If you’re asking “how much does it cost to build a house in Ireland?” you’re not alone.
Many ventures into the home building realm with this key question on their mind.
Navigating the financial side of constructing a new home can often feel convoluted and unclear.
Especially in Ireland a host of factors like location design materials and labor can significantly influence the total cost.
So is building your dream house in Ireland a wallet-emptying undertaking or a savvy financial move?
Cost Factors And Considerations
When understanding how much it costs to build a house in Ireland various factors come into play. Location size number of rooms amenities and the type of house significantly influence the costs.
The overall price also heavily depends on the complexity of the design and building materials used. Pre-construction outlays such as site purchase costs development levies stamp duty and professional fees including the architect’s fees are also significant considerations.
A key point to note is that it is not cheaper to build a house than buying an existing one. However building offers the freedom to implement your unique vision and specific requirements.
Major cost factors also include the current regulatory environment and the impact of recent geopolitical events and crises. The substantial inflation in building costs partly because of construction personnel shortages material shortages Brexit-related delivery issues and the Ukraine invasion cannot be ignored.
Statistics reveal that building costs have surged by up to 40% in some areas since 2021 marking a steep increase. Average Cost Per Square Meter In Ireland
When budgeting for a new build it is imperative to understand the average cost per square meter.
The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland states that the average cost per square meter to build a house in Ireland is approximately €1813. However recent tenders recorded during the second quarter of 2023 suggest a more realistic figure of approximately €2350 per sq meter or €218 per square foot.
It’s important to note that these estimations do not include additional costs like site purchase professional fees and VAT. Also the variance in these prices might vary based on the type of house.
For instance detached houses may range between €1500-€2500 per square meter semi-detached houses between €1200-€1800 per sq meter bungalows from €1200-€1800 per sq meter to two-story houses between €1500-€2500 per sq meter.
Types Of Houses And Associated Costs
Ireland boasts a variety of types of houses each with their unique cost implications. From detached houses to semi-detached houses bungalows and two-story houses the options are diverse.
Detached houses
The average cost per square meter for a detached house ranges widely from €1500-€2500. This broad range is influenced heavily by factors such as location size the complexity of design and choice of building materials.
Semi-Detached houses
Semi-detached homes offer both the privacy of a detached house and the cost-effectiveness of a shared structure. Such houses typically cost between €1200-€1800 per square meter.
Bungalows
Bungalows characterized by their unique single-story design bear costs between €1200-€1800 per square meter.
Two-Story Houses
Building a two-story house in Ireland could cost approximately €1500-€2500 per square meter. This pricing reflects the added complexity and space offered by this type of house.
Cost Breakdown For Building A House
Understanding the detailed cost breakdown for building a house in Ireland provides a good financial roadmap for the journey ahead. For example a 150-square-meter detached house might cost as follows:
- Site cost: €30000
- Foundation cost: €15000
- Structural cost: €60000
- Internal work cost: €35000
- Finishing cost: €25000
- Contingency cost: €15000
These figures represent the base costs for a standard builder’s finish. Variations in material choices specifications location or upgrades result in a higher total.
Planning permission fees and building control fees also add to the overall cost. These mandatory expenses range from €65 to €1000 and €2000 to €4000 respectively.
Subsequently a Value Added Tax (VAT) applies to all construction-related costs at a current rate of 23% in Ireland.
It’s noteworthy that these costs may further rise in 2023 due to anticipated fluctuations in the Tender Price Index mainly reflecting inflation labor costs and potential material shortages.
Additional Costs To Keep In Mind
When budgeting for your build it is essential to know the additional costs that come with building a house in Ireland. Professional fees such as architect’s fees site valuer fees and specialist consultant fees can significantly increase costs.
Besides there are pre-construction outlays to consider. These include site purchase costs stamp duty and land registration fee.
It’s also important to include planning permission fees in your budget ranging from as little as €65 up to €1000. Additionally building control fees tend to fall between €2000 and €4000.
In terms of construction the variability in the availability and cost of building materials possibly due to Brexit-related delivery issues and the Ukraine invasion is a factor. As is the shortage of construction personnel.
The latter has seen building costs rise by up to 40% in certain areas since 2021.
Another significant aspect to consider is VAT set at 23% in Ireland which can noticeably impact the total cost. The complexity of the design along with the choice of kitchen bathroom fittings and other interior accessories can also affect the total cost of building your house.
It’s also advisable to factor in a contingency cost typically around 10% of the project cost to account for unexpected expenses during the build.
In conclusion when planning to build a house in Ireland you need to consider many additional costs beyond the average building cost per square meter. Thorough research and smart decisions will help keep these expenses manageable.