The potential income of landlords in Ireland could shock you, according to some reports
In the heart of the Emerald Isle, the rental market presents a complex tapestry of financial fortunes for landlords. This diversity is evident when comparing the earnings of institutional landlords with those of private landlords.
Ireland's largest landlord, Ires Reit, boasts an average rental income of approximately €21,768 per annum from each of its 3,668 units in 2024. Such figures underscore the sizeable returns that institutional landlords can enjoy.
However, the story is far from rosy for many individual private landlords. With mortgage payments, taxes, and other expenses factored in, some private landlords face lean returns, and in some cases, even incur losses. Reports suggest that these landlords may be losing €100–€150 per month after expenses [4][5].
Despite media reports of a "mass exodus" from the private rental sector, the number of registered landlords in Ireland has increased. This trend suggests that while some landlords are leaving the market, others are continuing or even entering the fray.
This mixed financial landscape for landlords is influenced by factors such as scale, financing structure, and tax burdens. Institutional landlords like Ires Reit, with their vast resources and economies of scale, can command higher rental incomes per unit. In contrast, private landlords, often managing one or two tenancies, face higher taxation (up to 52%) and mortgage costs that can significantly diminish their net income [4][5].
The Irish property sector has seen lobbying groups argue that landlords are not earning enough to compensate for regulations and bureaucratic hurdles. Despite this, the majority of Irish landlords are considered ordinary people, their livelihoods depending on the rental income they receive.
As the rental market in Ireland continues to evolve, it is clear that the financial fortunes of landlords will remain a subject of interest and debate. The complexities of the market serve as a reminder that the rental landscape is shaped by a multitude of factors, from institutional wealth to the struggles of private landlords.
Personal-finance challenges persist for many private landlords in Ireland, as highlighted by reports indicating they lose €100–€150 per month after expenses. In contrast, institutional landlords like Ires Reit benefit from economies of scale, commanding higher rental incomes per unit and enjoying a more favorable business-finance landscape.
