Greater Dublin Area Residential Property Market: H1 2025 Update

6 Jul

The Greater Dublin Area (GDA) property market continues to reflect strong demand and evolving trends in both sales and lettings during the first half of 2025. While Dublin city remains a hotspot, the surrounding commuter towns and suburbs are seeing significant activity as buyers and renters seek more space and value.

🏡 Sales Market: Growth Beyond the City Centre

Price Growth Spreads to Commuter Towns
While Dublin city property prices rose around 4%, many GDA commuter towns such as Swords, Lucan, and Kilcock have seen robust price increases ranging from 3% to 6%. This trend reflects growing demand for more affordable homes within commuting distance of Dublin (CSO, [local reports]).
First-Time Buyers and Families Driving Demand
The GDA is attracting a larger share of first-time buyers and families prioritizing space, schools, and community amenities. Larger homes with gardens remain in high demand, pushing up prices in areas like Maynooth, Clonsilla, and Blanchardstown.
Sales Activity and Market Dynamics
The market remains competitive, with many properties receiving multiple offers and selling close to or above asking price. However, in some outer areas, negotiation room has increased slightly compared to Dublin city centre, offering some opportunities for buyers.

🏘️ Lettings Market: Tightening Supply Across the GDA

Rental Price Increases in Suburban Areas
Average rents in GDA towns such as Swords, Tallaght, and Bray have increased by 5%-7% year-on-year. Rising rental demand is being driven by a combination of supply shortages and an increase in workers relocating to these areas for affordability and lifestyle reasons.
Vacancy Rates Remain Low
Vacancy rates in the GDA suburbs are at historic lows, often below 1%, intensifying competition for rental properties and contributing to rising rents (Property Vision).
Tenant Preferences Evolving
Tenants increasingly seek properties with better energy efficiency, outdoor space, and proximity to public transport — key factors influencing rental desirability across the GDA.

🏗️ Supply and Development Challenges

Housing Supply Shortfalls Continue
Despite significant ongoing development projects around the GDA, overall housing completions remain below demand levels. Infrastructure delays and rising construction costs have slowed delivery, impacting availability .
Focus on Sustainable and Mixed-Use Developments
New developments are increasingly integrating green spaces, community facilities, and energy-efficient design to meet modern buyer and tenant expectations.

🔮 Market Outlook for the Rest of 2025

Prices Expected to Continue Rising
Property prices in the Greater Dublin Area are forecast to grow between 3-5% through the remainder of 2025, driven by strong demand and limited supply.
Opportunities for Buyers and Investors
While affordability remains a challenge, some outer GDA areas may offer value opportunities, particularly for buyers willing to commute. Investors may find lettings attractive due to strong rental demand and limited stock.

🧭 Final Thoughts

The Greater Dublin Area housing market in the first half of 2025 is marked by vigorous activity, rising prices, and fierce competition across both sales and lettings sectors. As demand continues to outstrip supply, buyers, sellers, and landlords should stay informed and seek expert advice to navigate this dynamic market.

Conor Lennox