Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Ireland Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Ireland Property Pack
Looking to understand housing prices in Ireland in 2026? You're in the right place.
We've gathered the latest data on the Irish property market and broken it down into simple, easy-to-digest information.
This article is constantly updated to reflect the most recent trends in the Ireland real estate market.
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 Ireland.
Insights
- In Ireland in 2026, buyers typically pay around 6% above the asking price nationally, and this figure jumps to 8.5% in Dublin due to intense competition for limited housing stock.
- The price gap between Dublin and the rest of Ireland is significant: Dublin's median home price of €495,000 is roughly 30% higher than the national median of €381,000.
- Ireland's cheapest areas like Castlerea in County Roscommon have median prices around €150,000, while premium Dublin postcodes like Blackrock exceed €800,000.
- New-build homes in Ireland cost roughly 10% to 20% more than comparable existing properties, reflecting better energy efficiency and lower immediate maintenance needs.
- Existing houses dominate the Irish market at around 60% to 65% of all sales, with new apartments making up less than 7% of transactions.
- Irish house prices have grown by 7.3% year-on-year as of late 2025, but once you factor in 2.9% inflation, real growth is closer to 4%.
- The price per square meter in Dublin can reach €10,000 or more in premium areas, while rural counties like Donegal average closer to €2,000 per square meter.
- Over the past decade, Ireland property prices have risen by an estimated 60% to 90% in nominal terms, driven by chronic undersupply and urban job concentration.
What is the average housing price in Ireland in 2026?
The median housing price is more useful than the average because it represents the true middle of the market, meaning half of all homes sold for less and half sold for more, without being skewed by a few very expensive properties.
As of early 2026, we are using the latest data from Ireland's Central Statistics Office and Daft.ie, which we have manually verified for accuracy.
The median housing price in Ireland in 2026 is €381,000 (approximately $446,000 or €381,000 in euros). The average asking price on the market is slightly lower at €358,000 (approximately $419,000 or €358,000).
Around 80% of residential properties in Ireland in 2026 fall within a price range of €230,000 to €650,000 (approximately $269,000 to $761,000).
A realistic entry-level price range in Ireland in 2026 is €150,000 to €230,000 ($176,000 to $269,000), which typically gets you an existing 2-bedroom cottage around 70 square meters in rural areas like Roscommon or Donegal that may need some upgrades.
Luxury properties in Ireland in 2026 typically range from €1,200,000 to €2,500,000 or more ($1.4 million to $2.9 million), and for this price you can expect a renovated 4 to 5 bedroom period home of 200 to 300 square meters in Dublin's prestigious coastal areas like Blackrock.
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Ireland.
Are Ireland property listing prices close to the actual sale price in 2026?
In Ireland in 2026, homes typically sell for around 6% above the listed asking price nationally, and in Dublin the premium is even higher at approximately 8% to 9%.
This happens because Ireland has a severe shortage of homes for sale, which creates bidding wars among buyers. The gap between list and sale price is largest in Dublin and other high-demand urban areas where supply is most constrained and multiple buyers compete for the same property.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Ireland
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
What is the price per sq m or per sq ft for properties in Ireland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated median price in Ireland is around €4,000 per square meter or €370 per square foot ($4,700 per sqm or $433 per sqft). The average asking price works out to roughly €3,770 per square meter or €350 per square foot ($4,400 per sqm or $410 per sqft).
Small, well-located apartments in city centers have the highest price per square meter in Ireland in 2026, while large rural houses far from employment centers have the lowest, because location and commute time are heavily priced into property values.
The highest prices per square meter in Ireland in 2026 are found in South County Dublin areas like Blackrock (€6,500 to €10,500 per sqm) and Dublin 4 coastal neighborhoods. The lowest prices are in rural areas like Castlerea in Roscommon (€1,500 to €2,500 per sqm) and parts of County Donegal.
How have property prices evolved in Ireland?
