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 remains one of Europe's most competitive property markets, with prices continuing to rise and supply staying tight heading into 2026.
This article breaks down what you can actually buy in Dublin at different budget levels, from $100k to luxury, using the latest official data and real transaction figures.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect current housing prices in Dublin and market conditions.
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.
What can I realistically buy with $100k in Dublin right now?
Are there any decent properties for $100k in Dublin, or is it all scams?
In Dublin in 2026, a budget of $100k (around €85,000 at current exchange rates) will not buy you a habitable, standard home because Dublin's median transacted dwelling price sits near €495,000, which means €85,000 falls far below what normal properties cost.
If you do see a "great 1-bed apartment in Dublin for €85k," you should treat it as a red flag and verify the price against actual sold prices on Ireland's official Property Price Register before engaging further.
At this budget, even tiny studios in outer areas like Ballyfermot (Dublin 10), Finglas (Dublin 11), or Tallaght (Dublin 24) are extremely rare and typically come with serious condition issues, legal complications, or unusual ownership structures that make them unsuitable for most buyers.
Buying in popular or upscale Dublin areas like Ranelagh, Blackrock, or Ballsbridge for $100k is simply not possible, not even for the smallest micro-unit, because these neighborhoods have median prices several times higher than your budget allows.
What property types can I afford for $100k in Dublin (studio, land, old house)?
At €85,000 in Dublin in 2026, you are limited to niche assets like parking spaces, very small non-residential plots, or distressed micro-studios with major defects that most lenders will refuse to finance.
If anything at all exists at this price point in Dublin, expect severe condition problems such as structural issues, outdated electrics, damp, or complex title and lease arrangements that require cash-only purchases and significant additional investment.
For long-term value, there is no realistic $100k property type in Dublin that offers genuine upside because the entry point is simply too far below the market floor, and buyers at this level often face hidden costs that erase any perceived "bargain."
What's a realistic budget to get a comfortable property in Dublin as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the realistic minimum budget to get a comfortable property in Dublin starts around €400,000 to €450,000 (approximately $470,000 to $530,000 USD), which is where you begin to access turnkey apartments or small houses in decent areas.
Most buyers looking for a comfortable standard in Dublin in 2026 need to budget between €450,000 and €600,000 ($530,000 to $705,000 USD), which is the range where two-bedroom apartments and modest family homes become reliably available.
In Dublin, "comfortable" typically means a well-maintained property with 50 to 80 square meters for an apartment, a good Building Energy Rating (BER), functioning management company for apartments, and proximity to public transport like Luas, DART, or quality bus corridors.
Budget requirements vary significantly by neighborhood in Dublin, with areas like Drumcondra (Dublin 9) or Phibsborough (Dublin 7) offering lower entry points than premium southside areas like Ranelagh (Dublin 6) or Sandymount (Dublin 4), where the same "comfortable" standard costs 30% to 50% more.
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What can I get with a $200k budget in Dublin as of 2026?
What "normal" homes become available at $200k in Dublin as of 2026?
As of early 2026, a $200k budget (around €170,000) in Dublin still falls well below the city's median transaction price of €495,000, which means "normal" turnkey homes that most people would consider standard are generally not available at this level.
At €170,000 in Dublin, you might find a very small studio or compact one-bedroom only if the property has compromised condition, problematic lease terms, or management company issues, and typical sizes would be 25 to 35 square meters at best.
By the way, we have much more granular data about housing prices in our property pack about Dublin.
What places are the smartest $200k buys in Dublin as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the smartest areas to look for a $200k (€170,000) property in Dublin are outer districts with strong transport links, such as Tallaght (Dublin 24) near the Luas Red Line, parts of Clondalkin (Dublin 22), or edges of Finglas (Dublin 11).
These areas represent smarter buys because they offer the best chance of finding a legitimate listing at this budget while still providing public transport access into the city center, unlike more isolated locations with similar prices.
