People in the North report more choice when it comes to housingMost people in rental accommodation are forced to become tenants because they cannot afford to buy. In the North, four in 10 people rent because they cannot afford to buy a property. Renters in the North are also more likely to describe renting as a matter of choice than in the Republic. The research found that people want a secure home that they can afford – whether buying or renting – across both jurisdictions. On average, tenants spend about 37pc of their net income on rent, compared with 32pc in the North.

Source: Irish Independent January 27, 2026 07:03 UTC