The latest MyHome Q2 2026 Property Report, produced in association with Bank of Ireland, offers one of the clearest snapshots yet of how Ireland’s housing market is evolving this year. For homeowners, buyers, and investors across Dublin and beyond, the findings highlight a market that remains competitive, supply‑sensitive, and shaped by affordability pressures — but also one where confidence has quietly strengthened.

At Mason Estates, we’ve broken down the key insights and what they mean for you.

Asking Prices Continue to Rise Nationwide

Annual asking price inflation has climbed to 5% nationwide , with Dublin slightly lower at 4.5% and the rest of Ireland at 5.4% . Quarter‑on‑quarter, asking prices rose 4.3% nationally, 3.8% in Dublin, and 4.7% outside the capital

This brings median asking prices to:

• €395,000 nationally
• €495,000 in Dublin
• €350,000 outside Dublin

Despite ongoing commentary around stretched affordability, vendors have continued to increase asking prices heading into the summer selling season .

Strong Buyer Competition: Homes Selling 7–10% Above Asking

One of the most striking trends is the continued intensity of buyer competition. Transactions in May and June were settling 7–8% above asking , and in Dublin the premium reached 9–10% .

This suggests that while affordability concerns are real, demand — particularly from first‑time buyers — remains robust.

Market Liquidity at Its Weakest Since 2014

Only 2% of Ireland’s 2.2 million homes are currently turning over each year, the lowest rate since 2014 . Put simply, the average home is now sold once every 50 years .

Existing homeowners appear reluctant to move, partly due to concerns about securing their next property and the rising cost of retrofitting older homes .

A Surge in Rental Tenancy Terminations Could Boost Supply

‘Notices‑for‑termination’ of rental tenancies have risen sharply — up 50% in Q1 2026 to 7,062 . With 60% of landlords intending to sell, this trend could add up to 5% to market liquidity over time .

While this may temporarily improve availability for homebuyers, it comes at the expense of renters facing reduced supply.

Mortgage Approvals Show Affordability Pressures Emerging

The average mortgage approval for house purchase in April was €345,700, up 2.7% year‑on‑year — a slowdown from 7.2% growth in 2025 . First‑time buyers in 2025 had an average income of €95,000, with typical loan‑to‑value ratios at 80% and loan‑to‑income at 3.5x .

Wages, however, continue to rise broadly in line with house prices, helping keep affordability “broadly steady” according to Bank of Ireland’s Chief Economist Conall MacCoille .

Housing Completions Could Reach 40,000 This Year

The report suggests that housing completions may exceed earlier forecasts, potentially reaching 40,000 units in 2026 . This would represent a meaningful improvement in new‑build supply — a critical factor in easing long‑term pressure on the market.

Listings Rising: A Positive Sign for Buyers

The number of properties listed for sale on MyHome reached 14,200 in June, up from 12,600 a year earlier . New listings for 2026 are also up 1.3% year‑on‑year .

MyHome Managing Director Joanne Geary notes that listings have jumped 20% in the last quarter, which should help ease competition among buyers .

What This Means for Mason Estates Clients

For Sellers

• Rising asking prices and strong premiums above asking indicate a favourable environment.
• Low liquidity means well‑presented homes stand out even more.
• Increased listings mean more competition — pricing and presentation matter.

For Buyers

• Competition remains intense, especially in Dublin.
• More listings and higher new‑build completions should gradually improve choice.
• Mortgage approval trends suggest acting sooner may be beneficial.

For Landlords

• Regulatory changes and rising tenancy terminations are reshaping the rental landscape.
• Many landlords are choosing to exit — creating opportunities for buyers seeking investment or starter homes.

Our Take

The Q2 2026 report paints a picture of a market that is still moving upward, still competitive, and still shaped by supply constraints — but with encouraging signs of improvement. More listings, rising completions, and steady wage growth suggest that while affordability is tight, the market remains fundamentally resilient.

At Mason Estates, we continue to guide buyers and sellers through these shifts with clear advice, local expertise, and a commitment to transparency.