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What is the average price per square meter in Dublin?

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Ireland Property Pack

property investment Dublin

Yes, the analysis of Dublin's property market is included in our pack

The Dublin residential property market continues to show remarkable strength as we reach mid-2025, with average prices per square meter reflecting the city's status as one of Europe's most expensive capitals. Property prices have risen by 7.5% in the past year, reaching a median price of €475,000 for Dublin properties.

As of June 2025, the average price per square meter in Dublin stands at approximately €5,000-€6,000 across the city, with prime city center locations commanding significantly higher prices of up to €7,666 per square meter. These figures represent sustained growth driven by limited supply, strong demand from both local and international buyers, and Dublin's continued appeal as a tech and business hub.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Ireland, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At Investropa, we explore the Irish real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

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Anthony McCann 🇮🇪

Co-Founder, FindQo.ie

Anthony McCann co-founded FindQo.ie to make property searching easier and smarter in Dublin. He recognised the growing demand for a modern solution in the city's busy housing market. FindQo.ie helps Dubliners find places to buy, rent, or share—whether it's a home or commercial space. The platform offers a smooth and helpful experience for anyone looking to move in Dublin.

What's the current average price per square meter in Dublin?

The current average price per square meter in Dublin is approximately €5,000-€6,000 across all property types as of June 2025.

City center apartments command the highest prices, reaching up to €7,666 per square meter in prime locations like Dublin 1 and Dublin 2. This represents the premium for central locations with excellent amenities and transport links.

Suburban areas typically range from €4,500 to €6,000 per square meter, depending on the specific neighborhood and property type. Areas like Sandyford and other tech hubs fall within the higher end of this range due to strong professional demand.

Budget-friendly areas on the outskirts of Dublin offer prices from €3,000 to €4,500 per square meter, making them attractive options for first-time buyers and investors seeking better value.

The Dublin residential market has experienced steady price growth of 7.5% year-on-year, reflecting the city's continued appeal and persistent supply constraints.

How do prices vary by property type?

Property prices in Dublin vary significantly based on type, with apartments typically commanding higher prices per square meter than houses in central locations.

New developments attract premium pricing due to modern amenities, energy efficiency, and contemporary design. These properties often price 10-15% above comparable second-hand properties but offer better BER ratings and lower maintenance costs.

City center apartments, particularly in Dublin 1, 2, and 4, achieve the highest prices per square meter. One-bedroom apartments in these areas typically cost €7,000-€7,666 per square meter, reflecting their premium locations and strong rental demand.

Houses in suburban areas generally offer better value per square meter compared to central apartments, though prime residential areas like Ballsbridge and Ranelagh still command premium prices of €6,500-€8,000 per square meter.

New builds carry additional costs including 13.5% VAT, while second-hand properties are exempt from VAT but may require renovation work to meet modern standards.

What are the average prices in different Dublin neighborhoods?

Neighborhood/Area Price per m² Characteristics
Dublin 1 & 2 (City Center) €7,000 - €7,666 Prime central locations, excellent transport
Dublin 4 (Ballsbridge, Donnybrook) €6,500 - €8,000 Prestigious addresses, embassies, parks
Dublin 6 (Ranelagh, Rathmines) €6,000 - €7,500 Trendy areas, cafes, young professionals
Dublin 14/18 (Sandyford, Dundrum) €5,500 - €7,000 Tech hubs, new developments, Luas access
Coastal Areas (Sandycove, Dún Laoghaire) €7,000 - €9,000 Sea views, exclusive locations, DART access
North Dublin (Swords, Malahide) €4,000 - €5,500 Growing suburbs, airport proximity
West Dublin (Blanchardstown, Lucan) €3,500 - €5,000 Family-friendly, good value, M50 access

What are real-world example purchase prices for typical properties?

A typical 1-bedroom apartment of 40-50 square meters costs €200,000-€250,000 in suburban areas, while city center equivalents range from €280,000-€380,000.

2-bedroom apartments spanning 60-80 square meters typically cost €300,000-€400,000 in most Dublin areas, with prime city center locations reaching €460,000-€613,000.

3-bedroom semi-detached houses of 100-120 square meters range from €500,000-€600,000 in middle-tier suburbs. Budget areas like Swords and Tallaght offer similar properties from €300,000-€450,000.

Premium 3-bedroom houses in areas like Dublin 4 or coastal locations often exceed €800,000-€1,000,000, reflecting their prestigious addresses and superior amenities.

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How have property prices changed compared to previous years?

Dublin property prices increased by 7.5% in the 12 months to January 2025, showing sustained growth momentum.

Compared to 2020, Dublin's median property price has risen from approximately €350,000 to €475,000 in 2025, representing a 35% cumulative increase over five years.

The strongest growth occurred in 2021-2022, with annual increases of 8.1% and 12.8% respectively. Growth has moderated but remains robust, with 2023 showing 6.4% and 2024 closing at 7.5%.

Houses have outperformed apartments, with house prices rising 7.9% year-on-year compared to 6.1% for apartments. This reflects stronger demand for family homes and outdoor space post-pandemic.

Dublin prices are now 4.3% higher than their previous peak in February 2007, demonstrating the market's complete recovery from the financial crisis and continued strength.

What are the price forecasts for the coming years?

Property experts forecast continued but moderated growth of 4-6% annually for Dublin properties through 2025-2027.

The next 12 months are expected to see growth around 5% as falling interest rates support buyer affordability, while persistent supply shortages maintain upward price pressure.

Medium-term forecasts for 2026-2028 suggest annual growth of 4-5%, assuming increased housing supply and potential economic moderations that could temper rapid price appreciation.

Long-term projections remain positive due to Dublin's status as a European tech hub, continued population growth, and limited developable land within the city boundaries.

However, affordability constraints may limit growth in higher-priced segments, with strongest growth expected in the sub-€500,000 price range where first-time buyers remain most active.

Which areas offer the best value and growth potential?

Up-and-coming areas like Dublin 3, Dublin 5, and parts of Dublin 11 offer strong growth potential with some neighborhoods expected to see 10-12% price increases in 2025.

Budget-friendly areas including Swords, Tallaght, and Blanchardstown provide excellent value for first-time buyers, with 3-bedroom houses available from €300,000-€450,000.

Tech hub areas like Sandyford and Dublin 14/18 continue to attract strong demand from professionals, offering both growth potential and rental income opportunities.

Coastal areas such as Sandycove and Dún Laoghaire represent the most expensive options but offer lifestyle premiums and strong long-term value retention.

Most expensive areas remain Dublin 4 (Ballsbridge), Dublin 6 (Ranelagh), and prime coastal locations where properties regularly exceed €700,000-€1,000,000.

What are the total purchase costs including all fees?

Stamp duty costs 1% of the property price up to €1 million, then 2% on the balance above €1 million.

Legal fees typically range from €1,500-€3,000 plus VAT, depending on the complexity of the transaction and property value.

Additional costs include surveyor fees (€500-€1,500), mortgage valuation fees (€150-€300), and potential building inspection costs (€400-€800).

New build properties attract 13.5% VAT on the purchase price, which significantly increases the total cost compared to second-hand properties.

Total transaction costs typically add 2-4% to the purchase price for second-hand properties, or 15-17% for new builds when including VAT.

infographics rental yields citiesDublin

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Ireland versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

What are current mortgage conditions and rates?

Mortgage interest rates in Dublin range from 2.98% to 4.5% as of June 2025, with the lowest rates available for green mortgages and higher loan-to-value ratios.

First-time buyers can borrow up to 90% of property value and up to 4 times their annual income, while subsequent buyers are limited to 80% LTV and 3.5 times income.

Following recent ECB rate cuts in June 2025, tracker mortgage holders benefit from immediate reductions, with repayments falling by approximately €13 per month for every €100,000 borrowed.

Green mortgages offer the best rates (around 3.0%) for properties with BER ratings of A or B, encouraging energy-efficient property purchases.

A typical €300,000 mortgage over 30 years at 4% interest costs approximately €1,432 per month, making buying more affordable than renting equivalent properties in most Dublin areas.

What's best for living versus investment purposes?

For owner-occupiers planning to stay 5+ years, buying makes financial sense with monthly mortgage payments typically lower than equivalent rental costs.

Investment properties in tech hub areas like Sandyford offer strong rental yields and capital appreciation potential, particularly for 1-2 bedroom units targeting young professionals.

Short-term rental investments face increasing regulatory restrictions, making long-term rental strategies more viable and predictable for investors.

Buy-to-sell strategies work best in up-and-coming areas with strong growth forecasts, though transaction costs mean holding periods of 3-5 years typically optimize returns.

It's something we develop in our Ireland property pack.

What are the smartest property choices based on your goals?

Investment Goal Recommended Strategy Target Areas/Property Types
First-Time Home Purchase Sub-€500k properties, good transport links Swords, Tallaght, Dublin 11, 2-3 bed properties
Rental Income Investment 1-2 bed apartments near employment centers Sandyford, Docklands, city center apartments
Capital Growth Investment Up-and-coming areas with development plans Dublin 3, Dublin 5, areas near planned infrastructure
Lifestyle Purchase Premium locations with amenities Coastal areas, Dublin 4, established neighborhoods
Portfolio Diversification Mix of property types and locations Combination of city center and suburban properties
Short-term Hold (3-5 years) Areas with strong growth forecasts Tech hubs, areas with planning permission increases
Long-term Hold (10+ years) Established areas with proven track records Dublin 4, Dublin 6, coastal premium locations

How does Dublin compare to other major European cities?

Dublin's average price per square meter of €5,000-€6,000 places it among Europe's most expensive cities, ranking behind only Paris (€10,000+), Zurich (€17,500), and Monaco (€52,000).

Compared to other European capitals, Dublin is more expensive than Madrid (€3,000-€4,000), Lisbon (€3,000-€5,000), and similar to Berlin (€5,000-€7,000).

Dublin offers stronger growth potential than many established European markets, with tech sector expansion and limited supply driving continued appreciation.

Construction costs in Dublin rank as the fourth highest in Europe for apartment buildings, contributing to the premium pricing and supply constraints.

It's something we develop in our Ireland property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

  1. Central Statistics Office - Residential Property Price Index January 2025
  2. Global Property Guide - Ireland's Residential Property Market Analysis 2025
  3. Owen Reilly - Current trends in the Dublin property market
  4. Investropa - 10 statistics for the Dublin real estate market in 2025
  5. Doddl - Lowest Mortgage Interest Rates Ireland 2025
  6. Avant Money - Mortgage Rates Ireland
  7. RTÉ - ECB cuts rates and leaves room for more easing
  8. The Irish Times - What does the 2025 housing market have in store