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Ireland
Housing shortage becomes critical business constraint affecting 68% of Irish companies
Young entrepreneurs racing for exit as housing shortage, US tariffs and skills gaps reshape Ireland’s business landscape
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Read more of our findings from Irish business owners and insights from our experts.
A new survey of Irish business owners reveals that housing shortages have evolved from a social issue into a critical business constraint, with 68% saying housing influences where they locate offices.
The Ireland edition of The BOSS (Business Owners Sentiment Survey) report for professional services group S&W – which polled 250 business owners in the Republic of Ireland with turnover of €5m upwards – also reveals a generational divide amongst business leaders:
- 45% of business owners aged 25 to 44 believe the government is anti-business, compared to just 18% of older business owners
- 37% of survey respondents aged 25 to 44 are preparing exit strategies, with 80% of this cohort wanting out within the next three years
Housing crisis constrains business growth across multiple dimensions
Over half of business owners report that the housing shortage makes it difficult to attract qualified candidates to relocate to Ireland. The issue is forcing businesses to compete through compensation.
- Almost half of employers (49%) report that the housing shortage has prompted them to offer higher salaries or housing allowances to compete for talent
- One in two business owners (48%) cite housing costs as a pay pressure point affecting existing employees
- Over two in five businesses (43%) report they have lost potential employees who declined job offers specifically due to housing availability or affordability issues.
Housing availability is also reshaping business geography. Seven in ten business owners (68%) report that the housing shortage has influenced where they locate new offices or facilities, with the survey data disclosing that for a large minority (42%) housing availability has become a constraint on expansion aspirations.
US tariffs reshape investment decisions
American trade policies are forcing businesses to fundamentally reassess their strategies:
- 69% are delaying major investments due to tariff uncertainty
- 70% report domestic sales being affected by trade disruptions
- 72% are actively seeking alternative export markets to reduce US dependency
Barriers to growth
Increased competition, staff costs, global political uncertainty, and labour or skills shortages are primary concerns across all business sizes. Despite these challenges, business owners remain ambitious. Nearly four-fifths of respondents express confidence in the government’s strategy for economic growth, with over half showing strong agreement. Over 90% are pursuing international growth, with 78% targeting expansion within the next 12 months. Additionally, 91% of businesses are seeking to hire additional staff, and 83% are considering acquisitions.
John O’Callaghan, Managing Partner of S&W in Ireland, commented:
“Business owners have a clear-eyed view of the challenges ahead, with price pressures, talent management, supply chain resilience, and cybersecurity all featuring prominently in forward planning. What emerges is a picture of business owners who combine pragmatic awareness of challenges with determined optimism about opportunities.
“For policymakers, the message is clear. Specific policy interventions, particularly around housing, visa processing, and infrastructure, would enhance Ireland’s competitive position and unlock the full potential of its entrepreneurial community.”
Policy reform consensus
There is strong cross-generational support for practical reforms.
- Just over four in five (81%) of business owners support merging visa and work permit applications into one streamlined system
- A similar proportion (83%) backs AI-powered monitoring to address skills gaps in rapidly changing sectors
The findings are included as part of the Ireland edition of S&W’s The BOSS report which is launched today (12 November 2025)
The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 250 business owners (aged 18+) in the Republic of Ireland, at companies with a turnover of €5m+. The data was collected between 12 September 2025 to 22 September 2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
About S&W
S&W is one of the fastest-growing Ireland and UK accountancy firms and builds on the heritage of Smith & Williamson which was founded in 1881. It was launched as a new business on 31 March 2025, following the sale of Evelyn Partners’ Professional Services business to Apax Funds.
As a leader in the accountancy mid-market, the firm offers clients a broad range of services spanning business and private client tax advice, assurance and business services and a suite of advisory and digital services that include recovery and restructuring, transaction services and forensic advice.
S&W has more than 2,000 employees and more than 130 partners operating from 16 towns and cities in Ireland and the UK.
For more details see: www.swgroup.com
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Mark Gee
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