Considered the Silicon Valley of Europe, Dublin is one of the most popular destinations for expats in Europe. The Irish capital has it all: vibrant culture, rich history, natural beauty, and of course it's warm and friendly people. However, excellent job opportunities, a booming multinational sector, and world-class third-level institutions have driven housing demand in the city in recent years. There is a serious shortage of available rentals and this means that rent prices are skyrocketing, which this article will explain to you in further detail.
What type of accommodation is on offer in Dublin?
Dublin offers a range of different housing options, each catering to individual needs, budget, and lifestyle preferences. You can choose from older properties from the Victorian era all of the way up to ultra-modern apartment complexes.
Options range from a private bedroom in a shared house with common areas like the kitchen and living room used by all, small studio apartments, one-bedroom apartments, multi-bedroom apartments, and houses. Typically found in the suburbs, houses in the capital can be either detached, semi-detached, or terraced. Generally, when you get nearer to the centre of the city, you will get less bang for your buck.
If you are looking to rent for the short term, there are many options for serviced apartments, Airbnbs, and hostels.
Flat sharing is widespread in the city for those trying to afford the rent and is particularly popular among students and young professionals. Most of the time, the lease will be for at least one year, and most properties come already furnished.
The most popular neighbourhoods in Dublin
Dublin is packed with neighbourhoods, each with its own distinctly unique character. Generally, accommodation in Dublin will be differentiated depending on whether it is on the north or south side of the River Liffey. Each side has its own vibe and character.
Also, many areas around Dublin are referred to by their postal district numbers. An even number indicates an area to the south of the River Liffey, for example Dublin 2, Dublin 4, and so on, while an odd number indicates an area on the north side, such as Dublin 1, 3, 5 and so on. Central neighbourhoods in the capital are typically more expensive, while suburbs offer slightly more affordable options.
Here are some of the most popular and up-and-coming neighbourhoods in Dublin:
Ballsbridge, located on the south side of the River Liffey, is known for its luxurious residential areas, upscale amenities, and Georgian architecture. It is a great option for those looking for a more laid-back atmosphere compared to the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Merrion and Fitzwilliam Squares are located in the heart of Dublin, not far from Trinity College. There are many old Georgian townhouses in the area.
Rathmines is a much sought-after area in Dublin with a vibrant and charming neighbourhood that offers a mix of period homes, red-brick terraced houses, and modern apartments.
The Liberties is regularly labelled as Dublin's 鈥渃oolest鈥� neighbourhood, and it is also one of the oldest, encompassing the historic heart of the city. It features a range of Victorian terraced houses and modern apartments.
Portobello, located south of the city centre, is a pretty and leafy neighbourhood known for its charming canal. It is a mix of modern apartments, Georgian townhouses, and cottages.
Ranelagh is home to some of the most desirable addresses in the city, with its array of red brick townhouses, and is highly sought after among young professionals.
Smithfield is an area that was previously full of industries, being located near the Guinness factory and the old Jameson distillery. In recent years, it has become gentrified. With Georgian townhouses and terraces alongside modern, loft-style apartments, it offers a central location, a stop on the tram line, and an art house cinema. Accommodation in Smithfield is in high demand among young professionals.
Stoneybatter is known as the hipster quarter, because of the increasing number of trendy bars and restaurants popping up within this old Dublin neighbourhood.
Phibsboro has become an up-and-coming, highly sought-after Northside neighbourhood in recent years, and is only a stone's throw away from the city centre.
The IFSC and newly regenerated Dublin Docklands, also known as Silicon Docks, are home to a range of internationally traded financial services, including more than half the world's top 50 banks and top 20 insurance companies, as well as technology leaders such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, Accenture, and Airbnb. Not surprisingly, there is a huge demand for rental accommodation in Dublin's Docklands.
The nearest beach to the city centre is in Sandymount, which is an affluent residential suburb that has a coastal vibe.
Popular Dublin suburbs include Blackrock, Dundrum D煤n Laoghaire, Portmarnock, and Malahide on the coast. The suburbs are well-connected to the city centre by numerous transport routes.
