Home for good? Not just for Christmas?
18 December 2025 by Justin Rush
Maybe coming home this Christmas to visit friends and family has made you consider a permanent return? You would not be alone. At AbacusCareers each Christmas we have conversations with Accountants and Lawyers that are thinking seriously about a permanent return to Northern Ireland.
You know that a return from the UK or the Republic of Ireland offers a unique blend of scenic living, vibrant culture, and economic opportunity. This guide breaks down some key factors to help you make an informed decision.
1. Jobs and Salary Levels
Northern Ireland has experienced a steady economic transformation over the last two decades, with key sectors like technology, financial services, and healthcare driving employment. For those relocating from Great Britain or the Republic of Ireland, understanding the regional job market is crucial.
Accountancy
Industry Based
| Qualified Accountants Industry Trained | Salary Average | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newly Qualified | £ 40,000 | £ 37,000 | £ 46,000 |
| 2-4 years PQE (Senior Accountant) | £ 50,000 | £ 45,000 | £ 58,000 |
| 5+ years PQE (Financial Controller) | £ 65,000 | £ 58,000 | £ 75,000 |
| 10+ years PQE (Financial Director) | £ 90,000+ | £ 85,000+ | £110,000+ |
Legal
Law
| Qualified Solictors | Salary | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Level of Post Qualified Experience (PQE) | Average | Low | High |
| Newly Qualified Solicitor | £36,000 | £32,000 | £40,000 |
| PQE 1 Year | £38,000 | £35,000 | £42,000 |
| PQE 2 Years | £40,000 | £35,000 | £45,000 |
| PQE 3 Years | £43,000 | £36,000 | £46,000 |
| PQE 4 Years | £48,000 | £40,000 | £55,000 |
| PQE 5 Years | £54,000 | £46,000 | £60,000 |
| Associate (5-8 Years) | £60,000 | £50,000 | £75,000 |
| Snr Associate (6-9 Years) | £68,000 | £60,000 | £80,000 |
| Salaried Partner / Legal Director | £90,000 | £70,000+ | £135,000+ |
| Equity Partner – contact our team for specific advice. | £TBC | £TBC | £TBC |
Wages
While salaries in Northern Ireland tend to be lower than in London or Dublin, the cost of living is also considerably less. According to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), the median gross annual salary was approximately £29,000 in 2024, compared to £33,000 in the rest of the UK. Qualified Lawyers and Accountants with experience from major capitals are in very high demand and can command reward levels in excess of the market.
Average Salaries (2024)
- Northern Ireland: ~£29,000
- Rest of UK: ~£33,000
- ROI: ~€44,000 (~£38,000 equivalent)
2. Property Cost Comparison
Northern Ireland is among the most affordable regions for property in the UK and Ireland. Housing affordability is one of Northern Ireland’s biggest draws.
Buying a Home
The average house price in Northern Ireland in early 2025 stands at around £178,000, considerably lower than the UK average of £286,000 and far below Dublin’s average of €440,000. Rural areas and towns like Enniskillen, Omagh, and Coleraine offer even more affordable options, with spacious properties priced under £150,000.
The Belfast area property market is competitive but again shows great value in comparison to other UK and RoI cities.
Renting
Rental prices are similarly appealing. A two-bedroom apartment in Belfast may cost between £800–£1,100 per month, whereas similar properties in Dublin or London easily exceed £2,000. Outside the city, rents drop significantly.
Typical properties for sale December 2025:
Housing Market Trends
While the market has remained stable, there’s increasing interest from remote workers and retirees, contributing to a slow but steady price rise. Mortgage approvals and fixed-rate deals are accessible, especially for those with steady UK income streams.
- Northern Ireland: £178,000
- UK Average: £286,000
- Dublin: €440,000 (~£375,000)
Rental Market
Belfast 2-bed flat: £800-£1100/month
Dublin equivalent: £2000+/month
Best Value Areas: Coleraine, Enniskillen, Omagh: < £170,000 for spacious homes
3. Performance of Primary and Post-Primary Schools
Northern Ireland consistently outperforms other UK regions in education metrics.
Primary Education
Schools in Northern Ireland follow the Northern Ireland Curriculum, which is broadly similar to the rest of the UK but places greater emphasis on literacy and numeracy. Many primary schools enjoy high satisfaction ratings, particularly in areas like North Down and South Belfast.
Post-Primary Education
Post-primary education is divided into grammar and non-selective schools. Admission to grammar schools is typically based on the AQE or GL Transfer Tests. Grammar schools such as Belfast Royal Academy, Methodist College, and Lumen Christi College in Derry are among the top-performing schools nationally.
Academic Performance
In 2024, over 75% of pupils achieved five or more GCSEs (grades A*-C), including English and Maths — a figure higher than both the UK and ROI averages. A-Level results also show consistent excellence, particularly in STEM subjects.
Primary Education Highlights: Literacy, numeracy, parental satisfaction (e.g., South Belfast).
- Top Grammar Schools: Methodist College, Belfast Royal Academy, Lumen Christi College
Academic Performance (2024): 75% of students: 5+ GCSEs (A*-C) including Maths & English
4. Crime Rates Per Council Area
Northern Ireland is generally a safe place to live, with lower crime levels than major UK or ROI cities. Safety is a key factor for any relocation, and Northern Ireland offers relatively low crime rates overall.
Regional Differences
According to PSNI data from 2024, council areas such as Mid Ulster, Fermanagh & Omagh, and Causeway Coast & Glens report some of the lowest crime rates in the UK. Belfast, as the largest urban centre, sees higher incidents of anti-social behaviour and petty crime, especially in inner-city wards.
Types of Crime
Property crime and theft are the most commonly reported offences, while violent crime rates remain lower than those in comparable UK cities. Hate crime and paramilitary-related incidents have significantly declined over the last decade.
Community Policing
Northern Ireland benefits from active community policing, with strong partnerships between local authorities, neighbourhood watch groups, and the PSNI. Public confidence in policing is comparatively high.
5. Commuting and Public Transport
Getting around Northern Ireland is generally straightforward, with public transport accessible and traffic congestion minimal compared to major UK or ROI cities.
Commuting Patterns
Most commutes in Northern Ireland take under 30 minutes, with shorter average commute times in rural areas. Belfast remains the central employment hub, drawing workers from surrounding counties via road and rail.
Public Transport
Translink operates the public transport network, including NI Railways and Ulsterbus. Services between major towns and cities are reliable and affordable. Monthly commuter passes offer significant savings for regular users.
Driving
Northern Ireland’s road network is well-maintained, with motorways like the M1 and M2 connecting key areas. Traffic in Belfast can build during peak hours, but it’s far less severe than in cities like Dublin or Manchester.
Cycling and Walking
Urban centres like Belfast and Derry are investing in greenways and bike infrastructure. While cycling rates remain low compared to European cities, they’re on the rise thanks to improved lanes and bike-share schemes.
- Public Transport: Translink (NI Railways, Ulsterbus)
- Driving: Well-maintained road network
- Cycling & Walking: Greenways, city cycle lanes
Conclusion
Northern Ireland offers a high quality of life, strong community ties, and affordability, making it an attractive option for relocators and returners. Get in touch with Abacus to discuss your situation in more detail:
Office Tel – 0044 (0) 28 9031 3157
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