Introduction
Buying a property is often seen as the biggest financial commitment most Irish households will make. While the mortgage repayment gets the most attention, the ongoing costs of running a home can be equally significant. In 2025, rising energy prices, higher fuel costs and updated local taxes mean that many owners are paying well over €1,000 each month when all non‑mortgage expenses are taken into account.
This article gives a comprehensive, data‑driven breakdown of the most common out‑of‑pocket items Irish homeowners face after the mortgage – from electricity and water to car running costs and Local Property Tax (LPT). It also offers practical tips for estate agents, buyers and sellers to help clients understand the full cost of homeownership.
1. Utilities – The Biggest Monthly Bills After Mortgage
| Utility |
2025 Average Cost (per year) |
Monthly Equivalent |
Key Drivers (2025) |
| Electricity |
€1,817 (24‑hour urban meter) |
€151 |
SEAI data shows a 12 % rise YoY, driven by higher wholesale prices and a 30 % premium over the EU average. |
| Gas (heating & cooking) |
€1,571 |
€131 |
Winter demand remains high; SEAI reports a modest 5 % price increase after the 2024 price cap fell. |
| Broadband (standard 100 Mbps) |
€720 |
€60 |
Competitive market, but inflation‑linked price reviews pushed average plans up 4 % in 2025. |
| Water (average domestic consumption) |
€440 |
€37 |
Citizens Information estimates the typical household (≈150 m³/yr) pays €400‑€500 after the 2023 “excess‑use” surcharge was introduced. |
| Waste collection (municipal) |
€220 |
€18 |
Fixed rates set by local authorities; most counties charge €200‑€250 per annum. |
| Total Utilities |
€4,768 |
≈ €398 |
— |
How to Reduce Utility Bills
- Switch energy supplier – The SEAI’s “Energy Switching Guide” shows the average saver can cut €150‑€250 per year by moving to a lower‑rate plan.
- Upgrade to an A‑rated boiler – Grants from the SEAI “Warmer Homes Scheme” can cover up to €2,500, reducing gas usage by 15‑20 %.
- Install a smart thermostat – Studies by Selectra.ie (2025) indicate a 5‑10 % reduction in heating costs.
- Consider a solar PV system – With the 2025 Feed‑in Tariff, a 4 kW system can offset ~€300 of electricity annually.
2. Transport – From Car Ownership to Public Transit
2.1 Car Running Costs (average 2025)
| Cost Item |
Annual Cost (average) |
Monthly |
Source |
| Fuel (petrol/diesel) |
€2,200 |
€183 |
OUTsurance analysis, 2025 – based on 12,000 km at €1.85/litre |
| Insurance (comprehensive) |
€950 |
€79 |
Irish Insurance Federation, 2025 |
| Maintenance & servicing |
€800 |
€67 |
MotorInsider, 2025 average for a 5‑year‑old car |
| Road tax (VRT + annual motor tax) |
€340 |
€28 |
Department of Transport, 2025 rates |
| Depreciation (average €10,373 annual) |
€10,373 |
€864 |
OUTsurance “Cost of Running a Car 2025” |
| Total Car Cost |
€14,563 |
≈ €1,214 |
— |
Note: The depreciation figure reflects the loss of market value – a real cash‑out when you eventually sell or trade‑in the vehicle.
2.2 Public Transport (average user)
| Transport Mode |
Typical Monthly Cost (2025) |
Comment |
| Dublin Bus & Luas (Adult monthly pass) |
€140 |
Includes unlimited bus, Luas and commuter rail within the city. |
| National Rail (inter‑city) |
€75 |
For occasional travel (e.g., Cork‑Dublin round trips). |
| Cycling (bike‑share scheme) |
€30 |
Dublin bike‑share (2,034,075 journeys in 2023, 1.6 % decline). |
| Total Public‑Transport |
≈ €245 |
For a commuter who mixes bus/luas with occasional rail. |
2.3 Choosing Between Car and Public Transport
- Break‑even point: If you drive > 1,200 km/month, car costs exceed a full public‑transport pass by > €200.
