Second-Hand Housing Supply Improves but National Shortage Remains Acute

Second-Hand Housing Supply Improves but National Shortage Remains Acute

Statement by Marian Finnegan, CEO, Sherry FitzGerald Group
March 16th, 2026.

Sherry FitzGerald Research’s latest bi-annual analysis reveals that housing supply across Ireland remains critically constrained, despite an improvement in the number of second-hand homes advertised for sale in January 2026. Just 0.7% of Ireland’s private housing stock—equivalent to 14,629 properties—was listed for sale last month. Although this marks an increase of 4,250 units from the historic low recorded in January 2025, it is still far below the level required for a balanced and functioning housing market.

Current stock remains 28% lower than January 2020, when 20,332 second-hand properties (1.1% of total stock) were available.

Marian Finnegan, CEO of Sherry FitzGerald Group, underscored the significance of the ongoing supply constraints, stating: “Despite the increase over the past year, Ireland continues to face a severe structural shortage of available homes. The persistent imbalance between supply and demand is placing continued pressure on individuals and families attempting to secure suitable accommodation. Incremental improvements are welcome, but they fall far short of what is required to meet the needs of our growing population.”

In Dublin, 3,952 second-hand properties were advertised for sale in January, representing just 0.7% of the capital’s private housing stock—up from 0.5% a year earlier. While stock levels increased in all areas compared to 2025, many parts of the country continue to experience particularly acute shortages, especially beyond the main urban centres.

When compared with January 2020, several regions have experienced sharp declines in available homes for sale:

• Mid-West: –43.0%
• West: –42.0%
• South-East: –39.2%
• Border: –39.0%

These regions also recorded some of the strongest price growth in 2025, ranging from 8.1% to 11.1%, according to the Sherry FitzGerald Residential Index—further indicating that supply shortages are a key driver of ongoing price inflation.

While new housing delivery exceeded expectations in 2025—with 36,284 new homes completed—output remains substantially below Sherry FitzGerald Research’s estimated annual demand of 56,200 units. Construction activity was primarily concentrated in Dublin, the Greater Dublin Area and Cork, which together accounted for 63.7% of completions.

Analysis shows significant variation in the share of demand met across regions:

• Dublin: 84.2%
• Mid-East: 69.6%
• South-West: 61.1%
• West, Mid-West, Border, South-East: between 45% and 52%

Commenting on the regional disparities, Ms. Finnegan added: “Rural and regional Ireland continues to experience some of the most severe shortages of housing. To achieve balanced and sustainable economic growth, it is vital that new supply is delivered across the entire country—not only in our major cities. The uplift in completions in 2025 is encouraging, but all indicators will need close monitoring in 2026. Delivering new homes at scale nationwide is essential to improving choice and easing pressure on the second-hand market.”