Housing in Ireland is pretty competitive. This is the first thing you should know before visiting the county. Ireland is a stunning country in Europe. Many expats love visiting the country because of the good number of lovely housing available in Ireland.
If you are planning to move to the Emerald Isle it would be wise to look for a short-term rental for starters. The real estate market in Ireland pictures a housing shortage in some cities. It is therefore prudent to ensure the city you are visiting has ample housing.
Understanding the Real Estate Market in Ireland
It is a fact that Ireland’s real estate market is flourishing. Notice how the prices keep increasing. There is a high demand for housing in Ireland. In the past, asking prices for real estate had gone up insanely. But today, there is a chance for negotiation.
It is important that once you find a house that you like, take action to act. Do not wait because someone else will take it. Understand that there is a limitation of housing availability in Ireland. If you go back the next day to pay for a house, you will not find it. It will not be available.
You will find different varieties of houses to choose from in Ireland. To enjoy a wider variety, ditch the cities. When outside the cities you will find many available houses. It is critical that you find a house that suits your preference. Also, go for what you can afford.
Renting in Ireland
When looking for a house or apartment to rent in Ireland, start by looking through accommodation websites. That is where you will come across the advertisements. Word of mouth can also help. Also, look out for ‘To Let’ signs on various properties.
Once you find a house that interests you, ensure you have the money to rent. Affordability is key. You will have to pay a security deposit before you move to the new house. In total, you will pay a deposit of one month’s rent plus one month’s rent upfront.
Before moving into the house, check it out first. Ensure there is nothing to worry about. Are the walls in great condition? What about the toilet? Check thoroughly so that in case of any faults, the landlord works on it.
Buying a House in Ireland
When planning to get housing in Ireland, you need the right information. The process can be daunting and that is why you need to work with knowledgeable real estate agencies. That way the process will be pretty flawless.
Start by exploring the area you hope to buy your house. Check to know the cost to know whether it is within your budget. Once you finally settle on the house you want to buy, involve your lawyer. At this stage, you will have known the condition of the house and agreed on the price.
A lawyer plays a vital role in the buying process. Allow your lawyer to go through the contract for sale before you sign it. After signing you will pay a deposit which is normally 10% of the purchase price. After the completion of the sale, you are free to move into your house anytime.
Housing Utilities in Ireland
Once you rent an apartment or house it is important to understand the payment of utilities. Are you the one to pay for the utilities or it is the landlord? Some of the utilities include;
Heating
Ireland gets extremely cold in the winter. That is why many properties come with a heating installation. A house with good insulation will keep you warm. However, that means high heating bills. If you are to pay for it, let the landlord alert you from day one.
Electricity and gas
In Ireland, electricity bills usually come from suppliers once every two months. As a tenant, you pay for your electricity bill. This same principle applies also to gas. In short, when you rent in Ireland, you are responsible for utility payments.
Tenants’ Rights in Ireland
Your rights as a tenant work hand in hand with the lease/tenancy agreement between you and the landlord. Nonetheless, there are other matters not on the lease but you can agree with the landlord. The landlord has no right to terminate your tenancy. The law protects you as a tenant.
When it’s time to leave at the end of the rental period, the landlord is to refund your security deposit. But if you leave prior and without giving notice, the landlord will keep the deposit. In addition, the landlord cannot keep your possession in case you owe money. The law does not allow that.
Rental Disputes in Ireland
Rental disputes in Ireland are not new. That is why the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was set put to resolve such disputes. The process often takes place online. If the matter has come to RTB it means the landlord and tenant are unable to resolve it among themselves.
Mediation hearings start taking place virtually mostly through telephone calls. Once the parties reach an agreement, the adjudicator makes the final decision. The RTB delivers a determination order that contains the outcome of the case. It also expounds on the conditions that the landlord and tenant must meet.
Both parties have a specific period to meet the given conditions. If either of the two is not in agreement with the outcome, they can appeal. However, most of the time the parties are usually in agreement with the outcome.
