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Why Does it Cost More to Build a House in Dublin than Other Counties?

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  • 22-05-2021 6:53pm
    #1
    Posts: 18,749 ✭✭✭✭


    Marius34 wrote: »
    Because its absolutely false information that land in cities are same value as outside urban areas.
    And he keeps repeating this nonsense.

    If I own a site in Dublin, outright.
    And I own a site in Leitrim, outright.
    Can I get a house built for the same price on either site? If not, why not?


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Comments

  • Posts: 18,749 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Marius34 wrote: »
    Probably not, I'm not an expert in building costs in different locations, won't tell you why. But I can tell you with confidence that same size Dublin site is much more expensive, than Leitrim, it ridiculous to think otherwise.
    And if you want to sell that land in Leitrim and Dublin, would you sell it for the same price? if not, why not?

    But I own both the sites. Outright.
    Now I'm looking to build a house on both.
    Does it cost the same? If not, why not?


  • Registered Users Posts: 14,513 ✭✭✭✭Dav010


    bubblypop wrote: »
    But I own both the sites. Outright.
    Now I'm looking to build a house on both.
    Does it cost the same? If not, why not?

    Why not put it to the test and apply for planning for the same type of house on both sites.

    I recently built a house not far from Dublin and gave the plans to 4 builders for tender. There were substantial differences between bids, the highest being from a builder based in Dublin. Make of that what you will.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,173 ✭✭✭Marius34


    bubblypop wrote: »
    But I own both the sites. Outright.
    Now I'm looking to build a house on both.
    Does it cost the same? If not, why not?

    I was contradicting market/sale price, not construction cost. I answered your question, that I'm not sure about construction costs in different locations, I would need to find contractors in both locations, I think in Dublin would charge me more.
    But again, I was arguing about land value, not construction costs. It's ridiculous to think that land in Leitrim and Dublin cost same.
    And you haven't answered if you would sell same size of land in Leitrim and Dublin for the same price? and if not, why not?


  • Posts: 18,749 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Marius34 wrote: »
    I was contradicting market/sale price, not construction cost. I answered your question, that I'm not sure about construction costs in different locations, I would need to find contractors in both locations, I think in Dublin would charge me more.
    But again, I was arguing about land value, not construction costs. It's ridiculous to think that land in Leitrim and Dublin cost same.
    And you haven't answered if you would sell same size of land in Leitrim and Dublin for the same price? and if not, why not?

    I'm not making a point about land cost, I'm making a point about construction costs.
    Everyone knows land is more expensive in dublin.
    But if land is already in someones possession, the council, for example, then land costs don't come into construction costs.


  • Registered Users Posts: 14,513 ✭✭✭✭Dav010


    bubblypop wrote: »
    I'm not making a point about land cost, I'm making a point about construction costs.
    Everyone knows land is more expensive in dublin.
    But if land is already in someones possession, the council, for example, then land costs don't come into construction costs.

    Are you talking about materials costs, or what a builder charges to build the house?


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  • Posts: 18,749 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Dav010 wrote: »
    Are you talking about materials costs, or what a builder charges to build the house?

    The cost.
    The cost to build the house.
    I own the land. How much to build the house.
    One house in leitrim, one house in Dublin.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,173 ✭✭✭Marius34


    bubblypop wrote: »
    I'm not making a point about land cost, I'm making a point about construction costs.
    Everyone knows land is more expensive in dublin.
    But if land is already in someones possession, the council, for example, then land costs don't come into construction costs.

    And here is my point, that not everyone, at least not Props. I was not discussing about council, but private sector.
    Marius34 wrote: »
    I'm not sure how this is still related to Cairn Home price decrease.
    In short, regular land around small towns are cheaper, than in the cities, all around the world. Based on economic fundamentals due to Demands/Supplies. If you ask again kids style question "Why", I consider that you are trolling by now.
    It can’t be land costs.
    The price difference between Co. Dublin and Co. Wexford obviously has got near nothing to do with economic fundamentals


  • Registered Users Posts: 14,513 ✭✭✭✭Dav010


    bubblypop wrote: »
    The cost.
    The cost to build the house.
    I own the land. How much to build the house.
    One house in leitrim, one house in Dublin.

