Barbara Carty is a Property Consultant for relocation specialists INHOUS. The London-based company has expanded to Dublin to accommodate returning emigrants.
We asked Barbara for the inside track on relocating with a family:
"If you have kids, the most important thing to factor in is access to local schools. There are super national schools in Ireland but often you must have your child's name down from birth to be guaranteed a place. Look out for Montessori schools that offer the ECCE Scheme, which is free preschool from the age of three until they transfer to primary school - a great saving for parents.
Make the big decisions before you relocate. Set time aside when the kids are in bed. Decide on things like what's more important: a shorter commute and smaller accommodation or more space and a longer commute? Do a big clear-out before you relocate. Do not bring anything you do not need. See what you can sell on sites like
DoneDeal; it's a great way of making some extra money to pay for the removal van.
Consider paying a company to help you pack and move. After box 30 and endless amounts of bubble wrap and sticky tape you will be wishing you had availed of this service. Try companies like
AnyVan.ie for online quotes for packing and moving from multiple reputable fully insured firms. Line up and book local tradesmen too -and book in your dates before the move, good tradesmen are always busy!
There are not enough family homes available in Ireland. As people struggle to get on the property ladder since the Central Bank Rule was put in place last year, rents have been rising due to the increased number of people renting. The average monthly rent is now €1006. Good properties do come on the market for rent but they could be gone within a week of going up online. You will find somewhere to live but you may not get everything you want. It is good to have someone on the ground doing the search for you and finding the house in the location you want it in before it's snapped up, especially if you are living in a different country. I'd always recommend renting in an area before buying.
