The number of rental properties available nationwide has dropped to its lowest point since 2006, and compared the difference between renting and buying property in Ireland today.

A new report from Daft.ie finds the figure has dropped by almost one-third in the last year.

Average rents nationwide between January and March stood at just over €960 - that is 8.2% higher than at the same point last year.

Compared to their lowest point (2010 in Dublin and 2012 in the commuter counties), rents have now risen by one-third in the capital and a quarter in the surrounding areas.

In the other city centres, rents continue to rise but at a slightly slower pace. In Cork city, rents are 7.5% higher than a year previously, similar to the increase seen in Galway 7.4%. In Limerick, rents have risen by 6.8% in a year, while in Waterford city rental inflation was 5.6%.

Economist Ronan Lyons compiled the report and says the fall in the number of rental properties is a nationwide problem:

Rental V Buying

The report also compared the cost of owning versus renting in different areas of Ireland. It found that a first time buyer on a 4.3% variable rate mortgage buying a two bed property in Dublin city centre would on average be paying €954 per month, while renting costs €1,360.

In Cork the buying cost was put at €392 per month, with rents at €665.

See more figures on rental v buying here

The report authors also put together this infographic, showing just how much rents have risen in different parts of Ireland, with a national average of 8.2%