MichaelD
This is called a "Tenant Purchase Option". It is legal in Ireland. It has been done, for many years. You require a "willing tenant" & a "willing landlord".
When structured fairly, has benefits for both tenant & landlord. The tenant has a chance to get on to the property ladder & it gives the landlord surity of rent for a longer period of time. Tenants doing this type of purchase also tend to treat the property as their own home. It also means that the tenant generally does not have to raise a tasking purchase deposit if any. It also gives the tenant an opportunity to create a great financial track-recork, for when they do finally have to get a mortgage. Dealing with a/the banks is tough even for some of the most seasoned professionals.
If you are on a modest or low wage, with very little in the way of financial know how, banks, brokers and building societies can seem very bullyish, if that is a real word?
A tenant purchase option, may seem a viable way forward.
You can Pm, if you wish to discuss further.