The launch of the Government’s new strategy for housing supply, “Delivering Homes, Building Communities,” brings a mixed outlook for renters — here’s what it means for your rent and what remains uncertain.
Unveiled as part of the National Housing Plan 2025, the strategy focuses on boosting supply across both public and private housing, with a particular emphasis on affordable rental options. The plan sets a target of 50,000 new homes per year, with the Government committing to expanding infrastructure, streamlining planning, and addressing construction bottlenecks.
For renters, the most immediate question is whether this increased supply will help stabilise costs. The Department of Housing has acknowledged that rents remain at record highs, particularly in major cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway, but insists that long-term affordability will depend on accelerating delivery and keeping the pipeline of new builds consistent.
Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien described the strategy as “the most ambitious and coordinated plan yet to ensure that everyone in Ireland has access to a secure and affordable home.” He added that new funding measures — including additional investment for local authority and approved housing body schemes — are designed to deliver a more “sustainable rental sector” while reducing over-reliance on short-term leases.
Social Democrats Spokesperson on Housing Rory Hearne said the Government is "actually worsening the housing crisis" and described leaks from the housing plan as "deeply disappointing. "There is no radical change here," no radical transformation in how this Government is approaching housing. "That is deeply disappointing. It's not good enough and I think when we see it tomorrow- people are likely to be very disappointed." Mr Hearne said the Government will "dress" the plan up as significant changes but said it will just be "tinkering around the edges," stating the target of 15,000 affordable units per years, and 12,000 social units is "not a significant on what the targets are currently".
The Government is also maintaining its commitment to the Cost Rental model, where rents are based on construction and maintenance costs rather than market value. New cost-rental developments are planned for Dublin, Limerick, and Cork, with the goal of reaching 10,000 cost-rental homes by 2027. For middle-income renters, these are expected to offer monthly rents that are 25% to 30% below private market levels.
However, housing advocates and economists remain cautious. While supply targets are ambitious, there are concerns over labour shortages, planning delays, and rising material costs, all of which could slow progress. Analysts have also pointed out that the Government’s previous Housing for All plan struggled to meet its annual targets, raising doubts about whether the new blueprint will deliver faster results.
In terms of rent control, the Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) limits are to remain in place, capping annual rent increases at 2%. Yet, with many landlords exiting the market due to rising interest rates and compliance costs, some experts warn that availability — not just affordability — will remain a challenge in 2025.
Tenants’ rights groups have cautiously welcomed the renewed focus on long-term rental stability but are calling for stronger protections against eviction and stricter oversight of institutional landlords. “Building more homes is crucial, but renters need immediate relief — not just promises for five years from now,” said one representative from a Dublin-based housing charity.
The strategy’s success will ultimately hinge on execution. If construction ramps up and public housing delivery keeps pace, renters could start to see pressure ease by late 2026 or 2027. But until then, with demand continuing to outstrip supply in urban areas, rent levels are expected to remain high across much of the country.
