Advice on buying Ireland Property

by John Everitt



Ireland is an island with almost 2,000 miles of coastline in Western Europe.

Ireland is divided into two parts: the independent Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, a territory of the United Kingdom.

The Irish are renowned for their warm welcome. This, together with the natural beauty and history of the island, make Ireland an unforgettable place to visit.

Population 4 million

Area - 70,300km²

Climate - Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle because of its lush countryside. It has a temperate climate and is cold and damp much of the year. Summer (May to September) is the warmest and driest season and is the best time to visit, though attractions can get crowded in July and August.

Getting There - Travelling to Ireland couldn't be easier with a wide range of ferry and airline connections. Ireland is served by 4 major airports and 3 ports of arrival for those wishing to travel by sea (ideal for visitors wishing to use their own car.

Living There - Citizens of the EU do not need a work permit to get a job in Ireland. Non EU citizens will need to enquire about work permit requirements for Ireland. Employment rates are high, earnings are above the EU average and the Irish economy continues to grow.

Property Market - Ireland has recently experienced a growth in the number of investors buying holiday homes in some of the country's most scenic areas.

Most British buyers are investing in a property to use as a holiday home.

Ireland has become a very desirable place to live, which means that property prices are quite high.

However, although property in Ireland is not cheap, it is still possible to find good value properties which could provide a reliable rental return.

One of the problems is the shortage of properties on the market in the most scenic locations.

All of Ireland is beautiful - but some of Ireland is under populated and less fashionable. These are the areas where real estate prices are still on the low side, where bargains are still possible and remain a valuable investment.

Popular Areas - Property prices in many of the tourist hotspots rose last year between 8-9%. Dublin and Cork in particular are still very popular with overseas buyers.

For those who want to invest in a holiday home to let when not in use, the letting potential of properties located in areas such as West Cork, Kerry, Connemara or quaint port towns such as Killibegs, is good.

A four bed roomed house with good sea views could expect to take in 1000euros per week in the summer season.

These guidelines are meant for guidance only and describe a straightforward purchase scenarios. However this information is not meant to replace proper legal advice, which we always insist you take.



About the Author
John Everitt is a consultant to Globespan European property portal. Please visit our estate agents directory and this Ireland property buyer's guide