Should I buy or rent a home in Ireland?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Ireland, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision...

"We currently rent and may buy once we become Irish Citizens. Our home is in an estate (group of similar homes) and talking to locals and agents got us in," said a member in Tobercurry, Ireland.

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"Buying a home in Ireland can be an attractive option, particularly if you plan to stay in the country long-term. Purchasing a property allows you to build up your own equity, while renting usually means throwing money away each month with no returns. On the other hand, the cost of buying a home in Ireland is relatively high and can be difficult to finance. Additionally, buyers may be required to pay taxes and fees, such as registration fees, legal fees and stamp duty, when purchasing a property. Renting a home in Ireland is typically less expensive and may also give you more flexibility, allowing you to move to a different location without incurring additional costs. Furthermore, there are various incentives available for landlords, such as the rent-a-room scheme and tax reliefs. Ultimately, whether you choose to buy or rent a home in Ireland depends on your individual circumstances," remarked another expat who made the move to Ireland.

Should I buy or rent a home in Ireland?

If you live in Ireland, newcomers to Ireland would love to hear your answer to this question.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.