Whether you choose to reside in the bustling heart of the city or prefer the quieter life on the city's outskirts, Dublin has many great neighbourhoods to choose from, each with its own unique character and charm.
Rent prices in Dublin
Dublin is one of the priciest cities in Europe to live in. The housing market is particularly challenging, as rents and property prices are at an all-time high. There is excess demand for rental space, which causes upward pressure on price levels.
Rental prices vary depending on factors like location (city centre vs suburbs), the type of accommodation (studio apartment vs house share), as well as proximity to public transport. Generally, property in the city centre or near public transport links tends to be more expensive.
In terms of rental prices for a property in the capital, you can expect to pay an average of 鈧�2,400 per month 鈥� that's according to the latest , as of March 2025.
A room in a house share typically costs anywhere between 鈧�900 鈥� 鈧�1,200 a month, 鈧�2,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, 鈧�2,300 鈥� 鈧�3,500 per month for a two-bedroom apartment, while a 3 or 4 bedroom house anywhere in Dublin will set you back 鈧�2,500 鈥� 鈧�4,000, or more. Utility bills, such as electricity, gas, and broadband, are usually not included in the rent and need to be paid separately.
How to search for accommodation in Dublin
If you are planning to move to Dublin, it is recommended that you find a short-term rental first, so that you can give yourself plenty of time to find a property. Because the demand for housing in the capital far exceeds supply, it can make finding a place both challenging and competitive.
There are dedicated sites for finding rental accommodation in Dublin, which are a great starting point, and the most popular are , , and , which allow you to filter properties by location, price, and type. It's a good idea to set up alerts for properties that meet your criteria on these websites.
Those looking for house shares will often post on Dublin rental Facebook groups. Search for 鈥渁ccommodation Dublin鈥�, or 鈥淒ublin Rent a Room鈥� on Facebook, and a whole range of groups will appear, many of which will be private, so you will need to request access. Tenants looking for a replacement tenant, or homeowners with a spare room, will advertise in these groups.
You can also browse through the housing sections of newspapers, as well as look out for 鈥�To Let' signs on properties in Dublin. For an added fee, you can use a letting agency such as or .
Important:
Never transfer money before viewing the property in person or sending someone to view it on your behalf. Rental scams such as fake listings, requests for deposits before viewings, and false advertising are on the rise with fraudsters taking advantage of the housing crisis and the high demand for rental properties.
Rental conditions in Ireland
The rental market in Dublin moves fast. You may find a property that you like won't actually be available a day later. So when you find a house or apartment that you like, be prepared to act fast and have all the necessary documents ready to secure the property, including proof of employment, proof of funds, and a previous landlord reference. You will also need one month's rent in advance, as well as a security deposit of one month's rent.
If you are renting a property in Ireland, you have the right to stay in it indefinitely after 6 months of renting. This is known as security of tenure. Once secured, your landlord can only terminate your lease for valid legal reasons and must adhere to strict notice requirements, as per the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) guidelines. Valid legal reasons for terminating a lease include the sale of the property, the landlord or a family member intending to move in, or carrying out substantial renovations.
You are entitled to at least 90 days' advance notice if your landlord wants to raise your rent, and there are strict rules about how often they can do this and by how much. Any proposed increase must be in line with local market rents and evidence provided if required. In Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) like Dublin, Cork, and Galway, rent increases must stay within inflation limits set by the .
Every rental property in Ireland must comply with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019, which ensure safe, habitable living conditions.
Irish law restricts deductions and sets rules for handling security deposit disputes under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. Deductions by your landlord are only allowed for unpaid rent, excessive damage, or breach of lease, and not for normal wear and tear, basic cleaning, or age-related repairs.
The Residential Tenancies Board provides information on all your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, and any disputes can be filed with them.
There are a number of new tenancy protections coming into effect from 1st March 2026 as the Irish government plans to introduce major reforms to the rental sector. Reforms around rent cap rules and security of tenure protections for tenants are the key focus, and we await further details on this (as of July 2025).
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