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 remains one of the tightest in Europe, and if you're looking to rent or invest, understanding current prices is essential.
This article breaks down typical rents by property type, highlights the neighborhoods that command the highest prices, and explains what's driving the market in 2026.
We update this blog post regularly to reflect the latest data and trends.
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 rental vacancy rate hovers around just 1% to 2% nationally in 2026, which means landlords in Dublin often fill properties within 7 to 14 days of listing.
- A 1-bedroom apartment in Ireland costs roughly €1,520 per month in January 2026, but Dublin renters typically pay €300 to €400 more than those outside the capital.
- Rent per square meter in Ireland averages €28 to €32 monthly, making it comparable to Amsterdam but still below London's prime areas.
- Ireland's rent growth is projected at 3% to 6% in 2026, held back slightly by new rent control modifications that allow market resets between tenancies starting March 2026.
- Expats in Ireland cluster heavily in Ballsbridge, Sandymount, and Grand Canal Dock, where proximity to international schools and tech employers drives demand.
- Energy efficiency upgrades, such as insulation and heating controls, deliver the strongest rental ROI in Ireland because tenants prioritize lower utility bills in a country with high energy costs.
- Apartments in professionally managed blocks in Ireland require a realistic maintenance budget of €3,000 to €4,500 per year to cover service charges and in-unit repairs.
- Room rentals have become a growing share of Ireland's rental market as younger tenants stretch budgets by sharing houses rather than renting entire apartments.
What are typical rents in Ireland as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Ireland is approximately €1,250, which translates to around $1,300 USD or £1,050.
That said, studio rents in Ireland range quite a bit, with most falling between €900 and €1,600 per month ($940 to $1,670 USD), depending on where you're looking.
The main factors that push studio rents higher or lower in Ireland are location (Dublin versus regional cities), the property's energy rating, and whether the unit comes furnished with modern appliances.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Ireland is approximately €1,520, which works out to around $1,580 USD or £1,280.
Depending on the area, 1-bedroom rents in Ireland typically range from €1,050 in smaller towns to €1,850 or more in central Dublin ($1,095 to $1,925 USD).
In Ireland, the cheapest 1-bedroom apartments are generally found in regional cities like Limerick, Waterford, and parts of Cork, while Dublin 2, Dublin 4, and Dublin 6 command the highest prices.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Ireland is approximately €1,920, equivalent to around $2,000 USD or £1,615.
Most 2-bedroom apartments in Ireland rent for somewhere between €1,350 and €2,400 per month ($1,400 to $2,500 USD), with the wide range reflecting stark differences between Dublin and the rest of the country.
For 2-bedroom rentals in Ireland, areas like Limerick city center, Galway suburbs, and parts of Cork offer more affordable options, while Ballsbridge, Ranelagh, and the Docklands in Dublin sit at the top of the price scale.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Ireland.
What's the average rent per square meter in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Ireland falls between €28 and €32 per month, which translates to approximately $29 to $33 USD or £24 to £27.
Across different neighborhoods in Ireland, rent per square meter ranges from around €20 in more affordable regional areas to €40 or higher in prime Dublin locations ($21 to $42 USD).
Compared to other European capitals, Ireland's rent per square meter is broadly similar to Amsterdam and Brussels but remains below London and Paris, though Dublin specifically rivals those higher-priced cities.
In Ireland, properties with higher energy ratings (BER A or B), modern finishes, and central locations typically command rent per square meter well above the national average.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Ireland have increased by approximately 4% to 6% compared to the same time last year.
The main factors driving rent increases in Ireland this year include persistently tight supply, strong employment growth in the tech and pharma sectors, and continued population growth from international migration.
This year's rent growth in Ireland is actually more moderate than the double-digit increases seen in 2022 and 2023, suggesting some stabilization even though supply remains constrained.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, rent growth in Ireland is projected to land somewhere between 3% and 6% over the course of the year.
The key factors likely to influence rent growth in Ireland include ongoing housing supply shortages (new completions still lag demand), continued strong employment, and inflation settling around 2% according to Central Bank projections.
In Ireland, neighborhoods near major employers and transit hubs, particularly Dublin's Docklands, Sandyford, and areas along the DART line, are expected to see the strongest rent growth.
