apartments.
For this optimal unit size in Ireland, the typical gross rental yield per square meter works out to around €25 to €35 per square meter monthly (roughly $27 to $38 USD or €25 to €35 EUR), depending on location and finish quality.
Smaller units below 30 square meters can sometimes struggle with tenant appeal, while larger units above 80 square meters see their rent per square meter drop because tenants are not willing to pay proportionally more for extra space.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable 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 costs cut my net yield in Ireland as of 2026?
What are typical property taxes and recurring local fees in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the annual Local Property Tax for a typical rental apartment in Ireland valued around €350,000 to €400,000 works out to roughly €500 to €700 per year (approximately $540 to $760 USD or €500 to €700 EUR), though this varies by local authority.
Beyond property tax, landlords in Ireland must also budget for the RTB tenancy registration fee of €40 per year (around $43 USD), and apartment owners face annual service charges that can range from €1,500 to €3,000 or more depending on the building.
In total, these taxes and fees typically represent around 3% to 6% of gross rental income in Ireland, which is a meaningful chunk of your returns.
By the way, we cover all the hidden fees and taxes in our property pack covering the real estate market in Ireland.
What insurance, maintenance, and annual repair costs should landlords budget in Ireland right now?
Annual landlord insurance for a typical rental property in Ireland generally costs between €300 and €600 (roughly $325 to $650 USD or €300 to €600 EUR), depending on the property type, location, and coverage level.
The recommended annual maintenance and repair budget in Ireland is around 0.8% to 1.5% of property value, which for a €380,000 property means setting aside roughly €3,000 to €5,700 per year (about $3,250 to $6,200 USD).
The repair expense that most commonly catches Irish landlords off guard is heating system failures, particularly boiler replacements in older properties, which can easily cost €2,000 to €4,000 when they happen unexpectedly.
All together, landlords in Ireland should realistically budget €4,000 to €7,000 annually (around $4,350 to $7,600 USD or €4,000 to €7,000 EUR) for insurance, maintenance, and repairs combined.
Which utilities do landlords typically pay, and what do they cost in Ireland right now?
In most Irish rentals, tenants pay their own electricity, gas, and internet, while landlords typically cover common-area electricity in apartments (through service charges), bin collection in some arrangements, and any utilities during vacant periods between tenancies.
For landlord-paid utilities, which mainly occur during vacancy and turnover, budgeting around €50 to €150 per month (roughly $55 to $165 USD or €50 to €150 EUR) for those periods is realistic, keeping in mind that Ireland has some of the highest electricity prices in the EU.
What does full-service property management cost, including leasing, in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, full-service property management in Ireland typically costs between 8% and 12% of monthly rent plus VAT, which on a €2,000 monthly rent means around €160 to €240 per month (roughly $175 to $260 USD or €160 to €240 EUR) before tax.
On top of ongoing management, many Irish agents charge a separate letting or tenant-placement fee, which commonly runs from half a month's rent to a full month's rent each time a new tenant is placed.
What's a realistic vacancy buffer in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Ireland should set aside around 2% to 4% of annual rental income as a vacancy buffer, which accounts for the inevitable gaps between tenancies even in a tight market.
In practical terms, this translates to roughly 2 to 4 weeks of vacancy per year, covering tenant notice periods, minor refurbishment between lets, and the brief time it takes to fill even high-demand properties.
Buying real estate in Ireland can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Central Statistics Office (CSO) - RPPI | Ireland's official statistics agency and the standard benchmark for national housing prices. | We used it to anchor property price levels and recent price changes. We also used CSO's median purchase price as the price side of our yield calculations. |
| CSO - RPPI October 2025 Release | A dated, official release with hard numbers including the national median price. | We used the reported median dwelling price of €381,000 as our typical price baseline going into early 2026. We used it to cross-check private-sector asking-price reports. |
| Daft.ie - Rental Report Q3 2025 | Ireland's largest property portal with long-running, methodical indices widely referenced by researchers. | We used it for market rent direction and tight-supply context. We also used its regional breakdowns to inform neighborhood yield spreads. |
| Daft.ie - House Price Report Q4 2025 | A transparent, regularly updated report based on a very large listings dataset. | We used it to triangulate prices, especially where transaction data lags. We also validated that the price trend into early 2026 remains upward but slower than prior years. |
| RTB - Research Reports Hub | The statutory regulator for Ireland's rental sector with administrative, large-scale data. | We used RTB/ESRI rent indices to cross-check Daft's rent trends. We also used it to understand existing versus new tenancy rent dynamics. |
| ESRI - RTB Rent Index Q1 2025 | ESRI is a top Irish research institute, and this index is a key national reference. | We used standardised rent levels for new and existing tenancies as anchors for our yield calculations. We then updated directionally using later-2025 Daft data. |
| RTB - Registration Fees | The regulator's own fee schedule, making it a primary source. | We used it to include the unavoidable annual per-tenancy admin cost in net-yield estimates. We also explained compliance costs in plain language. |
| Revenue - Local Property Tax | Revenue is Ireland's tax authority, making this the definitive source for LPT. | We used it to quantify annual property tax as a percentage of property value. We included it directly in our net-yield calculations. |
| Citizens Information - Tenancy Registration | The government-backed public information service for Ireland. | We used it to explain landlord registration obligations in simple terms. We kept the compliance section accessible for non-professional readers. |
| Property Price Register (PSRA) | The statutory register of residential sales in Ireland with official transaction records. | We used it as the ground truth reference for sold prices. We used it to justify why we lean on CSO/PSRA-linked metrics for the price side of yields. |
| Property Services Regulatory Authority | The statutory regulator for estate agents, letting agents, and property management services. | We used it to justify that agent and management services are regulated. We framed fee ranges as market practice rather than random claims. |
| CSO - Census 2022 Vacant Dwellings | Official and comprehensive data on Ireland's housing-stock vacancy. | We used it to separate empty homes from rental vacancy. We used it as background to explain why availability can be tight even if some dwellings sit vacant. |
| Eurostat - Electricity Price Statistics | The EU's official statistics office with consistent, comparable data. | We used it to ground our utility-cost discussion, confirming Ireland is among the higher-price EU markets. We avoided guessing utilities without a reputable benchmark. |
| Government of Ireland - MetroLink Press Release | An official government announcement with dated project facts. | We used it to identify major infrastructure likely to influence renter demand. We named specific places along the Swords-Airport-City Centre corridor. |
| TII - MetroLink Project Page | Transport Infrastructure Ireland is the delivery agency, making this a primary project reference. | We used it to confirm the route purpose and integration points with airport, Luas, and rail. We made the upcoming projects section specific to micro-areas. |
| BusConnects Dublin - Core Bus Corridors | The official programme site describing scope and objectives. | We used it to support how bus priority can raise location convenience. We kept the project list credible rather than rumor-based. |
| SCSI - Real Costs of Apartment Delivery 2025 | The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland provides authoritative cost analysis. | We used it to frame apartment maintenance and service charge realities. We avoided hand-wavy estimates by referencing their detailed cost breakdowns. |
| Transport for Ireland - DART+ Fleet | Official transport authority announcements about rail expansion. | We used it to include DART+ as a key infrastructure project affecting rental demand. We linked it to commuter-town rent potential. |
| Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown - Cherrywood SDZ | Local authority planning documentation for major development zones. | We used it to identify large-scale new districts that can shift demand patterns. We mentioned it as an example of how new supply affects local markets. |
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