WITH THE WELL-DOCUMENTED housing shortage still ongoing in Ireland’s urban centres, many people are trying to decide which is more cost-effective: renting or buying.
Daft.ie’s latest rental report looks at current rent returns for potential investors compared with what their mortgage repayments could be.

The company has compiled data for various areas across the country as a helpful guide for first-timers in the buy-to-let market but it can also be used as a tool for those interested in buying.

So mortgage versus renting? Which wins out?

Mortgage repayments are now lower than renting in most areas, particularly when mortgage interest relief and income from the rent-a-room scheme is accounted for.

From the chart, rent on a 3-bed house in Cork city is €914 with a mortgage repayment on a similar property estimated at €790. The same pattern can be seen in Galway, Limerick and Waterford cities.

Here’s a clearer picture of what’s happening in Dublin, by region and bedroom number.

The figures are in: Are you paying above average for your rented property?

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