With the focus of expat forums and news on Mediterranean countries and long-haul destinations like Australia, the USA and Canada, it may surprise you to learn that a great number of Brits are snapping up property for a change of pace in Ireland.
Article written by The Overseas Guides Company
In recent years, following the banking crisis and house price crash in Ireland, agents there are reporting tremendous interest in Irish property from British buyers. And with a similar standard of living at just a fraction of the cost of that in the UK, why wouldn’t they?
Londoner Harry Baker purchased a spacious apartment last year for €100,000 – less than a third of its original listing price. The two-bedroom property overlooks the water in a picturesque riverside town in central Ireland.
“I have always loved Ireland but was amazed at how much more property you get for your money here than in the English countryside,” Harry said.
“Yet despite the extra distance, I can get to the airport and fly to London in less time than it would take me to drive from many popular regions in the UK – so I get to enjoy the serenity of rural life at a fraction of the cost and without completely cutting myself off from everyone back in London!”
Harry also believes he will be able to achieve higher capital growth in the longer term by investing in Irish property.
“Given that prices are so cheap compared to their peaks before the financial crisis, once the Irish economy gets going again – and there are already signs it is improving – property prices should begin to appreciate again and I could sell for a decent profit. For now, though, I am enjoying life here in Ireland and benefiting from the high rent I receive for letting my London apartment – it’s a real win-win!”
For details of property for sale in Ireland, visit the Irish listing on Rightmove Overseas. One way to save money when buying and restoring property in Ireland is to use a currency specialist when transferring your pounds into Euros to complete the purchase. For more information on this, contact Smart Currency Exchange.
To understand the full step-by-step process to buying a property in Ireland, collect The Overseas Guides Company’s ‘Ireland Property Buying Guide’
The views and comments herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Rightmove Overseas, Rightmove Group Ltd or Rightmove Plc