An American content creator expressed his surprise after discovering that Ireland is willing to “pay $92,000” (approximately €85,000 or £70,000) to anyone who purchases properties on some of its islands.
The YouTube account Magnify (@_magnify) began by showcasing the beauty of Ireland’s many islands, complete with stunning coasts and charming pubs.
“And if you want to buy a house here, Ireland will pay you,” they stated. Using the three Arran Islands as an example, which were once home to over 3,000 residents before the potato famine, Magnify explained that under the Our Living Islands programme aimed at revitalising the islands, the government will pay nearly $100,000 (€92,000 or £76,000) to anyone who buys a vacant house and renovates it.
“Other countries have similar programmes,” Magnify added, citing a village in Italy that reportedly offers $33,000 (€30,000 or £25,000) to attract new residents. They also mentioned Santo Stefano, an island off the west coast of Italy, which allegedly pays out $52,000 (€43,000 or £36,000) to those willing to relocate and start a business there.
Magnify concluded: “So if you have a remote job and an ancestral connection to one of these places, you could pay $1.2 million (€1.1m or £910.000) to live in a place in LA – or you could make money living here.”
One YouTube user shared their personal experience with the programme, stating: “I’m currently doing this programme, yes it’s up to €75,000 (€69,000 or £57,000), mine qualified for just a little less than that but the renovations must be complete within 13 months of the application submission, including the 2 months it takes for this to be accepted.
“Then nothing will be paid to you until a final inspection that the property is suitably habitable.”
A sceptic chimed in with concerns over rising costs, saying: “A couple from UK moved there, they have a channel documenting their renovations. And they have talked about how prices of these properties have gone up since this government program started, to the point that now they are becoming unaffordable.”
Meanwhile, another person set realistic expectations by saying: “It’s basically joining a contract to build a house. Restoration will cost you much more than what they’re paying you. This is still a great deal, but it’s not the whimsical magic solution people think it is. It’s essentially free land for people wanting to build a house anyways. The land is usually very dilapidated and needs extensive work to make liveable/nice.”
To provide official context, the Irish government website includes: “Our coastal islands and their communities are an integral part of the fabric of rural Ireland. They also an integral part of the State’s heritage and have a special significance in Irish culture.”
Approximately 30 islands off the coast of Ireland, which are cut off daily by the tide and lack a bridge or causeway connection to the mainland, boast permanent year-round populations and are not privately owned.
Magnify explained that as part of the Our Living Islands programme to revitalise the islands, if you buy a vacant house, the government will pay you almost $100,000 (€92,000 or £76,000).
They sad: “Our Living Islands is a 10-year national policy for these off-shore islands, and was published in June 2023. The aim of this policy is to ensure that sustainable, vibrant communities can continue to live – and thrive – on the offshore islands for many years to come.”