    It is not unreasonable to expect the cost of building to reflect what builders charge in different parts of the country. A builder will get a QS to price materials, then the builder adds their charge on top. I would suspect that builders and contractors have a lower cost of living in Leitrim than in Dublin and that as house prices are lower, tender costs reflect that also.


  • Posts: 18,749 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Dav010 wrote: »
    It is not unreasonable to expect the cost of building to reflect what builders charge in different parts of the country. A builder will get a QS to price materials, then the builder adds their charge on top. I would suspect that builders and contractors have a lower cost of living in Leitrim than in Dublin and that as house prices are lower, tender costs reflect that also.

    But why would they charge more in different parts of the country?
    And what difference does it make where they live?
    I work in Dublin but people that do my job in the country are paid the same as me.


  • Registered Users Posts: 19,705 ✭✭✭✭Ace2007


    bubblypop wrote: »
    But why would they charge more in different parts of the country?
    And what difference does it make where they live?
    I work in Dublin but people that do my job in the country are paid the same as me.

    Well that's just in your sector, in construction and in many professional roles it's not like that - here's a salary guide from a random recruitment company. You can see the Dublin salaries compared with the rest of the country, and that the salaries in Dublin are higher

    https://www.brightwater.ie/docs/default-source/surveys/salary-survey/2020/brightwater-salary-survey-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=79138276_8

    An Architect for instance is on 10k more in Dublin than in rest of the country - so he's call all rates to do plans will be higher.
    The upper end of basically every construction role is higher in Dublin than the rest of the country.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 14,513 ✭✭✭✭Dav010


    bubblypop wrote: »
    But why would they charge more in different parts of the country?
    And what difference does it make where they live?
    I work in Dublin but people that do my job in the country are paid the same as me.

    Builders have scope to price jobs based on what they believe their labour is worth, employees rarely have that privilege.

    A 4 bed 1600 sqft house may sell for €160k in Leitrim and €500k in Dublin, do you think a builder does not know this?

    A builder in Leitrim may clear €70k on a house in Leitrim and that may cover the cost of living there, but in Dublin a builder, and by extension contractors/labourers may need/want more than that for the same job. Therefore it is not unreasonable to expect differences in pricing.

    From a logistical viewpoint, I suspect working on sites in rural areas may be easier and also by extension cheaper than in built up urban areas. There is also demand to be considered, there may be more demand for construction workers in Dublin than in rural areas. It would be interesting to see how many planning applications there are for one off housing in Leitrim compared to the number of building projects in Dublin. Demand pushes prices up.


  • Posts: 18,749 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Ace2007 wrote: »
    Well that's just in your sector, in construction and in many professional roles it's not like that - here's a salary guide from a random recruitment company. You can see the Dublin salaries compared with the rest of the country, and that the salaries in Dublin are higher

    https://www.brightwater.ie/docs/default-source/surveys/salary-survey/2020/brightwater-salary-survey-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=79138276_8

    An Architect for instance is on 10k more in Dublin than in rest of the country - so he's call all rates to do plans will be higher.
    The upper end of basically every construction role is higher in Dublin than the rest of the country.

    Just because Dublin.
    No reason as such, just because Dublin adds costs onto everything.
    so what is the reason?


  • Registered Users Posts: 14,513 ✭✭✭✭Dav010


    bubblypop wrote: »
    Just because Dublin.
    No reason as such, just because Dublin adds costs onto everything.
    so what is the reason?

    Are you asking why prices of commodities and services are higher in cities compared to rural areas? Surely if you live in Dublin you have noticed this phenomenon daily in other purchases. Perhaps it could be summed up with, the costs of living and doing business are higher in cities than in rural areas, so prices often reflect that.


  • Registered Users Posts: 19,705 ✭✭✭✭Ace2007


    bubblypop wrote: »
    Just because Dublin.
    No reason as such, just because Dublin adds costs onto everything.
    so what is the reason?

    You asked why more expensive, i told you salaries are higher- provided you with back up from a random recruitment survey, and yet you ask what the reason is?

    Very troll like - ignore the answer and ask the question again.

