Ireland – Buying Property

Can foreign nationals legally buy and own property in Ireland?

Ireland imposes no ownership restrictions on foreign nationals wishing to purchase residential or commercial property. This open-door policy covers the full spectrum of property types — houses, apartments, land parcels, and commercial buildings — right across the country. When measured against markets such as New Zealand, which has introduced significant curbs on non-resident purchasers, or parts of Southeast Asia, where foreign freehold title is sharply limited, Ireland’s permissive stance stands out clearly.

At present, there are no constraints on who may own and occupy real estate in Ireland, although “vetting” procedures do exist for “critical infrastructure” assets acquired by non-EU entities, including renewable energy assets such as solar and wind. For the overwhelming majority of overseas buyers purchasing a family home, holiday retreat, or conventional investment property, these screening mechanisms will be entirely irrelevant.

In contrast to many jurisdictions that bar foreigners from owning land outright, Ireland allows you to hold the land attached to your home or rural cottage in your own name, with that ownership formally recorded through Tailte Éireann’s Land Register. Whether your purchase is a brand-new apartment in Dublin or a period cottage in County Kerry, the legal framework and ownership rights are identical to those available to any Irish citizen.

Ireland previously operated a Golden Visa programme under which non-EU nationals could secure residency by making qualifying real estate investments. That scheme was formally abolished in 2023, meaning a property purchase no longer carries any immigration advantage. Buying a home does not automatically entitle you to live in Ireland. Anyone intending to reside here on a long-term basis must qualify for a relevant visa or residency permission through a completely separate process. For the most up-to-date rules, consult the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) website.

The statutory body responsible for land registration in Ireland is Tailte Éireann, which administers both the Land Register and the Registry of Deeds. All records of property ownership flow through this organisation.

What are average property prices in Ireland, and how do they vary by region?

Buyers paid a national median price of €387,000 for a residential property in the twelve months to December 2025. This figure, published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), represents the most authoritative yardstick for the Irish market as a whole. Prices diverge dramatically depending on where you buy, what type of home you are purchasing, and its condition.

The highest median price recorded for a dwelling was €679,999 in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, while Donegal registered the lowest at €195,000. This spread makes clear just how polarised the market can be. Dublin and its surrounding commuter counties represent the top of the pricing ladder, whereas north-western and midland counties remain considerably more accessible in terms of cost.

Dublin residential prices grew by 5.6%, while properties outside the capital were 8.1% more expensive in December 2025 than they had been twelve months earlier. Regional cities — Cork, Galway, and Limerick — occupy a middle tier, sitting below Dublin in price but catching up with some pace.

Among the regions outside Dublin, the Midlands (Laois, Longford, Offaly, and Westmeath) recorded the steepest price growth at 14.4%, while the West (Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon) saw increases of 6.4% at the more modest end of the scale. Rural and border counties such as Leitrim and Donegal continue to present the most affordable entry points, though they typically offer lower rental demand and less developed infrastructure than the principal cities.

Irish property prices are tracked monthly by the CSO through its Residential Property Price Index (RPPI). Buyers should also consult the Property Price Register — a free, publicly searchable database covering all completed residential sales — for current and location-specific pricing data. The major property portals Daft.ie and MyHome.ie likewise publish useful asking price information by county and property type.

Where are the most popular locations to buy property in Ireland?

Dublin’s combination of the strongest employment market in the country, an established international community, and reliable capital appreciation makes it the natural first choice for those relocating for work or pursuing premium property investment. Tight housing supply and persistent demand from multinational employers continue to underpin price growth, though costs remain the highest in the country. For buyers who want city living with first-class connectivity, Dublin retains its status as Ireland’s pre-eminent destination.

Cork draws families and professionals with its expanding technology and pharmaceutical industries, more accessible price points, and well-regarded educational establishments. The city blends urban conveniences with relatively easy access to rolling countryside and coastline. Cork’s housing market has been heating up, with prices growing around 9–10% annually. Median home prices remain lower than in Dublin, but the gap is narrowing. A robust pharmaceutical and tech sector attracts both local movers and those relocating from costlier parts of the country.

Galway appeals to culturally engaged buyers, offering a lively arts and music scene, a major university, and reliable rental demand from students and working professionals. The city’s thriving tourism economy creates short-stay letting opportunities while preserving a distinctly Irish atmosphere. The coastal setting and associated quality of life generate sustained interest from international purchasers.

Limerick has emerged as another significant hotspot, delivering 13.8% house price growth alongside a striking 19% increase in rents during 2024. Demand has been fuelled by urban regeneration initiatives, technology sector expansion, and comparatively affordable pricing relative to the bigger cities. Waterford, the principal city of the south-east, similarly attracts buyers who want urban facilities without paying the premium attached to larger metropolitan centres.

Coastal zones — West Cork, the Dingle Peninsula in Kerry, and the Wild Atlantic Way corridor — draw lifestyle purchasers and holiday home investors. Properties offering sea views or direct water access command notable premiums in these scenic regions, and rental income from tourism can be strong across the peak season, though regulations governing short-term letting are becoming more restrictive.

Are there any emerging or up-and-coming areas worth considering in Ireland?

The Midlands — encompassing Laois, Longford, Offaly, and Westmeath — registered the highest house price growth outside Dublin at 14.4% in the year to December 2025. This previously overlooked region is benefiting from improved road and rail connections to the capital, the spread of remote and hybrid working, and purchase prices that remain markedly lower than those in the main cities.

The Border region — comprising Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, and Sligo — saw house prices rise by 12.7% in the twelve months to January 2025. While some of this growth reflects a low starting base, increasing enthusiasm for rural living, spectacular natural scenery, and very affordable asking prices are drawing buyers who might previously have written these counties off entirely.

Commuter towns in Dublin’s orbit — including Drogheda, Wicklow town, Navan, and Carlow — are attracting purchasers who have been priced out of the capital. Upgraded motorway links and enhanced rail services mean that living 60–80 kilometres from Dublin city centre has become increasingly workable for those splitting their week between the office and home. Kilkenny, with its medieval character and convenient access to both Dublin and Waterford, is also gaining a reputation as a liveable, reasonably priced alternative to the larger cities.

Within Cork city itself, regeneration activity in the northern and eastern districts — together with continued development in the Docklands area — is drawing attention from buyers seeking relative value in a market that has historically been more affordable than Dublin.

What are the current trends in the property market in Ireland?

Residential property prices increased by 7.0% in the twelve months to December 2025, according to CSO data. The Irish housing market remained buoyant at the close of 2025, with annual price growth still running at an elevated pace but beginning to show early signs of moderation from the stronger rates seen during 2024. Constrained supply has been the overriding theme throughout this entire cycle.

The chronic shortage of homes for sale remains the defining characteristic of Ireland’s property market in 2025. Listings on MyHome.ie fell to just 10,800 in March — the lowest figure ever recorded. Daft.ie reported fewer than 9,300 second-hand homes available for sale at the start of March, representing a 17% decline compared with the same period a year earlier. This ongoing undersupply has kept competition intense, with homes in sought-after locations regularly achieving prices above their listed asking figure.

The government has committed significant resources to upgrading existing housing stock, with grants and low-interest loans available to owners willing to invest in energy improvements. Ireland’s stated ambition is to bring 500,000 homes up to a B2 BER (Building Energy Rating) or above by 2030. Buyers in 2025 are increasingly prioritising homes that are cheaper to run and more environmentally efficient, and energy performance ratings are being factored more prominently into property valuations and purchasing decisions.

Ireland’s housing market has expanded steadily since the pandemic, driven by limited supply and robust population growth. Prices climbed by more than 30% between 2020 and 2025, with the sharpest gains recorded outside Dublin. Remote and hybrid working arrangements have been a major catalyst for demand in regional towns and rural settings, as buyers pursue larger properties closer to nature at prices that the capital cannot match. For the most current market commentary, the CSO’s monthly Residential Property Price Index is the authoritative reference.

Is buying property in Ireland a good investment?

