Newstalk discussion with Claire Byrne examines how Ireland’s buying rules intensify pressure on homebuyers
Carol Tallon says transaction system, not just lack of supply, is pushing buyers into rushed and risky decisions
9 February 2026 | đŸ“§Â editor@ipropertyradio.com
A Newstalk discussion between presenter Claire Byrne and property commentator Carol Tallon has focused attention on how Ireland’s home-buying system is amplifying stress, confusion and overbidding for purchasers, particularly first-time buyers.
Speaking on the programme, Tallon said the conversation around housing often focuses narrowly on prices and supply, while overlooking how the structure of the transaction process itself is shaping buyer behaviour. She argued that Ireland’s system is not neutral, but actively pushes people into decisions they did not plan to make.
Byrne highlighted the emotional intensity involved in buying a home, noting that once buyers are ready to proceed, there is strong pressure to close a deal quickly. Tallon agreed, saying that while this has always been part of the market, it is increasingly problematic given long delays and the way modern bidding systems operate.
A key issue raised was the role of open and online bidding. Tallon noted that while digital platforms have improved visibility, they can also heighten perceptions of scarcity and desirability. Seeing multiple bids and a live bidding history can prompt buyers to chase competing offers, often escalating beyond their original affordability limits.
The discussion also addressed widespread misunderstandings about the rules governing property transactions. Tallon said she was struck by how many buyers remain unaware that a property can continue to be marketed after it goes sale agreed, or that buyers can withdraw without penalty before contracts are signed. She described this lack of basic knowledge as deeply concerning, particularly given the financial scale of a home purchase.
Byrne and Tallon both pointed to the prolonged gap between sale agreed and completion as a major source of stress. Tallon noted that while bidding may conclude in weeks, conveyancing regularly takes four months or more, with probate cases extending timelines to nine or twelve months. These delays leave buyers exposed to uncertainty and, in some cases, the collapse of deals late in the process.
The programme also referenced stalled policy reforms aimed at addressing these issues, including proposals for seller legal packs that would front-load legal information and reduce delays. Tallon said such measures have been discussed for years, supported by industry data, yet have still not been implemented.
While acknowledging that lack of housing supply remains the primary driver of competition and price pressure, Tallon told Byrne that scarcity alone does not explain buyer behaviour. She said unclear rules, ambiguity around rights and prolonged delays combine with scarcity to accelerate impulsive decisions, rather than encouraging buyers to pause or reassess.
The Newstalk discussion concluded that without meaningful reform of the buying and selling process, Irish homebuyers will continue to face unnecessary stress and financial risk, even as more data and digital tools become embedded in the market.
WATCH NEWSTALK CLIP ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/BCT_hoVdGc0?si=Cb_j_XuybzgHjlOY
