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Real estate investment in Ireland

In Ireland, foreigners can buy, sell and rent out properties without restrictions.

Statistics confirm the liquidity of investments: residential real estate prices grow by an average of 1.7% every quarter. Five years ago, an apartment of 100 m² cost an average of €273,000, and today it is sold for €382,000.

€3,816 Average price per 1 m²
of housing in Ireland
1,7% Average price per 1 m²
increase per quarter
2,5—4,6% Buyers’ related expenses,
of the transaction amount

How the residential property price index is growing in Ireland

Cost of a 3-bedroom apartment in Ireland

€1.5 million

Apartment in Dublin in the prestigious Ballsbridge district

€500,000

Apartment in Dublin

€250,000

Apartment in Galway

What do investors buy?

The most expensive real estate is in the capital Dublin and the major cities of Cork and Galway.

Apartments

  • penthouses
  • duplexes
  • apartments

Houses

  • townhouses
  • mansions
  • historic estates

Ireland residence permit or citizenship by real estate investment

Obtaining an Ireland residence permit or citizenship is not connected with purchasing real estate or investing. However, Ireland offers a residence permit for investing at least €1 mln in the country’s economy. The money can be invested in a company or an investment fund. A donation to charity is at least €500,000.

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Taxes and associated costs

Purchase
Ownership
Sale

Property buyers pay government and special fees. Associated costs range between 2.45% and 4.6% of the purchase agreement value. When buying an apartment worth €500,000, the investor will spend €515,000, including additional costs.

2.45—4.6% Of the contract value are related costs for the purchase of housing in Ireland
Purchase expenses
Stamp duty

Depends on the transaction amount

1—2%
Notarial and legal support of the transaction
1.2—1.85%

VAT included

Registration fee

Depends on the transaction amount

0.25—0.75%

Taxes

Property owners pay an annual tax at a progressive rate:

  • 0.18% — on the value part
    up to €1 mln;
  • 0.25% — on the value part
    exceeding €1 mln.

If the owner rents out the property, they pay a tax of 20% on the rental income.

€1,980 Approximate annual costs for
maintenance of an apartment

Communal payments

Electricity, gas, water, heating, and garbage collection
€110—290 

per month

Internet, TV and telephone
€20—40 

per month

Real estate sellers pay a capital gain tax of 33% on the difference between the sale and purchase prices.

An agency fee or a realtor’s commission ranges between 1.2% and 4.3% of the transaction amount. It is usually included in the contract price.

33% Capital gains tax
on the sale of real estate
Expenses on the sale
Capital gains tax

Paid on the difference between the purchase and sale price

33%
Agency fee
1.2—4.3%

VAT included

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners buy property in Ireland?

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Ireland without restrictions. They can buy and sell real estate without restrictions, and rent it out.

How much does an average house cost in Ireland?

On average, 1 m² of real estate in Ireland costs €3,816. Real estate prices depend on the property type and location. The most expensive real estate in Ireland is in Dublin, the capital, and other major cities like Cork and Galway. A two-bedroom apartment costs €500,000 in Dublin, and €250,000 in Galway. In smaller cities such as Sligo and Waterford, the cost of three-bedroom apartments is €115,000-170,000.

Which county in Ireland has the cheapest property?

The county of Leitrim is known to have the cheapest real estate in Ireland. The average house price here is €175,000.

What taxes do I pay when I buy a house in Ireland?

Buyers of real estate in Ireland pay a stamp duty of 1—2%.

Property owners in Ireland also pay an annual tax at a progressive rate:

  • 0,18% of the cost for a property worth up to 1 million euros;
  • 0,25% of the cost for a property worth more than 1 million euros.
Albert Ioffe
Prepared a guide on investing in real estate in Ireland