The Irish property market is widely regarded as a sound investment proposition for those seeking exposure to real estate in conditions of stable and growing demand. The market is comprehensively regulated by the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA), offering a reliable and structured environment for foreign investors. Ireland provides a stable, well-governed real estate market underpinned by strong fundamentals across urban and regional locations. Overseas buyers enjoy full ownership rights and access to mortgage financing, though taxes and legal obligations must be properly accounted for.

Yields differ considerably by location, with smaller urban centres such as Cork often outperforming Dublin because lower acquisition costs produce stronger returns relative to rental income. Gross rental yields in Dublin typically sit in the range of 3–5%, while regional cities — Cork, Galway, and Limerick in particular — tend to deliver higher yields owing to more favourable price-to-rent ratios. Current yield data should always be verified through specialist property investment advisers or market reports published by bodies such as the PSRA.

For purchasers whose home currency is not the euro, foreign exchange risk deserves careful attention. All property transactions, deposits, and professional fees are denominated in euros, requiring buyers to manage currency transfers throughout what can be a process spanning several months. Exchange rates can move substantially over that timeframe. Working with a specialist foreign exchange provider and locking in a rate through a forward contract are practical ways to limit this exposure.

Government targets for new housing completions are not currently being met, and supply continues to trail demand. While the economy remains resilient, affordability pressures and potential shifts in interest rates could temper future price growth. For investors, regional cities offer compelling rental prospects and less market saturation than Dublin. As with any property market, historical performance does not predict future outcomes, and obtaining independent financial advice from a suitably qualified adviser before committing to a purchase is strongly recommended.

What types of property are commonly available to buy in Ireland?

Foreign purchasers may acquire any form of residential property in Ireland — houses, apartments, townhouses, duplexes, cottages, and bungalows — without restriction based on nationality or immigration status. The Irish market offers a broad range of dwelling types to suit varied budgets and ways of life.

In city centres — particularly Dublin, Cork, and Galway — the dominant residential options are apartments, duplexes, and period terraced houses. A significant portion of Dublin’s Victorian and Edwardian terraces has been divided into flats over the decades, while purpose-built apartment blocks are especially concentrated in the Docklands, Dublin 4, and along major public transport routes. New-build apartment schemes are becoming an increasingly prominent feature of urban regeneration zones.

Suburban environments are characterised by semi-detached and detached houses, most commonly ranging from three to five bedrooms and typically set within larger housing estates that were developed from the 1970s onwards. Many older estates are currently undergoing substantial renovation as owners seek to raise their properties’ energy efficiency ratings ahead of BER-related mortgage lending requirements. More recently built developments in commuter towns offer contemporary homes at prices that compare favourably with city-centre equivalents.

Rural Ireland presents some of the most distinctive properties available — traditional stone cottages, farmhouses with surrounding land, period country houses, and bungalows on generous sites. These homes attract lifestyle buyers and those seeking a slower pace, but may require substantial renovation investment and are subject to local planning rules, particularly in areas designated as scenic or protected. Agricultural land is available as a separate category, although non-EU buyers seeking to acquire large land holdings may be subject to additional scrutiny under investment screening frameworks.

What is the typical step-by-step process for buying property in Ireland?

Purchasing property in Ireland differs in several significant respects from the process in countries such as the United States or Australia. Most notably, there is no notary involved; instead, solicitors handle all conveyancing work. Contracts are also not legally binding until both parties have signed and exchanged, meaning a sale can collapse with limited legal recourse right up to that point. The process typically unfolds as follows:

