Opinion: As parties sell their election policies on housing to voters, how key demographics and stakeholders view the issue will play a crucial role
As in 2020, housing stands out as the most significant concern for people across the country in this election. A recent survey published by the Eurobarometer shows that it is the most important concern facing Ireland at the moment for 64% of the respondents, alongside the rising cost of living.
Generally speaking, all the parties have some similar objectives – increased supply, expansion of affordability initiatives, increase of social and cost rental homes, tackling homelessness and integrating sustainability and energy efficiency into new housing developments to meet climate goals – but they differ on how to get there.
These issues need attention because Ireland is in a housing emergency now, not just a crisis. Soaring homeless figures, Generation Rent, always-increasing rents, eviction fears, housing discrimination, lack of social housing: we have a system that is failing to meet the basic housing needs, leaving families and individuals without stability, security or hope for a better future.
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From RTÉ News At One, what are all the political parties promising on housing?
Key dividing lines among political parties' housing plans revolve around the role of the private market (favoured mostly by the parties currently in government) versus public-led initiatives (favoured by opposition parties). There are also differences over whether to prioritise ownership or rental affordability, and the extent of reforms needed in the rental sector.
These differences will shape voter preferences in Friday's election because parties frame their policies to appeal to different demographics and housing stakeholders, and housing is always a politically charged issue in Ireland. The election will determine whether people living in Ireland will see more of the same lukewarm, developer-oriented housing interventions or a chance for bold and innovative actions that might have a chance to deliver meaningful results.
Young people
Housing insecurity and a sense of hopelessness can significantly influence how young people vote. 68% of people aged between 25 to 29 in Ireland still living at home with their parents because of the difficulty to purchase homes or afford rents. College students are particularly affected, facing high rents and a shortage of accommodation near universities that affects their mental health, academic performance and aspirations for the future.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, housing is one of the dominant issues in the final leaders' debate on RTÉ Prime Time
According to The National Youth Council of Ireland, 7 in 10 young people are considering emigration due to housing issues. While accurate data is scarce, this figure is reinforced by CSO figures that show one of the highest youth emigration levels since 2016. The USI report that 30,000 students couldn't access a room in purpose-built student accommodation in 2023, and resort to 'digs' which are a last resort for 59% of college students.
Homeowners vs renters
Homeowners influence the design and implementation of housing policies far more than renters. Homeownership consistently drives individuals to participate more in elections, increasing the chances of homeowner-preferred candidates being elected. On the other hand, renters experience lower residential stability compared to homeowners, which is positively correlated with political participation. As a result, parties focusing on improving housing security for renters may receive fewer votes, perpetuating long-term housing inequality and insecurity in the sector.
In addition, underrepresented groups, such as migrants are heavily represented in the private rental sector. According to ESRI research in 2022, 56% of all migrants were living in private rented housing However, many migrants are not registered to vote or lack Irish citizenship, disqualifying them from participating in the general election. Consequently, it is unlikely they will have a say on a key policy that affects them directly and significantly.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, Cian Whelan reports that the shortage of housing is the big issue for Election 24 in the Louth constituency
Low-Income households
Low-income households face an increased risk of homelessness and housing insecurity. The most recent homelessness figures show a record 14,760 people, including more than 4,500 children, in emergency accommodation. Poor security of tenure due to an increase in eviction notices, weak legislative protections, the lift of eviction bans and increasing rentals exacerbate the situation.
An increased feeling of housing insecurity is evident. A Threshold survey found 53% of people surveyed feel insecure or very insecure in their tenancy. Current legislation provides limited protection from eviction, which keeps some renters in a protection limbo (such as some categories of renter, for example licensees) but still allows for significant rent increases, making renting too expensive and reducing opportunities for homeownership. This keeps a larger proportion of the population in precarious housing situations and at an increased risk of homelessness.
It seems fair to say that rental markets need more regulation to the advantage of tenants to protect households from further financialisation of the housing system and, to an extent, the powerful lobbying of housing developers and international investors. Strengthening tenant rights and implementing more robust rent control measures could help address the imbalance in the housing market, ensuring policies are more inclusive of those most affected by the current housing emergency.
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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
