Five of the most depressing apartment listings in Dublin this week

A search through apartment listings should, ideally, be one of excitement. Whether you’re moving out for the first time or upsizing to a new place, a change of dwelling should be fresh start, a new beginning in a cosy new abode. But, I’m sure I do not need to tell you that the Irish housing market does not exactly allow this lovely process. As of the end of June, there are 9874 homeless people in Ireland, an increase of 28% on this time last year, according to Focus Ireland. Rental prices are now €274 more expensive on average than at their peak during the Celtic Tiger and Dublin rents have increased by 34% since their previous peak a decade ago. And yet, last week the news that 79 hotels are planned to be built in Dublin city over the next few years.

Irish families who rent are at a crisis point. There seems to be no solution on the horizon, as more and more families and individuals become homeless every week. We went on a search through Ireland’s leading property website Daft.ie to find the options available for those looking to rent in Dublin. And what we found wasn’t exactly heartening…

Aughrim street, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7

Stoneybatter is one of the most up-and-coming areas in Dublin, but this “cosy” one-bed studio apartment doesn’t exactly paint a glowing picture. A kitchenette with a hob, microwave and no oven opens into a minuscule room where the bed seems to be lodged under the wardrobe. Not a great option if you tend to kick in your sleep. Apparently, the apartment is nice and quiet away from city street noise – which absolutely justifies that you’d be paying €170 a week, or €680 a month, to live here.

Granville Road, Cabinteely, Dublin 18

This Cabinteely residence is billed as a ‘studio at side of residence with own entrance’, which basically means it’s a room in someone’s house. It features a kitchenette, small bathroom and is “well-furnished”. Given the fact that it’s about an hour from the centre of the city on public transport, the apartment’s monthly rent of €770 per month seems a little extreme.

Arran Quay, Dublin 7

The decor in this Arran Quay apartment is a little unsettling, but what’s more unsettling is the price. Although it’s one of the nicer and brighter studio apartments on the list, the space includes a modest kitchen, two strange chairs, a sofa bed and a double bed all in one room – for €400 a week. Yes, a week. And that’s been reduced by €200.

Glasnevin Avenue 187, Glasnevin, Dublin 11

The cabin-in-the-woods vibe of this room could be considered cute in some universe, if it weren’t for the complete lack of space. A wardrobe, chair, filing cabinet and desk completely surrounds you as soon as you walk in the door, and you have to navigate your way through it to get to your toaster in the ‘kitchen’.  But don’t worry, you don’t have to put up with it too much – since this is billed as student accommodation, it’s only available Sunday evening to Friday. Comes in at €520 a month.

South Circular Road, Portobello, Dublin 8

Just looking at these pictures makes me sad. This dismally bare apartment on the South Circular Road comes with barely any description, just that it’s available to move in immediately. It’s also described as being ‘newly decorated’ – with what, I don’t know. But if you need persuading, you’re in luck – the price has been reduced! It’ll now cost you just €850 a month. Yep. Really.