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
Ireland's property market continues to evolve, shaped by persistent housing shortages, shifting mortgage rates, and strong demand from both local buyers and international investors.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or simply curious about where prices are headed, understanding Ireland's real estate trends is essential for making informed decisions.
This article breaks down current housing prices in Ireland, recent market movements, and what experts predict for the years ahead, and we constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data.
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
- Irish homebuyers typically pay around 6% above asking price nationally, but in Dublin the premium jumps to 8.5% due to intense competition for limited housing stock.
- The price gap between Dublin and the rest of Ireland is significant: Dublin's median of €495,000 is roughly 30% higher than the national median of €381,000.
- Ireland needs around 44,000 new homes per year according to the ESRI, but completions remain well below this target at approximately 32,500 to 34,500 annually.
- Apartments outside Dublin are rising faster than houses, with a 10.5% annual increase compared to 8.8% for houses, as buyers seek affordable entry points.
- The Midlands region, including Laois, Longford, Offaly, and Westmeath, recorded Ireland's strongest house price growth at around 15% in the past year.
- Energy-efficient homes with A-rated BER certificates now command premiums of 10% to 15% over standard properties in Ireland's market.
- Ireland's population grew by 78,300 people in 2025 alone, reaching 5.46 million and intensifying pressure on an already constrained housing supply.
- Nearly 42,300 rental properties owned by private investors left the Irish market between 2020 and early 2025, contributing to the rental supply crisis.
What are the current property price trends in Ireland as of 2026?
What is the average house price in Ireland as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the median house price in Ireland stands at approximately €381,000 (around $446,000 or €381,000 in euros), which represents the true middle of the market where half of all homes sold for more and half sold for less.
When you look at the price per square meter, Irish properties average around €3,300 to €4,000 per square meter (approximately $3,850 to $4,700 per sqm), though this varies significantly between apartments and houses because apartments are smaller on average at around 75 square meters compared to detached houses at roughly 166 square meters.
For most buyers in Ireland in 2026, the realistic price range covering roughly 80% of property purchases falls between €230,000 and €650,000 (approximately $269,000 to $761,000), with entry-level properties starting around €150,000 in rural areas like Roscommon or Donegal and premium Dublin coastal properties exceeding €1.2 million.
How much have property prices increased in Ireland over the past 12 months?
Irish residential property prices increased by 7.3% year-on-year to October 2025, according to the Central Statistics Office's Residential Property Price Index, which remains the most authoritative measure of price movements in Ireland.
This growth varied considerably across property types and regions, with prices outside Dublin rising by 8.9% compared to 5.4% in Dublin, while apartments outside Dublin saw the strongest gains at around 10.5% annually.
The single most significant factor behind this continued price growth in Ireland is the persistent supply shortage, as housing completions of around 32,500 to 34,500 units per year remain well below the estimated 44,000 homes needed annually to meet demand.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest rising property prices in Ireland as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the fastest rising property prices in Ireland are concentrated in the Midlands region (including Laois, Longford, Offaly, and Westmeath), Dublin City centre, and commuter towns in North Wicklow such as Bray and Greystones.
The Midlands region recorded the strongest growth at approximately 15% for houses over the past year, while Dublin City saw around 6% growth and apartment prices outside Dublin climbed by roughly 10.5% annually.
The main demand driver behind these fast-rising areas in Ireland is the combination of relative affordability compared to prime Dublin locations and improved transport connectivity, as buyers priced out of Dublin's coastal suburbs seek value in well-connected alternative locations.
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges across neighborhoods in our property pack covering the real estate market in Ireland.
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 Ireland as of 2026?
As of January 2026, apartments are appreciating faster than houses in most Irish markets, particularly outside Dublin where apartment values rose by approximately 10.5% compared to 8.8% for houses, while in Dublin apartments grew by around 6.1% versus 5.2% for houses.