1. Obtain a PPS Number: One of the most common administrative hurdles for unprepared foreign buyers is the absence of a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN), which is required for stamp duty filings and ongoing property taxes. Securing a PPSN before your transaction closes is essential; non-residents may apply through Revenue by providing supporting documentation that establishes why the number is needed.
2. Arrange financing: In contrast to many other countries, Irish buyers typically seek mortgage pre-approval before they begin actively searching for a property. Pre-approval generally remains valid for around six months. Cash buyers should ensure their funds are held in a form that can be transferred in euros. The pre-approval process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.
3. Instruct a solicitor: Engage an Irish-qualified solicitor before submitting any offer. Your solicitor will manage the contracts, conduct property searches, and oversee the transaction through to completion. Only solicitors regulated by the Law Society of Ireland are authorised to carry out this work.
4. Make an offer: Offers in Ireland are submitted verbally through the estate agent. Once your offer is accepted, the agent issues a letter of offer or sales advice note. At this stage, a booking deposit — typically €5,000–€10,000 — is paid to the agent. This sum is refundable provided the sale does not proceed to the contract stage.
5. Conduct a structural survey: Before moving forward to contract, commission a structural survey from a qualified engineer or surveyor. Unlike some other markets, Ireland has no mandatory requirement for sellers to disclose the structural condition of their property in advance, which makes an independent professional assessment essential. The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) maintains a searchable directory of qualified practitioners.
6. Legal due diligence: Prior to signing contracts, your solicitor will review the contract documentation, examine the title deeds, and raise any necessary queries with the vendor’s solicitor. You should proceed to contract only once your solicitor is fully satisfied with the responses received to those enquiries.
7. Sign and exchange contracts: Two copies of the contract are signed by you and returned by your solicitor to the vendor’s solicitor. The vendor then signs and their solicitor sends one executed copy back to your solicitor. From this point, both parties are legally committed — you to purchase and the vendor to sell. Withdrawing after exchange typically results in forfeiture of your deposit. A 10% deposit is ordinarily payable on exchange, with the remaining balance due on completion.
8. Complete (close) the sale: Your solicitor and the vendor’s solicitor agree a closing date. Your mortgage lender releases funds to your solicitor, who in turn transfers the purchase monies to the vendor’s solicitor to finalise the transaction.
9. Pay stamp duty: Stamp duty on residential property follows a tiered structure: 1% on the first €1 million of the purchase price, 2% on the portion between €1 million and €1.5 million, and 6% on anything exceeding €1.5 million (as of 2025). Payment is a legal obligation and is normally handled by your solicitor as part of the completion process. Always confirm current rates at Revenue.ie.
10. Register the property: Both registration systems are administered by Tailte Éireann. When title is registered with the Land Registry, the Registry creates a folio recording details of the property and its ownership. This folio constitutes a State-guaranteed record of ownership and provides buyers with the highest level of title security available in Ireland.

From the point of offer acceptance through to completion, expect the process to take eight to twelve weeks on average, subject to how promptly mortgage approval, property valuation, and legal checks are concluded.

Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Ireland, and how do I find a reputable one?

Engaging a solicitor in Ireland is not just advisable — it is a practical necessity. Applications to register title must be submitted by qualified legal practitioners. Your solicitor takes charge of the entire conveyancing process, encompassing title searches, raising legal queries, reviewing and exchanging contracts, arranging payment of stamp duty, and lodging the transfer with Tailte Éireann on your behalf.

The use of a solicitor is strongly recommended when transferring property ownership because a number of legally complex steps are involved: conducting a title search to identify any encumbrances or legal issues attached to the property; drafting a Deed of Transfer that formally documents the change of ownership; registering that Deed with the Land Registry so that the public record is updated; and remitting any stamp duty owed to Revenue on your behalf.

According to prominent estate agents such as MyHome, solicitor fees for managing the legal aspects of a property purchase typically range from 1% to 2% of the property’s value. As of 2025, this represents a reasonable working estimate, though actual charges vary between firms, by complexity, and by location. Always ask for a written costs disclosure before formally instructing a solicitor. Fees are subject to VAT at 23%, which should be confirmed and budgeted for at the outset.

All practising solicitors in Ireland are required to be registered members of the Law Society of Ireland, which acts as both the regulatory authority and the representative body for the profession. The Law Society provides an online solicitor-finder tool at lawsociety.ie/Find-a-Solicitor, allowing you to search by county and by area of practice, including property and conveyancing. The Law Society’s contact details are: Blackhall Place, Dublin 7; telephone +353 1 672 4800; website lawsociety.ie.

If you are buying from outside Ireland, seek a solicitor with a demonstrable track record of acting for non-resident clients. Such practitioners will already be familiar with the additional requirements around PPS number applications, anti-money laundering documentation, and the mechanics of cross-border fund transfers.

