The availability of rental properties under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme has continued to decline across Ireland, according to the latest report from the Simon Communities of Ireland.
In its quarterly Locked Out of the Market study, the charity found that just 41 properties were available to rent within HAP discretionary limits across 16 locations in March 2025. That marks an 11% decrease compared to December 2024—representing a drop of five properties.
The survey covered areas such as Leitrim, Athlone, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Portlaoise, and Waterford.
Alarmingly, ten of the sixteen regions surveyed had no properties available within HAP limits, highlighting what Simon describes as an increasingly unequal housing landscape.
This discrepancy continues to put low-income tenants outside of Dublin at a major disadvantage, the organisation warned.
In towns like Sligo and Portlaoise, rental options were especially scarce, with only five and two properties available at any price point, respectively.
Overall, the number of properties to rent across all price brackets fell 9% in Q1 2025, with just 1,119 listings nationwide—further limiting choice for renters.
A 2022 study conducted by the RTB and Amarach indicated that nearly half of landlords with medium-sized portfolios used alternative advertising methods for their properties.
The Department noted that local authorities now have the ability to use statutory discretion to raise HAP payments by up to 35% above maximum rent limits, and up to 50% in Dublin for those at risk of homelessness.
As of the end of 2024:
In its quarterly Locked Out of the Market study, the charity found that just 41 properties were available to rent within HAP discretionary limits across 16 locations in March 2025. That marks an 11% decrease compared to December 2024—representing a drop of five properties.
The survey covered areas such as Leitrim, Athlone, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Portlaoise, and Waterford.
Alarmingly, ten of the sixteen regions surveyed had no properties available within HAP limits, highlighting what Simon describes as an increasingly unequal housing landscape.
Dublin Dominates HAP Supply
The report found that 31 out of 41 available HAP properties were located in Dublin, where discretionary rent limits can stretch up to 50% above standard rates, compared to just 35% in other parts of the country.This discrepancy continues to put low-income tenants outside of Dublin at a major disadvantage, the organisation warned.
In towns like Sligo and Portlaoise, rental options were especially scarce, with only five and two properties available at any price point, respectively.
Overall, the number of properties to rent across all price brackets fell 9% in Q1 2025, with just 1,119 listings nationwide—further limiting choice for renters.
'System Not Working' for Those Most in Need
Grogan described the findings as a clear sign of a deepening housing crisis, particularly for those relying on government support.She called for an extension of rent pressure zone legislation for at least one year, to give struggling renters more stability while longer-term solutions are considered.
Department of Housing Responds
In response, the Department of Housing acknowledged the report’s findings but stressed that the study only analysed listings from Daft.ie, one of several advertising platforms.A 2022 study conducted by the RTB and Amarach indicated that nearly half of landlords with medium-sized portfolios used alternative advertising methods for their properties.
The Department noted that local authorities now have the ability to use statutory discretion to raise HAP payments by up to 35% above maximum rent limits, and up to 50% in Dublin for those at risk of homelessness.
As of the end of 2024:
- Around 54,000 households were receiving HAP support.
- 69% of those households benefited from discretionary rent increases.
- On average, 156 new HAP tenancies were established weekly.
- 499 new tenancies were set up in March 2025 alone.