The top-performing property type, apartments outside Dublin, is experiencing annual appreciation of approximately 10% to 11%, driven by first-time buyers seeking affordable entry points into the market.
The main reason apartments are outperforming in Ireland is that they represent the affordability "pressure valve" for buyers who cannot afford family homes, and the supply of apartments remains particularly constrained due to development viability challenges.
Finally, if you're interested in a specific property type, you will find our latest analyses here:
- 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?
What is driving property prices up or down in Ireland as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three factors driving property prices in Ireland are the chronic undersupply of housing relative to demand, easing mortgage rates following ECB policy shifts, and strong employment and income growth particularly in Dublin's multinational sector.
The single factor with the strongest upward pressure on Irish property prices remains the supply constraint, as Ireland consistently builds fewer homes than the 44,000 units per year that economists estimate are needed, while population growth of 78,300 people in 2025 alone continues to intensify demand.
If you want to understand these factors at a deeper level, you can read our latest property market analysis about Ireland here.
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 property price forecast for Ireland in 2026?
How much are property prices expected to increase in Ireland in 2026?
As of January 2026, Irish property prices are expected to increase by approximately 3% to 5% over the coming year, representing a moderation from the 7.3% growth recorded in the previous twelve months.
Forecasts from different analysts range from Bank of Ireland's explicit expectation of around 3.5% growth to more optimistic estimates of up to 6%, depending on assumptions about mortgage rate movements and housing supply delivery.
The main assumption underlying most price forecasts for Ireland is that housing supply will remain constrained and unable to meet demand, while affordability pressures and stretched buyer budgets will prevent a return to double-digit growth rates.
We go deeper and try to understand how solid are these forecasts in our pack covering the property market in Ireland.
Which neighborhoods will see the highest price growth in Ireland in 2026?
As of January 2026, the neighborhoods expected to see the highest price growth in Ireland include areas along DART+ rail corridors in Greater Dublin, the North Dublin and Airport-accessible corridor linked to MetroLink, and commuter towns like Bray and Greystones in North Wicklow.
These top-performing areas are projected to see price growth of approximately 5% to 8% in 2026, outperforming the national average due to improved transport connectivity and sustained demand from Dublin workers seeking value.
The primary catalyst driving expected growth in these Irish neighborhoods is infrastructure investment, as the DART+ programme, MetroLink, and BusConnects upgrades reduce commute times and make previously "second-choice" locations more attractive to buyers.
One emerging area in Ireland that could surprise with higher-than-expected growth is the Midlands region, where recent momentum of around 15% growth, combined with remote work flexibility and relative affordability, may continue to attract buyers priced out of urban centres.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Ireland.
What property types will appreciate the most in Ireland in 2026?
As of January 2026, apartments are expected to appreciate the most in Ireland, particularly in urban centres and commuter hubs where they serve as the primary entry point for first-time buyers facing affordability constraints.
The projected appreciation for apartments in Ireland ranges from 6% to 10% depending on location, with the strongest gains expected outside Dublin where supply is particularly constrained and demand from price-sensitive buyers is highest.
The main demand trend driving apartment appreciation in Ireland is the affordability squeeze, as buyers who cannot afford family homes in their preferred locations trade space for connectivity, pushing apartment prices higher in well-located areas.
Properties in need of extensive renovation or those with poor energy ratings are expected to underperform in Ireland in 2026, as buyers increasingly prioritise turnkey homes and energy-efficient properties that command premiums of 10% to 15%.
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 Ireland in 2026?
As of January 2026, the easing of ECB policy rates is expected to have a moderately supportive effect on Irish property prices, as lower mortgage rates improve buyer affordability and purchasing power.
The current ECB deposit rate has moved significantly lower from its 2023 peaks, and Irish mortgage rates on new business have been drifting down through 2025, with average rates now around 3.5% to 4% compared to higher levels seen in previous years.
