#621 Property for Sale — Tenants Included, No Exceptions

Today on the show, Niall opens the phone lines to callers to debate major new changes to Ireland’s rental laws coming into force from March 1st.

Under the new rules, landlords will no longer be able to end a tenancy simply because they wish to sell their property. While landlords can still sell, any sale must now take place with tenants remaining in situ, and buyers must accept the property as an active tenancy rather than a vacant home.

Landlord groups warn the changes will have serious unintended consequences, arguing that properties with sitting tenants are harder to sell, often achieve a lower price, and may drive more small landlords out of the rental market altogether—further reducing supply.

Tenants and housing advocates, however, say the reforms are long overdue. They argue the new measures finally provide genuine security of tenure, protecting renters from eviction and offering stability for up to six years, particularly in a market marked by rising rents and limited housing options.

So where should the balance lie?

Do these new laws unfairly restrict a landlord’s right to sell their own property?

Or are stronger tenant protections essential in the middle of an ongoing housing crisis?

As always, callers are divided—and the debate is lively.