Gaffs: Why No One Can Get a House, and What We Can Do About it

The Irish housing crisis has locked an entire generation out of the housing market, and housing expert Rory Hearne offers solutions to break the cycle and ensure everyone has access to a home.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

The housing crisis in Ireland has had a profound impact on millennials, who are the first generation in the country to be worse off than their parents. This crisis has led to many millennials being trapped in a cycle of rental roulette, unable to move out of their parents' homes and facing the threat of homelessness. The high cost of housing in Ireland, which is the highest in the EU, has made it impossible for thousands of people to climb the property ladder and achieve homeownership.

To understand how we got to this point and how to break the cycle, it is important to consider the people behind the statistics. In his book, Gaffs: Housing, Expert Rory Hearne encourages readers to think about the individuals and families affected by the housing crisis and presents a way forward towards a future where everyone has access to a home.

One of the key issues contributing to the housing crisis in Ireland is the lack of affordable housing options. The government has failed to build enough affordable homes to meet the growing demand, leading to a shortage of properties and high prices. This has made it difficult for young people, particularly those on lower incomes, to afford a place to live.

Another factor contributing to the housing crisis is the rise of rental prices. Rental prices have increased rapidly in recent years, making it increasingly difficult for people to save for a deposit and afford monthly mortgage payments. This has led to many people being trapped in rental properties for longer than they would like, unable to move up the property ladder and achieve homeownership.

The housing crisis has also had a significant impact on mental health and well-being. Living in overcrowded or inadequate housing conditions can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression, particularly for those who are already vulnerable. This can have long-term consequences for individuals and families, including poorer educational outcomes and increased healthcare costs.

To address the housing crisis in Ireland, there are several steps that the government and other stakeholders can take. One of the most important is to increase the supply of affordable housing options. This can be achieved through the development of new affordable housing projects, the renovation of existing public housing, and the implementation of rent control measures to prevent landlords from hiking up rents.

Another important step is to address the root causes of the housing crisis, such as the lack of affordable housing options and the rise of rental prices. This can be achieved through policies that promote job creation, investment in infrastructure, and the regulation of the property market.

In addition, it is important to address the social and economic factors that contribute to housing inequality. This can include policies that support vulnerable groups, such as low-income families and people with disabilities, and programs that provide training and education opportunities to help individuals improve their job prospects and increase their income.

Finally, it is important to promote awareness and education about the housing crisis. This can be achieved through public campaigns, community outreach programs, and educational initiatives that help people understand the impact of the housing crisis on their lives and the community.

In conclusion, the housing crisis in Ireland has had a profound impact on millennials, who are the first generation in the country to be worse off than their parents. This crisis has led to many millennials being trapped in a cycle of rental roulette, unable to move out of their parents' homes and facing the threat of homelessness. To address this crisis, the government and other stakeholders must take a comprehensive approach that addresses the root supply of affordable housing options, the root causes of the housing crisis, the social and economic factors that contribute to housing inequality, and promotes awareness and education about the housing crisis. By taking these steps, we can work towards a future where everyone has access to a safe and secure place to call home.

Weight: 468g
Dimension: 152 x 233 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008529581