Compared to one year ago, Ireland property prices have increased by 7.3% as of late 2025, with Dublin rising 5.4% and areas outside Dublin growing even faster at 8.9%. This growth is driven by a persistent shortage of homes for sale combined with strong buyer demand.
Looking back about ten years, Ireland housing prices have risen by an estimated 60% to 90% in nominal terms, though after adjusting for inflation the real increase is closer to 35% to 60%. The main drivers have been chronic undersupply relative to population growth and the concentration of high-paying jobs in Dublin and commuter counties.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the latest updates on property price variations in Ireland.
Finally, if you want to know whether now is a good time to buy a property there, you can check our pack covering everything there is to know about the housing market in Ireland.
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 types of homes are sold in Ireland and how do their prices compare in 2026?
In Ireland in 2026, existing houses make up roughly 60% to 65% of the market, new houses around 20%, existing apartments 10% to 15%, and new apartments just 3% to 7%, because the country has historically built more houses than apartments and new construction remains limited.
Prices vary significantly by property type in Ireland. Existing apartments in Dublin City Centre typically range from €400,000 to €450,000 ($468,000 to $527,000). Existing 3-bedroom semi-detached houses in Dublin suburbs cost around €390,000 to €430,000 ($457,000 to $503,000). New-build houses in commuter counties like Kildare average €460,000 ($539,000), while larger detached homes in regional cities like Galway cost around €320,000 ($375,000). Premium family homes in South County Dublin can reach €1,400,000 ($1,640,000) or more.
If you want to know more, you should read our dedicated analyses:
- How much do properties cost in Ireland?
- How much should you pay for a house in Ireland?
- How much should you pay for lands in Ireland?
How do property prices compare between existing and new homes in Ireland in 2026?
New-build homes in Ireland in 2026 typically cost around 10% to 20% more than comparable existing properties in the same area.
This premium exists because new homes come with better energy efficiency ratings, modern building standards, builder warranties, and require less immediate maintenance or renovation work, making them more attractive to buyers and often easier to finance.
Buying real estate in Ireland 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.
How do property prices vary by neighborhood in Ireland in 2026?
In South County Dublin, which includes prestigious areas like Blackrock and Dún Laoghaire, you'll find mainly 3 to 5 bedroom family homes and period properties priced between €650,000 and €1,500,000 ($761,000 to $1,760,000). Prices are high here because of excellent schools, coastal amenities, and easy access to Dublin's major employers.
Dublin's Grand Canal Dock and Docklands area features mostly modern apartments, typically 1 to 2 bedrooms, ranging from €450,000 to €900,000 ($527,000 to $1,050,000). This area commands premium prices because of its proximity to major tech and finance company headquarters and its relatively new housing stock.
In contrast, Limerick City offers much better value with 2 to 4 bedroom houses and apartments ranging from €240,000 to €420,000 ($281,000 to $492,000). Prices are lower here because Limerick is further from Dublin's job market, though the city has been growing as a regional employment center.
