In Ireland, the number of people needing social housing is substantial, with recent 2024 estimates suggesting over 225,000 people (including 85,000 children) had an "ongoing need" at the end of 2023, encompassing those on waiting lists and receiving Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). Additionally, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) house nearly 120,000 people, while other schemes add to the demand, highlighting a significant, urgent housing crisis.
Social rental housing as share of total housing stock worldwide 2018-2023, by country. The Netherlands, Austria, and Denmark were among the countries in the world with the highest proportion of social rental housing.
Focus Ireland describes as 'wrong' Tánaiste's comments about migrants without a 'housing right' in emergency accommodation. The number of homeless people in the State continues to climb, having reached almost 17,000 people, including 5,321 children.
There are over 500 Approved Housing Bodies in Ireland providing over 35,000 homes across the country.
All EEA nationals may be considered for assessment for social housing support from housing authorities if; 1) they are in employment/self-employed in the State; or 2) where they are not currently working/employed it is because - • they are temporarily unable to work because of illness/accident; • they are recorded as ...
1. Asylum seekers, through the Direct Provision system, receive a weekly allowance of €19.10 per adult and €15.60 per child. The adult rate of payment has not increased since 2000. It is the only social welfare payment never to have increased in line with inflation or the cost of living.
Key Takeaways
The PBO estimates that there were 115,425 households with an 'ongoing need' for permanent, state-supported housing at end-2023 comprising of 58,824 eligible households on the main social housing waiting list, plus, 56,601 active HAP tenancies. This was down from 116,886 households at end- 2022 (-1.25%).
Dublin accounts for more than two-thirds of all homelessness in Ireland, a new report from Focus Ireland says. The number of families in emergency accommodation in the capital has increased by 132 per cent since 2021 and 629 per cent since 2014, with 1,626 families recorded in June.
How much is the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant? You can get a grant of up to: €50,000 to renovate a vacant property. €70,000 if the property is derelict.
The high cost-of-living in Ireland as a driver to leave Irish shores was repeatedly mentioned in our analysis of 48 blogs written by Irish people living all over the world. Housing and healthcare were highlighted, but also the costs of public transport, education and childcare.
High Cost of Living
Ireland, particularly cities like Dublin, has a high cost of living. Housing is a significant expense, with rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment in Dublin averaging €1,500–€2,000 per month. Groceries, utilities, and transportation costs can also add up quickly.
10 of the cheapest and safest places to live in the world
France remains the country most committed to social benefits, with almost a third of French GDP spent on social services by the government in 2019. Scandinavian countries appear high up on the ranking, with Denmark, Sweden and Norway all spending more than 25%.
The most unaffordable market was Hong Kong, where the median house price was more than 14 times the median income of a worker in the city. Australia was also notably unaffordable. Metropolitan areas of Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne were all in the top 10 as well.
The Homeless HAP scheme helps people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It gives more supports to tenants than the regular HAP scheme.
Fears homes are 'just out of reach' as Ireland ranks second worst in Europe. It was highlighted at a recent meeting of Clare Coun...
Competition for housing in Ireland, especially in the cities, is tough, but landlords cannot discriminate against a candidate simply because they are from abroad. Keep in mind that as a foreigner, you will at least need to present your legal ability to reside in the country for one year.
In a snapshot of the EU housing crisis, which accompanies the plan proposed today for affordable housing, the institution adds that “the growth of housing prices began to outpace income growth in 2016 and the gap between the two has widened sharply,” with the largest increases in the last decade “occurring in Portugal, ...
The highest priority for council housing goes to people in urgent, critical situations, like those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, escaping domestic/family violence, or with severe health/disability needs aggravated by their current housing, needing urgent relocation for safety, severe overcrowding, or to reunite children in care with family. Priority is based on "greatest need," assessed through documentation like medical reports, police records, or agency letters showing critical living conditions.
Australia ranks 18th overall in Compare the Market's 2025 Cost of Living Index, with an Affordability Index score of 58.01. While it doesn't make the top tier of the cheapest countries to live in 2025, it remains a strong contender.
Bulgaria is the only country in the 27-nation European Union whose citizens scored less than 6 (5.3) for their overall satisfaction with life. Germany is the second least happy country (6.5).
Let me be clear: at no point in the next decade will there be a situation where house prices drop like they did in the 2007 crisis - or even like 2013. If you're waiting for houses to become cheaper, don't. The next crisis is inflationary, and it's already happening.