Welcome to Ireland
Ireland is an island nation with 3500 miles of beautiful coastline many fine lakes and rivers. For centuries, agriculture has been the economic mainstay of the country, however Ireland now enjoys a reputation as a world leading communications and IT centre that serves as a technology gateway between the US and Europe. The Republic of Ireland is a fully integrated member of the European Union and the Irish economy has grown at a faster rate than any other EU state for the past 5 years. Like most European economies, Ireland post September 11th has experienced economic slowdown with job losses in the IT sector. However the slowdown in Ireland has not been severe and has in effect translated into more sustainable growth in the economy with strong recovery showing in most sectors of the economy from mid 2003. For the moment, the rise of property prices has stabilised somewhat.

Real Estate in Ireland
Ireland has a population of 5.4 million with 3.7 million in Southern Ireland and 1.7 million in Northern Ireland, with 69% being under the age of 45. Real Estate prices increased by 87% from 1996 to 1999 and prices have showed double digit growth in every year since 1999. This growth is fuelled primarily by limited new housing supply and net positive inward migration of 50,000 people per year. Ireland has one of the highest rates of home ownership in the world currently standing at over 80% and 95% of house sales are handled by qualified property professionals. Second hand house prices reached on average €195,439 nationally and €296,454 in Dublin during 2003. Mortgage interest rates have reached an all time low of under 4% in 2003 and is a major factor underpinning the market. Property prices seem set to continue rising all be it at much more modest rates with prices softening in some more exposed market sectors.

About ERA in Ireland
ERA Ireland was launched in 2001 with an ambitious plan to create a network of 100 property professionals between Southern Ireland and Northern Ireland over a period of 5 years. By January 2004 the ERA Ireland network has grown into a network of 50 Auctioneers offices nationwide and is Irelands fastest growing network of real estate offices. Through an exciting range of products and services, ERA associated offices compete on the basis of exceptional customer service and the ability to deliver superior selling prices for all types of Irish property.

ERA Ireland
Swords Technology Centre, Suite 3C,
Swords Business Park, Swords, Co Dublin.
IRELAND