You will find a much more detailed analysis by areas in our property pack about Ireland. Meanwhile, here is a quick summary table we have made so you can understand how prices change across areas:
| Neighborhood | Character | Avg Price Range | Price per sqm | Price per sqft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South County Dublin | Premium / Family | €650k - €1.5m ($761k - $1.76m) | €6,000 - €10,000 ($7,000 - $11,700) | €557 - €929 ($652 - $1,087) |
| South City Dublin | Popular / Commute | €420k - €750k ($492k - $878k) | €5,000 - €8,000 ($5,900 - $9,400) | €464 - €743 ($543 - $870) |
| Dublin City Centre | Central / Investor | €380k - €700k ($445k - $820k) | €5,500 - €9,000 ($6,400 - $10,500) | €511 - €836 ($598 - $979) |
| North City Dublin | Value / Commute | €350k - €650k ($410k - $761k) | €4,500 - €7,000 ($5,300 - $8,200) | €418 - €650 ($490 - $761) |
| West County Dublin | Family / Space | €320k - €550k ($375k - $645k) | €3,800 - €5,500 ($4,500 - $6,400) | €353 - €511 ($413 - $598) |
| North County Dublin | Family / Space | €340k - €600k ($398k - $703k) | €3,700 - €5,500 ($4,300 - $6,400) | €344 - €511 ($402 - $598) |
| Cork City | City / Growth | €300k - €520k ($351k - $609k) | €3,500 - €5,500 ($4,100 - $6,400) | €325 - €511 ($380 - $598) |
| Galway City | City / Constrained | €350k - €600k ($410k - $703k) | €3,800 - €6,000 ($4,500 - $7,000) | €353 - €557 ($413 - $652) |
| Limerick City | Value City | €240k - €420k ($281k - $492k) | €2,800 - €4,200 ($3,300 - $4,900) | €260 - €390 ($304 - $457) |
| Waterford City | Value City | €220k - €380k ($258k - $445k) | €2,500 - €3,800 ($2,900 - $4,500) | €232 - €353 ($271 - $413) |
| Blackrock (Dublin) | Expat / Premium | €750k - €1.3m ($879k - $1.52m) | €6,500 - €10,500 ($7,600 - $12,300) | €604 - €975 ($707 - $1,140) |
| Castlerea (Roscommon) | Entry / Rural | €140k - €220k ($164k - $258k) | €1,500 - €2,500 ($1,800 - $2,900) | €139 - €232 ($163 - $271) |
How much more do you pay for properties in Ireland when you include renovation work, taxes, and fees?
When buying a property in Ireland in 2026, expect to pay an additional 3% to 8% on top of the purchase price for stamp duty, legal fees, surveys, and other closing costs, though this can rise to 20% to 50% more if you buy an older property that needs significant renovation.
For a property around $200,000 (approximately €171,000) in Ireland, you would pay about €1,700 in stamp duty, plus €6,000 to €12,000 in legal fees, surveys, and other costs. That brings your total to roughly €179,000 to €185,000 ($209,000 to $217,000), or about 5% to 8% above the purchase price.
For a property around $500,000 (approximately €427,000) in Ireland, stamp duty would be around €4,300, with additional costs of €8,000 to €18,000. Your total would come to approximately €440,000 to €450,000 ($515,000 to $527,000), adding 3% to 5% to the purchase price.
For a property around $1,000,000 (approximately €854,000) in Ireland, stamp duty increases to about €8,500 (1% on the first €1m), plus €10,000 to €20,000 in other costs. Your total would be approximately €873,000 to €883,000 ($1,021,000 to $1,033,000), adding around 2% to 3% above the purchase price, though properties at this level often involve additional expenses for specialized legal work.
By the way, we keep updated a blog article detailing the property taxes and fees to factor in the total buying cost in Ireland.
Meanwhile, here is a detailed table of the additional expenses you may have to pay when buying a new property in Ireland
| Expense | Type | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Stamp Duty | Tax | 1% of purchase price up to €1 million ($1.17m), with higher rates above that threshold. For a €400,000 home, this means €4,000 ($4,680). This is the main government tax on property purchases in Ireland. |
| Solicitor / Conveyancing | Fees | €2,000 to €5,000 ($2,340 to $5,850) depending on property complexity and location. This covers legal work including title searches, contract review, and transfer of ownership. More expensive properties or complicated sales may cost more. |
| Survey and Valuation | Fees | €500 to €1,500 ($585 to $1,755) for a structural survey and mortgage valuation. A basic valuation for mortgage purposes costs less, while a full structural survey for older properties costs more. We recommend a full survey for any existing home. |
| Mortgage Protection Insurance | Fees | Varies based on loan amount, term, and your age and health. This is typically required by Irish lenders and protects your family by paying off the mortgage if you die. Costs are ongoing rather than one-time, usually added to monthly payments. |
| Home Insurance | Fees | €300 to €800 ($351 to $936) annually, required by lenders before mortgage drawdown. The cost depends on property size, location, and rebuild value. You'll need buildings insurance at minimum, with contents insurance optional but recommended. |
| Land Registry Fees | Fees | €400 to €800 ($468 to $936) typically included in solicitor fees. This covers official registration of your ownership with the Property Registration Authority. The fee depends on the property value and whether the title is already registered. |
| Moving Costs | Practical | €500 to €3,000 ($585 to $3,510) depending on distance and volume. Local moves within the same city cost less, while moves from abroad or with lots of furniture cost more. Factor in temporary storage if needed between properties. |
| Renovation (if needed) | Renovation | €0 to €100,000+ ($0 to $117,000+) depending entirely on property condition and your plans. A turn-key new build needs nothing, while an older cottage might need €20,000 to €60,000 for modernization. Major renovations of period properties can exceed €100,000. |
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 properties can you buy in Ireland in 2026 with different budgets?
