Avoiding Rent Through Housesitting: My Global Experience in Ireland and Beyond

Housesitting Boom: A Temporary Fix to Dublin‘s Rental Crisis?

Published: October 26, 2023 | Updated: october 26, 2023

As dublin’s rental market remains fiercely competitive, a growing number of residents are turning to housesitting as a way to avoid exorbitant costs. But is this a sustainable solution, or merely a temporary reprieve?

The Rising Cost of Living in Dublin

Dublin continues to grapple with a severe housing shortage, driving rental prices to record highs. Recent data from daft.ie shows that the average monthly rent in Dublin reached €2,042 in the second quarter of 2023, an 8.3% increase year-on-year. [daft.ie Report] This escalating cost of living is forcing many to explore unconventional housing arrangements, and housesitting has emerged as a popular option.

A Life on the Move: Personal Experiences

Aleksandra, a freelance photographer in Dublin, found herself facing a challenging financial situation after a relationship breakdown. With €230 in savings and a beloved puppy,she managed to stay afloat by combining a minimum-wage job with freelance work. A timely Instagram post from a mutual friend offered a lifeline: a summer-long housesitting opportunity caring for a 12-year-old Labrador named Sandy, accompanied by her own dog, Frida.

“I Walked the dogs, tended to someone else’s tomato plants, and for three months, I had a home – complete with a garden, not far from the city center, and two canine companions I quickly grew to love,” Aleksandra recounted. This arrangement not only provided immediate financial relief but also allowed her to accumulate savings for a future deposit.

Luke and his partner also benefited from house-sitting, leveraging the flexibility of their work to travel and save on accommodation costs.Their experience, like Aleksandra’s, highlights the increasing appeal of housesitting as a means to navigate the challenging Dublin rental landscape.

The Housesitting Landscape: A Growing Trend

The popularity of housesitting platforms like Trusted Housesitters has surged in recent years. Angela Laws, Head of Community at Trusted Housesitters, emphasizes that the service is intended to complement, not replace, traditional accommodation. She cautioned,”Trusted Housesitters isn’t an option or solution to full-time accommodation. We’d always suggest that sitters enjoy the service, but have alternative accommodation available, should they require it.”

Emma Lumley, PR and Campaigns Manager at Trusted Housesitters, revealed a steady increase in sign-ups since 2022, attributing it to the post-COVID travel resurgence. She also noted that over 7,000 sits globally have lasted longer than 29 days so far in 2024.

Is Housesitting a Long-Term Solution?

While housesitting offers a viable temporary solution to Dublin’s rental crisis, it’s long-term sustainability is questionable.The lifestyle demands flexibility, a willingness to relocate frequently, and often, a degree of privilege – namely, the availability of remote work or a supportive network to fall back on.

The submission process itself requires effort, and the constant moving can be emotionally and physically taxing. Despite the benefits, many find it unsustainable as a permanent housing solution.

Aspect	Housesitting	Traditional Renting
Cost	Minimal to Free	High and Increasing
Stability	low – Temporary	High – Long-term Lease
Flexibility	High – Frequent Relocation	Low – Fixed Location
Requirements	Flexibility, References, Trustworthiness	Income Verification, Deposit

The Future of Housesitting

Housesitting can be a stepping-stone, a way to build savings, or a means to experience different lifestyles. For those with the right circumstances, it presents a unique and appealing alternative to traditional renting. Though, it’s crucial to approach it as a temporary solution, not a permanent fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is housesitting? Housesitting involves caring for someone’s home and pets while they are away, often in exchange for free accommodation.
• Is housesitting a good way to save money on rent? Yes, housesitting can considerably reduce housing costs, potentially eliminating rent altogether.
• What skills are needed to be a successful housesitter? Reliability, responsibility, pet care experience, and strong dialog skills are highly valued.
• Are there any risks associated with housesitting? Potential risks include property damage, pet illness, and disputes with homeowners. Thorough vetting and clear agreements are essential.
• Is housesitting a long-term housing solution? Generally, no. it’s best suited for those seeking temporary or flexible accommodations.

Beyond Dublin: The Global Housesitting Trend

The housesitting phenomenon is not limited to Dublin. Cities worldwide with high rental costs, such as London, New York, and sydney, are also seeing increased interest in this alternative lifestyle. According to Nomadic Matt, a travel expert, housesitting is becoming increasingly popular among digital nomads and remote workers, offering a unique way to travel and live affordably.

Did You Know? The housesitting market is estimated to be worth over $2 billion globally, with platforms like Trusted Housesitters facilitating millions of sits each year.

Pro Tip: Build a strong housesitting profile with detailed references,photos,and a well-written bio to increase your chances of securing sits.

What are your thoughts on housesitting as a long-term housing solution? Have you ever considered becoming a housesitter, or have you used a housesitter yourself? Share your experiences in the comments below!

What are teh key benefits of housesitting as presented in the text, beyond just free accommodation?

The Rise of Rent-Free Living: Housesitting Explained

Housesitting, at its core, is a mutually beneficial exchange. Homeowners provide accommodation in exchange for pet care and property maintenance while they’re away. It’s a fantastic choice to customary travel expenses, especially the ever-increasing cost of rent and hotels. My journey began with a desire to explore Ireland extensively without depleting my savings, and it quickly blossomed into a lifestyle that’s taken me across continents. This isn’t just about free accommodation; it’s about immersive travel, responsible pet ownership, and building a global network.

My Irish Adventures: From Dublin to the Dingle Peninsula

Ireland was my initial proving ground. I started with short-term housesits – a week here, ten days there – building my profile and gaining experience. Platforms like TrustedHousesitters (THS) were instrumental.

Dublin City breaks: Caring for a fluffy Samoyed while its owners were on business trips allowed me to experience Dublin like a local,far removed from the tourist trail.

Rural Retreats: A month-long sit in County Kerry, overlooking the Dingle Peninsula, involved daily hikes with a playful Labrador and maintaining a beautiful cottage garden. This solidified my understanding of property care responsibilities.

Building Trust: Early sits focused on demonstrating reliability and obligation. Clear interaction with homeowners, detailed updates (photos and videos are key!), and leaving the property spotless were paramount.

These initial experiences were crucial for building a strong profile and securing longer, more desirable housesits.I quickly learned that homeowners prioritize trust and a genuine love for animals.

Expanding Horizons: Housesitting Beyond Ireland

Once confident, I expanded my search.Housesitting isn’t limited geographically. I’ve since enjoyed rent-free stays in:

Portugal: A charming villa in the algarve, complete with a swimming pool and two mischievous cats.

Spain: A traditional farmhouse in Andalusia,caring for a rescued greyhound and tending to olive trees.

Italy: A stylish apartment in florence, looking after a miniature dachshund and exploring the Renaissance city.

Canada: A remote cabin in British Columbia, responsible for a husky and enjoying winter wonderland scenery.

Each location presented unique challenges and rewards.Learning basic phrases in the local language, understanding cultural nuances, and adapting to different pet personalities are all part of the adventure.

Essential Platforms for Finding Housesitting Opportunities

Several platforms connect homeowners and housesitters. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options:

1. TrustedHousesitters: The largest and most well-established platform, offering a wide range of sits globally. (Mentioned in https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/reviews-from-other-pet-housesitting-websites/67726 – vital to note how to leverage reviews from other sites).
2. Nomador: Focuses on longer-term sits and offers a “Stopover” option for travelers needing a short-term base.
3. MindMyHouse: A more budget-kind option with a smaller, but dedicated, community.
4. HouseCarers: Another established platform with a global reach.

Pro Tip: Many sitters maintain profiles on multiple platforms to increase their visibility and chances of securing sits.

Building a standout Housesitting Profile: Key Elements

Your profile is your first impression. Here’s how to make it count:

High-Quality Photos: Showcase your personality and experience with clear, friendly photos. include pictures with animals!

Detailed Biography: Highlight your experience with pet care, property maintenance, and any relevant skills (e.g., gardening, first aid).

Verified Background Checks: Many platforms offer background checks, which significantly increase trust and credibility.

Positive Reviews: Crucial for building trust. Request reviews from homeowners after each sit. (See resource regarding transferring reviews from other platforms).

Specific Skills: Mention any specialized skills,like administering medication to pets or experience with specific breeds.

Pet Care Responsibilities: Beyond food and Water

Housesitting isn’t just about keeping pets alive; it’s about providing them with love, attention, and a consistent routine.

Understanding Pet Personalities: Each animal is unique. Take the time to understand their individual needs and quirks.

Following instructions: Adhere strictly to the homeowner’s instructions regarding feeding, exercise, medication, and emergency procedures.

Emergency Preparedness: Know the location of the nearest vet and have a plan in case of illness or injury.

Regular Updates: Keep the homeowner informed with regular updates, photos, and videos.

Property Maintenance: A Responsible Housesitter’s Duty

Homeowners entrust you with their property. Maintaining it is essential.

Mail Collection: Prevent mail buildup, which can signal an empty house.

Plant Watering: keep plants alive and thriving.

* Security Checks: Ensure all