It’s Budget week next week and no doubt households across the country will be keeping an eye on how it affects them going into 2014.
While it is almost inevitable that we will all be a little lighter in the pocket in some form or another, could it be that those renting will be amongst the biggest losers heading into the New Year?
They’ll be taxed like the rest of us but the price they are paying for their rental property could also be set to increase.
A survey from MortgageBrokers.ie earlier this week found that 49% of the landlords surveyed could not cover the mortgage with the rent they were receiving.
That, coupled with the impending introduction of water charges and a full property tax, means that many landlords will be forced to up their rates.
The energy regulator has already admitted that many renters will see their rent increased once bills for water charges are issued.
There is also a fear that a reported government emphasis on rejuvenating the construction industry could lead to more incentives being made for people to buy.
One of the rumoured stimulus packages that Michael Noonan is believed to be considering is tax breaks for construction companies in order for building to commence in the major urban areas again.
With everyone set to take a hit though, can those renting afford to pay more? And whether they can or not, would it be fair?
No matter what your view, widespread rent increases look to be almost inevitable. What the fall-out of that will be remains to be seen.
