Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Ireland Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Dublin's property market is included in our pack
Dublin property prices continue their upward trajectory in 2026, driven by a persistent housing shortage that shows no signs of easing soon.
Whether you are looking to buy your first home, upgrade to a family house, or invest in rental property, understanding what is happening in Dublin's housing market right now is essential.
This article breaks down the latest Dublin housing prices, forecasts for 2026 and beyond, and which neighborhoods are worth watching closely.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Dublin.
Insights
- Dublin's average resale property price reached approximately €613,000 by late 2025, making it significantly more expensive than the national median of €381,000.
- The Dublin region alone saw population growth of 33,100 people in the year to April 2025, creating demand for roughly 15,000 additional housing units annually in the capital.
- Property prices in Dublin climbed around 5% to 6% year-on-year heading into 2026, slower than the 8% to 10% growth seen in areas outside the capital.
- Only about 10,000 to 12,000 second-hand homes are available for sale in Dublin at any given time, compared to 25,000 to 30,000 before the pandemic.
- Dublin's Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area commands the highest median prices in Ireland at €675,000, more than double the national figure.
- The MetroLink project, approved in late 2025, is expected to boost property values along its 16-station route from Swords to Charlemont once operational around 2035.
- Dublin needs approximately 44,000 new homes annually to meet demand, yet completions in 2025 reached only around 34,500 nationwide.
- First-time buyers accounted for 51% of second-hand home purchases in Dublin during late 2025, indicating strong entry-level demand.
- Homes with strong BER energy ratings now consistently outperform comparable properties, as Dublin buyers prioritize long-term running costs and sustainability.
What are the current property price trends in Dublin as of 2026?
What is the average house price in Dublin as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical property price in Dublin sits around €500,000 (approximately $590,000 or £495,000), which represents a blended average across apartments, terraced houses, semi-detached homes, and detached properties in the capital.
When you look at price per square meter, Dublin properties generally trade at around €5,200 per square meter ($6,100 or £5,150), though this figure can range from roughly €4,500 per square meter in more affordable outer suburbs to €7,500 per square meter in prime southside and coastal neighborhoods.
For roughly 80% of property purchases in Dublin, you can expect to pay somewhere between €300,000 and €750,000 (approximately $355,000 to $885,000, or £295,000 to £740,000), which covers everything from starter apartments and modest terraced houses up to larger family homes in desirable areas.
How much have property prices increased in Dublin over the past 12 months?
Dublin property prices rose by approximately 5% to 6% over the past 12 months heading into January 2026, which is notably slower than the 7% to 9% growth seen in other parts of Ireland during the same period.
Across different property types in Dublin, the range of price increases varied from around 4% for larger detached homes and new-build apartments to approximately 7% for well-located terraced and semi-detached family houses in commuter-friendly areas.
The single most significant factor driving these price increases was the chronic shortage of second-hand homes available for sale, with Dublin listings sitting at roughly 40% below pre-pandemic levels throughout 2025.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest rising property prices in Dublin as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three Dublin neighborhoods with the fastest rising property prices are Dublin 15 (Blanchardstown, Castleknock, Clonsilla), Dublin 8 (Kilmainham, Inchicore, Rialto), and Dublin 7 (Stoneybatter, Phibsborough, Smithfield), all of which combine strong transport links with relatively attainable family homes.
Dublin 15 has seen price growth of approximately 7% to 9% annually, while Dublin 8 and Dublin 7 areas have posted gains of around 6% to 8%, outperforming the broader Dublin average by a meaningful margin.
The main demand driver in these neighborhoods is the combination of good public transport access, proximity to employment centers, and prices that still fall within reach of the mortgage limits set by Central Bank lending rules, which funnels a large pool of buyers into these specific areas.
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges across neighborhoods in our property pack covering the real estate market in Dublin.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Ireland. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which property types are increasing faster in value in Dublin as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the ranking of Dublin property types by appreciation rate places well-located terraced and semi-detached houses at the top, followed by larger apartments and duplexes near transport nodes, with detached homes in premium areas showing the slowest growth.
