In Ireland, how much do landlords actually take home in earnings? You may find the figures eye-opening
In the heart of the Emerald Isle, a growing number of ordinary people have taken on the role of landlords, managing rental properties to provide homes for many Irish families. However, a recent trend has seen a significant portion of these landlords leaving the sector, leading to concerns about the health of Ireland's private rental market.
The increase in registered landlords over the years may seem promising, but a closer look reveals a different picture. Many landlords, particularly those with just one or two tenancies, are finding it difficult to earn enough to cover the costs of regulations, bureaucratic hurdles, and other expenses associated with being a landlord.
The average income for these ordinary landlords varies widely, but for the majority, the net income is often modest or even negative after costs such as mortgage payments and taxes. High tax rates, which can reach up to 52%, and mortgage costs that can result in losses of €100–€150 per month, often leave these landlords with limited take-home rental income.
The rental income per property also depends heavily on location and property type. While Dublin and larger investors like Ires REIT, which earned about €21,768 per unit annually in 2024, report higher incomes, typical individual landlords with fewer units usually see significantly less. Ireland’s rental market has seen strong rent growth, with a 115% increase between 2010 and 2025, which benefits landlords in gross terms. However, rising costs and taxation offset this for many smaller landlords.
This financial pressure faced by small-scale landlords has led some to question the sustainability of Ireland's private rental sector. With the majority of Irish landlords (80%) having one or two tenancies, the livelihoods of a significant number of Irish families depend on rental income. As such, the "mass exodus" of landlords from the sector is a cause for concern.
In conclusion, while the number of registered landlords in Ireland may be increasing, the average net income earned by these ordinary landlords is modest and sometimes negative after accounting for mortgage, taxes, and other expenses. This highlights the financial pressures faced within this segment, and the potential impact on Ireland's private rental market.
- To maintain their rental properties, many small-scale landlords struggle with the financial burden of high taxes, bureaucratic hurdles, and mortgage expenses, causing many to question the sustainability of Ireland's private rental sector.
- With financial challenges continuing to impact the majority of Irish landlords, who primarily manage one or two tenancies, the potential effects on personal-finance and the overall business of rental properties is a serious concern for those involved in Ireland's private rental market.