What are the most common pitfalls and problems expats encounter when buying property in Ireland?

Confusing property ownership with residency rights. Purchasing a home does not confer any right to live in Ireland. If you expect your property to unlock long-term residency, you may find yourself owning an asset you cannot legally occupy for more than 90 days at a stretch, depending on your nationality and visa situation. Always establish your right to reside in Ireland independently of any property purchase, and do so before committing to buy.

Failing to obtain a PPS Number early enough. Underestimating how long it takes to secure a PPSN can cause delays in filing stamp duty returns and hold up your entire transaction. Apply for your PPS Number as soon as you have identified a property you wish to buy — Revenue handles applications from non-residents upon submission of appropriate supporting documents.

Title defects and undisclosed burdens. Overlooking the need to properly verify title burdens could result in restrictions on how you use or develop your property. Some older Irish properties carry complex ownership histories, rights of way, restrictive covenants, or unresolved access disputes that only a thorough legal investigation will uncover. Never proceed to purchase without instructing a solicitor to carry out comprehensive title due diligence.

Skipping the structural survey. Sellers in Ireland are not obliged to volunteer information about structural defects, and properties are generally sold on an “as seen” basis. A report from a qualified structural engineer is indispensable, particularly for older homes or rural properties. The cost of addressing hidden damp, roofing problems, or outdated wiring can quickly erode any apparent saving on the purchase price.

Planning and building regulation issues. Extensions, conversions, or alterations carried out without obtaining the required planning permissions can create significant problems when you come to sell and may be costly or complicated to regularise. Your solicitor should request planning documentation and compliance certificates for any works previously undertaken on the property.

Short-term rental regulatory changes. Rules governing short-term letting are tightening, particularly in Dublin. A significant nationwide change is underway that will require all short-term rental operators to register with Fáilte Ireland and renew that registration annually. Anyone intending to let a property via platforms such as Airbnb should research the most current regulations before proceeding with a purchase.

Currency transfer risk. Every element of an Irish property purchase — deposits, the balance due on completion, professional fees — is denominated in euros. Transactions can run over several months, and exchange rates may shift considerably in that period. Engaging a specialist currency transfer provider and considering a forward contract are effective ways to safeguard your purchase budget.

Non-resident landlord withholding tax. Foreign owners who let their Irish property while living overseas are subject to a 20% withholding tax that can take new landlords by surprise. Under the Non-Resident Landlord Withholding Tax (NLWT) system, tenants or appointed collection agents deduct the tax before passing on the rent. Take advice from a tax professional before entering into any rental arrangements on your property.

Can I buy property in Ireland through a company, and is it worth doing?

Foreign buyers enjoy identical rights to domestic purchasers, with no residency or nationality conditions attached. Both private individuals and overseas companies may buy, lease, or develop property in Ireland. Acquiring through a corporate vehicle — most commonly an Irish limited company, or in some circumstances a foreign company operating through an Irish branch — is entirely lawful and is adopted by some investors, particularly those building a portfolio of rental assets.

Specific corporate structures — Section 110 companies and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — can be established to facilitate structured real estate investment with tax-efficient repatriation of profits. Section 110 entities can benefit from tax-deductible funding costs and associated expenses, access Ireland’s extensive network of double tax treaties, and potentially avoid withholding tax on interest and dividend distributions. These arrangements are the preserve of institutional or large-scale investors rather than individual buyers.

For investors of more modest scale considering a standard Irish limited company, possible advantages include greater flexibility in treating mortgage interest as a business cost, certain inheritance planning benefits, and a cleaner separation between personal and investment assets. The disadvantages, however, are considerable: the costs of company formation and ongoing annual compliance, corporation tax obligations, possible additional stamp duty considerations, and the inherent complexity involved in selling or passing on ownership. Extracting profits from the company as personal income also triggers a further layer of tax charges.

Ireland’s 12.5% corporation tax rate on trading income is attractive in absolute terms, but rental income is ordinarily classified as passive income and may attract different treatment. This is a highly specialist area in which the most appropriate structure hinges entirely on your personal circumstances, your tax residency, the scale of your investment portfolio, and your long-term objectives. Independent legal and tax advice from professionals qualified in Irish law and familiar with your home jurisdiction is essential before making any decision.

