The Crazy House Prices Podcast

In this episode of The Crazy House Prices Podcast, I’m joined by housing expert Lorcan Sirr to dig into the numbers behind Ireland’s new homes. Last year, just 4% of new homes in Dublin were sold to households; the rest went to investors or the state. We talk about €875,000 apartments, why 9 out of 10 new builds never come on the market, and how government policy is geared towards landlords instead of families. If you want to know who is really buying homes in Ireland, this episode lays it bare. Sponsor: Beat The Bank Please support the Podcast and Instagram if you can over on my Patreon Make sure to follow me on Instagram and if you want to support the page and podcast, head over to my Patreon and get access to over 130 extra exclusive podcasts.

Rents in Ireland have hit record highs with just 1,652 properties available to rent nationwide as of August 2025. At the same time, the June Daft.ie House Price Report shows only 12,100 homes for sale, far below the 30,000 needed for a healthy housing market. In this episode of The Crazy House Prices Podcast, I compare renting vs buying in Ireland in 2025, using the latest Daft rent and house price reports plus the CSO Residential Property Price Index. We cover Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Airbnb’s impact on supply, and the upcoming Rent Pressure Zone changes in 2026 with a clear verdict on whether it’s smarter to rent or buy a home in Ireland right now. You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Sponsor: Beat The Bank Please support the Podcast and Instagram if you can over on my Patreon Make sure to follow me on Instagram and if you want to support the page and podcast, head over to my Patreon and get access to over 130 extra exclusive podcasts.

Buying in a chain in Ireland? In this episode, I share proven tips to keep your home sale and purchase from collapsing. Learn how property chains work, why they’re so hard in today’s Irish housing market, what you can control, and how to prepare for delays, closing dates, and last-minute surprises. Essential listening for first-time buyers and second-time buyers in Ireland. You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Sponsors: Financial Planning Matters Please support the Podcast and Instagram if you can over on my Patreon Make sure to follow me on Instagram and if you want to support the page and podcast, head over to my Patreon and get access to over 100 extra exclusive podcasts.

In this episode, I answer 8 of the most common and frustrating questions about buying a home in Ireland right now. From being stuck at “sale agreed” for 6 months, to whether you should fix or switch your mortgage, to the madness of 4 person mortgages and overpriced One Stop Shops. I also share honest advice on how kids affect your borrowing power, how to agree a price off-market, and whether the government is actually doing anything to fix the broken housing system. Whether you're a first-time buyer, thinking about retrofitting, or just fed up with bidding wars and solicitor delays, this episode is for you. You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Sponsor: Beat The Bank Please support the Podcast and Instagram if you can over on my Patreon Make sure to follow me on Instagram and if you want to support the page and podcast, head over to my Patreon and get access to over 130 extra exclusive podcasts.

This is one of my most sobering and important podcasts yet. If you’re trying to buy, rent, or just stay sane in the Irish housing market, you need to hear it. In this episode, I chat with the incredibly knowledgeable Dr. Lorcan Sirr about the current chaos that is the Irish housing market. We cover everything from skyrocketing house prices and the unrelenting demand on resources like water and electricity, to government policies that seem to make things trickier instead of easier. You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Sponsor: Beat The Bank Please support the Podcast and Instagram if you can over on my Patreon Make sure to follow me on Instagram and if you want to support the page and podcast, head over to my Patreon and get access to over 130 extra exclusive podcasts.

In 2024 I was asked to be part of an Expert Panel tasked with coming up woth solutions to the delays in Probate and Comveyancing. This episode runs through the problems, our recommendations and what has happened since. Please share this episode with anyone currently trying to buy or sell a home. You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Sponsor: Beat The Bank Please support the Podcast and Instagram if you can over on my Patreon Make sure to follow me on Instagram and if you want to support the page and podcast, head over to my Patreon and get access to over 100 extra exclusive podcasts.

In this episode of the Crazy House Prices podcast, we're tackling all your burning questions about home-buying and personal finance. Whether you're wondering where to stash your savings while you search for that dream home, or need tips on selling your current home, I've got you covered. I'll dive into the nitty-gritty of mortgage protection vs. life insurance, and even share some sneaky insights about how I get to test drive fancy cars! Expect friendly and straight-to-the-point advice on dealing with estate agents, using brokers, and managing your money smartly. Plus, I'll share my personal experiences and recommend some top-notch companies that have really made a difference for me. If you're a solo buyer feeling overwhelmed in this crazy market, don't worry, you're not alone! You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Sponsors: Financial Planning Matters Please support the Podcast and Instagram if you can over on my Patreon Make sure to follow me on Instagram and if you want to support the page and podcast, head over to my Patreon and get access to over 100 extra exclusive podcasts.

