Rental Sector Research – Call for Research Proposals

Clúid Housing and Irish Institutional Property (IIP) are jointly commissioning a study into the Irish rental sector.

The primary research objective is to assess and evaluate the methods by which the sustainability and attractiveness of the rental sector might be improved in Ireland.

The growth of the rental sector (both private rented and social housing) in Ireland in recent years has been significant, with nearly a third of all households occupying this tenure. It is clear that a major shift has occurred with regard to tenure in Ireland, for a variety of reasons, including unaffordability of home-ownership, migration, increasing student populations, increasing precarity in the labour market, and an increased demand for residential choice and flexibility.

However, the extent to which this shift has been accompanied by a long-term view on the sustainability of the rental sector, and its standing in comparison with home ownership, is less certain. While, undoubtedly, the sector has been subject to increased regulation, under the auspices of the Residential Tenancies Board, there is considerable scope for further measures to increase its attractiveness for both existing and prospective tenants and those seeking to invest in the sector. Indeed, despite the rise in the proportion of households residing within the rental sector, the number of landlords in Ireland fell for the second year in a row between 2017 and 2018 by 0.5%, reversing a previously upward trend seen since 2015. The level of large-scale investment (including individuals and institutional investors) currently represents 4% of the total market. Furthermore, despite recent improvements for tenants and investors, the rental sector in Ireland is small in comparison with that which exists in other European countries including Germany and Sweden.

With more households entering the rental sector, it is essential that it offers a stable, secure and sustainable option for both tenants and landlords, and that is not viewed as simply a ‘stepping-stone’ or ‘second place’ to home ownership. It is equally important that the continued growth of and investment in the sector is encouraged, in order to ensure its sustainability into the future. Without investment, supply will fail to meet growing demand.

Full details are available in the information booklet which you can download on the link below.

Cluid-Housing-Irish-Institutional-Property-IIP-Research-Bursary

Application process

The deadline for submission of proposals is 5 p.m. on Monday, September 28th, 2020.

The amount awarded for the successful applicant (s) will be a maximum of €28,000.

To apply, download the application form on the link below.

Application Form – Rental Sector – Clúid Housing and Irish Institutional Property Housing Research Bursary

If you would like any further information please contact Fiona Dunkin on 01 707 2088 or by email at fdunkin@cluid.ie