Belinda Palmada
Updated 30 Mar 2026, 12:45pm
First published 30 Mar 2026, 12:35pm
An Aussie mum has ditched Sydney’s $1 million property market for a new life in Ireland, claiming the harbour city is fast becoming a “city without grandchildren”.
Stephanie Hunt took to TikTok, revealing the move was driven by a desperate need for community and a “village” that young Aussie parents could no longer afford.
Ms Hunt, who moved from Sydney to Ireland with her Irish husband, said the difference in lifestyle was “blowing her mind”.
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An Aussie mum has ditched Sydney for a new life in Ireland. Picture: Supplied
Ms Hunt said the difference in lifestyle was “blowing her mind”. Picture: Supplied
“They are now calling Sydney the city without grandchildren because parents, young parents with young children, are moving out to more affordable places,” Ms Hunt said in a TikTok clip.
“They simply can’t afford it and they are just broken and crushed by having to work around the clock just to try to survive.”
The move highlights a staggering gap in property values between the two nations.
Latest PropTrack Home Price Index data shows the median price for a house across Australian capital cities hit $1.004m in February 2026.
By comparison, the median price for a residential property in Ireland was $650,000 (€387,000) in the 12 months to the end of 2025, according to Ireland’s Central Statistics Office.
Ms Hunt moved from Sydney to Ireland with her Irish husband. Picture: Supplied
The move highlights a staggering gap in property values between the two nations. Picture: Supplied
Ms Hunt said while many Irish locals were currently leaving for Australia, they often returned once they started families.
“There are so many Irish people I know who have moved back after having kids,” she said.
“The ones who have stayed in Australia talk about how hard it is because they don’t have that community and that village that they just took for granted here in Ireland.”
The expat also took a swipe at Australian culture, claiming her husband previously mocked how “stingy” Aussies could be.
Ms Hunt said she was “blown away” by the level of generosity in Ireland for welcoming newcomers and celebrating milestones.
“Now we’re back in Australia (visiting) and I’m just seeing things with such different eyes,” she said.
“If you are Irish and have been to Australia or know Aussies, you know what I’m talking about.”
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