The main uncertainties that could push Ireland's rent growth above or below projections include potential policy changes (such as the March 2026 rent control modifications allowing market resets between tenancies) and any unexpected shifts in employment or migration patterns.
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 Ireland as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Ireland are Dublin 4 (Ballsbridge and Sandymount), Dublin 2 (Grand Canal Dock and the Docklands), and Dublin 6 (Ranelagh and Rathmines), where 2-bedroom apartments typically exceed €2,500 per month ($2,600 USD).
What makes these Dublin neighborhoods command premium rents is their combination of walkability, proximity to major tech employers like Google and Meta, excellent restaurants and cafes, and access to quality schools.
The typical tenants in these high-rent Ireland neighborhoods are senior professionals, tech workers on expatriate packages, and well-established couples or small families who prioritize convenience over space.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Ireland.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Ireland right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Ireland are Stoneybatter and Smithfield (Dublin 7), Ranelagh and Rathmines (Dublin 6), and Phibsborough and Drumcondra (Dublin 9).
Young professionals in these Ireland neighborhoods typically pay between €1,400 and €2,000 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment ($1,460 to $2,080 USD), though many opt for room shares at €800 to €1,200 to keep costs manageable.
What attracts young professionals to these Ireland neighborhoods is the combination of vibrant nightlife, coffee shops, co-working spaces, short commutes to city center offices, and good public transport links via LUAS and bus routes.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Ireland.
Where do families prefer to rent in Ireland right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Ireland are Clontarf and Raheny (northside Dublin), Dundrum and Rathfarnham (southside Dublin), and Castleknock and Lucan (west Dublin suburbs).
Families renting 2-3 bedroom homes in these Ireland neighborhoods typically pay between €2,200 and €3,200 per month ($2,290 to $3,330 USD), with houses commanding higher rents than apartments.
What makes these Ireland neighborhoods attractive to families is the availability of larger homes with gardens, proximity to well-regarded primary and secondary schools, access to parks and sports clubs, and relatively safe, established communities.
Top-rated schools near these family-friendly Ireland neighborhoods include St. Paul's College and Mount Temple in Clontarf, Notre Dame and Wesley College near Dundrum, and Castleknock College in the western suburbs.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three areas near transit or universities that rent fastest in Ireland are neighborhoods along the DART line (Blackrock, Dún Laoghaire), areas near Trinity College and UCD (Dublin 2, Dublin 4), and the LUAS Green Line corridor (Dundrum, Milltown, Ranelagh).
Properties in these high-demand Ireland areas typically stay listed for just 7 to 10 days, compared to the national average of 14 to 21 days, because competition among tenants is intense.
The rent premium for properties within walking distance of transit or universities in Ireland typically adds €150 to €300 per month ($156 to $312 USD) compared to similar properties further from these amenities.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Ireland right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Ireland are Ballsbridge and Sandymount (Dublin 4), Grand Canal Dock and Ringsend (Dublin 2), and Blackrock and Dún Laoghaire (south Dublin coast).
Expats renting in these Ireland neighborhoods typically pay between €2,000 and €3,000 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment ($2,080 to $3,120 USD), reflecting the premium for international-friendly amenities.
What makes these Ireland neighborhoods attractive to expats is the proximity to international schools, walking distance to major tech and finance employers, English-speaking communities, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere with restaurants and cafes.
The most represented expat communities in these Ireland neighborhoods include American, British, French, German, and Indian nationals, many of whom work in the tech, pharmaceutical, and financial services sectors.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Ireland.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Ireland right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Ireland?
The top three tenant profiles that dominate Ireland's rental market are young professionals and couples (typically renting 1-2 bedroom apartments), house-sharers renting rooms (often students and early-career workers), and families seeking 3-bedroom or larger homes in suburban areas.
In Ireland, young professionals and couples account for roughly 40% to 45% of rental demand, room-sharers make up about 25% to 30%, and families represent around 20% to 25% of the market.
Young professionals in Ireland typically seek modern 1-2 bedroom apartments near city centers, room-sharers look for affordable rooms in shared houses, and families prioritize 3-bedroom houses with gardens in school-catchment areas.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Ireland.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Ireland?
In Ireland, roughly 65% to 70% of tenants prefer furnished rentals, while 30% to 35% seek unfurnished properties, reflecting the market's tradition of landlords providing furniture.
