More British property buyers

The number of British-based buyers of Irish property surged by nearly 40% last year, with more than half being accounted for by retirees looking to set up home here.

A survey of its members by nationwide property group Real Estate Alliance shows that 20% of all enquiries are now coming from the UK, equating to an average of 13% of their overall sales.

The interest from across the Irish Sea is purely based on residential property; but interestingly only 9% or so is for pure investment purposes. According to REA chief executive, Philip Farrell, as many as 52% of Britons enquiring about Irish-based property are doing so with the view to live here in their retirement. Around 15% are looking for holiday homes here and 8% want a lifestyle change.