‘Rising demand presents challenges for students and landlords’ - McDonnell
As the start of the new academic year, the challenge of securing suitable student accommodation in Ireland is becoming increasingly evident, says David McDonnell at Property Partners McDonnell in Mullingar.
Pointing out that student numbers are rising and rental supply is struggling to keep pace, he said many students face growing difficulties in finding affordable, convenient housing options.
“Demand remains strongest in university cities and towns such as Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick Maynooth and Athlone, where rental prices have steadily increased due to limited availability. This shortage has intensified competition among students, leading to earlier rental searches and, in some cases, compromises on location or quality.
“Securing student accommodation has become a significant hurdle for many. The combination of rising rental costs and limited supply means students and their families need to plan ahead and act quickly. Landlords who understand the specific needs of student tenants and provide flexible, well-maintained properties will experience strong demand.”
Recent legislative changes, including the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill 2025, aim to improve tenant protections but also require landlords to meet higher standards, which will most likely affect the overall rental supply in the short term.
In response, universities and local authorities are increasing purpose-built student accommodation and supporting shared housing initiatives.
The private rental market remains a vital, underscoring the need for clear communication between landlords and students.
Property Partners encourages students to examine rental agreements carefully and seek advice where needed to navigate this competitive market successfully.
For detailed insights into the student rental market and advice for both tenants and landlords, contact David at Property Partners McDonnell for guidance.
About Property Partners Franchise Group
Property Partners is a nationwide network of independent estate agents providing expert advice and services to both residential and commercial clients across Ireland. With decades of combined experience in the property sector, Property Partners is committed to providing a high standard of service and local market expertise, making property transactions as seamless as possible for clients across the country.