    I don't even know what your trying to achieve with your question.

    Why is bed and breakfast in Letrim cheaper than in Killarney? They are both offering the same service????


  • Registered Users Posts: 18,552 ✭✭✭✭Bass Reeves


    bubblypop wrote: »
    But I own both the sites. Outright.
    Now I'm looking to build a house on both.
    Does it cost the same? If not, why not?

    If I go into a fast food restaurant in Leitrim I get a quarter pounder meal for 5-6 euro. If I go into a fast food restaurant in Dublin it probably nearer a tenner.

    How come its not the same.. As well the chip portion in Leitrim will be larger and the coke will be a can of Coca Cola can as opposed to s cup filled with ice.

    Slava Ukrainii



  • Posts: 18,749 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    If I go into a fast food restaurant in Leitrim I get a quarter pounder meal for 5-6 euro. If I go into a fast food restaurant in Dublin it probably nearer a tenner.

    How come its not the same.. As well the chip portion in Leitrim will be larger and the coke will be a can of Coca Cola can as opposed to s cup filled with ice.

    That's not true. It will cost the same. If it is the same fast food restaurant,it will be exactly the same, drink and everything.


  • Registered Users Posts: 14,513 ✭✭✭✭Dav010


    bubblypop wrote: »
    That's not true. It will cost the same. If it is the same fast food restaurant,it will be exactly the same, drink and everything.

    Exactly, if it is the same restaurant. That is unlikely to be true of independent restaurants.

    Similarly the builders in Dublin and Leitrim are not the same builders and do not advertise the same fixed price. “Why” you may ask, because as independent businesses they can ask what they feel their labour is worth, because their labour costs are higher, because it costs more to live in Dublin, because they may be in greater demand, and maybe because they just want more profit because the property will be worth more to the owner when finished.

    It is hard to imagine that anyone who lives in a city has not experienced higher prices compared to rural living.


  • Registered Users Posts: 20,055 ✭✭✭✭Cyrus


    Dav010 wrote: »
    It is hard to imagine that anyone who lives in a city has not experienced higher prices compared to rural living.

    Indeed

    Same way a cleaner will cost more, an accountant, a solicitor.

    Anyone suggesting otherwise is being deliberately perfidious.


  • Posts: 18,749 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Dav010 wrote: »

    It is hard to imagine that anyone who lives in a city has not experienced higher prices compared to rural living.

    If course I have experienced higher prices, I have lived in Dublin since 1993.
    The point is that most things are just more expensive because that's what they can get away with.
    Obviously I'm not talking about places that have overheads such as rents, rates etc.

    For example, let's say there is a builder, based in Meath, he will, most probably charge me more to do work in Dublin then he will if he does the same work in Cavan, don't you think?


  • Registered Users Posts: 14,513 ✭✭✭✭Dav010


    bubblypop wrote: »
    If course I have experienced higher prices, I have lived in Dublin since 1993.
    The point is that most things are just more expensive because that's what they can get away with.
    Obviously I'm not talking about places that have overheads such as rents, rates etc.

    For example, let's say there is a builder, based in Meath, he will, most probably charge me more to do work in Dublin then he will if he does the same work in Cavan, don't you think?

    I don’t know. But a builder living in Dublin is likely to have more overheads than one in Leitrim, certainly that would apply to mortgages/living, and labour costs. And you are right, maybe builders can get away with charging more in Dublin as they know their skills are in demand and that the finished house is worth more than in Leitrim.

    Unlike a McDonalds burger which may be priced the same no matter where you buy, or a public service job where you are paid the same no matter where you live, independent contractors whose labour is in demand due to shortages or their superior skills, can charge what they like and whatever the market will bare.


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  • Posts: 18,749 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Dav010 wrote: »
    I don’t know. But a builder living in Dublin is likely to have more overheads than one in Leitrim, certainly that would apply to mortgages/living, and labour costs.

    Yes, but that wasn't the question.
    I am well aware that things cost more in Dublin, like I said, I'm here since 93.
    But even when costs are not an issue, they will charge more , just because they can.


