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, with millennials being the first generation to be worse off than their parents. Rory Hearne's book "Gaffs" offers a solution to break the cycle and provide everyone with access to a home.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

The housing policy in Ireland has been a significant factor in preventing an entire generation from accessing the housing market. Millennials, the first generation in Ireland to be worse off than their parents, are facing numerous challenges due to the country's housing crisis. Many are trapped in a cycle of rental roulette, unable to move out of their parents' homes and facing the risk of homelessness. The high cost of housing in Ireland, the highest in the EU, has made it impossible for thousands of people to climb the property ladder and achieve homeownership.

The housing crisis in Ireland has had a profound impact on the lives of an entire generation. Millennials, who were once hopeful of achieving financial stability and building a future for themselves, are now facing significant barriers to achieving these goals. The cost of housing in Ireland has skyrocketed, making it difficult for young people to afford a place to live. This has led to a surge in rental prices, with many people spending a significant portion of their income on rent.

In addition to the financial burden, the housing crisis has also had a negative impact on mental health and social mobility. Many young people are living in crowded and inadequate housing, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. This can also limit their opportunities for social interaction and career advancement.

The housing policy in Ireland has contributed to these challenges by failing to address the root causes of the crisis. The government has relied on the private sector to build and sell housing, but this has led to a shortage of affordable housing and a concentration of wealth among a small number of people. Additionally, the government has failed to invest in public housing, which would provide affordable housing options for those who need them most.

To address the housing crisis in Ireland, there are several steps that the government can take. First, the government should invest in public housing to provide affordable housing options for those who need them most. This could include building new public housing units or renovating existing ones to make them more accessible and affordable.

Second, the government should implement policies to encourage the development of affordable housing in the private sector. This could include incentives such as tax breaks or grants for developers who build affordable housing units.

Third, the government should address the root causes of the housing crisis, such as high housing costs and a shortage of available land. This could include implementing policies to increase the supply of available land for development or reducing regulations that make it difficult to build new housing.

Finally, the government should work to address the social and economic factors that contribute to the housing crisis. This could include investing in education and training programs to help young people develop the skills they need to secure employment and build a stable financial future.

In conclusion, the housing policy in Ireland has been a significant factor in preventing an entire generation from accessing the housing market. The high cost of housing, lack of affordable housing options, and negative impact on mental health and social mobility have made it difficult for millennials to achieve their goals and build a stable future. To address the housing crisis in Ireland, the government should invest in public housing, implement policies to encourage the development of affordable housing in the private sector, address the root causes of the crisis, and work to address the social and economic factors that contribute to the crisis. By taking these steps.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008529611