From the ease of travelling to the diversity of the property market, I’ve picked out five reasons that Ireland could be the perfect place for you to buy.
Find our top reasons for buying in Ireland…
Do you dream of strolling up the Galway coastline or heading to literary festivals in Dublin? Since Brexit, things might seem a bit muddled. You might have questions about how long you can stay in the country for, what property prices and options are out there, and whether you can bring your pets. The good news is that unlocking your future in Ireland need not be too complicated. Indeed, buying in Ireland is in many ways favourable to purchasing in other countries locations popular with expats, such as France and Spain.
There are many reasons to buy a home in Ireland: long walks, perfect pubs, mouthwatering seafood, friendly neighbours – the list is pretty endless – today, we’re looking less at why it makes sense for the heart, and instead, why it makes sense on a practical level too.
1. Visa, passport free trips
With a home in Ireland, you will not need a visa or even a passport to travel there. The Common Travel Area gives citizens of Ireland and the UK the right to live, travel, work and study within the area. Additionally, it gives you access to social benefits, healthcare, social housing and the right to vote in certain elections. You will be asked for identification when you travel, and some airlines require that you bring your passport, so check before your trip.
Since Brexit, Brits can only stay within the Schengen Area for 90 days out of every 180 without a visa. But the Common Travel Area was not affected by the end of free movement between the UK and the Schengen Area.
However, if you have family members who are not British or Irish, then they are not covered by the CTA. Find out more here.
2. Easy travel
Speaking of making the hop across the Irish Sea, travel connections between the UK and Ireland are superb. If you prefer the more scenic route of a ferry ride, that will be straightforward too. Plus, if you’re planning to move there full time and are concerned about homesickness, you can feel confident that you’ll be able to pop back in a jiffy for birthdays, weddings and emergencies. Equally, if you’re planning to buy a holiday home, you’ll be able to make the most of simply heading there for a long weekend or even to work remotely (just be sure your home has a reliable Wi-Fi connection).
3. You can bring your furry friends
You might be drawn to buying in Ireland because you’re keen to strolls across stunning cliff faces, and there’s sure to be one creature that will enjoy that more than you…your pup. Luckily, as long as your pup is microchipped, vaccinated and has a few bits of paperwork in order, Ireland will be happy to welcome him. Find out more about bringing your pet to Ireland here.
4. The green of the Emerald Isle
Many UK buyers hunt for their property in the Mediterranean, seeking a sunnier climate. But as we’ve all seen on the news, the hottest spots in Spain and Greece are only getting hotter, and perhaps for some buyers, they’re too hot. The green of the Emerald Isle is not just beautiful. It is well-preserved with big unspoiled stretches, population density is low, and the climate is mild, and rainfall is abundant, making it a good choice for climate conscious property buyers. While climate change is impacting Ireland, you might get more out of your property there, for longer. If you are interested in a coastal home, do find out about rising sea levels in the area before you buy.
5. Diverse property options
From city apartments in Dublin and Belfast to County Cork countryside cottages, the housing market is diverse and exciting. Plus, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t have to be close to anywhere in particular, you can find some really beautiful older homes at low price points. And if you’re up for a renovation project, there will be many homes keen to be transformed.
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