Accommodation is available in Dublin but it is not abundant and this is reflected in prices. Excellent employment opportunities, a booming multinational sector and a high density of third-level educational institutions have driven the demand for housing high.
Renting
The government has responded to this pressure by introducing a 4% yearly cap on rent increases, preventing landlords from upping rent by more than this figure per annum. Although Dublin is still the most expensive county in which to live, a well-connected transport network means that living in one of the surrounding counties – Meath, Kildare, Wicklow – is a realistic option for people who want to work in the capital, without paying Dublin rental rates.
Daft.ie’s survey for Q1 2019 finds that the average rent in Dublin city centre is €2,046 – this figure reduces to €1,778 in the west of the county. This map indicates what you might expect to pay to live near a Luas (tram) or DART (commuter railway) route in Dublin – on average an extra 12%.

Daft.ie and Rent.ie provide a comprehensive overview of property available in every neighbourhood of Dublin and are good first stops when searching for rental accommodation.
Buying
The competition for housing is strong and is driving up the number of new properties being built. According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the number of new homes built in 2018 rose by 25% compared to the previous year. Although housing prices are still high, their rate of increase is slowing down.
Daft.ie and the property sections of national newspapers like The Irish Times and the Irish Examiner are the best places to start your search if you’re considering buying. See this map for an indication of what you might be paying along the routes of the Luas and the DART.
Student accommodation
With rental property proving difficult to come by, on-campus student accommodation has fast become a more desirable option for many in third-level education. Dublin City University, University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin all offer on-campus options; while OnCampus.ie also lists short-term spaces at each college. Bear in mind that long-term bookings for the academic year get snapped up quickly, so make sure you’re looking well in advance of term start. Again, Daft.ie is a great resource, with a student-specific search option.

The good thing about the search for student accommodation is the supportive network of other students and Student Unions that are willing to share tips and news on potential available properties. Check out the Union of Students Ireland accommodation page for advice from people in the know.