The French Embassy is warning people about the severe housing crisis in Ireland – noting that rents are currently ‘much more expensive than Paris.’

The warning notes that students and new arrivals face “significant difficulties” finding accommodation and should allow several weeks for a housing search.

The embassy is also warning citizens about “scams” on the various housing sites, noting that you should never sign a contract or pat a deposit without seeing the house and meeting the owner or real estate agency.

“Ireland is currently experiencing a severe housing crisis,” reads the warning. “Newcomers (including students) face significant difficulties in finding accommodation.”

“The strong demand and the saturation of the rental market have led to a sharp increase in rents, which are currently much more expensive than in Paris, including in shared accommodation.

“It is therefore advisable for people planning to settle in Ireland to allow sufficient time for this search for accommodation (which can take several weeks).”

In a statement to Newstalk, the embassy said many French people choose to live in Ireland due to the "deep links" between the two countries.

“We have been made aware of difficulties that people have had finding accommodation after the summer break,” it said.

“French students are the largest contingent of Erasmus students in Ireland. Therefore, our website was updated in order to inform new arrivals about the potential issues they may face.”

The embassy notes that anyone searching for housing in Ireland needs “solid financial guarantees” and references from previous landlords.

French people looking to move to Ireland are also warned that pets are banned from many rental properties.