The number of properties available for rent in our towns and cities appears to have dropped by half in a matter of months.

A study by the Simon Communities of Ireland found a drop of 55 per cent in properties for rent since May.

The ongoing research monitors the rental sector in 11 towns and cities nationally.

The "Locked Out" report found that 80 per cent of properties for rent were out of reach of those receiving rental assistance payments.

However, Niamh Randall of Simon says that's actually an improvement, following an increase in rent supplement rates: