A new study on Ireland’s cost rental housing highlights long-term stability as a key attraction for 63% of residents. The research, co-led by Dr. Michael Byrne (University College Dublin) and Dr. Cian O’Callaghan (Trinity College Dublin), reveals that secure tenancies, home quality, and affordable rents are major factors in residents' satisfaction with cost rental housing.

Cost rental, a relatively new tenure in Ireland, provides housing for those not qualifying for social housing but struggling to afford private rentals. Since 2021, over 1,700 cost rental homes have been delivered by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), local authorities, and the Land Development Agency.

Dr. O’Callaghan emphasized the transformative impact of cost rental, noting its potential to reshape Ireland’s housing landscape by offering non-market, secure housing options. According to the research, 84% of respondents felt very secure in their tenancies, and only 24% worried about eviction. Many residents noted that their cost rental homes were of much higher quality compared to previous private rentals.

Despite the benefits, challenges around affordability remain. Rent accounted for 34.5% of tenants' disposable income, raising concerns about future financial security, particularly in case of income loss or retirement.

The research gathered data through online surveys and interviews with current residents of homes managed by Clúid Housing, Respond, and Tuath Housing. It underscores the importance of continuing to expand cost rental housing to promote affordability and housing security.

Sean O’Connor, CEO of Tuath Housing, highlighted cost rental's role in providing stable, below-market rents, enabling tenants to plan for the future. Brian O’Gorman, CEO of Clúid Housing, stressed that while affordability is important, security of tenure is even more critical to residents’ well-being. Niamh Randall of Respond emphasized the importance of scaling up cost rental to bridge the gap between social and private housing.

The report, The Impact of Cost Rental Housing on Social Inclusion and Wellbeing: Affordability, Security, and Community, is available on The Housing Authority website.

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