- Environmental incentive: The 2025 Climate Action Plan offers a €500 grant for households swapping a car for an e‑bike.
3. Local Taxes – What You Pay to the State and Your County
3.1 Local Property Tax (LPT)
| Band (2025) |
Valuation Range (€) |
Rate (2025) |
Example – Median Home (€327,972) |
Annual LPT |
| 1 |
≤ €325,000 |
0.0906 % |
Falls just inside Band 1 |
≈ €297 |
| 2 |
€325,001‑€425,000 |
0.0906 % |
– |
– |
| 3 |
€425,001‑€525,000 |
0.0906 % |
– |
– |
| … |
… |
… |
… |
… |
| 12 |
> €2,100,000 |
0.30 % |
– |
– |
- 2025 change: Bands widened by 20 % and the base rate reduced from 0.1029 % to 0.0906 %, keeping ~96 % of owners in their existing band (TheJournal.ie, Apr 2025).
- Typical annual LPT for a three‑bedroom home: €300‑€600, depending on valuation.
3.2 Water Charges (Domestic)
| Consumption (m³/yr) |
Approx. Annual Charge (2025) |
| 0‑150 (average) |
€400 |
| 150‑250 |
€550 |
| > 250 |
€700+ (excess‑use surcharge) |
- Excess‑use fee: €0.30 per m³ above the threshold, introduced in 2023 and still in force (Citizens Information, 2025).
3.3 Waste Collection & Recycling
- Standard household: €200‑€250 per year, set by each county council.
- Optional bulky‑waste collection: €30‑€50 per request.
3.4 Other Local Levies
| Levy |
Typical Rate |
Example Impact |
| Planning Permission (development charge) |
Variable, often €1‑€3 per m² of new floor area |
Minor for most existing homes. |
| Home Energy Grants (SEAI) |
Up to €2,500 for insulation, €5,000 for heat‑pump installation |
Reduces future energy bills. |
4. Putting It All Together – Sample Monthly Cost Scenarios
| Scenario |
Mortgage (30‑yr @ 3.7 %) |
Utilities |
Transport |
Local Taxes |
Total Monthly Out‑goings |
| 1. Typical Dublin family (3‑bedroom, €400k mortgage) |
€1,850 |
€398 |
€245 (public) |
€48 (LPT + water + waste) |
€2,541 |
| 2. Suburban couple (mortgage €300k, own a car) |
€1,390 |
€398 |
€1,214 (car) |
€45 |
€3,047 |
| 3. Rural single‑person (mortgage €200k, no car) |
€930 |
€398 |
€0 (walk/bike) |
€38 |
€1,366 |
All figures are rounded and based on 2025 averages. Individual circumstances (e.g., energy efficiency, fuel consumption, exact LPT band) will cause variation.
5. Practical Tips for Buyers, Sellers and Estate Agents
- Provide a “running‑cost sheet” with every listing – a simple table showing estimated utilities, transport and taxes based on the property’s valuation.
- Highlight energy‑efficiency features (e.g., double‑glazed windows, insulation certificates). Homes with an A‑rated EPC can command up to 5 % higher offers (CSO, 2025).
- Educate first‑time buyers on the LPT calculator (lpt.revenue.ie) so they can forecast their tax liability before committing.
- Suggest financing options that bundle a modest renovation loan for solar PV or heat‑pump installation – the extra cost is often offset by the SEAI grant and lower utility bills.
- Promote public‑transport accessibility in marketing material. Properties within 500 m of a Luas stop or Dublin Bus hub typically sell 2‑3 % faster (Daft.ie, Q1 2025).
Conclusion
The mortgage is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the true cost of homeownership in Ireland. In 2025, a typical household can expect to spend €350‑€1,200 each month on utilities, transport and local taxes – a figure that can easily double the mortgage payment for many families.
Understanding these expenses, planning for them, and taking advantage of available grants and energy‑saving measures can make a significant difference to a homeowner’s budget and long‑term financial health. For estate agents and property professionals, offering clear, data‑backed cost breakdowns will build trust, help buyers make informed decisions, and ultimately lead to smoother transactions in a competitive market.