The top-performing property type in Dublin, the two-to-three bedroom terraced or semi-detached house in commuter-friendly districts, has appreciated by approximately 6% to 8% over the past year.
The main reason these family homes outperform other property types is that Central Bank mortgage rules concentrate the largest pool of buyers into a specific price band, creating intense competition for the limited stock of "buyable" family homes in well-connected neighborhoods.
Finally, if you're interested in a specific property type, you will find our latest analyses here:
- How much do properties cost in Dublin?
- How much should you pay for a house in Dublin?
- How much should you pay for an apartment in Dublin?
- How much should you pay for a townhouse in Dublin?
- How much should you pay for a studio in Dublin?
What is driving property prices up or down in Dublin as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three main factors driving Dublin property prices are the persistent shortage of homes for sale, strong underlying demand from household formation and immigration, and mortgage lending rules that concentrate buyers into similar price segments.
The factor with the strongest upward pressure on Dublin prices remains the severe supply shortage, with roughly 60% fewer second-hand homes available for sale compared to pre-pandemic levels, which creates bidding wars and pushes final sale prices well above asking in desirable areas.
If you want to understand these factors at a deeper level, you can read our latest property market analysis about Dublin here.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Dublin
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What is the property price forecast for Dublin in 2026?
How much are property prices expected to increase in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, Dublin property prices are expected to increase by approximately 3% to 6% over the calendar year, representing a moderation from the stronger growth seen in 2024 and early 2025.
Forecasts from different analysts range from a conservative 3% to 4% (from property advisors like DNG) up to 5% to 8% from more bullish market observers, with most settling in the mid-single digit range.
The main assumption underlying most price increase forecasts for Dublin is that housing supply will remain well below demand, with completions falling short of the 44,000 to 50,000 annual units experts say Ireland needs.
We go deeper and try to understand how solid are these forecasts in our pack covering the property market in Dublin.
Which neighborhoods will see the highest price growth in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods expected to see the highest price growth in Dublin are Dublin 15 (Blanchardstown, Castleknock), Dublin 8 and Dublin 12 (Inchicore, Kilmainham, Walkinstown), and Dublin 18 (Sandyford, Leopardstown, Stepaside).
These top neighborhoods are projected to see price growth of approximately 5% to 8% during 2026, outperforming the broader Dublin average by two to three percentage points.
The primary catalyst driving expected growth in these neighborhoods is the combination of new housing supply landing nearby, strong transport links (including Luas access), and prices that remain within reach of first-time buyers and young families operating under Central Bank lending limits.
One emerging neighborhood that could surprise with higher-than-expected growth is Dublin 9 and Dublin 11, particularly areas around Drumcondra and Finglas where infrastructure improvements and relative affordability are drawing increased buyer interest.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Dublin.
What property types will appreciate the most in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, the property type expected to appreciate the most in Dublin is the well-located two-to-three bedroom terraced or semi-detached house in commutable districts, which sits in the sweet spot of what most buyers can afford.
This top-performing property type is projected to appreciate by approximately 5% to 7% during 2026, driven by the largest buyer pool and fiercest competition for limited stock.
The main demand trend driving appreciation for family houses is that renters trying to escape Dublin's expensive rental market are prioritizing home ownership, creating strong competition in the €400,000 to €600,000 price bracket where mortgage rules allow most buyers to operate.
The property type expected to underperform in Dublin during 2026 is the very large detached home in ultra-prime areas like Dublin 4 or coastal south Dublin, because the buyer pool is thinner and prices are already stretched, leaving less room for appreciation.
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.
How will interest rates affect property prices in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, stable-to-easing interest rates are expected to provide modest support to Dublin property prices, as lower mortgage costs improve monthly affordability for buyers without triggering runaway price growth.
