House prices in Ireland increased by 7.6 percent in the year to September, with Donegal remaining the most affordable county while Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown commands the highest prices, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
The annual increase represents a slight acceleration from the 7.5 percent rise recorded in the year to August, indicating continued upward pressure on Ireland’s housing market.
Regional Disparities
The CSO data reveals stark regional variations in price growth across the country. Dublin recorded a 5.3 percent increase over the year, while properties outside the capital experienced significantly higher growth of 9.4 percent.
The divergence suggests that affordability pressures are intensifying more rapidly in regional areas, potentially driven by increased demand as buyers seek alternatives to Dublin’s premium prices.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Remains Most Expensive
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown continues to hold its position as Ireland’s most expensive property market, with an average house price of €675,000. The affluent Dublin suburb has long been the country’s priciest location for residential property.
Donegal Offers Most Affordable Homes
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Donegal recorded the lowest average house price in the country at €190,000, making it the most affordable county for prospective homebuyers. The northwestern county’s prices represent less than a third of the cost in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.
The €485,000 gap between the most and least expensive areas highlights the dramatic regional price disparities across Ireland’s housing market.
Implications for Buyers
The continued price growth comes as Ireland grapples with an ongoing housing crisis, with supply shortages driving competition and pushing prices upward across most of the country. The faster growth rate outside Dublin may reflect increased remote working patterns and buyers relocating from the capital in search of affordability.
The figures underscore the challenges facing first-time buyers, particularly in urban areas, as property prices continue to outpace wage growth despite government efforts to increase housing supply and improve affordability.