Buying a home in Ireland is more than just picking a property and spending the money. The process adds stress to what could already be an emotionally charged time in your life.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Andrew Rhatigan of Rhatigan Real Estate, we move beyond the process and the house itself, and into something we often don’t consider: the psychology of buying property as an expat.

Buying a home is already one of life’s most stressful events - an international move really compounds on that stress. This comes up a lot in conversations with our clients, where they’re navigating identity, family expectations, financial pressure, and a very emotional transition home.

Andrew talks openly about how he absorbs some of that stress for his clients, acting as the steady hand in what can feel like a very wobbly process. We discuss why Ireland’s property market can’t be viewed through a laptop screen in New York or Dubai, why well-meaning family advice can sometimes cloud judgement, and why having one clear point of contact can make all the difference.

Main Topics Discussed in this Episode:

The Psychology of Buying Property as an Expat: Why buying a home during an international move is as much an emotional journey as it is a financial transaction – and how having the right support can steady the process.
Managing Stress and Decision-Making in a Hot Market: How low stock levels, bidding disappointments, and timing pressures in Ireland’s property market impact expats – and why mindset matters just as much as money.
The “Tyranny of Shoulds” and Well-Meaning Family Advice: Why returning Irish in particular can feel pulled in different directions by friends and family, and how to filter advice without damaging relationships.
Local Knowledge vs. Online Property Listings: The reality that Daft and Google only show part of the picture – and why on-the-ground insight into neighbourhoods, community, and future development is critical.
What Working with Andrew Actually Looks Like: From the initial Property Blueprint session to full search and negotiation support, how a structured, criteria-based approach helps expats buy with clarity rather than emotion.

**Special Offer from Andrew**

Taxbytes For Expats listeners will get 25% off their purchase of the Property Blueprint when you mention “ExpatTaxes” upon your purchase. Click the following link to access this deal: https://propertyplan.ie/.

Get in touch with Andrew Rhatigan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewrhatigan/

Website: https://www.rre.ie/

Podcasts: “Shut the Front Door” / “Beyond Just Business”

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Use the link below and quote "Expat Taxes" when registering with Currencies Direct to receive a €50 One4All or Amazon voucher when you transfer €5000 or more in your first six months with Currencies Direct.

*Click here for a special offer from our sponsor, Currencies Direct*

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If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/book-a-consult/.

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Chapters:

(00:00) Welcome & Episode Introduction
(00:50) Absorbing Stress: Supporting Clients Through the Emotional Side of Buying
(02:57) Two Major Life Events at Once: Moving Country and Buying a Home
(03:51) Bidding Wars, Setbacks & The Startup Mindset
(05:08) The Personal Story Behind Andrew’s “Parental” Approach
(06:07) When Google Sells You the Wrong Version of Ireland
(08:41) The Reality of Ireland’s Property Market Right Now
(10:36) Property Checklists & Challenging What You Think You Want
(12:11) Why “We’ll Just Move Home and See” Rarely Works
(14:00) Sponsor Message: Currencies Direct
(15:15) The Property Blueprint: How Working With Andrew Actually Starts
(21:42) Local Knowledge, On-the-Ground Research & Avoiding Costly Mistakes
(26:02) Special Offer for Taxbytes Listeners & Where to Connect