The ECB's main refinancing rate currently sits around 2.5% to 2.65%, down from the 4.5% peak in 2023, and most analysts expect rates to remain stable or edge slightly lower through 2026, which should keep Irish mortgage rates in the 3% to 4% range for new borrowers.
A 1% change in interest rates typically affects Dublin property affordability by roughly 10% in terms of maximum borrowing power, meaning a rate drop can allow buyers to stretch to higher prices while a rate increase forces buyers into lower price brackets or out of the market entirely.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Ireland.
What are the biggest risks for property prices in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three biggest risks for Dublin property prices are a jobs shock concentrated in multinational-heavy sectors like technology and pharmaceuticals, interest rates staying higher for longer than buyers expect, and policy changes affecting rental rules or property taxation.
The single risk with the highest probability of materializing in Dublin is a tech sector slowdown, given that Dublin's economy is heavily dependent on multinational employment and global tech companies have shown volatility in recent years.
We actually cover all these risks and their likelihoods in our pack about the real estate market in Dublin.
Is it a good time to buy a rental property in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, buying a rental property in Dublin can make sense, but only if you underwrite it conservatively, meaning you account for tight yields, potential void periods, and the possibility that rents may not rise as fast as prices.
The strongest argument in favor of buying a rental property now in Dublin is that rents remain extremely high with very low vacancy, average Dublin rents exceed €2,400 per month, and tenant demand shows no signs of weakening given the severe shortage of rental stock.
The strongest argument for waiting before buying a rental property in Dublin is that property prices are already elevated relative to rental income, meaning gross yields are compressed to around 3% to 4% in many areas, which leaves little margin for error if interest rates rise or unexpected costs emerge.
If you want to know our latest analysis (results may differ from what you just read), you can read our assessment on whether now is a good time to buy a property in Dublin.
You'll also find a dedicated document about this specific question in our pack about real estate in Dublin.
Buying real estate in Dublin can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
Where will property prices be in 5 years in Dublin?
What is the 5-year property price forecast for Dublin as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Dublin property prices are expected to grow by approximately 20% to 35% cumulatively over the next five years, reaching significantly higher levels by early 2031.
The range of 5-year forecasts spans from a conservative scenario of around 20% total growth (assuming meaningful supply expansion and normalized interest rates) to an optimistic scenario of 35% or more (assuming persistent scarcity and continued income growth).
This translates to a projected average annual appreciation rate of approximately 4% to 6% per year over the next five years in Dublin, which represents a moderation from the faster growth seen in some recent periods but still meaningful real gains for property owners.
The key assumption most forecasters rely on for their 5-year Dublin property price predictions is that housing supply will remain significantly below structural demand, with Ireland failing to consistently deliver the 44,000 to 50,000 annual completions needed to rebalance the market.
Which areas in Dublin will have the best price growth over the next 5 years?
The top three areas in Dublin expected to have the best price growth over the next five years are Dublin 7 and Dublin 8 (Stoneybatter, Phibsborough, Kilmainham, Inchicore), Dublin 15 (Blanchardstown, Clonsilla), and Dublin 18 corridor (Sandyford, Leopardstown) where employment access and transport links are strongest.
These top-performing areas are projected to see 5-year cumulative price growth of approximately 30% to 45%, outperforming the broader Dublin average by 5 to 10 percentage points.
This differs slightly from the shorter 2026 forecast because over five years, infrastructure projects like MetroLink and sustained urban regeneration have more time to positively impact values, making improving areas more attractive than already-premium locations.
The currently undervalued area in Dublin with the best potential for outperformance over five years is Dublin 12 (Walkinstown, Crumlin, Drimnagh), where prices remain relatively affordable, transport links are solid, and proximity to the city center makes these neighborhoods attractive as buyers get priced out of more expensive inner suburbs.
What property type will give the best return in Dublin over 5 years as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the property type expected to give the best total return over five years in Dublin is the well-located two-to-three bedroom terraced or semi-detached house in commutable districts, which offers both solid capital appreciation potential and the option to rent if needed.
