Property ‘crisis’ to cost city new jobs

A chronic shortage of properties available for rent in Galway could seriously hamper the city’s chances of attracting new jobs.

Figures from housing agency Threshold show there are just 140 properties available for rent in the city at the moment – the situation is described as being at “crisis point”

And it is being compounded by increasing rents – in some cases, landlords are hiking up rents by up to 15%.

Independent Councillor Donal Lyons has warned the lack of housing here is a deterrent to people considering living in Galway.

A survey of properties to rent in the city last week on Daft.ie shows just 16 one-beds were available. There were also 57 two-beds, 42 three-beds and 25 four-beds.

“The lack of houses and the increases in rent prices is putting huge pressure on young couples, many of whom can’t secure a mortgage at the moment and the difficulty in sourcing properties means that people are being forced to move in with family and friends.

“This is a deterrent to people considering a move to Galway for employment and if the problem continues it will impact on the quality of the workforce in Galway.

“The lack of houses available locally could hamper job creation and inward investment prospects and I am calling for action by the Government to provide incentives to the building industry and fast track planning applications in order to kick-start construction,” said Cllr Lyons.

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.