Today, we're diving into a topic that's got everyone talking: rent pressure zones, or RPZs. Are these zones really putting a squeeze on housing supply, or is there more to the story? Grab a comfy seat, because we're peeling back the layers on a fascinating article by Michael Byrne, who challenges the idea that RPZs are the villains in our housing saga. I've got loads of insights about how these rent caps might not be the sole culprits, with interest rates and construction costs playing major roles too. Plus, I'm chatting about how this all affects not just renters but homeowners and first-time buyers.  Michael's substack: https://theweekinhousing.substack.com/ You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Sponsors: Financial Planning Matters Please support the Podcast and Instagram if you can over on my Patreon Make sure to follow me on Instagram and if you want to support the page and podcast, head over to my Patreon and get access to over 100 extra exclusive podcasts.

Welcome to episode 30 of the Crazy House Prices podcast. Ever thought taxes could be sexy? Well, maybe not, but let's try save you a few quid anyway as in this episode I'm chatting with my accountant, Alan from Cloud Accounts, to dig into everything you need to know about taxes. Before you tune out—hold on! This chat could help you hang onto hundreds or even thousands of euros. Alan and I have teamed up to make claiming tax credits and doing your own tax returns a piece of cake. We're talking rent tax credits, teacher's flat rate expenses, working from home reliefs, and even what to do if you're juggling a side hustle. No boring jargon, just clear, straightforward advice to help you put your hard-earned cash back in your pocket. Sound good? Great! Let’s dive in and start saving! You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Sponsors: Financial Planning Matters & Daft.ie Please support the Podcast and Instagram if you can over on my Patreon Make sure to follow me on Instagram and if you want to support the page and podcast, head over to my Patreon and get access to over 100 extra exclusive podcasts.

In this episode of the Crazy House Prices podcast, I'm joined by the insightful Michael Byrne, a leading voice on housing policy. We're digging deep into the results of the recent general election and what it means for housing in Ireland. With Mick's expertise, we tackle why Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael managed to sway voters once again, despite the ongoing housing challenges. You'll want to stick around as we also chat about practical solutions for both aspiring homeowners and renters, offering a well-rounded view of Ireland's complex housing puzzle. Mick shares some intriguing ideas that could be game-changers, so trust me—you don’t want to miss this one! You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Sponsors: Financial Planning Matters & Daft.ie Please support the Podcast and Instagram if you can over on my Patreon Make sure to follow me on Instagram and if you want to support the page and podcast, head over to my Patreon and get access to over 100 extra exclusive podcasts.

In this episode I chat with Social Democrats' election candidate for Dublin North West Rory Hearne about their ideas on housing. Plus, don't miss out on some handy tips for your election research homework - my two favorite websites for breaking down party policies and matching yourself with the perfect candidate. Let’s get you informed and ready to vote smart this Friday! You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Sponsors: Beat The Bank & Daft.ie Please support the Podcast and Instagram if you can over on my Patreon Make sure to follow me on Instagram and if you want to support the page and podcast, head over to my Patreon and get access to over 100 extra exclusive podcasts.

In this episode I chat with Sinn Féin TD and housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin about their ambitious new housing plan, "A Home of Your Own." 🏠 You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Sponsors: Beat The Bank & Daft.ie Please support the Podcast and Instagram if you can over on my Patreon Make sure to follow me on Instagram and if you want to support the page and podcast, head over to my Patreon and get access to over 100 extra exclusive podcasts

Ever dreamed of traveling the world without breaking the bank? Well, you're in for a treat! In this episode of the Crazy House Prices podcast, I'm diving into the world of home exchanges. Join me, Ciarán Mulqueen, as I share our family's adventure swapping homes with a lovely family in Valencia, and how they got to experience the charm of Dublin in return. You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Sponsors: FPMS & Daft.ie Please support the Podcast and Instagram if you can over on my Patreon Make sure to follow me on Instagram and if you want to support the page and podcast, head over to my Patreon and get access to over 100 extra exclusive podcasts