In Ireland, a 1% change in mortgage interest rates typically affects monthly repayments by around €150 to €200 on a €300,000 loan, which translates to a change in buying power of approximately €30,000 to €40,000 and directly influences how much buyers can bid at auction.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Ireland.
What are the biggest risks for property prices in Ireland in 2026?
As of January 2026, the three biggest risks for property prices in Ireland are an unexpected reversal in interest rate policy that tightens borrowing conditions, a sudden surge in housing supply that exceeds demand, and external economic shocks given Ireland's exposure to global trade cycles.
The single risk with the highest probability of materialising in Ireland is continued apartment development viability challenges, which could worsen the supply shortage and paradoxically push prices higher while making homeownership even less accessible for first-time buyers.
We actually cover all these risks and their likelihoods in our pack about the real estate market in Ireland.
Is it a good time to buy a rental property in Ireland in 2026?
As of January 2026, buying a rental property in Ireland presents a mixed picture: structural demand remains strong due to the housing shortage, but high purchase prices and regulatory complexity make the decision highly location-dependent.
The strongest argument in favour of buying a rental property in Ireland now is that vacancy risk is exceptionally low in good locations, rental demand far exceeds supply with fewer than 2,300 rental listings available nationwide at recent counts, and rents continue to grow at around 5% to 7% annually.
The strongest argument for waiting before buying a rental property in Ireland is that purchase prices are high relative to rental yields in premium areas, and the regulatory environment for landlords has prompted nearly 42,300 private investors to exit the rental market since 2020.
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 Ireland.
You'll also find a dedicated document about this specific question in our pack about real estate in Ireland.
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.
Where will property prices be in 5 years in Ireland?
What is the 5-year property price forecast for Ireland as of 2026?
As of January 2026, Irish property prices are expected to grow by approximately 15% to 25% cumulatively over the next five years, reflecting continued demand pressure against a backdrop of gradually improving but still insufficient supply.
The range of 5-year forecasts for Ireland spans from a conservative scenario of around 15% total growth (if supply improves faster than expected) to an optimistic scenario of 25% or more (if supply remains deeply constrained and incomes continue rising).
This translates to a projected average annual appreciation rate of approximately 3% to 5% per year over the next five years in Ireland, which represents a moderation from recent growth but still outpaces general inflation.
The key assumption most forecasters rely on for their 5-year Irish property predictions is that housing completions will remain below the estimated 44,000 units per year needed to meet structural demand, keeping upward pressure on prices despite affordability constraints.
Which areas in Ireland will have the best price growth over the next 5 years?
The areas in Ireland expected to have the best price growth over the next five years include Greater Dublin rail corridors along the DART+ network, the North Dublin and Airport corridor benefiting from MetroLink development, and selective commuter towns like Bray and Greystones in North Wicklow.
These top-performing areas are projected to see 5-year cumulative price growth of approximately 25% to 35%, outpacing the national average due to improved transport connectivity and persistent demand from Dublin's employment base.
This differs from the shorter 2026 forecast because infrastructure effects compound over time, meaning areas near major transport investments typically see accelerating premiums as projects move from planning to construction to completion.
The currently undervalued area in Ireland with the best potential for outperformance over five years is Cork City and its suburbs, where strong employment in tech and pharma, combined with lower entry prices than Dublin, creates room for catch-up growth as the city's transport infrastructure improves.
What property type will give the best return in Ireland over 5 years as of 2026?
As of January 2026, well-located apartments in commutable suburbs and urban centres are expected to give the best total return over five years in Ireland, driven by a combination of strong capital appreciation and steady rental demand.
The projected 5-year total return for apartments in good Irish locations, including both price appreciation and rental income, ranges from approximately 35% to 50%, though this varies significantly by specific area and building quality.
The main structural trend favouring apartments in Ireland over the next five years is the continued affordability squeeze, as buyers trade space for location and newer apartment stock benefits from energy efficiency premiums of 10% to 15%.