The typical rent premium for furnished apartments compared to unfurnished in Ireland is around €100 to €200 per month ($104 to $208 USD), though this varies based on the quality of furnishings provided.
In Ireland, furnished rentals are particularly preferred by expats, international students, and young professionals who want to move in quickly without purchasing furniture, while families on longer leases sometimes prefer unfurnished to bring their own belongings.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Ireland?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Ireland are prime location near transit (DART or LUAS), high energy efficiency (BER A or B rating), secure parking, in-unit washer/dryer, and private outdoor space (balcony or garden).
In Ireland, proximity to transit can add €150 to €300 per month ($156 to $312 USD), a top BER rating adds €100 to €200 ($104 to $208 USD), parking adds €100 to €150 ($104 to $156 USD), in-unit laundry adds €75 to €125 ($78 to $130 USD), and outdoor space adds €100 to €200 ($104 to $208 USD).
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Ireland, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Ireland?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Ireland are BER/energy upgrades (insulation, heating controls), kitchen modernization, bathroom refresh, improved ventilation and damp mitigation, and adding or upgrading laundry facilities.
In Ireland, energy upgrades typically cost €3,000 to €8,000 ($3,120 to $8,320 USD) and can increase rent by €100 to €200 monthly, kitchen updates cost €5,000 to €12,000 ($5,200 to $12,480 USD) for €75 to €150 more in rent, and bathroom refreshes cost €3,000 to €7,000 ($3,120 to $7,280 USD) for €50 to €100 additional rent.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI in Ireland and should be avoided include luxury finishes that exceed neighborhood standards, overly personalized design choices, and structural changes that don't add bedrooms or living space.
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 Ireland as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the vacancy rate for rental properties in Ireland is estimated at just 1% to 2% nationally, making it one of the tightest rental markets in Europe.
Across different neighborhoods in Ireland, vacancy rates range from around 1% in Dublin and other major cities to approximately 2% to 3% in smaller towns and rural areas.
Ireland's current rental vacancy rate is well below the historical average of 4% to 6%, reflecting years of undersupply relative to population growth and housing demand.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Ireland.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rentals in Ireland stay listed for an average of approximately 10 to 14 days before being let, though this varies significantly by location.
Across different property types and neighborhoods in Ireland, days on market ranges from just 7 days in central Dublin and near transit hubs to around 21 days in smaller regional towns.
Ireland's current days-on-market figure is similar to or slightly lower than one year ago, reflecting continued tight supply and strong tenant demand throughout 2025.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Ireland?
The peak months for tenant demand in Ireland are late summer and early autumn (August to October) and January, coinciding with university terms and post-holiday job relocations.
The main factors driving seasonal demand patterns in Ireland include the academic calendar (students seeking accommodation before term starts), graduate job starts in September, and January being a common time for career moves and corporate relocations.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Ireland are typically November to December and February to March, when fewer people relocate due to holidays and settled routines.
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 will my monthly costs be in Ireland as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Ireland should expect to pay Local Property Tax (LPT) of approximately €300 to €600 per year ($312 to $624 USD) for a typical rental property, depending on its valuation band.
The realistic range of annual property taxes in Ireland spans from around €90 for lower-value properties in regional areas to €1,000 or more ($94 to $1,040 USD) for higher-value homes in Dublin's premium neighborhoods.
Property taxes in Ireland are calculated based on the property's valuation band (self-assessed market value as of a set date) and a base rate, which local authorities can adjust upward or downward by up to 15%.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Ireland, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Ireland right now?
A realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical rental property in Ireland is approximately €3,000 to €4,500 ($3,120 to $4,680 USD), particularly for apartments in professionally managed blocks.
Depending on property age and condition in Ireland, annual maintenance costs can range from around €1,500 for newer properties in good condition to €6,000 or more ($1,560 to $6,240 USD) for older buildings requiring more frequent repairs.
Landlords in Ireland typically set aside 8% to 12% of annual rental income for maintenance, which accounts for both routine repairs and contributions to building sinking funds for major works.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Ireland right now?
The utilities landlords most commonly pay on behalf of tenants in Ireland are building service charges (for apartments), property insurance, and sometimes refuse collection, while tenants typically cover electricity, gas, and broadband directly.