The main growth factor in these Dublin areas is ongoing transport infrastructure investment and urban regeneration, which tends to support property values better than purely isolated outer suburbs without connectivity improvements.
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.
What can I buy with $300k in Dublin in 2026?
What quality upgrade do I get at $300k in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, moving from $200k to $300k (from €170,000 to around €255,000) in Dublin upgrades you from "almost impossible" to "possible but still challenging," meaning you can now realistically access older one-bedroom apartments in outer districts or small two-bedrooms that need work.
At €255,000 in Dublin, buying in a newer building is sometimes possible, but usually only if the unit is small, located in a less central area, or the building has issues like a weak BER rating, high service charges, or management company problems.
Features that start appearing at this Dublin budget include slightly larger floor plans (40 to 55 square meters), dedicated parking in some developments, and properties that are mortgageable rather than cash-only, though finishes and condition will still vary considerably.
Can $300k buy a 2-bedroom in Dublin in 2026 in good areas?
As of early 2026, finding a two-bedroom property for $300k (€255,000) in what most people call "good areas" of Dublin (walkable, prime, southside villages) is generally not possible because median prices in those locations are significantly higher.
Two-bedroom options at this budget in Dublin tend to appear in areas like Ballyfermot (Dublin 10), Finglas (Dublin 11), Tallaght (Dublin 24), and Clondalkin (Dublin 22), which offer value but are not considered premium neighborhoods.
A €255,000 two-bedroom in Dublin typically offers 50 to 65 square meters, though you should expect older stock, potentially outdated interiors, and the need for some renovation investment to bring it to a modern standard.
Which places become "accessible" at $300k in Dublin as of 2026?
At €255,000 ($300k) in Dublin in 2026, the neighborhoods that become accessible include Ballyfermot and Inchicore (Dublin 10), Finglas (Dublin 11), Tallaght (Dublin 24), and parts of Clondalkin (Dublin 22), where the math starts working more often for standard purchases.
These newly accessible Dublin areas offer better value than lower-budget options because they have established amenities, functioning public transport connections, and a mix of housing stock that includes properties mortgageable by mainstream lenders.
Buyers at €255,000 in these accessible Dublin areas can typically expect older one-bedroom apartments in reasonable condition or small two-bedroom units that may need selective upgrades but are genuinely livable.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Dublin.
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What does a $500k budget unlock in Dublin in 2026?
What's the typical size and location for $500k in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, a $500k budget (around €425,000) in Dublin typically buys a two-bedroom apartment of 60 to 80 square meters in a decent commuter-friendly area, or a small three-bedroom house further out in districts like Dublin 15, Dublin 22, or Dublin 24.
At €425,000 in Dublin, a family home with outdoor space is sometimes possible, but you will face trade-offs such as being further from the city center, buying an older property that needs upgrades, or accepting a smaller garden than you might expect.
The typical Dublin property at $500k in 2026 offers two to three bedrooms and one to two bathrooms, with better options appearing in northside suburbs and outer southside areas rather than prime central or coastal locations.
Finally, please note that we cover all the housing price data in Dublin here.
Which "premium" neighborhoods open up at $500k in Dublin in 2026?
At €425,000 ($500k) in Dublin in 2026, you start to access "nice, established, not ultra-prime" neighborhoods such as pockets of Drumcondra (Dublin 9), Phibsborough (Dublin 7), and certain Clontarf-adjacent areas, though typically only for smaller or older apartments.
These Dublin neighborhoods are considered premium because they offer walkability, strong local amenities, good schools, proximity to the city center, and well-maintained period streetscapes that hold their value over time.
For €425,000 in these premium Dublin pockets, buyers can realistically expect a well-located one-bedroom or compact two-bedroom apartment in a period conversion or a smaller unit in a newer development, rather than a family house with a garden.
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 counts as "luxury" in Dublin in 2026?
At what amount does "luxury" start in Dublin right now?
In Dublin in 2026, "luxury" property typically begins around €1.2 million to €1.5 million ($1.4 million to $1.75 million USD), which is the threshold where prime locations, high-quality finishes, and desirable features like parking, gardens, and period character become reliably available.
