Dublin House Prices Continue Ascent, Affordability Concerns Deepen

Dublin’s housing market continues to experience price growth, with the median price reaching €500,000, despite a shortage of available homes. While national prices also rose, Dublin and its surrounding counties are experiencing particularly acute affordability challenges for prospective buyers.

Dublin Housing Market Overview – February 2026

The median price of a home in Dublin has reached €500,000, fueled by ongoing supply constraints. Data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicates a 7% increase in prices over the past year [1]. This increase, while down from 8.7% in 2024, still outpaces wage growth, further squeezing purchasing power.

Regional Price Variations within Dublin

Price increases are not uniform across the Dublin region. As of late 2025, the median price in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown stands at €679,999, significantly higher than the median price in Fingal, which is €475,000 [1]. Dublin City’s median price falls between these two, with over 300,200 people at perform in the city [1].

National Context and Trends

Nationally, the median house price in 2025 was €387,000. Outside of Dublin, County Wicklow recorded the highest median price at €454,000, while Donegal had the lowest at €195,000 [1]. Prices outside Dublin increased by 8.1% in December 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.

New Construction and Government Targets

While new home completions rose by 20% to 36,000 in the last year, the Central Bank forecasts completions will reach 37,000 in 2026, 40,500 in 2027 and 44,500 in 2028. These figures fall short of the government’s target of over 50,000 new homes annually by 2030, raising concerns about the plan’s feasibility due to a slowdown in project commencements.

Market Sentiment and Affordability Concerns

Brokers Ireland reports that aspiring homebuyers face a “dysfunctional market” and are increasingly reliant on larger mortgages, exacerbating affordability issues [1]. Mortgage advisors note a strong market finish to 2025, with accelerating price growth, but express concern for buyers facing continued affordability challenges, particularly first-time buyers in high-demand areas.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Data

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council provides detailed socioeconomic data, including employment and housing statistics, drawing on census data [2]. The Dublin Economic Monitor, produced quarterly by the four Dublin Local Authorities, offers up-to-date economic and consumer data [2].

Looking Ahead

The Irish housing market is expected to see further price increases in 2026, estimated at 3-5%. Addressing the supply shortage remains critical to improving affordability and achieving the government’s housing targets. Continued monitoring of construction commencements and completion rates will be essential to assess the likelihood of meeting these goals.