“House price growth moderates as supply improves, while longer sales reflect more complex transactions”
Statement by Marian Finnegan, CEO, Sherry FitzGerald
June 30th, 2026
House price growth moderated in the second quarter of 2026 as supply showed signs of improvement. However, ongoing shortages, particularly outside Dublin, continue to place pressure on buyers. The average value of second-hand homes increased by 1.1% in the quarter and by 5.2% year-on-year, compared with annual growth of 7.4% at the same point last year.
Price pressures remain more pronounced in regional markets, where values outside Dublin rose by 7.2% annually, compared with 3.5% in the capital, reflecting more constrained levels of supply.
In Dublin, second-hand home values increased by 1.0% in the quarter and by 3.5% annually, while outside Dublin values rose by 1.1% in the quarter, bringing annual growth to 7.2%.
Commenting on the figures, Marian Finnegan, CEO, Sherry FitzGerald, said: “The moderation in price growth reflects some improvement in supply across both the new and second-hand markets. However, this improvement has been largely concentrated in Dublin and the Mid-East, while more acute shortages continue across many regional markets.”
Sherry FitzGerald also noted that demand remains highly competitive. Recent research among active bidders registered with Sherry FitzGerald found that 70% check property listings at least once a day, underlining the continued intensity of buyer activity.
The company noted that the time taken to complete a sale has also lengthened. On average, the period from listing to completion is now just under seven months, compared with a little over six months last year. The average time on the market has increased slightly, from approximately eight weeks to closer to ten weeks, with variation depending on price, condition and availability.
One contributing factor is the growing prevalence of chain transactions. Following several years of tight supply, many homeowners remain cautious about committing to a sale before securing their next purchase. While some choose to sell before buying, others agree a sale and then begin their onward search. These dynamics are contributing to more complex transactions and longer completion periods.
Transaction activity, as measured by stamp duty executions, rose by 4.4% to 10,320 in the first three months of 2026. This increase was driven by stronger new homes activity, with 2,483 units sold, up 27.9% year-on-year, while second-hand activity remained constrained at 7,837 transactions.
Housing delivery also strengthened, with 7,856 new dwellings completed in the first quarter, up 32.9% annually and the highest first-quarter total since 2011. However, the pipeline remains uncertain, with planning permissions slightly lower and commencement levels still below what is required to meet delivery targets.
Investor activity continues to reflect pressure in the rental sector. In the first half of 2026, 9% of second-hand purchases were made by investors, while 31% of vendors were investors exiting the market.
Marian Finnegan said: “The continued exit of small private landlords remains a concern. While recent rental rule changes have yet to materially shift this trend, it will need to be closely monitored over the coming months.”
First-time buyers remain the largest cohort of purchasers, accounting for 59% of second-hand sales.
Marian Finnegan concluded: “Housing delivery is moving in the right direction, but Ireland’s supply challenge remains significant. Alongside improving supply, supporting more fluid transactions, particularly for those trading between homes, will be key to creating a more balanced and sustainable market.”
ENDS
For any further information, please contact:
Jill O’Neill
Director of Marketing & PR
Sherry FitzGerald Group
Ph: 01 2376 6324 / 086 252 3277
