A new report from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) highlights a lot of the key shortcomings in the purchasing process. Buyers are often tempted to overbid in housing auctions, do not understand their rights and face enormous delays in areas like conveyancing. The advantage in the property market lies firmly with the vendor, given the lack of supply and high prices. This makes action to combat the information shortfall and unfair practices hampering buyers all the more important. In making progress, Ireland can learn from the clearer systems in place in some other European countries, which stand in contrast to the Irish free-for-all.

Source: The Irish Times February 10, 2026 11:25 UTC