For many people in their 30s across Ireland, the prospect of homeownership feels increasingly out of reach. Rising property prices, stagnant wages, and a lack of affordable housing have combined to make owning a home an elusive dream for many. A recent discussion highlighted the frustrations of those who fear they will never be able to afford a home, sparking an important conversation about the realities of Ireland’s housing crisis.

The Soaring Cost of Property

One of the biggest barriers to homeownership for people in their 30s is the staggering rise in property prices. Over the past decade, property values in Ireland have increased significantly, with Dublin seeing some of the steepest climbs. According to recent data from Daft.ie, the average price of a home in Ireland now stands at €320,000, with prices in Dublin averaging over €500,000. For many people, this is far beyond their financial reach, especially when coupled with the cost of living in the capital.

Renters, in particular, feel trapped in a cycle of high monthly payments, leaving little room to save for a deposit. As one user pointed out, “How am I supposed to save when half my salary goes towards rent?” This is a sentiment echoed by many, reflecting the struggles faced by those who wish to transition from renting to owning.

Wage Stagnation and Job Insecurity

Another key issue raised in the thread is wage stagnation. While property prices have surged, wage growth has not kept pace. This has led to a growing disparity between what people earn and what they need to save for a home. As one commenter noted, “Even if I manage to save for years, prices are climbing faster than I can keep up.”

For many, job security also plays a role in their ability to save and plan for the future. Contract work, short-term employment, and the gig economy have left some individuals in precarious financial situations, further dampening their hopes of securing a mortgage.

The Struggle to Save for a Deposit

Saving for a deposit has become an almost insurmountable challenge for many would-be homeowners. Traditionally, banks require a 10% deposit for first-time buyers in Ireland, meaning that for a €300,000 house, a deposit of €30,000 is needed. However, this figure is even higher in cities like Dublin where the average home price is far beyond the national average.

Many users feel they are stuck in an endless loop—unable to save because of high rent, and unable to buy because they cannot save. “Every time I put a bit away, something comes up—car repairs, a wedding, or bills. It feels like I’m running in place,” one user lamented.

This is the price of a 3 bedroom in Dublin at the moment:

The Impact of Government Policies

Government initiatives aimed at helping first-time buyers, such as the Help to Buy scheme and the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan, have had mixed success. While these programs provide some assistance, many users expressed frustration that the schemes do not go far enough to address the root of the issue—housing supply and affordability.

“The Help to Buy scheme is helpful, but it’s a drop in the ocean compared to what we really need,” said one participant. Others argued that these schemes often inflate property prices further, benefiting sellers more than buyers.

Is Renting for Life the Future?

As house prices continue to climb, some in their 30s are resigned to the idea of renting for the rest of their lives. “I’ve accepted that homeownership might not be in the cards for me,” one user shared. While this might seem like a viable alternative, renting in Ireland has its own set of challenges, with rental prices also rising sharply in recent years. Moreover, renters in Ireland face the uncertainty of short-term leases and lack of tenant protections, making long-term renting a less-than-ideal solution for many.

What’s the Way Forward?

The dream of owning a home feels increasingly like a distant fantasy rather than a tangible goal. While government programs and schemes provide some relief, it is clear that deeper, structural changes are needed in Ireland’s housing market.

For now, many in this age group are left wondering if they’ll ever have the keys to a home they can call their own—or if renting will be the new normal for their generation.