Entry-level luxury in Dublin means properties in sought-after southside villages, newer developments with concierge services, high BER ratings, secure parking, private outdoor space, and architectural distinction such as Georgian townhouses or contemporary penthouses.
Dublin's luxury threshold is broadly comparable to other competitive European capitals, sitting below London but similar to cities like Amsterdam or Copenhagen, where supply constraints and international demand push premium pricing.
Mid-tier luxury in Dublin runs from €1.5 million to €3 million ($1.75 million to $3.5 million USD), while top-tier luxury properties in prime Dublin 4 or Dublin 6 locations regularly exceed €3 million to €5 million and beyond for exceptional period homes or landmark addresses.
Which areas are truly high-end in Dublin right now?
The truly high-end neighborhoods in Dublin in 2026 include Blackrock (A94), Dublin 4 (Ballsbridge, Sandymount), Dublin 6 (Ranelagh, Rathmines), and parts of Dublin 14 (Dundrum area and select southside villages), where median prices sit far above the city average.
These Dublin areas are considered truly high-end because they combine prestigious addresses, excellent schools, mature tree-lined streets, proximity to coastal amenities or parkland, and a concentration of period properties and embassy-belt residences.
Typical buyers in Dublin's high-end areas include senior executives, successful entrepreneurs, returning Irish diaspora, international professionals relocating for tech or finance roles, and families trading up after selling properties in other premium locations.
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How much does it really cost to buy, beyond the price, in Dublin in 2026?
What are the total closing costs in Dublin in 2026 as a percentage?
As of early 2026, total closing costs for buying property in Dublin typically range from 2.5% to 4.5% of the purchase price, depending on whether you are a cash buyer (lower end) or using a mortgage (higher end due to additional valuation and registration fees).
Most standard Dublin property transactions fall within a realistic range of 3% to 4% for total closing costs, covering stamp duty, legal fees, and various outlays required to complete the purchase.
The main fee categories making up Dublin closing costs include stamp duty (1% on properties up to €1 million), solicitor conveyancing fees, property registration with Tailte Eireann, and if applicable, mortgage valuation and registration charges.
To avoid hidden costs and bad surprises, you can check our our pack covering the property buying process in Dublin.
How much are notary, registration, and legal fees in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, Ireland does not use a notary system for property purchases, so your main professional cost is a solicitor for conveyancing, which typically runs €2,000 to €4,000 plus VAT (around $2,350 to $4,700 USD or €2,400 to €4,800 including VAT).
Solicitor and registration fees in Dublin generally represent 0.5% to 1.5% of the property price, with the percentage being higher on lower-value properties and lower on more expensive purchases.
The solicitor's conveyancing fee is usually the most expensive component among these costs in Dublin, while registration fees with Tailte Eireann and other outlays typically add a few hundred euros on top.
What annual property taxes should I expect in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, annual property tax in Dublin (called Local Property Tax or LPT) for a typical property valued around €500,000 is approximately €400 to €450 per year ($470 to $530 USD), which is relatively modest compared to many other countries.
LPT in Dublin represents roughly 0.08% to 0.1% of property value annually for mid-range properties, making it a small ongoing cost compared to purchase taxes or maintenance expenses.
Property taxes in Dublin vary by local authority area, with Dublin City Council applying a 0% adjustment to the base rate while Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown applies a minus 15% adjustment, meaning identical properties can have different LPT bills depending on their exact location.
Owner-occupiers in Dublin may qualify for deferrals in certain hardship circumstances, and properties valued below the lowest band pay the minimum charge, though exemptions are limited for standard residential purchases.
You can find the list of all property taxes, costs and fees when buying in Dublin here.
Is mortgage a viable option for foreigners in Dublin right now?
Foreigners can legally buy property in Dublin without any residency restrictions, but obtaining an Irish mortgage as a non-resident with foreign income is more challenging and typically requires higher deposits than standard domestic buyers.