  • Registered Users Posts: 14,513 ✭✭✭✭Dav010


    bubblypop wrote: »
    Yes, but that wasn't the question.
    I am well aware that things cost more in Dublin, like I said, I'm here since 93.
    But even when costs are not an issue, they will charge more , just because they can.

    Exactly, as private businesses, they can charge what they like.


  • Posts: 18,749 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Dav010 wrote: »
    Exactly, as private businesses, they can charge what they like.

    Yep. Exactly.


  • Registered Users Posts: 14,513 ✭✭✭✭Dav010


    bubblypop wrote: »
    Yep. Exactly.

    That took a long time.


  • Posts: 18,749 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Dav010 wrote: »
    That took a long time.


    Just backs up what I said, they can and do charge more in Dublin, just because they can.
    Nothing to do with costs.
    So, as a poster already stated here, if sisk builders can build a house for approx 200K in the countryside, they can also build the same house for the same price in Dublin.


  • Registered Users Posts: 14,513 ✭✭✭✭Dav010


    bubblypop wrote: »
    Just backs up what I said, they can and do charge more in Dublin, just because they can.
    Nothing to do with costs.
    So, as a poster already stated here, if sisk builders can build a house for approx 200K in the countryside, they can also build the same house for the same price in Dublin.

    Just a moment, in your post above you said “if costs are not an issue”, costs are an issue, material costs may be relatively constant through out the country, but the costs of labour and the Builder’s living costs are not, as you well know. So you are cherry picking some parts of posts to suit your viewpoint. But yes, builders can charge whatever they think the client will pay.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,108 ✭✭✭TheSheriff


    bubblypop wrote: »
    Just backs up what I said, they can and do charge more in Dublin, just because they can.
    Nothing to do with costs.
    So, as a poster already stated here, if sisk builders can build a house for approx 200K in the countryside, they can also build the same house for the same price in Dublin.

    From reading the previous points, I don't believe that's what was proven at all.


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,613 ✭✭✭Villa05


    Ace2007 wrote:
    If property investment funds didn't exist - then that is one less growth asset that is available for pension schemes - the majority of Irish people have no idea what their DB/DC pension funds are invested in, they might think oh it's a default - and not realize that there is property funds within the default growth funds for instance. So while a large number of people complain about it - they are oblivious to the fact that their pension may be invested in those funds.

    So what, your pension is the most diversified investment product on the market, or at least should be

    Cyrus wrote:
    Same way a cleaner will cost more, an accountant, a solicitor.

    I'd doubt if a cleaner is being paid much more in Dublin compared to Limerick for example

    Rent allowance and Family income supplement makes up the difference
    Yet another example of how unaffordable property is a drain on the state


  • Registered Users Posts: 14,513 ✭✭✭✭Dav010


    Villa05 wrote: »
    I'd doubt if a cleaner is being paid much more in Dublin compared to Limerick for example

    Rent allowance and Family income supplement makes up the difference
    Yet another example of how unaffordable property is a drain on the state

    That is a rather tenuous connection. People on near minimum wage jobs have always struggled to buy properties in cities and it is hardly unusual for countries to have policies in place to help those who need assistance in getting accommodation.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,186 ✭✭✭domrush


    bubblypop wrote: »
    Just backs up what I said, they can and do charge more in Dublin, just because they can.
    Nothing to do with costs.
    So, as a poster already stated here, if sisk builders can build a house for approx 200K in the countryside, they can also build the same house for the same price in Dublin.

    Some reasons why a builder would charge less in rural areas compared to Dublin:
    1. Cost of living is lower eg lower rent. That means the tradespeople on site require lower wages to support the same lifestyle.
    2. Less competition for jobs. Tradespeople in cities tend to be very busy, and can charge extra due to the higher demand for their skills.
    3. Noise pollution is less of an issue. This allows the builders to work longer days and fit more jobs into the year.
    4. Suppliers outside Dublin for the larger materials are easier to access and often closer e.g quarries. Ease of access to sites makes a delivery of blocks quicker. Being closer reduces delivery costs as well.
    5. Building is less awkward in lower density areas. Ease of access to site again, but also more storage nearby. Also less road blockage, less subterranean services to navigate.


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