The projected 5-year total return (combining appreciation and potential rental income) for this top-performing property type in Dublin is approximately 35% to 50%, assuming around 25% to 35% capital growth plus rental income if the property is let.
The main structural trend favoring family houses over the next five years in Dublin is that mortgage rules funnel the deepest buyer pool into this segment, while new apartment supply may ease pressure on that particular market segment, keeping house demand consistently strong.
For those seeking balance between return and lower risk over five years, practical apartments in well-connected locations near Luas or DART stations offer a good combination, because tenant demand is reliable, resale liquidity is strong, and price volatility tends to be lower than for houses.
How will new infrastructure projects affect property prices in Dublin over 5 years?
The top three major infrastructure projects expected to impact Dublin property prices over the next five years are MetroLink (connecting Swords to Charlemont via Dublin Airport), BusConnects network redesign improving orbital and radial routes, and continued Luas Cross City and Green Line upgrades.
Properties near completed public transport infrastructure in Dublin typically command a price premium of approximately 10% to 15% compared to similar homes further from stations, with the premium being strongest for properties within a 10-minute walk of stops.
The specific neighborhoods that will benefit most from infrastructure developments in Dublin include Swords and Ballymun along the MetroLink route, Drumcondra and Glasnevin near planned MetroLink stations, and areas along the southern MetroLink extension toward Ranelagh and Charlemont once construction timelines become clearer.
How will population growth and other factors impact property values in Dublin in 5 years?
Dublin's population is projected to continue growing at approximately 1% to 1.5% per year, adding roughly 75,000 to 100,000 residents over the next five years, which will translate into sustained demand for approximately 15,000 to 20,000 additional housing units annually in the capital region alone.
The demographic shift with the strongest influence on Dublin property demand will be the continued growth of households headed by people aged 30 to 45, who are forming families and transitioning from renting to ownership, creating particularly intense competition for family-sized homes.
International migration, particularly of young professionals and returning Irish expatriates, will continue to fuel Dublin property values over the next five years, as the city remains Ireland's primary employment hub for technology, pharmaceuticals, and financial services sectors.
The property types and areas that will benefit most from these demographic trends are two-to-three bedroom houses and larger apartments in well-connected suburbs like Dublin 15, Dublin 18, and parts of South Dublin County, where young families can find relatively affordable space within commuting distance of employment centers.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Ireland compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What is the 10 year property price outlook in Dublin?
What is the 10-year property price prediction for Dublin as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Dublin property prices are expected to grow by approximately 45% to 80% cumulatively over the next ten years, meaning a typical €500,000 home today could be worth €725,000 to €900,000 by 2036.
The range of 10-year forecasts spans from a conservative scenario of around 45% total growth (assuming meaningful supply expansion and a normalized interest-rate environment) to an optimistic scenario of 80% or more (assuming Dublin's housing scarcity remains severe and household incomes continue growing).
This translates to a projected average annual appreciation rate of approximately 3.8% to 6% per year over the next decade in Dublin, reflecting the reality that prices can compound significantly even with moderate annual growth.
The biggest uncertainty factor in making 10-year Dublin property price predictions is whether Ireland can achieve the 60,000 to 70,000 annual housing completions that experts say are needed to meaningfully address the shortage, because failure to do so will keep upward pressure on prices while success could moderate growth considerably.
What long-term economic factors will shape property prices in Dublin?
The top three long-term economic factors that will shape Dublin property prices over the next decade are construction capacity and apartment viability (whether developers can profitably build at scale), the employment mix and resilience of Dublin's multinational-heavy economy, and the interest-rate regime that determines how much buyers can borrow.
The single long-term economic factor with the most positive impact on Dublin property values will be sustained employment growth in well-paying sectors, because rising incomes allow buyers to pay higher prices while remaining within Central Bank lending limits.
The single long-term economic factor posing the greatest structural risk to Dublin property values is a prolonged period of elevated interest rates combined with a tech sector downturn, which would simultaneously reduce borrowing capacity and weaken the employment base that supports premium prices in the capital.