Foreign buyers in Dublin who are resident in Ireland with Irish or EU income can access loan-to-value ratios of up to 90% for first-time buyers (80% for second-time buyers), with interest rates currently ranging from around 3.5% to 5% depending on the lender and product.
Non-resident foreign buyers typically need to provide proof of income (usually 3.5 times gross income is the maximum loan allowed under Central Bank rules), tax returns, bank statements, proof of address, and sometimes a larger deposit of 30% or more depending on the lender's risk appetite.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Dublin.
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 should I predict for resale and growth in Dublin in 2026?
What property types resell fastest in Dublin in 2026?
As of early 2026, the property types that resell fastest in Dublin are turnkey two-to-three-bedroom houses in family suburbs with good schools and transport, followed by well-managed one-to-two-bedroom apartments near major employment zones and Luas, DART, or quality bus corridors.
Correctly priced properties in Dublin typically go sale-agreed within 2 to 6 weeks in the current tight market, though completion from sale-agreed to keys commonly takes 8 to 16 weeks or longer due to legal work and documentation requirements.
Properties in Dublin sell faster when they have clean paperwork, a functional owners' management company (for apartments), reasonable service charges, and a decent BER rating, because these factors make mortgage approval smoother and reduce buyer hesitation.
The slowest properties to resell in Dublin tend to be large period homes requiring significant renovation, apartments in developments with known defects or legal issues, and properties in areas with poor transport links or negative local perceptions.
If you're interested, we cover all the best exit strategies in our real estate pack about Dublin.
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| Central Statistics Office (CSO) RPPI | Ireland's official property price statistics using administrative transaction data. | We used CSO data to anchor Dublin's median prices and Eircode-level comparisons. We cross-checked their figures against portal asking prices for consistency. |
| Property Price Register (PSRA) | Official register of Irish residential sale prices declared for stamp duty. | We used the register to verify actual transaction prices by street and area. We recommend it as the primary tool for buyers to check if asking prices are realistic. |
| Revenue Commissioners (Stamp Duty) | Ireland's tax authority and primary source for property tax rates. | We used Revenue data to calculate purchase taxes at different price points. We also used their thresholds to explain where "luxury" pricing typically begins. |
| Revenue Commissioners (LPT) | Primary source for Local Property Tax bands and local authority adjustments. | We used LPT bands to estimate annual property taxes for typical Dublin price levels. We included local adjustment factors for accurate Dublin-specific calculations. |
| Citizens Information | Irish government's public information service written for non-experts. | We used their guidance to confirm foreigners face no residency restrictions on buying. We referenced their cost breakdowns for closing fee estimates. |
| Central Bank of Ireland | Banking regulator setting nationwide mortgage borrowing limits. | We used their mortgage measures to explain LTV and LTI constraints. We framed mortgage viability for foreign buyers based on their rules. |
| European Central Bank (ECB) | Central bank's published reference exchange rates. | We used ECB rates to convert USD budgets to EUR at January 2026 levels. We avoided hand-wavy FX assumptions by anchoring to official data. |
| Daft.ie House Price Report | Ireland's largest property portal with consistent methodology over time. | We used Daft data to understand market tightness and competition levels. We validated price direction and speed against official CSO transaction data. |
| MyHome.ie Property Report | Major Irish portal with a long-running quarterly research series. | We used MyHome data to triangulate asking prices against CSO medians. We treated it as a second benchmark to avoid relying on one portal alone. |
| SCSI Real Cost of Renovation | Professional body for chartered surveyors providing evidence-based renovation guidance. | We used SCSI data to set realistic renovation expectations for entry-level buyers. We calibrated what "work needed" actually costs in Dublin. |
| SEAI One Stop Shop | Ireland's national sustainable energy authority with program cost data. | We used SEAI figures to estimate energy upgrade costs common in older Dublin properties. We grounded "hidden renovation costs" in real grant program data. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Ireland. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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