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).

Galway Property Market 2026: Why the West is Winning

Galway has cemented its status as the "Silicon Valley of Europe's West Coast." With growing hubs for Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and diverse tech startups, the city's property market is driven by high-income employment and severe supply constraints.

Market Stats 2026

Average Price: €385,000 (+6.8%)
Average Rent: €1,850/month
Time to Sell: 5 weeks (Record Low)

Neighborhood Guide

Salthill & Taylor's Hill

Price: €550k - €1M+ The Golden Mile. Sea views and prestige.

Market: Tightly held. When homes list, they sell instantly.
Buyer: Consultants, Tech Execs, Returning Emigrants.

East Side (Renmore, Doughiska)

Price: €320k - €400k The engine room of Galway's workforce.

Pro: Proximity to Parkmore Industrial Estate and Galway Clinic.
Con: Traffic congestion at peak hours.

Oranmore

Price: €380k - €480k The premium commuter town.

Vibe: Village feel with city access (train lines).
Stock: Good mix of modern semis and detached family homes.

The Student Factor

With 25,000+ students (University of Galway & ATU), the rental market is hyper-competitive.

Investors: Purchasing 4-bed semis in Newcastle/Terryland.
Yields: 6% gross (room-by-room rentals).

Challenges

Traffic: The Galway Ring Road saga continues to hamper development.
Supply: Virtually no new apartments being built in city center.

Forecast

Galway will likely see the highest percentage growth of any Irish city in 2026 (~7%). The limit on supply coupled with high-end job growth creates a perfect storm for prices.

Galway Property Market: Why the West is Winning