For buyers seeking the best balance of return and lower risk over five years in Ireland, 3 to 4 bedroom semi-detached houses in established commuter suburbs remain the most liquid property type with the broadest resale demand and consistent value retention.
How will new infrastructure projects affect property prices in Ireland over 5 years?
The top three major infrastructure projects expected to impact Irish property prices over the next five years are MetroLink (connecting Swords to Charlemont via Dublin Airport), the DART+ programme (expanding rail capacity across Greater Dublin), and BusConnects (upgrading bus networks in Dublin, Cork, and other cities).
Properties near completed or advancing infrastructure projects in Ireland typically command price premiums of 5% to 15% compared to similar properties without such connectivity, with the premium growing as projects move from planning to delivery.
The specific neighborhoods in Ireland that will benefit most from these infrastructure developments include North Dublin along the MetroLink corridor, established rail suburbs like Malahide and Greystones benefiting from DART+ frequency improvements, and previously underserved areas gaining better bus connectivity through BusConnects.
How will population growth and other factors impact property values in Ireland in 5 years?
Ireland's population is projected to grow by approximately 1% to 1.4% annually over the next five years, reaching over 5.7 million people, which will sustain strong demand for housing and keep upward pressure on property values unless supply dramatically increases.
The demographic shift with the strongest influence on Irish property demand over the coming years is the continued growth of households, as average household size in Ireland remains high by European standards and is expected to decline, creating additional demand even without population growth.
Migration patterns, both domestic movement from Dublin to commuter areas and continued international inflows, are expected to support property values particularly in the Greater Dublin region and major employment centres like Cork, Galway, and Limerick.
The property types and areas that will benefit most from these demographic trends in Ireland are apartments and starter homes in commutable locations, family houses in suburbs with good schools and transport links, and properties in regional cities with growing employment bases.
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 Ireland?
What is the 10-year property price prediction for Ireland as of 2026?
As of January 2026, Irish property prices are projected to grow by approximately 30% to 60% cumulatively over the next ten years, reflecting a wide range of possible outcomes depending on how supply, demand, and economic conditions evolve.
The range of 10-year forecasts for Ireland spans from a conservative scenario of around 30% total growth (if housing supply ramps up significantly and affordability constraints intensify) to an optimistic scenario of 60% or more (if supply remains chronically short and incomes continue rising).
This translates to a projected average annual appreciation rate of approximately 2.7% to 4.8% per year over the next decade in Ireland, representing steady nominal growth that outpaces general inflation in most scenarios.
The biggest uncertainty factor in making 10-year property price predictions for Ireland is the future trajectory of housing supply, as government policy, construction costs, planning reform, and developer viability will determine whether the current shortage persists or gradually resolves.
What long-term economic factors will shape property prices in Ireland?
The top three long-term economic factors that will shape Irish property prices over the next decade are the ECB interest rate cycle and its effect on mortgage affordability, housing supply delivery relative to structural demand, and Ireland's continued role as a European hub for multinational employment.
The single long-term economic factor with the most positive impact on Irish property values is likely to be sustained employment and income growth, particularly in Dublin's tech, pharma, and financial services sectors, which support buyer confidence and borrowing capacity.
The single long-term economic factor posing the greatest structural risk to Irish property values is the potential for a significant global economic shock or trade disruption that affects Ireland's multinational sector, given the country's high dependence on foreign direct investment.
You'll also find a much more detailed analysis in our pack about real estate in Ireland.
Is buying a property in Ireland a good long-term investment then?
For many households, buying property in Ireland can be a solid long-term store of value if you prioritise locations with strong transport connectivity, durable employment demand, and property types with broad resale appeal such as family homes and well-located apartments.
The strongest argument supporting Irish property as a long-term investment is the persistent structural undersupply of housing relative to population growth and household formation, which creates a floor under prices and makes significant price declines unlikely in the medium term.
