House prices across Ireland continue their relentless climb, with the median cost of a home now standing at €374,999 following a 7.5% increase in the year to July 2025.
The Central Statistics Office’s Residential Property Price Index showed a slight cooling from the 7.9% annual growth recorded the previous month, though prices remain on a steep upward trajectory. Regional disparities persist, with areas outside Dublin experiencing faster growth at 8.7% compared to the capital’s 6% increase.
The Midlands region of Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath recorded the highest price growth at 10.9%, while the South-East and South-West regions both saw increases of 8.1%, according to CSO statistician Niall Corkery.
Current house prices now stand 20.9% above their Celtic Tiger peak from April 2007 and have surged almost 170% from their 2013 low point. The figures reveal that 4,712 homes changed hands in July, with nearly a quarter being new properties.
First-time buyers accounted for just over 37% of purchases in the past year, while previous homeowners made up 52.1% and non-owner occupiers including funds and approved housing bodies represented 10.5%.
Geographic price variations remain stark, with A94 Blackrock commanding a median price of €795,000 as the most expensive area, while F45 Castlerea offers the lowest median at €150,000.
Trevor Grant, chair of Irish Mortgage Advisors, warned that July’s slight inflation reduction could be temporary, describing it as typical summer market behavior. “This easing could be short-lived and we could well see the rate of house price growth pick up for September and October, often busy months for house sales,” he said.
The continued price surge coincides with concerning supply indicators, as CSO data revealed a 12.5% drop in new homes granted planning permission in the second quarter. Grant described this decline as “deeply concerning” and warned it “doesn’t bode well” for aspiring homeowners.
The Government is expected to publish its new housing plan next month, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin threatening direct intervention if local authorities fail to rezone sufficient land for development.