08/09/2026
AVERAGE 3.6% HOUSE PRICE INCREASE IN FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 2026 AMID MORE CONSUMER CAUTION – IPAV BAROMETER
The first six months of 2026 saw an overall average increase of 3.61% compared with 2.87% in the previous six months, according to the latest Residential Property Price Barometer, by IPAV, the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers.
The Barometer, which tracks actual sale prices achieved by agents for three and four-bedroom homes and two-bedroom apartments across the 26 counties, found the strongest increases in the 3-bedroom category were achieved in Cavan (7.84%); Donegal (7.56%) and Westmeath (5.91%) with the 4-bedroom segment leading with Donegal (7.74%); Cork County (7.41%) and Meath (7.39%). The three top increases for 2-bedroom apartments were achieved in Wicklow (7.74%); Leitrim (7.68%) and Offaly (7.07%).
Genevieve McGuirk, IPAV Chief Executive said, however, that with cost of living and geopolitical concerns to the fore the latter half of this year may not be as strong, as was the case last year. The final six months of 2025 saw a notable slowing in the rate of increase, easing to 2.87% from 5.05% in the first half of the year.
“The intense heat we’ve seen in the last couple of years is now giving way to a more calmed market,” she said. “The level of increases we’ve seen could not be sustained over the longer term and affordability is being stretched to its limits, particularly for first-time buyers who now find themselves competing with State funds and cash buyers.”
However, she said, with the exception of a number of areas where a reasonable level of new stock has or is being built, the lack of supply of homes, and suitable homes, remains the biggest difficulty faced by the market, and is likely to keep prices elevated.
“In the current environment agents are advising sellers to be realistic in their price expectations,” she said. “While special, and well-located properties, will always face strong competition on price, consumer sentiment more generally is, understandably, one of caution where deeper consideration is being given to the long-term investment that is a home.”
Ms McGuirk said every effort of policy needs to be pulled together to deliver more homes. It’s the changes announced by Government in zoning, planning and infrastructure that hold out the best prospect of meaningful change in the delivery of more homes. “That will require all State institutions cooperate as never before,” she said.
