Ireland has seen one of the most amazing property and economic booms in history. The benefits of the EU have seen property prices increasing to four times their value in the last eight years. The average house price is now similar to in the UK (and the Irish weather is even worse!).

Not surprisingly Dublin has sees the highest rises - and would have been a great place to invest eight years ago. However, given that the level of home ownership is so high, perhaps there is more room for prices to move upwards?

Ireland was featured in Channel Four's A Place in the Sun recent soothsaying programme, who predicted a 100,000 GBP investment in Ireland will give a return of 222% in the next ten years. This estimate made it number 14 for places in Europe to make money from the housing market in Europe. Pretty good really.

Lonely Planet Guide to Ireland

Beautiful images of Ireland

Ask a Professional

There are investment prospects in Ireland, but it is essential that you seek independent expert professional advice before undertaking any property purchase. There are lots of things to bear in mind, including local laws and regulations, taxes, surveyor's assessments of the building, financial currency exchange, dealing with interbank transfers, volatity of the housing market, etc. etc. In some countries there are various restrictions on foreigners owning land or property, so this needs to be checked out fully. Any property purchase is a major undertaking.

It may seem obvious but it's well worth going on holiday to a country several times to see if you like it.

Surge in Interest

Channel 4's country guide to the Irish housing market

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