What taxes and ongoing costs should I budget for when owning property in Ireland?

Stamp Duty (purchase tax): Residential property attracts stamp duty at a tiered rate: 1% on the first €1 million of the purchase price, 2% on the portion between €1 million and €1.5 million, and 6% on any amount above €1.5 million. Non-residential property — commercial real estate and land — is charged at a flat rate of 7.5% of the total value (as of 2025). Always verify the latest rates directly at Revenue.ie.

VAT on new builds: VAT at 13.5% is levied on newly built residential properties sold by developers. Second-hand properties are exempt from VAT but attract stamp duty at the rates described above (as of 2025). Stamp duty on new builds is ordinarily calculated on the pre-VAT price.

Local Property Tax (LPT): The Local Property Tax is an annual charge levied on all residential properties in Ireland. LPT is calculated by reference to the owner’s self-declared market value of the property as at a prescribed valuation date. The current valuation period uses November 2021 values and runs from 2022 through 2025; a fresh valuation date will apply for the 2026 to 2030 period. The rate payable depends on the property’s assessed value band and is set by local authorities within parameters established centrally. Consult Revenue’s LPT guidance for current rates and your applicable band.

Rental income tax: As of early 2026, rental income generated by Irish property is subject to Ireland’s standard income tax rates — 20% on the first band and 40% on income above that threshold — together with USC and potentially PRSI, all applied to the net rental profit after allowable deductions. For non-residents, the effective combined rate commonly falls between 20% and 45%, depending on total Irish-source income.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT): Where a property is not your primary home, the disposal proceeds may be liable to Capital Gains Tax. The standard CGT rate in Ireland is 33%. Principal Private Residence relief can eliminate the gain attributable to a property that serves as your main home. Non-residents should also examine their CGT exposure in their country of residence and consider whether a bilateral double tax treaty with Ireland is relevant to their situation.

Double taxation treaties: Ireland has concluded double tax treaties with 73 countries. If you are a national or resident of one of those countries, you will generally not be taxed twice on the same income or gain. Check whether your country is among them at Revenue.ie.

Solicitor and conveyancing fees: As outlined above, anticipate fees of 1%–2% of the purchase price, plus VAT at 23% (as of 2025). Obtain a written costs disclosure from your solicitor before proceeding.

Land Registry registration fees: Tailte Éireann charges these fees on a sliding scale linked to the value of the property being registered. Current fee schedules are published at tailte.ie.

Management and service charges: Owners of apartments and properties within managed developments are typically required to pay annual service charges to an owners’ management company (OMC). These funds cover the upkeep of shared spaces, building insurance, and estate management. Charges vary widely; always request the most recent service charge figure for any property you are considering and review the OMC’s financial accounts before committing to a purchase.

Building Energy Rating (BER) and retrofit costs: Properties with low BER ratings are becoming progressively harder to sell or mortgage on favourable terms. If you are buying a pre-2000s home, budget for potential energy upgrade works. Government grants to assist with retrofitting are available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

What are the official sources I should consult when buying property in Ireland?

Ireland has a well-developed network of official and regulatory bodies relevant to property buyers. The following are the key sources to bookmark:

• Tailte Éireann (Land Registry and Property Registration Authority): Manages the Land Register and Registry of Deeds. Access property ownership records, maps, and the Property Price Register. tailte.ie
• Property Price Register: A free, searchable database of all completed residential property sales in Ireland. propertypriceregister.ie
• Revenue Commissioners: Ireland’s national tax authority. Covers stamp duty rates, LPT, rental income tax, CGT, and double taxation treaties. revenue.ie
• Central Statistics Office (CSO) — Residential Property Price Index: Monthly official data on property price movements nationwide and by county. cso.ie
• Law Society of Ireland: The regulatory and representative body for solicitors in Ireland. Use the solicitor finder to locate a qualified conveyancing solicitor. Blackhall Place, Dublin 7. Tel: +353 1 672 4800. lawsociety.ie
• Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA): Regulates estate agents, auctioneers, and letting agents in Ireland. Verify that any agent you use holds a current licence. psra.ie
• Citizens Information: Plain-language guidance on the property buying process, taxes, and legal obligations for residents and non-residents alike. citizensinformation.ie
• Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD): For information on residency rights, visas, and immigration pathways (entirely separate from property ownership). irishimmigration.ie
• Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI): For information on BER ratings, retrofit grants, and energy upgrade schemes. seai.ie
• Daft.ie and MyHome.ie: Ireland’s leading property portals for current listings, asking prices, and rental market data. daft.ie | myhome.ie

