Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/Iriana Shiyan
there's always a catch

How to rent an ENTIRE HOUSE in Dublin for less than €300 a month

Could filling empty homes solve Ireland’s rental crisis?

A HOUSING INITIATIVE is seeking tenants for properties available in some of the country’s most prestigious areas – for surprisingly low rents.

The scheme focuses on finding occupiers for vacant buildings in a deal that is beneficial both to the tenant and the owner.

Camalot Property Management, the company that operates the ‘property guardian’ scheme are looking for new house-sitters to partake.

The company’s rate for a five-bedroom home in Dublin 4, one of the country’s most sought after residential areas, stands at €300.

How does this work? 

The ‘property guardian’ system works where the owner of a vacant building comes forward to offer their vacant property and ‘guardians’ then take charge of it. It is hoped this system then prevents the building from falling into disrepair and wards off thieves and vandal.

For taking care of the property, the ‘guardian’ receives a much reduced rate of rent. On their website, Camelot state that the properties available may be “awaiting demolition, renovation, sale, letting or redevelopment”.

The catch is that people being placed in properties are given no guarantees about the length of time they are allowed to stay. It is said the time periods could vary between a few months and a couple of years.

The company use residential properties as well as larger buildings from bodies such as local councils, religious orders and project developers.

It estimates that there are 28,013 empty commercial buildings and 223,152 residential properties in the Republic of Ireland.

How much do these cost? 

The cost for the properties in Ireland varies between €140 and €300 per month.

In Dublin 2 and Dublin 4 the company’s rate is €300. In Dublin 6 and Dublin 1 this comes down to €250.

In other parts of the country the price is substantially lower – with properties available in Galway for €150 and in Cork, Limerick and Waterford for €140.

Speaking about the scheme, the manager of Camelot for Ireland, Paul Cosnett, said:

There is a clear need for more rented accommodation in Ireland and there is also a rising vacant property issue that shows no sign of slowing down. Our vacant property management solution addresses both these issues.
Here are some of the properties available: 

How to rent an ENTIRE HOUSE in Dublin for less than €300 a month
1 / 5
  • Example of the interior of a Camelot property

    Source: ARTHER MAURE
  • Example of the interior of a Camelot property

    Source: ARTHER MAURE
  • A former office, now home to 7 Property Guardians.

  • A former convent, that now houses 6 Property Guardians.

  • A former care home now available to Guardians in Dublin 19

Read: ‘I’m sleeping on a friend’s sofa on the verge of becoming homeless, I don’t know what to do’

Also: Rising rental costs are making people share rooms with strangers

Your Voice
Readers Comments
17
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.