Is it cheaper to buy or rent in Ireland right now?

It depends on your time horizon. In most Irish cities like Dublin and Cork, buying becomes cheaper than renting after 4-7 years due to equity build-up and RPZ rent caps. Use our buy vs rent calculator to compare your specific situation with accurate property prices and rental costs.

How much is stamp duty in Ireland?

Stamp duty in Ireland is 1% on the first €1,000,000 and 2% on any amount above that for residential properties. First-time buyers purchasing new builds under €500,000 are exempt from stamp duty.

How much deposit do I need to buy a house in Ireland?

First-time buyers need a 10% deposit (90% LTV mortgage) while non-first-time buyers need 20%. For a €350,000 house, that's €35,000 for first-time buyers or €70,000 for others. Additional costs include legal fees (€2,500), survey (€500), and bank fees (€1,200).

What is the average house price in Ireland 2026?

The average house price in Ireland in 2026 is €365,000 nationally. Dublin averages €540,000, Cork €340,000, Galway €360,000, and Limerick €310,000. Regional areas range from €210,000 to €290,000. Use our market stats tool to see live prices by county.

How much can I borrow for a mortgage in Ireland?

Under Central Bank rules, you can borrow up to 3.5 times your gross annual income (4x in exceptional cases). For example, a €50,000 salary qualifies for a €175,000 mortgage. Couples combine incomes - €90,000 combined = €315,000 mortgage. Use our mortgage calculator for your exact affordability.

What is the Help to Buy scheme in Ireland?

The Help to Buy scheme provides first-time buyers with a tax rebate of up to €30,000 (10% of property value, max €500,000 property) when purchasing a new build. You must have paid income tax for at least 4 years and use the property as your main residence.

Are house prices in Ireland going up or down in 2026?

House prices in Ireland are projected to rise 3-5% in 2026 due to continued supply shortages and strong demand. Dublin growth is moderating to 2-3%, while regional cities like Cork, Galway, and Limerick are seeing 5-7% growth. Check our market trends for live county-by-county data.

Is buying a house in Ireland a good investment?

Buying in Ireland can be a good investment with average rental yields of 4-6% and historical price appreciation of 4-5% annually. However, it depends on location, property type, and your time horizon. Use our buy vs rent calculator to compare against alternative investments like stocks (5% average return).

How much does it cost to buy a house in Ireland including all fees?

For a €350,000 house, total costs are: deposit €35,000 (10%), stamp duty €3,500 (or €0 for new builds), legal fees €2,500, survey €500, bank fees €1,200, and moving costs €1,000. Total: approximately €43,700. First-time buyers can reduce this with Help to Buy (up to €30,000 rebate).

What is property tax in Ireland?

Local Property Tax (LPT) in Ireland ranges from €90 to €1,755 annually depending on your property's market value. Properties valued at €350,000 pay approximately €315 per year. LPT is payable by all residential property owners and is based on your property's 2013 valuation (next revaluation in 2025).

Cork Property Boom 2025-2026: Why the Rebel County is Rising

Cork has officially detached itself from national trends, recording a stunning 7.8% growth in 2025. With an average house price of €365,000, the city offers a compelling alternative to Dublin for both multinationals and families.

Economic Drivers

The "Cork Boom" isn't a bubble; it's infrastructure-led.

Tech & Pharma: Apple's continued expansion in Hollyhill and Pfizer's ringaskiddy investment.
Dunkettle Interchange: Completion has revolutionized traffic flow.
Port of Cork: Move to Ringaskiddy unlocking Tivoli docks for major housing development.

Area Guide

Douglas & Rochestown

Price: €450k - €600k The premier southside address.

Vibe: Affluent suburbia with excellent schools.
Market: Competitive bidding for semi-detached homes.

Ballincollig

Price: €380k - €480k The "Tech Town" thanks to VMware and Dell.

Pros: Regional Park, walkable town center, bypass access.
Cons: Traffic at peak times.

The Northside (Cork City North)

Price: €280k - €350k The last bastion of true value in an Irish city.

Blackpool/Ballyvolane: 3-bed terraced homes for €290k.
Potential: High rental yields (6.5%) and regeneration focus.

Kinsale & West Cork

Price: €500k+ (Kinsale) to €350k (Clonakilty)

Kinsale: The "Irish Riviera" commands Dublin D4 prices.
Remote Work Haven: Clonakilty and Skibbereen have seen massive influxes of digital nomads.

Investment Case

Cork offers the best balance of growth and yield in Ireland for 2026.

Yield: 5.5% - 6.5% (vs 3-4% in Dublin).
Capital Appreciation: Forecast to outperform Dublin by 2-3% annually through 2028.

Conclusion

Cork is no longer the "second city" in property terms—it's a primary market with its own robust dynamics. For €400,000, you can secure a high-spec detached home within 20 mins of the city center, a feat impossible in the capital.

Cork Property Boom Continues: +7.8% Growth in 2025