You'll also find a much more detailed analysis in our pack about real estate in Dublin.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Dublin, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| CSO Residential Property Price Index | Ireland's official, methodology-documented house price index built from Stamp Duty transaction data. | We used Dublin's 12-month inflation rates and median sale price context as the backbone for price change figures. We treat it as the most reliable source for separating real trends from listing noise. |
| CSO RPPI Methodology Note | It explains how the CSO adjusts prices so we're not fooled by mix changes in what sells. | We used it to justify which numbers are mix-adjusted versus raw medians. We also used it to explain why an index can rise even if individual homes don't. |
| CSO Property Prices by Eircode | Official CSO tool breaking median sale prices down to Eircode routing areas. | We used it to name real Dublin areas and ground neighborhood analysis in transaction medians. We cross-checked against portal trends to avoid overreacting to one-off sales. |
| Property Price Register | Official record of declared residential sale prices in Ireland. | We used it as a reality-check for actual transaction prices when portal data seemed noisy. We also used its caveats to avoid pretending raw data is a perfect index. |
| Central Bank of Ireland Mortgage Measures | These rules directly shape how much buyers can borrow and therefore shape prices. | We used it to explain why demand doesn't mean unlimited demand in Dublin. We connected credit limits to which property segments feel most pressured. |
| Central Bank Retail Interest Rates | Official source for Irish mortgage rate statistics and releases. | We used it to anchor the financing-cost story and avoid guessing mortgage rates from advertisements. We translated rate moves into affordability pressure. |
| European Central Bank Key Interest Rates | Ireland's borrowing conditions ultimately key off ECB policy in the euro area. | We used it to describe the interest rate backdrop as of the first half of 2026. We linked ECB rate direction to Irish mortgage pricing. |
| ESRI Quarterly Economic Commentary | Ireland's flagship independent research institute for macro and housing supply outlooks. | We used its 2026 housing completions outlook to frame the supply side. We treated it as a key input to our scenario ranges. |
| CSO New Dwelling Completions | Official count of completed homes with a Dublin breakdown. | We used it to show where supply is actually landing by area and property type. We connected completion hot-spots to local price pressure. |
| RTB Rent Index | Ireland's official rent index based on registered tenancies and ESRI methodology. | We used it to answer rental property questions with real rent inflation data. We explained why yields can compress even when rents rise. |
| Daft.ie Reports | Longest-running Irish portal index series, widely used by banks and policymakers. | We used Daft to capture current asking prices and market heat indicators. We reconciled it with CSO transaction data to avoid listing-only bias. |
| MyHome.ie Property Report | Well-followed Irish market barometer with Bank of Ireland research input. | We used MyHome for a second independent read on asking-price inflation. We triangulated it with Daft so we don't lean on a single portal. |
| Bank of Ireland Housing Update | Major bank research note synthesizing official data and market indicators. | We used it to cross-check demand and credit narratives. We also used it to keep forecast assumptions realistic. |
| CSO Population and Migration Estimates | Official source for Ireland's population growth and migration data. | We used it to quantify Dublin's population growth and net migration. We connected demographic trends to housing demand pressure. |
| ESRI Housing Demand Projections | Authoritative research on structural housing demand based on population projections. | We used it to establish the 44,000 annual units benchmark. We translated population scenarios into housing demand estimates. |
| MetroLink Project | Official documentation for Dublin's major planned transport infrastructure. | We used it to assess infrastructure impacts on property values. We identified neighborhoods along the planned route that may benefit. |
| DNG Property Research | Major property advisor with detailed Dublin market analysis and forecasts. | We used their 2026 price growth forecasts as one input to our estimates. We incorporated their insights on supply and demand dynamics. |
| The Irish Times Property Coverage | Quality journalism providing context on housing market developments. | We used it to cross-check market narratives and expert commentary. We incorporated perspectives from multiple property analysts. |
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If you want to go deeper, you can read the following: