Irish Property Market Booms: Prices Set to Keep Climbing Through 2026

January 7, 2026

Breaking: Irish Housing Prices Seen Climbing Into 2026 As Regions Diverge On Growth

Breaking from regional chatter to a nationwide trend, analysts say the Irish housing market is poised for further price gains in 2026.While the trajectory points to rising values, the pace and geography of growth will likely vary, with some counties posting sharper increases than others as supply remains constrained in several areas.

Market observers note that prices are still climbing, supported by steady demand and a slow recovery in construction. In 2026, buyers can expect continued competition in sought-after pockets of the market, even as some regions report more balanced conditions than their peers.This pattern underscores a market-wide message: price momentum persists where supply struggles to keep pace with demand.

Regional snapshots

• Louth: Prices in Louth are highlighted as the strongest among counties outside Dublin, signaling a regional peak outside the capital.
• Laois: The county sees a notable milestone, with the average house price rising to €296,000 and a 15% year‑over‑year increase, signaling a meaningful shift in value at the local level.
• limerick: prices continue to rise, but demand outstrips supply, a pattern that reflects tighter market conditions and limited new housing stock in the area.
• National context: Across multiple counties, buyers still face competition and longer timelines to secure new homes as construction activity struggles to fully catch up with demand.

Key figures at a glance

Region	Current Trend	Notable Price/Change
Laois	Rising prices amid growing demand	€296,000 average; +15% YoY
Louth	Strong pricing outside Dublin	Highest-priced county outside Dublin (no exact figure published)
Limerick	Prices up; supply tight	Not specified
Nationwide	Prices still rising in many areas	Overall trend points to continued gains

Why this matters

Experts emphasize that supply constraints continue to shape the market. Not enough new homes are entering the market in several counties, which sustains price momentum in the face of steady demand. Mortgage costs, construction costs, and population growth all play roles in shaping where and how fast values rise.

Evergreen insights for buyers and investors

Longer-term trends suggest that regional mismatches between demand and supply will persist, even as some counties show sharper price acceleration. For buyers, timing and location will be crucial, with regions reporting tighter stock offering the strongest opportunities for price growth, while others may see more modest rises or plateauing conditions.

Investors should weigh the balance between potential thankfulness and the accessibility of financing. As the market continues to evolve, diversification across counties with varying supply dynamics can definitely help manage risk while still capitalizing on overall price resilience.

External context: For readers seeking broader market context,national housing data and policy updates from major statistical agencies can provide grounding on how macro factors influence local price movements. Explore official statistics from reputable sources for a deeper view.

What this means for you

Whether you are renting, buying your first home, or expanding a portfolio, the 2026 landscape points to continued price awareness and prudent planning. Understanding regional dynamics—where stock is tighter and where demand is strongest—will help guide decisions in the coming months.

Two questions for readers

1) Are you considering purchasing in 2026, and if so, which region looks most promising given current supply conditions?

2) How do you think rising prices in counties like Laois and louth will affect your long-term housing plans?

Disclaimer: This article provides general facts and should not be considered financial advice. Consult a local real estate professional before making decisions about buying, selling, or financing a property.

For broader context, you can review official housing statistics and market analyses from national authorities and respected financial institutions.

Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us which region you think will lead price growth next year.

Sources and additional reading: regional market analyses and housing data from national statistics offices and credible financial institutions. External references may include official housing market reports and regional summaries to provide context beyond local anecdotes.

**Irish Property Market Update – 2026**

Current Market Overview (2023‑2026)

• average residential price rose 9 % year‑on‑year in 2023, reaching €380,000 nationwide, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Q4 2023 report【1】.
• Quarterly price index shows a steady upward trajectory, with a cumulative 22 % increase from Q1 2022 to Q4 2025【2】.
• Transaction volume hit a record 78,000 sales in 2024, driven mainly by Dublin adn the commuter belt, while supply lagged behind demand【3】.

The data suggests a sustained price climb through 2026, with the CSO forecasting a further 5‑7 % rise in the next 12 months.

Key Drivers of the Boom

1. Demographic Momentum

• Population growth of 0.9 % per annum (Ireland’s fastest among OECD nations) fuels household formation【4】.
• Young professionals (ages 25‑35) migrate to Dublin, Cork, Galway for tech and pharma jobs, increasing buying pressure.

2. Low‑Interest Surroundings

• Mortgage rates fell to a historic low of 3.1 % in late 2023, thanks to the European Central Bank’s accommodative policy【5】.
• Variable‑rate mortgages dominate the market (≈68 % of new loans), accelerating price sensitivity.

3. Limited Housing Supply

• Construction backlog of over 30,000 units remains from pre‑pandemic planning delays【6】.
• Planning permission approvals slowed by 12 % in 2024 due to regulatory bottlenecks.

4. International Investment

• Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Dublin’s tech corridor boosted demand for premium apartments, with EU investors accounting for 27 % of new purchases in 2024【7】.

Regional Hotspots

region	Avg. Price 2024	YoY Growth	Notable Sub‑markets
Dublin (Southside)	€620,000	+10 %	Ranelagh, Donnybrook
Dublin (Northside)	€550,000	+9 %	Phibsborough, Drumcondra
Cork City	€350,000	+8 %	douglas, mahon
Galway	€340,000	+7 %	Knocknacarra, Oranmore
Limerick	€310,000	+6 %	Castletroy, corbally

Source: Daft.ie Market Insights 2024【8】

Impact on First‑Time Buyers

• affordability gap widened to 5.2 years of median income, up from 4.4 years in 2022【9】.
• Help to Buy (HTB) scheme extensions in 2024 provided a 10 % tax rebate on purchases up to €350,000, but uptake slowed as price thresholds rose.

Practical Tips for First‑Timers

1. leverage government incentives – apply for the 2024 HTB rebate before the March deadline.
2. Target emerging suburbs – areas like Lucan (Dublin) and Bishopstown (Cork) offer 15‑20 % lower price points with strong transport links.
3. Consider shared‑ownership models – some developers now offer 30‑year lease‑to‑own options, reducing upfront cash requirements.

Investment Opportunities & Rental Yields

• Average gross rental yield (2024) stands at 5.8 % in Dublin, 6.3 % in Cork, and 6.7 % in Galway【10】.
• Capital recognition potential remains highest for purpose‑built apartments in city centres ( projected 8‑10 % CAGR through 2026).

Top Investment Strategies

1. Buy‑to‑Let in commuter towns – Leixlip, Ennis, and kilkenny show yields above 7 % and benefit from commuter influx.
2. Renovation flips – Older terraced houses in Dublin’s inner north can be upgraded for a 12‑15 % profit margin within 12 months.
3. Student accommodation – Cork’s University College campus area yields 7.5 % due to consistent demand from international students.

Case Study: Dublin’s Southside Surge (2022‑2025)

• Price trajectory: €540,000 (Q1 2022) → €620,000 (Q4 2025) – a 15 % increase.
• Driver: Expansion of the Silicon dock tech park, attracting 12,000 new employees, which lifted demand for high‑spec apartments.
• Outcome: Rental rates climbed from €2,200 to €2,550 per month for two‑bed units, delivering a 6.5 % yield for investors【11】.

Government Policy & Future Outlook

• Housing for All Act (2024) targets the construction of 30,000 affordable units by 2028, with a focus on mixed‑use developments.
• Tax reforms introduced in 2025 reduced stamp duty on first‑time buyer purchases under €400,000 from 2 % to 1 %, aiming to improve market entry.
• Projected demand‑supply gap: analyst firm Colliers International predicts a shortfall of 45,000 homes by end‑2026,sustaining upward price pressure【12】.

Actionable Checklist for Buyers & Investors (2026)

• Review mortgage options – lock in rates before the ECB’s expected rate hike in Q2 2026.
• Analyse regional price indices – use Daft.ie and CSO data to pinpoint sub‑markets with <5 % price growth but strong yield potential.
• Secure pre‑approval – strengthens negotiation position in competitive auctions.
• Factor in ancillary costs – stamp duty, legal fees, and possible renovation budgets (average €25,000 for Dublin terraces).
• Plan exit strategy – target a 7‑10 % appreciation window (24‑36 months) based on ancient cycles.

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References

1. CSO, “Residential Property Price index Q4 2023”.
2. Daft.ie, “Irish Property Price Trends 2022‑2025”.
3. Property Services Regulatory authority,“Annual Transaction Report 2024”.
4. OECD,“Ireland Demographic Outlook 2024”.
5. European Central Bank, “Euro Area Monetary Policy Review 2023”.
6. Construction Industry Federation, “Construction Backlog statistics 2024”.
7. IDA ireland,“Foreign Investment in Irish Real Estate 2024”.
8. Daft.ie Market Insights, “Regional Price Snapshots 2024”.
9. Central Bank of Ireland, “Housing Affordability Index 2024”.
10. Savills,“Irish Rental Yield Survey 2024”.
11. Property Market Analyst, “Silicon Dock Impact Study”, 2025.
12. Colliers International, “Ireland Housing Outlook 2025‑2028”.