The Department of Foreign Affairs has agreed to a rent increase of more than €46,000 for the Irish ambassador’s official residence in London, bringing the annual cost of the property to just over €508,000.
The new lease, which amounts to nearly €10,000 per week, was approved after officials concluded there were no viable alternatives available on the market. Records released under the Freedom of Information Act show that the department signed off on a 10% increase despite months of unsuccessful negotiations with the landlord.
The residence, located in Chester Square, has housed Ireland’s ambassador to the United Kingdom since September 2019. By late 2022, the department began discussions about extending the lease, only to be told that the landlord was seeking a “substantial increase” of more than 11%. While officials attempted to secure a smaller rise, the landlord ultimately refused to accept anything below £8,400 (€9,787) per week.
In parallel, the department engaged property advisers to explore alternative residences suitable for the ambassador. A report prepared for officials found that only about six such properties come onto the London market each year. Of the eight comparable properties reviewed in the surrounding area over a two-year period, just three had been leased for less than £7,000 per week, while most ranged between £8,000 and £12,000.
Eleven alternative options were considered, but many were either only slightly cheaper or carried additional drawbacks. The submission noted that relocating would likely require further investment in fire safety, security, and furnishings, which could offset any savings. Officials warned that a move was at best “cost neutral” and at worst could result in a “less suitable and more expensive” arrangement.
The Department of Foreign Affairs also explored the possibility of purchasing a permanent residence for the ambassador. However, officials concluded that while such a move might prove financially viable in the long term, it was not immediately feasible given the lack of suitable properties available for sale.
“Although purchasing a property might be financially viable in the longer term, it has not been possible to identify such a property in recent months,” one submission stated. “Purchasing a property is not currently a viable option.”
Confirming the decision, a department spokesperson said: “Having given the matter careful consideration, and on the balance of market evidence available at the time, it was clear that a move would have no added benefit and would incur an additional cost to the Irish Exchequer. Accordingly, the Department decided to renew the lease for a three-year period to September 2026, with the option to break at relatively short notice should a more suitable alternative become available.”
The arrangement ensures stability for the ambassador’s residence but highlights the rising costs of high-end property in London, particularly in the wake of a tightening rental market.
