Accommodation in Dublin
Until recently a housing bubble made living in Dublin unreasonably expensive. The collapse of these inflated prices did much to cool Ireland's steaming economy and was thought to bode well for expats looking for rental accommodation in Dublin. In part it has, but an undersupply of available apartments and changes to tax laws have left the rental prices still higher than those of many European cities.
Expats shouldn't expect accommodation in Dublin to be the villas and luxury condos typical of more exotic locations. Instead the most common types of housing are flats and row-housing.
Dublin is divided into areas referred to as zones, which are included in all addresses. Generally, the lower the zone number the closer the accommodation will be to the city centre. The higher numbers tend to be in the suburbs. The city is further divided into north and south by the Liffey River. Zones to the north of the river are odd numbers, while even numbered zones can be found to the south of the Liffey River.
As in most cities there are areas that are more expensive than others. The city centre mostly offers flats or small row-housing options that can be quite pricey. In general South Dublin is more expensive than the rest, but on average, a nice two bedroom apartment can be found for €1,100. Larger houses can be found for less in outlying districts such as Lucan and Blanchardstown, but closer to the city centre expats can expect to pay €1,525 to €3,200 for more than two bedrooms.
Apartment and housing agencies are the easiest way to find accommodation in Dublin, but unlike agents in many other countries the rental agencies in Dublin often bill the renter rather than the property owner. Usually the equivalent of one month's rent is the accepted fee. A common renter's complaint is the old or worn interior of rented furnished accommodation. Unlike many expats destinations, it is often worth spending some money on redecorating your accommodation in Dublin.
For expats considering a permanent move to Dublin, it may be easier to buy property than to rent. Housing prices have fallen drastically since the recession began in 2008, and most available accommodation is for purchase rather than for rent in Dublin. That said, Dublin has some of the most expensive property in Ireland and houses usually cost at least half a million Euros.
Expats shouldn't expect accommodation in Dublin to be the villas and luxury condos typical of more exotic locations. Instead the most common types of housing are flats and row-housing.
Dublin is divided into areas referred to as zones, which are included in all addresses. Generally, the lower the zone number the closer the accommodation will be to the city centre. The higher numbers tend to be in the suburbs. The city is further divided into north and south by the Liffey River. Zones to the north of the river are odd numbers, while even numbered zones can be found to the south of the Liffey River.
As in most cities there are areas that are more expensive than others. The city centre mostly offers flats or small row-housing options that can be quite pricey. In general South Dublin is more expensive than the rest, but on average, a nice two bedroom apartment can be found for €1,100. Larger houses can be found for less in outlying districts such as Lucan and Blanchardstown, but closer to the city centre expats can expect to pay €1,525 to €3,200 for more than two bedrooms.
Apartment and housing agencies are the easiest way to find accommodation in Dublin, but unlike agents in many other countries the rental agencies in Dublin often bill the renter rather than the property owner. Usually the equivalent of one month's rent is the accepted fee. A common renter's complaint is the old or worn interior of rented furnished accommodation. Unlike many expats destinations, it is often worth spending some money on redecorating your accommodation in Dublin.
For expats considering a permanent move to Dublin, it may be easier to buy property than to rent. Housing prices have fallen drastically since the recession began in 2008, and most available accommodation is for purchase rather than for rent in Dublin. That said, Dublin has some of the most expensive property in Ireland and houses usually cost at least half a million Euros.
