‘It’s an understatement to say the Irish property market is highly competitive’: a buyer’s agent on current home buying trends

My passion for property began in my teenage years. I found myself drawn to what I fondly call “Ireland’s ugly properties.” I loved the challenge of seeing potential where others saw problems. As I got older, I took a leap in buying my first ugly property and transformed this space through hands-on renovations. The result after this experience was I was even more in love with property than before! And my interest evolved into a deep understanding of the Irish property market. Over time, I identified a significant gap; there was very little support available for Irish expats looking to return home. This inspired me to establish Emerald Sage, where I focus on helping people make wise property decisions that align with both their financial goals and lifestyle aspirations.

A buyer’s agent represents the interests of the property buyer, rather than the seller. At Emerald Sage, this means I work exclusively for my clients, helping them source suitable properties, conducting thorough market research, performing value comparisons and negotiating the best possible price. I also handle due diligence, ensuring that my clients avoid common pitfalls like overpaying or purchasing properties that may have hidden issues. Essentially, I take the stress and guesswork out of the property-buying process, offering expert advice every step of the way.

The biggest benefit of working with a buyer’s agent is peace of mind. Property is often the largest financial investment people make, and having an expert by your side reduces the risk of costly mistakes. I help clients identify properties that genuinely meet their needs, negotiate better deals, and avoid emotional decision-making, which can sometimes lead to overpaying. For Irish expats, the advantages are even greater. I act as their eyes and ears on the ground, viewing properties, managing negotiations, and ensuring they can secure the right property even from thousands of miles away.

The concept of a buyer’s agent is still fairly new in Ireland, but people are becoming more curious about how a buyer’s agent can help them. It’s an understatement to say the Irish property market is highly competitive. Limited supply and strong demand seems to only drive prices upward. In such a fast-moving environment, buyers often feel overwhelmed and even fearful. The estate agent is acting on the side of the seller, and buyers are realising they can have a property professional acting for them too. A buyer’s agent can make a significant difference, providing clients with a strategic advantage. I help clients move quickly and confidently, ensuring they don’t miss out on opportunities or get caught in bidding wars without a clear strategy. This level of support is invaluable, and leads to a far less stressful experience.

My client base is evenly split between people living in Ireland and Irish expats living abroad. I work with buyers already in Ireland, both novice and seasoned investors, and families returning to Ireland after years overseas. Many of my expat clients are surprised to learn that they can secure mortgages in Ireland based on their foreign salaries. This opens up opportunities to purchase property before they even set foot back home. Having a property ready can make all the difference in easing the transition back to Irish life. I’m just back from a trip to Qatar, where I lived myself a number of years ago, speaking to the Irish community there about how I can help them secure their dream home in Ireland.

There are definitely some emerging trends in the property market. Many of my Irish-based clients are prioritising energy-efficient homes, reflecting a growing awareness of sustainability and the long-term cost savings of greener properties. For expats, the focus is often on convenience and community; they’re looking for homes in well-connected areas with strong local amenities that help ease the transition back to Irish life. In terms of location, there’s strong interest in commuter towns around Dublin, but I’m also seeing increased demand for properties in the west of Ireland, particularly from those seeking a better work-life balance post-pandemic.