Irish Housing Market Shows Renewed Momentum as Autumn 2026 Begins
Ireland’s property market entered the autumn period with a noticeable lift in activity, as new figures from the Central Statistics Office indicate a national annual price increase of 5.9% in August 2026. While still below the highs seen in late 2025, the latest Residential Property Price Index (RPPI) points to a market that remains resilient despite tighter lending conditions and ongoing supply constraints.
National Trends: Growth Stabilises After Summer Slowdown
August’s 5.9% annual rise represents a slight acceleration compared with July’s 5.6% increase, suggesting that the mid‑year cooling may have been temporary. The overall RPPI now sits just above 207, keeping national prices firmly elevated relative to long‑term averages.
Prices remain over 26% higher than the peak of the 2007 boom, and more than 180% above the market trough of early 2013, underscoring the sustained strength of the post‑recovery cycle.
Dublin vs. Rest of Ireland: The Gap Persists
The divide between Dublin and the rest of the country continues to widen.
- Dublin prices increased by 4.7% annually, driven largely by strong apartment performance.
- Prices outside Dublin rose by 6.6%, maintaining the pattern of faster growth in regional markets.
Within the capital, apartment prices climbed by 7.1%, outpacing houses once again. Outside Dublin, apartment prices surged by over 10% year‑on‑year, highlighting the growing demand for smaller, more affordable homes in commuter and regional towns.
Regional Highlights
Several areas stood out in the latest release:
- Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown continued to lead Dublin with annual house price growth approaching 5%.
- The Border region remained the strongest nationwide, recording double‑digit growth.
- The South‑West (Cork and Kerry) saw more modest increases, reflecting a stabilising trend after two years of rapid appreciation.
Median Prices: Where Buyers Are Paying the Most — and Least
The national median price for a home in the 12 months to August 2026 reached €398,000, continuing the upward trend seen throughout the year.
By Region
- Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown: €682,000+ (highest)
- Longford: ~€198,000 (lowest)
- Dublin overall: ~€500,000 median
- Wicklow: ~€475,000 (most expensive outside Dublin)
By Eircode A94 (Blackrock) retained its position as Ireland’s most expensive Eircode, with median prices above €850,000, followed by A41 (Ballyboughal) and D06 (Dublin 6). At the other end of the spectrum, F45 (Castlerea) remained the least expensive nationally.
Sales Activity: Transactions Edge Higher
August recorded just over 4,100 household dwelling purchases, a slight increase on the same month last year. Existing homes accounted for roughly 73% of transactions, while new homes continued their upward trajectory with a double‑digit annual rise. Total transaction value exceeded €1.8 billion, reflecting both higher prices and steady demand.
Buyer Types: First‑Time Buyers Continue to Drive Demand
First‑time buyers remained the largest purchasing cohort, making up around 40% of all transactions in the year to August. Former owner‑occupiers represented just over half of purchases, while non‑occupier investors accounted for under 10%. The number of first‑time buyer purchases rose again year‑on‑year, highlighting persistent demand despite affordability pressures.
New vs. Existing Homes: Quarterly Trends
In Q3 2026:
- New home prices increased by approximately 6% annually
- Existing home prices rose by just under 6%
Since their respective market troughs, new homes have risen by nearly 150%, while existing homes are up more than 180%, reflecting long‑term structural demand across both segments.
What This Means for the Market
The August 2026 RPPI suggests a market that is firmly stable, with pockets of strong regional growth and sustained demand from first‑time buyers. While national price inflation has moderated compared with previous years, the underlying dynamics — limited supply, strong demographic demand, and continued pressure in premium Eircode areas — point to a market that remains competitive.
For buyers, sellers, and investors, conditions are likely to stay active but measured, with commuter counties and high‑demand Dublin postcodes continuing to show the strongest momentum.