Welcome to episode 25 of the Crazy House Prices podcast! Today, we're diving deep into the world of mortgages with none other than Eoin O'Connor from Finance Solutions, aka The Mortgage Guy on Instagram. I've known Eoin for ages, and trust me, his mortgage knowledge is top-notch. If you're not following him yet, you definitely should! We'll tackle your burning mortgage questions: combining mortgage and renovation costs, the ins and outs of the first home scheme, managing complex incomes, and whether to choose a fixed or variable rate in today's market. Plus, we'll discuss unique situations like buying property from family. Eoin's expert advice is a must-hear, especially if you're navigating the mortgage process or planning to soon. Before we dive in, just a heads up that I'm in a partnership with Finance Solutions this year. They've been doing an incredible job for my followers. You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Please support the Podcast and Instagram if you can over on my Patreon Make sure to follow me on Instagram and if you want to support the page and podcast, head over to my Patreon and get access to over 70 extra exclusive podcasts

Welcome to another episode of the Crazy House Prices podcast with your host, Ciarán Mulqueen. Today, we're diving deep into the vacant home grant—a hot topic on my Instagram lately. I've chatted with two amazing guests: one waiting on drawdown and another who has already drawn down. If you haven't heard of the vacant home grant, it's an opportunity for owner-occupiers and even landlords to get up to €70,000 when buying a vacant or derelict property. But, as always, there are some bumps in the road! From conflicting council info to needing upfront funds, we cover it all. Grab a notepad, or open your notes app because you’ll want to jot down these tips and experiences. And don't miss the crucial tip I share in the outro about verifying if a home truly qualifies for the grant. Trust me; you won't want to miss it! So, let's jump right in and hear from Eleanor about her year-long wait for funds, followed by Tom, who has successfully drawn down his grant. And hey, if you’re enjoying the podcast, consider supporting me on Patreon for exclusive content and more. Happy listening! You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Sponsors: FPMS & Daft.ie Please support the Podcast and Instagram if you can over on my Patreon Make sure to follow me on Instagram and if you want to support the page and podcast, head over to my Patreon and get access to over 70 extra exclusive podcasts

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Crazy House Prices podcast! I'm Ciarán Mulqueen, and today I'm thrilled to chat with my good friend Shay Lally from Houses to Restore on Instagram. Shay's got a wealth of experience in quantity surveying, and we dive deep into your top questions about home renovations. In this episode, I pose five big questions to Shay, touching on everything from handling asbestos to calculating renovation costs per square meter. We also cover retrofitting, heat pumps, and more! And for a bit of fun, we finish up with five quick-fire questions. Trust me, it's a conversation you won't want to miss! Make sure you're following me on Instagram at Crazy House Prices for more updates and tips on the housing market in Ireland. If you're enjoying the podcast and want to show your support, head over to Patreon. Your support helps keep this podcast and my Instagram page going. Plus, you'll get access to exclusive bonus content and a community of over 100,000 followers. Don't forget to check out my book, How to Buy a Home in Ireland, available nationwide. Can't find it in a bookshop? Just Google it or check your local library. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy this insightful episode with Shay Lally!   You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Sponsors: FPMS & Daft.ie Please support the Podcast and Instagram if you can over on my Patreon Make sure to follow me on Instagram and if you want to support the page and podcast, head over to my Patreon and get access to over 70 extra exclusive podcasts

Hey there! Welcome to the Crazy House Prices podcast, hosted by Ciarán Mulqueen. In this episode, I dive deep into the common reasons why house purchases or sales fall through and how you can avoid these pitfalls. Whether you're buying or selling, this guide is packed with tips to ensure a smooth transaction. Follow me on Instagram at @CrazyHousePrices for more updates and tips. I've got a ton of content waiting for you! I’ll cover everything from structural issues to mortgage problems, plus, I’ll share insights from my followers about their real-life challenges. It's all about being prepared and staying ahead of the game. So grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started. You won’t want to miss this one! Law Society/SCSI document   Support the Podcast: If you find value in my podcast and Instagram, consider supporting me on Patreon at patreon.com/crazyhouseprices. Your support helps me continue delivering valuable content and grants you access to exclusive bonus material, including Q&As where I answer every question sent in, and the opportunity to engage with my community of over 100,000 followers. Stay Connected: Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram [@CrazyHousePrices] for daily updates and tips on navigating the ever-changing landscape of the housing market in Ireland. Subscribe and Share: Enjoyed this episode? Please subscribe, share with friends and family, and leave me a review. Your feedback helps the podcast grow and reach more people on their journey to homeownership. You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Sponsors: Beat The Bank & Daft.ie