However, Irish buyers should not ignore the specific risks, including potential regulatory changes affecting landlords, the cyclical nature of ECB rate policy, and the possibility that a sustained supply ramp-up could compress future price growth below historical averages.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| CSO Residential Property Price Index | Ireland's official, transaction-based house price index built from Revenue stamp duty filings. | We used it as the ground truth for current price growth and national and Dublin medians. We also used its regional breakdowns to anchor neighborhood commentary. |
| CSO RPPI Methodology | It explains exactly what the RPPI measures and how it is constructed. | We used it to keep the article honest about what the index does versus what median prices show. We triangulated trend versus typical price using this methodology. |
| CSO Domestic Building Energy Ratings | An official CSO publication with a large dataset that includes floor area by dwelling type. | We used average floor areas to turn median prices into credible price per square meter estimates. We used dwelling-type sizes to explain why apartments have higher prices per square meter. |
| CSO New Dwelling Completions | It's the official measure of new housing supply coming into the Irish market. | We used it to frame the supply side of prices and Ireland's key constraint. We used it to support the point that supply fluctuations matter for price forecasts. |
| Central Bank of Ireland Mortgage Statistics | It's the regulator's official view of mortgage pricing and trends in Ireland. | We used it to ground the interest rates section in actual mortgage rates paid. We used it to explain affordability mechanics in simple terms. |
| ECB Key Interest Rates | It's the official source for the benchmark rates that feed into Irish mortgage pricing. | We used it to anchor the direction of rates heading into 2026. We used it to avoid guesswork about where rates stand as of January 2026. |
| Bank of Ireland Ireland Outlook | A major Irish bank's research team publishing a named forecast with assumptions. | We used its explicit expectation that house price inflation slows to around 3.5% in 2026. We used it as one of our primary forecast anchors. |
| AIB Housing Market Bulletin | A major bank's regular market bulletin that compiles multiple official datasets consistently. | We used it as a cross-check on the direction of prices, affordability and rates. We used it to validate our 2026 growth scenario against mainstream bank research. |
| Daft.ie House Price Report | Ireland's best-known property portal research series with transparent, repeatable reporting. | We used it as a secondary lens on market heat and asking-price dynamics. We used it to add colour on market tightness and bidding pressure. |
| ESRI Housing Demand Research | Ireland's leading economic think tank with rigorous methodology on structural housing demand. | We used their estimate that Ireland needs around 44,000 homes per year to meet demand. We used it to frame why supply constraints will persist. |
| ESRI Quarterly Economic Commentary | It provides the macroeconomic context that shapes housing demand and affordability. | We used it for economic growth projections and employment trends. We used it to assess risks to property values from external shocks. |
| National Transport Authority Projects | It's the official national authority listing major transport investments in Ireland. | We used it to identify which infrastructure projects are genuinely live and relevant. We used it to connect likely winners to the 5-year outlook. |
| Transport Infrastructure Ireland MetroLink | It's the official project authority describing the MetroLink route and connectivity. | We used it to justify why North Dublin and Airport-accessible areas can see sustained demand. We used it for concrete examples rather than vague infrastructure statements. |
| NTA DART+ Programme | It's the official programme description for expanding rail capacity in Greater Dublin. | We used it to explain why established rail corridors can keep outperforming. We used it as a guide for neighbourhood examples near upgraded lines. |
| BusConnects Programme | It's the official programme site for bus network upgrades across Irish cities. | We used it to support the idea that better frequency can widen buyer search areas. We used it to add city-specific examples beyond Dublin rail projects. |
| CSO Ireland 2025: The Year in Numbers | An official CSO compilation providing the latest snapshot of population and housing data. | We used it for the most recent population growth figures showing 78,300 increase in 2025. We used it to confirm completion trends and price movements. |
| Global Property Guide Ireland | An international property research platform with consistent methodology across countries. | We used it for international context and rental market analysis. We used it to verify trends in landlord exits and rental supply constraints. |
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.
If you want to go deeper, you can read the following: