I want to know what expenses I'd expect to pay (including tax) if I own a property in Ireland but not having any income from it (not letting it out). I would use it as a holiday home (visit like once a year).
I'll full-pay the house price. There will be no mortgage interest. What other expense will I have to pay monthly / annually?
Approx. 0.18% of value of house in property tax annually (from July 2013).
Approx €250 per year standing charge for electricity connection.
In future there will be a water tax, probably with a standing charge.
€160 per year TV license if you keep one or more TV's there.
Cost of someone to cut your grass?
That's about it.
What about, if I let my cousin to live in a fully paid house? I don't charge her any rent. Her expenses (like bills and cutting grass) shall be paid by her.
Do I only pay property tax (0.18%) and nothing else, probably?
Probably cheaper to have your cousin live in it than nobody,as she will detect and prevent further damp,leaks, broken windows, storm damage, fallen drains, rodent damage -the list is endless. And that's besides any intruder damage.
An empty house can be more costly than one that is occupied.
Naturally there'd be more wear-and-tear if occupied -but very little if only one occupant