The Crazy House Prices Podcast

Quick roundup of Ireland's housing madness - from a damp garden studio with mushrooms (you read that right) to families stuck after paying deposits, a brutal shortage of tradespeople slowing construction, and even a cheeky idea to crowdfund a historic mansion. Join me for 12-minute cut-through of the week’s wildest stories, a bit of context, and a couple of hopeful wins that might actually matter to you. Sponsors: 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.

Quick roundup of the recent Irish housing chaos: a tone-deaf government video got pulled, 50-year mortgage ideas are floating around (terrible idea), the central bank’s calling out weak housing targets, and the EU’s finally moving on illegal Airbnb rentals. There’s also a new digital bank in town and mortgage rates are starting to fall; some good bits amid the nonsense. If you care about buying, renting or just not being priced out, this episode packs the latest stats, a bit of ranting, and useful context to help you make sense of it all. 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 today’s episode I’m joined by Sinéad O’Carroll from Finance Solutions to break down the full mortgage process in a clear, practical way. We talk through what you should have in place before applying, how lenders look at income and repayment ability, why your credit report matters, and why using a broker can save you time and stress. We also answer the questions you sent in, including: Borrowing above the purchase price for renovations How mortgage exemptions work and who qualifies Switching your mortgage when your home’s value has increased What second-time buyers need to know when selling and buying at the same time Buying far from your workplace when you’re remote or hybrid How banks assess mixed PAYE and self-employed income Common credit report issues and how long they stay on record If you’re hoping to buy in 2026, planning to switch, or want to understand how lenders make their decisions, this episode will give you a full roadmap. Follow @crazyhouseprices on Instagram for more insights. To support the podcast and access extra Q&As, you can join my Patreon for €3 a month. Sponsor: Finance Solutions - experts in mortgages and winners of Best Mortgage Broker at the 2025 Brokers Ireland Awards.

Psychotherapist Ann Bracken joins me to talk about the emotional toll the housing crisis is taking on people across Ireland — and what you can do to manage it. We cover: Why housing stress puts you in survival mode How it affects sleep, mood, and relationships Tools to calm your nervous system and feel more in control What’s in your control (and what isn’t) How to build resilience without burning out This isn’t medical advice, but it’s an honest chat with a professional who gets it — and who’s been through it too. More on Ann’s work at annbrackentherapy.com   Follow @crazyhouseprices on Instagram for more insights and updates. 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.

The housing crisis isn’t inevitable, it’s a choice. In this episode, I share 21 real, practical ways Ireland could fix housing if we actually wanted to. From banning fake bids and bringing back vacant homes, to creating a sovereign housing bank and taking housing out of politics completely; these are all ideas that already work in other countries. Other countries fixed it. We can too. 🎧 Listen, learn, and share this episode so more people realise that the housing crisis can be solved. Follow @crazyhouseprices on Instagram for more insights and updates. 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 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