Updated March 2026

Rent vs Buy Calculator
Ireland 2026

Is it cheaper to keep renting or buy a home? Compare the true 10-year cost including mortgage, deposit opportunity cost, maintenance, appreciation, and rent increases.

Your Scenario

Renting
€
%
RPZ limit: 2% or HICP. Non-RPZ: market rate. National avg ~3–4%
Buying
€
€
Min 10% for first-time buyers
%
%
Irish avg 2015–2025: ~5%. Conservative estimate: 3–4%
%
Rule of thumb: 1% of property value per year

10-Year Comparison

Enter your details and press compare

Your rent vs buy comparison will appear here

BER Affects Your Running Costs

When comparing properties to buy, the BER rating significantly affects energy costs — a D-rated home costs €1,600/year more to run than an A-rated one. Factor this into your buying decision.

Check BER energy costs
Book a BER assessment at Homerating.ie

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Renting vs Buying in Ireland: What the Numbers Say

The rent-vs-buy question in Ireland is more nuanced than it appears. Renting offers flexibility and no maintenance costs, while buying builds equity and provides long-term cost certainty. The right answer depends on your income, savings, location, and time horizon.

When Buying Wins

Buying typically wins over renting when you plan to stay for 5+ years, property appreciation exceeds inflation, mortgage rates are below rental yield rates, and you have sufficient deposit. In most Irish locations outside prime Dublin, buying becomes cheaper than renting within 3–5 years due to strong capital appreciation and high rents.

When Renting Wins

Renting can be the better financial choice when you expect to move within 2–3 years (buying costs eat into any equity gain), if property prices in your area are at a peak, if you can invest the deposit money at returns exceeding property appreciation, or if your income is uncertain. Our calculator models these scenarios so you can see the breakeven point for your specific situation.

The Hidden Costs Most Calculators Miss

This calculator includes costs that simple comparisons overlook: the opportunity cost of your deposit (what it could earn invested elsewhere), stamp duty and buying costs, property maintenance (typically 1% of value annually), home insurance, Local Property Tax, and the time value of mortgage repayments vs rent payments. Use our Total Cost of Buying Calculator for a complete breakdown of purchase costs.

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Your Complete Guide to Property in Ireland

Irish Property Guide is Ireland's independent property knowledge platform. We provide free calculators, expert-written guides, and practical tools for first-time buyers, landlords, and homeowners planning energy upgrades. Our tools are built specifically for the Irish market — covering Central Bank mortgage rules, Help to Buy, the First Home Scheme, SEAI grants, BER ratings, and the latest landlord compliance requirements including the March 2026 rental law changes.

Unlike estate agents or mortgage brokers, we don’t sell property or financial products. We sell knowledge — so our advice is independent and focused entirely on helping you make better decisions. Our team includes SEAI-registered BER assessors who have been rating Irish homes since 2009.

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