The Republic of Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle, is renowned for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and friendly locals. The property market in the Republic of Ireland offers a melange of historical charm, modern amenities and practicality. In truth the property market is largely similar to that in the UK, but with much more greenery!

The Irish property market

There are a range of property types available in Ireland, from traditional cottages in hamlet-style towns to modern apartments in bustling cities. The rural areas, such as Connemara or County Kerry, offer a range of detached properties with vast green spaces which would be perfect for those with young children or wanting to enjoy the great outdoors.

If you’d prefer to live in an urban setting, Dublin and Cork offer a range of city apartments and further afield from the city centre you’ll find a mix of townhouses and semi-detached homes in the suburbs.

In recent years, the property market in Ireland has been showing signs of steady growth, especially in urban areas around Dublin, including Kildare, Wicklow, Meath and Louth.

The appeal of Ireland to expats

Ireland can be a wonderful home to anyone willing to embrace its culture. Family is hugely important in Ireland and most southern households remain catholic. You’ll find a lot of local shops, restaurants and pubs close on Sundays, the Sabbath, which might take some getting used to if you’re used to city living.

There’s nothing the Irish love more than a celebration. There are a whole host of festivals and occasions throughout the year that you’ll be encouraged to join in as an expat in Ireland, notably St. Patrick’s Day which can be a raucous affair.

Sport and leisure are hugely popular in Ireland, especially in small towns. There it’s not uncommon for everyone to know everyone. Locals fiercely support the local school’s rugby, camogie or hurling teams. If you’re looking to get involved, there’s a whole host of expat groups you can join on Facebook, alternatively, head to your town hall for more information.

Integration into the Irish community is generally easy, thanks to the locals’ welcoming nature. Joining local clubs, participating in community events, and embracing the Irish way of life can make the transition smoother.

Living in Ireland as a non-resident

If you are a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or Lichtenstein, you do not need a visa or a residence permit to reside in Ireland. There are however some limitations. You can legally enter and stay in Ireland for up to 3 months, (6 if you’re looking for a job), without a visa. After that time, if you want to stay, you must meet certain criteria:

• Be working
• Have enough money to support yourself and your family
• Be enrolled as a student or vocational trainee or
• Be a family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen in one of the previous categories.

If you are from outside the EU, you will have to apply for residence and register for an Irish residence permit if you, as third-party nationals wish to stay longer than 90 days.

Please note, that Ireland is not part of the Schengen area.

When buying a property overseas, we recommend you speak to an independent lawyer and a tax specialist who can help you get to grips with your financial implications in Ireland.

For guidance on budgeting to buy a property in Ireland, open a no-obligation account with FCA-authorised Smart Currency Exchange. They will enable you to benefit from their competitive exchange rates and specialist currency knowledge, ultimately saving you money and time. For more information, download Smart Currency Exchange’s free report or visit the Currency Zone.

Written by PropertyGuides for Rightmove