How to Buy a House in Ireland: Expert Insights from Dublin Buyer’s Agent Alanna Hughes
Ireland continues to draw strong attention from both domestic and international investors. Robust GDP growth, a young workforce, and a business-friendly environment have supported a sustained demand for residential and commercial property alike. What makes Ireland such an attractive investment destination for real estate?The combination of a resilient economy, a young and educated workforce, and a stable political environment makes it a safe, long-term choice for real estate investment.At Alanna Hughes Property, we focus on identifying high-performing assets and achieving rental yields between 7–9%, with even higher returns in certain cases. Demand for residential property remains strong, supported by consistent GDP growth and limited supply across key markets such as Dublin and the commuter belt.Our goal is always to source the right property at the right price — one that delivers steady income and long-term value for our clients. Property prices in Ireland have risen steadily over the past decade, underpinned by limited housing supply and high demand from both occupiers and investors. Yet with inflation pressures easing and rate adjustments on the horizon, questions remain about the market’s next phase. How far can the positive run that the Irish property market has enjoyed keep going?The fundamentals of the Irish property market remain strong. Demand from both homebuyers and investors continues, particularly in Dublin and key commuter areas where supply is still limited.While price growth has slowed compared to recent years, I see this as a healthy adjustment. The market is becoming more balanced, but quality, well-located homes continue to perform very well.I focus on sourcing properties that combine value with long-term performance. We regularly achieve rental yields between 7–9%, and in some cases even higher, which shows that the right investments in Ireland continue to deliver strong, sustainable returns.For me, the outlook remains positive Ireland’s property market may be evolving, but it’s still full of opportunity for smart, strategic buyers. Dublin remains the epicenter of Ireland’s property activity, but the capital’s submarkets tell different stories. From emerging regeneration zones to mature residential districts, each area presents its own risk–reward profile for investors. What areas of Dublin do you believe offer the most potential? And which property types — from apartments to family homes — are currently best positioned for value growth?Dublin remains the heartbeat of Ireland’s property market, but the best opportunities come from understanding the contrast between established prime areas and the more affordable suburbs that are now on the rise.For investors, lower-income and regeneration areas such as Dublin 8, 10, 12, and parts of 17 and 24 continue to perform extremely well. These locations offer accessible price points, high rental demand, and strong yield potential often 7–9% or higher in certain cases. Many of these districts are benefitting from ongoing development, improved transport links, and younger demographics looking for modern, well-managed rental options close to the city centre.For home buyers, I see real value in areas that offer a strong work–life balance places like Raheny, Clontarf, Lucan, and Stepaside, where you can enjoy more space, good schools, and excellent access to both the city and the coast or mountains. These locations tend to attract families and professionals looking for quality of life without giving up connectivity.I focus on helping clients find that balance whether it’s an investment that delivers sustainable returns or a home that supports long-term living and growth. Dublin continues to evolve, and for those who look beyond the obvious, there are still outstanding opportunities in both markets. After more than two decades working within some of Ireland’s leading real estate agencies, you’ve launched your own firm — a significant move in a mature and competitive market. What prompted your decision to establish Alanna Hughes Property?After more than ten years working within some of Ireland’s leading real estate agencies, I wanted to create something that truly reflected my love for property and my passion for helping people find the right home or investment.Most people are more than capable of sourcing a property themselves — but in reality, it’s incredibly hard to do it properly without the time, contacts, and inside market access. That’s where I come in. What I offer isn’t just a property search; it’s a complete, hands-on service that saves clients time, stress, and often a significant amount of money.Many of the clients I work with have been trying to secure a property for months — sometimes years — but keep running into the same challenges: limited supply, strong competition, or simply not knowing where to start. I bring a decade of experience and the relationships I’ve built over the years to open those doors, streamline the process, and help them achieve their goals with confidence.Launching Alanna Hughes Property was a natural step for me — a way to combine my professional experience with my genuine passion for property. Whether it’s an investor seeking strong yields or a family searching for their forever home, I approach every brief with care, strategy, and a genuine excitement to deliver results.What advantages does Alanna Hughes Property offer compared to established players in the Irish market?Unlike traditional estate agencies in Ireland, I work solely for the buyer representing their interests 100% throughout the entire transaction. That independence is what truly sets Alanna Hughes Property apart.My role is to advise, protect, and guide the buyer not to sell them a property. I provide honest, research-driven advice, negotiate directly on their behalf, and ensure they’re securing real value in what is often one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.Because I’m not tied to any listings or developers, every recommendation I make is based purely on what’s best for the client. That level of transparency and focus is rare in the Irish market and is a big part of why clients come to me after struggling to navigate the process alone.At its core, Alanna Hughes Property is a boutique advisory built around personal service, strong market knowledge, and long-standing industry relationships. My aim is simple to make buying property in Ireland more informed, efficient, and successful for every client I represent.If we were to speak again in 2030, what ambitions would you hope to have realized with Alanna Hughes Property?If we were to speak again in 2030, I’d love to see more buyers in Ireland being properly represented in the property market. There are still so few dedicated buyers agents here, and I really want to help change that. Buyers deserve the same level of professional support and advocacy that sellers have always had, especially in such a competitive market.I also want to continue working closely with first-time buyers, many of whom are finding it incredibly difficult to secure a home right now. Helping someone navigate that process, get a fair deal, and finally pick up their keys is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.On a personal level, I’d like to see Alanna Hughes Property continue to grow, expanding our reach and supporting even more clients, whether they’re investors building portfolios or families buying their forever homes. My goal is to keep offering a trusted, client-first service that makes the buying experience smoother, smarter, and genuinely enjoyable.To learn more about buying property in Ireland or to connect with Alanna Hughes directly, visit ahproperty.ie or follow her on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
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