Is it cheaper to buy or rent in Ireland right now?

It depends on your time horizon. In most Irish cities like Dublin and Cork, buying becomes cheaper than renting after 4-7 years due to equity build-up and RPZ rent caps. Use our buy vs rent calculator to compare your specific situation with accurate property prices and rental costs.

How much is stamp duty in Ireland?

Stamp duty in Ireland is 1% on the first €1,000,000 and 2% on any amount above that for residential properties. First-time buyers purchasing new builds under €500,000 are exempt from stamp duty.

How much deposit do I need to buy a house in Ireland?

First-time buyers need a 10% deposit (90% LTV mortgage) while non-first-time buyers need 20%. For a €350,000 house, that's €35,000 for first-time buyers or €70,000 for others. Additional costs include legal fees (€2,500), survey (€500), and bank fees (€1,200).

What is the average house price in Ireland 2026?

The average house price in Ireland in 2026 is €365,000 nationally. Dublin averages €540,000, Cork €340,000, Galway €360,000, and Limerick €310,000. Regional areas range from €210,000 to €290,000. Use our market stats tool to see live prices by county.

How much can I borrow for a mortgage in Ireland?

Under Central Bank rules, you can borrow up to 3.5 times your gross annual income (4x in exceptional cases). For example, a €50,000 salary qualifies for a €175,000 mortgage. Couples combine incomes - €90,000 combined = €315,000 mortgage. Use our mortgage calculator for your exact affordability.

What is the Help to Buy scheme in Ireland?

The Help to Buy scheme provides first-time buyers with a tax rebate of up to €30,000 (10% of property value, max €500,000 property) when purchasing a new build. You must have paid income tax for at least 4 years and use the property as your main residence.

Are house prices in Ireland going up or down in 2026?

House prices in Ireland are projected to rise 3-5% in 2026 due to continued supply shortages and strong demand. Dublin growth is moderating to 2-3%, while regional cities like Cork, Galway, and Limerick are seeing 5-7% growth. Check our market trends for live county-by-county data.

Is buying a house in Ireland a good investment?

Buying in Ireland can be a good investment with average rental yields of 4-6% and historical price appreciation of 4-5% annually. However, it depends on location, property type, and your time horizon. Use our buy vs rent calculator to compare against alternative investments like stocks (5% average return).

How much does it cost to buy a house in Ireland including all fees?

For a €350,000 house, total costs are: deposit €35,000 (10%), stamp duty €3,500 (or €0 for new builds), legal fees €2,500, survey €500, bank fees €1,200, and moving costs €1,000. Total: approximately €43,700. First-time buyers can reduce this with Help to Buy (up to €30,000 rebate).

What is property tax in Ireland?

Local Property Tax (LPT) in Ireland ranges from €90 to €1,755 annually depending on your property's market value. Properties valued at €350,000 pay approximately €315 per year. LPT is payable by all residential property owners and is based on your property's 2013 valuation (next revaluation in 2025).

What is stamp duty in Ireland and how much is it?

Stamp duty in Ireland is charged at 1% on residential properties up to €1 million, and 2% on any amount above €1 million. First-time buyers purchasing new build properties under €500,000 pay 0% stamp duty.

Do first-time buyers pay stamp duty in Ireland?

First-time buyers are exempt from stamp duty on new build properties valued under €500,000. On second-hand properties, the standard 1% rate applies. The exemption does not apply if the new build exceeds €500,000.

How is stamp duty calculated on a €400,000 house in Ireland?

For a €400,000 property, stamp duty is 1% × €400,000 = €4,000. For a €1.2 million property: (1% × €1,000,000) + (2% × €200,000) = €10,000 + €4,000 = €14,000.

Stamp Duty Calculator

Calculate the government tax on your property purchase. Updated for current Revenue rules (2026).

Property Details

Purchase Price

€0€2m+

Applies to residential property purchases. Non-residential property is taxed at a flat rate of 7.5%.

Estimated Tax

Total Stamp Duty

€3,500

Effective Rate1.00%

Total Purchase Cost€353,500

Calculation Breakdown

1% on first €1,000,000: €3,500

How is Stamp Duty Calculated in Ireland?

Stamp Duty is a tax you pay to the government when you buy a home in Ireland. For residential properties, the rates are straightforward but it's important to budget for them upfront, as they cannot be added to your mortgage.

Standard Residential Rates

First €1,000,0001%
Excess above €1m2%

Who pays Stamp Duty?

The buyer is solely responsible for paying Stamp Duty. It applies to all residential property purchases including new builds and second-hand homes.

When do I pay it?

Your solicitor will usually collect the Stamp Duty from you before the sale closes. It must be paid to Revenue within 44 days of the transfer of the property, but in practice, it's handled on closing day.

Exceptions & Reliefs

Since the "Stamp Duty Refund Scheme" ended, there are fewer reliefs available. However, there are exemptions for transfers between spouses/civil partners. Always check with your solicitor for the latest specific advice.