In this episode of The Crazy House Prices Podcast, I break down what happens after a sale is agreed upon in Ireland, drawing from my book "How to Buy a Home in Ireland." I cover the crucial steps following a 'sale-agreed' status, such as notifying your solicitor, paying a booking deposit, arranging a pre-purchase survey, and securing mortgage protection and home insurance. I highlight that 'sale-agreed' is non-binding, meaning the deal isn't final until contracts are signed, and discuss common hurdles like probate, structural surveys, and potential renegotiations of the sale price. I share a checklist for buyers, including the importance of clear communication with solicitors and estate agents, and preparing for potential delays. The episode also touches on the often frustrating, slow pace of the buying process due to factors like bank delays and the complexity of probate. This episode aims to demystify the post-sale-agreed phase, offering guidance to navigate the path to homeownership with more confidence and less stress.   Support the Podcast: If you find value in my podcast and Instagram, consider supporting me on Patreon at patreon.com/crazyhouseprices. Your support helps me continue delivering valuable content and grants you access to exclusive bonus material, including Q&As where I answer every question sent in, and the opportunity to engage with my community of over 100,000 followers. Stay Connected: Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram [@CrazyHousePrices] for daily updates and tips on navigating the ever-changing landscape of the housing market in Ireland. Subscribe and Share: Enjoyed this episode? Please subscribe, share with friends and family, and leave me a review. Your feedback helps the podcast grow and reach more people on their journey to homeownership. You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Sponsors: Beat The Bank & Daft.ie

In this episode of "The Crazy House Prices Podcast," I delve into the extra costs of buying a home in Ireland, a key topic from my book "How to Buy a Home in Ireland." I cover essential expenses beyond the deposit, such as stamp duty, solicitor and valuer fees, property tax, home and mortgage protection insurance, and moving costs. Listeners will gain insights into managing these additional costs, with advice on budgeting effectively. I recommend saving 12%-13% of the home's purchase price to comfortably cover these expenses. The episode offers practical tips, including considerations for stamp duty, the importance of a comprehensive surveyor’s report, and the advantages of alarm systems like Ring. Support the Podcast: If you find value in my podcast and Instagram, consider supporting me on Patreon at patreon.com/crazyhouseprices. Your support helps me continue delivering valuable content and grants you access to exclusive bonus material, including Q&As where I answer every question sent in, and the opportunity to engage with my community of over 100,000 followers. Stay Connected: Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram [@CrazyHousePrices] for daily updates and tips on navigating the ever-changing landscape of the housing market in Ireland. Subscribe and Share: Enjoyed this episode? Please subscribe, share with friends and family, and leave me a review. Your feedback helps the podcast grow and reach more people on their journey to homeownership. You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Sponsors: Beat The Bank & Daft.ie

This episode is a must-listen for anyone embarking on the journey of buying a home, especially focusing on the crucial six-month preparation period before applying for a mortgage. In This Episode: - Getting Organised: Understand why the six months leading up to your mortgage application are vital and how to best prepare during this period. - Credit Reports Decoded: Learn the importance of checking your credit report early and how to address any unexpected issues that might arise. - Financial Habits for Success: Discover practical tips for maintaining clean bank statements and why certain spending habits can be red flags to lenders. - Savings Strategies: Gain insights into effective savings techniques, setting up different accounts for various needs, and how to plan for additional costs beyond your deposit. - Mortgage Exemptions Explained: Get a clear understanding of the recent changes in mortgage lending rules in Ireland, including exemptions and how they might apply to you. Episode Highlights: - The significance of being financially organised before applying for a mortgage. - The impact of your credit history and how to preemptively tackle potential issues. - Tips on managing your finances, from avoiding gambling transactions to handling overdrafts. - Strategies for saving effectively, including how to allocate funds for immediate needs and long-term goals. - Understanding the nuances of mortgage lending rules and how to potentially qualify for exemptions. Support the Podcast: If you find value in my podcast and Instagram, consider supporting me on Patreon at patreon.com/crazyhouseprices. Your support helps me continue delivering valuable content and grants you access to exclusive bonus material, including Q&As where I answer every question sent in, and the opportunity to engage with my community of over 100,000 followers. Stay Connected: Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram [@CrazyHousePrices] for daily updates and tips on navigating the ever-changing landscape of the housing market in Ireland. Subscribe and Share: Enjoyed this episode? Please subscribe, share with friends and family, and leave me a review. Your feedback helps the podcast grow and reach more people on their journey to homeownership. You can order my book: "How to buy a home in Ireland" here Sponsors: Beat The Bank & Daft.ie