With $100,000 (approximately €85,000), there is very limited choice in Ireland's property market because this budget falls well below typical prices. You might find a derelict cottage shell needing major renovation in rural Donegal, a small studio in a very low-demand area, or a rural site with partial structure that is not move-in ready.
With $200,000 (approximately €171,000), you could buy an existing 2-bedroom cottage of around 70 square meters in Roscommon or similar rural counties that may need some upgrades, an existing 2-bedroom apartment of 55 square meters in a smaller town outside the main cities, or an existing 3-bedroom rural house of 90 square meters in older condition with a longer commute to employment centers.
With $300,000 (approximately €256,000), you could purchase an existing 3-bedroom semi-detached house of around 95 square meters in a Midlands town with older finishes, an existing 2-bedroom apartment of 60 square meters in Waterford's commuter areas, or an existing 3-bedroom terraced house of 85 square meters in Limerick suburbs suitable for a starter family home.
With $500,000 (approximately €427,000), your options expand significantly to include an existing 2-bedroom apartment of 55 to 65 square meters on the fringe of Dublin City Centre, an existing 3-bedroom semi-detached house of 100 square meters in Dublin's North City or West County areas, or an existing 4-bedroom detached house of 140 square meters in Cork's commuter belt.
With $1,000,000 (approximately €854,000), you can access premium properties such as an existing 4-bedroom family home of 170 to 220 square meters in South City Dublin, a large renovated period terrace of 160 to 220 square meters in Dublin 6's prime suburb pattern, or a high-end coastal home of 180 to 250 square meters in Dublin's premium belt near areas like Blackrock.
With $2,000,000 (approximately €1,710,000), you're in the luxury segment of the Ireland market where you could buy a premium 5-bedroom home of 250 to 350 square meters in South County Dublin with high-spec renovation, a large period home of around 300 square meters in Dublin 4 or Dublin 6 that has been extensively modernized, or a trophy coastal property of 250 square meters or more on a premium site with limited comparable supply.
If you need a more detailed analysis, we have a blog article detailing what you can buy at different budget levels in Ireland.