In Ireland, typical monthly costs for landlord-paid utilities include service charges of €100 to €250 per month ($104 to $260 USD) for apartments, insurance of €50 to €100 per month ($52 to $104 USD), and refuse collection of €20 to €40 per month ($21 to $42 USD) where included.
The common practice in Ireland is for tenants to set up their own accounts for electricity, gas, and internet, while landlords cover fixed building costs and insurance, which can be claimed as allowable expenses against rental income.
How is rental income taxed in Ireland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Ireland is taxed as part of your total income at marginal rates of 20% (standard) or 40% (higher), plus USC and PRSI, with tax applied to your net profit after allowable deductions.
The main deductions landlords can claim against rental income in Ireland include mortgage interest (100% deductible for residential lettings), insurance premiums, management fees, maintenance and repairs, service charges, and certain professional fees.
A common tax mistake specific to Ireland that landlords should avoid is failing to register the tenancy with the RTB, which can result in losing the ability to claim mortgage interest as a deduction and potential penalties.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property 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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| RTB Rent Index Q1 2025 | RTB is Ireland's rental regulator and its index is built from registered tenancies. | We used it as the backbone for typical rent levels and rent changes by bedroom type. We also used its Dublin vs Non-Dublin splits to build Ireland-wide estimates. |
| ESRI RTB Rent Index Q2 2025 | ESRI is Ireland's leading public-policy research institute and co-produces the RTB index methodology. | We used it to cross-check RTB's definitions of new versus existing tenancies and the most recent trend narrative. We also used it to validate our 2026 projections. |
| Daft.ie Irish Rental Report Q3 2025 | Daft.ie is Ireland's largest property portal and its rental report is a widely cited market benchmark. | We used it to reflect what renters actually see in open-market listings. We also used its availability data to inform demand, vacancy, and days-to-let estimates. |
| Daft.ie Rental Price Report Q1 2025 | It's the full Daft.ie report including methodology and detailed tables. | We used it to cross-check rent levels and year-on-year changes. We also used its "homes available to rent" snapshots as a proxy for market tightness. |
| Central Bank of Ireland Q1 2025 Bulletin | It's Ireland's central bank, and its projections are a reference point for inflation and growth expectations. | We used it to anchor a realistic 2026 inflation backdrop. We then translated that into a base case rent-growth range for 2026. |
| ESRI Quarterly Economic Commentary Spring 2025 | ESRI's QEC is one of Ireland's most-cited official-style macro outlooks. | We used it to judge whether housing supply is likely to loosen or stay constrained into 2026. We then linked supply constraints to rent-growth risk. |
| CSO New Dwelling Completions Q1 2025 | CSO is Ireland's official statistics agency. | We used it to ground the new supply side of the rent story. We also used it to explain why rental pressure persists even when rent inflation moderates. |
| Reuters on Ireland's rent-control modifications | Reuters is a top-tier newswire and this piece reports a specific policy decision with clear details. | We used it to explain the rule changes that affect landlords' pricing power from 2026 onward. We also used it in our outlook to describe how regulation may shift incentives. |
| Revenue: Allowable Rental Expenses | Revenue is the primary source for what's deductible and how rental income is treated for tax in Ireland. | We used it to list landlord-paid costs that can be deducted. We also used it to keep the monthly costs section practical and compliant. |
| Citizens Information: Management Companies | Citizens Information is the Irish state's official public-information service. | We used it to explain service charges and sinking funds in plain English. We also used it to set expectations for apartment-block running costs. |
| SCSI Apartment Block Maintenance Report | SCSI is a recognized professional body and its cost work is widely referenced in Irish housing debates. | We used it to anchor a realistic building upkeep budget, especially for apartments. We then translated that into a landlord-friendly annual budget range. |
| CSO Consumer Price Index November 2025 | CSO CPI is the official measure of inflation and key household cost categories in Ireland. | We used it to frame utility-cost pressure and overall cost-of-living context. We also used it as a cross-check against rent inflation narratives. |
| Electric Ireland: Typical Consumption Figures | It explicitly references figures approved by the CRU, Ireland's energy regulator. | We used it to ground typical household usage when discussing utilities. We then explained who usually pays which bills in Irish rentals. |
| FRED: Ireland HICP Rentals Series | It's a reputable public data portal that republishes official Eurostat-derived series. | We used it as an independent cross-check that rents in official inflation data have risen structurally. We used it only for trend confirmation, not euro rent levels. |
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