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a resident of Ireland to buy property there?

Ireland imposes no visa requirement specifically for property purchase, and you may legally acquire a home while present on a tourist visa — or without a visa at all if your nationality permits visa-free entry. That said, ownership of a property grants you no automatic right to reside in Ireland on a permanent basis. Anyone who wishes to live there long-term must obtain the appropriate residency permission through entirely separate channels.

Can I get a mortgage in Ireland as a non-resident?

It is possible for non-residents to obtain a mortgage in Ireland, though the process is not always straightforward. EU/EEA nationals, those of Irish descent, and applicants whose income is already denominated in euros generally find it easier to qualify. Not every lender will extend credit to foreign investors, and those that do frequently impose higher interest rates and demand a deposit of 30% or more. Consulting a mortgage broker with specific experience in non-resident applications is strongly advisable.

Is there a Golden Visa or investor visa linked to property purchase in Ireland?

Ireland’s Golden Visa programme, which previously allowed non-EU nationals to gain residency through qualifying real estate investment, was formally discontinued in 2023. No immigration route currently exists that is tied to property investment. Non-EU nationals wishing to reside in Ireland must qualify through employment, family reunion, or another recognised pathway.

How much is stamp duty on a property purchase in Ireland?

Residential property attracts stamp duty on a tiered basis: 1% on the first €1 million, 2% on the portion between €1 million and €1.5 million, and 6% on anything exceeding €1.5 million (as of 2025). Non-residential property is charged at a flat rate of 7.5%. Confirm the latest rates at Revenue.ie before completing any transaction.

Does buying property in Ireland come with any special restrictions on agricultural land?

Foreign nationals may purchase agricultural land in Ireland without any blanket prohibition, which sets Ireland apart from certain other EU member states such as Hungary or Poland. However, specific tax reliefs applicable to agricultural land — including consanguinity relief on stamp duty — are confined to qualifying transfers between family members. Non-EU entities seeking to acquire extensive land holdings that are adjacent to strategic or infrastructure-sensitive sites may be subject to review under EU foreign direct investment screening frameworks. Legal advice is essential for any sizeable agricultural acquisition.

What is the Local Property Tax, and will I have to pay it?

The Local Property Tax is an annual charge on all residential properties in Ireland and applies to every owner regardless of nationality or place of residence. It is calculated by reference to the owner’s self-declared market value as at a set valuation date — currently November 2021, with those values applying from 2022 through 2025 and a new valuation date coming into effect for the 2026 to 2030 period. Visit Revenue.ie for current band rates and to determine the charge applicable to your property.

What happens if I want to rent out my Irish property while I live abroad?

Rental income from Irish property is subject to Irish income tax at the standard rates — 20% on the initial band and 40% on income above that threshold — together with USC and potentially PRSI, all calculated on the net rental profit after permitted deductions. Non-resident landlords fall under the Non-Resident Landlord Withholding Tax (NLWT) regime, whereby a tenant or appointed collection agent deducts tax at source before remitting the balance. An Irish tax return must still be filed. Appointing a local accountant or tax agent to manage compliance is strongly recommended.

How do I check that an estate agent in Ireland is properly licensed?

Every estate agent, auctioneer, and letting agent operating in Ireland is required to hold a valid licence issued by the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA), which oversees the entire property services sector. You can search the public register of licensed practitioners on the PSRA’s website at psra.ie. You should never engage an agent who is unable to provide a current PSRA licence number, as doing so may leave your booking deposit inadequately protected.