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 Ireland, 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 statistics agency using administrative transaction data from Revenue filings. | We used it for official median prices, Dublin vs non-Dublin splits, and the official price index trend. We also used it to anchor historical comparisons using RPPI levels and annual growth rates. |
| Central Statistics Office (CSO) - CPI | The official inflation measure published by Ireland's national statistics agency. | We used it to inflation-correct long-term price changes so readers can understand real vs nominal growth. We also used it to explain why prices feel higher when everyday costs rise too. |
| Daft.ie House Price Report Q2 2025 | A long-running, widely cited Irish property index with transparent methodology and academic authorship. | We used it for average asking prices, regional and city comparisons, and market heat analysis of list vs sale differences. We also used it to describe supply constraints and bidding pressure. |
| Revenue Ireland - Stamp Duty Rates | The official Irish tax authority that sets and publishes stamp duty rules. | We used it to estimate buyer costs on top of the purchase price. We also used it in total cost examples showing stamp duty bands. |
| Citizens Information - Costs of Buying a Home | A government-supported public information service that explains rules and costs in plain language. | We used it to describe typical legal fees, surveys, insurance, and other buyer costs people often forget. We also used it to keep our explanations low-jargon and practical. |
| BPFI Housing Market Monitor Q2 2025 | The main industry federation for banking and payments, publishing regular housing market statistics. | We used it to support our evidence-based breakdown of property types including houses vs apartments and new vs existing. We avoided guessing market mix based only on listings. |
| European Central Bank - EUR/USD Rate | The ECB's published reference exchange rate series for official currency conversions. | We used it to convert euro prices into USD consistently throughout the article. We applied a rate of €1 = $1.17 based on late 2025 reference rates. |
| Property Price Register Ireland | The official register of residential property sales prices maintained by the Property Services Regulatory Authority. | We noted that this register does not include floor area data, which is why price-per-sqm figures must be estimated. We used it to understand data limitations in Ireland. |
| CSO Eircode Median Data | Official granular data showing median prices by postal code area across Ireland. | We used it to identify the highest and lowest priced areas in Ireland by eircode. We anchored our neighborhood comparisons to these official median figures. |
| Daft.ie Listings Platform | Ireland's largest property listings website with comprehensive market coverage. | We used it to understand asking price patterns and typical property descriptions. We cross-referenced listings data with official transaction records. |
| MyHome.ie | A major Irish property portal backed by The Irish Times with broad market coverage. | We used it to verify typical property descriptions and price ranges across different areas. We cross-checked regional patterns against other sources. |
| Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland | The professional body for surveyors providing market analysis and construction cost data. | We used their guidance to understand typical renovation costs and survey fees. We incorporated their professional standards into our cost estimates. |
| Central Bank of Ireland | Ireland's financial regulator setting mortgage lending rules and publishing market analysis. | We considered their mortgage rules when discussing buyer behavior and market dynamics. We used their data to understand lending patterns. |
| Department of Housing Ireland | The government department responsible for housing policy and market monitoring. | We used their policy context to explain supply constraints in the Irish market. We referenced their data on housing completions and planning. |
| Residential Tenancies Board | The statutory body regulating the rental sector with data on housing stock. | We used their context on the rental market to understand overall housing dynamics. We noted how rental constraints affect purchase demand. |
| Ibec - Irish Business Employers Confederation | Ireland's largest business representative organization with economic analysis. | We used their economic context to understand demand drivers in the housing market. We referenced their analysis of employment patterns. |
| Economic and Social Research Institute | Ireland's leading independent research institute for economic and social analysis. | We consulted their housing research for long-term trend analysis. We used their methodology insights to improve our estimates. |
| The Irish Times - Business | Ireland's newspaper of record with authoritative business and property journalism. | We used their reporting to verify market conditions and recent developments. We cross-checked our findings against their property coverage. |
| RTÉ News - Business | Ireland's national public broadcaster with comprehensive news coverage. | We used their reporting to stay current on market developments. We verified timing of market changes through their coverage. |
| Houses of the Oireachtas | Ireland's parliament publishing official records and research papers on housing. | We consulted their research papers for policy context and historical data. We used their analysis to understand regulatory framework. |
| CBRE Ireland | A major international real estate firm with detailed Irish market research. | We used their professional market reports to cross-check our findings. We referenced their analysis of premium market segments. |
| Savills Ireland | An international property firm with strong Irish market presence and research. | We consulted their research for premium property pricing guidance. We used their insights on Dublin's prime residential areas. |
| Sherry FitzGerald | One of Ireland's largest estate agents with comprehensive national market data. | We used their local market knowledge to verify neighborhood descriptions. We cross-referenced their price guides with official data. |
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Ireland
Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.