Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. The truth is there are many reasons individual landlords decide to leave the market. The numbers are clear and the trend and pattern is unequivocal. Many are making the choice to get out of the market at this time. The Deputy raised the question of tax, which is one element of the issue but there are also other elements. Property values have increased significantly so many landlords who were in negative equity are now out of it and are taking the opportunity to exit. The buy-to-let interest rates have also increased. For many, that makes it more difficult for becoming a landlord to be a viable proposition.

The issues around taxation in the rental sector, as has always been the case, will be examined in the context of the budget. That work is getting under way and will conclude in the autumn, when the budget is presented.

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