House Prices in Galway Surge 14.8% as Demand Rises

The average price for a second-hand three-bedroom semi-detached house in County Galway increased by **14.8%** in 2025, reaching **€310,000** compared to **€270,000** at the end of 2024. This information comes from a national survey conducted by **Real Estate Alliance** (REA), highlighting significant trends in the local housing market. In Galway city specifically, prices rose **6.8%** to an average of **€395,000** from **€370,000** the previous year.

According to the **Q4 REA Average House Price Index**, the average time for selling a property in the county was **four weeks**. **Kevin Burke**, a representative from **REA McGreal Burke**, noted that an increase in supply coincided with steady prices during this period. He emphasized, “The market remains very busy overall and strong across the county, with lots of active buyers.”

There is a notable scarcity of properties available for first-time buyers, which has fueled price increases over the past year. Many commuters to Galway city are seeking value in a competitive market. The survey indicated that **60%** of purchasers in Galway city and **70%** across County Galway were first-time buyers. Additionally, **20%** of sales in the county and **10%** in the city originated from landlords exiting the market.

The survey also revealed that properties with higher **Building Energy Ratings (BER)** saw substantial price increases. A-rated properties commanded **15%** higher prices in the city and **10%** across the county compared to C-rated properties. The REA Average House Price Index focuses on the sale price of typical homes, specifically the three-bedroom semi-detached house, providing a clear view of the second-hand property market in various towns and cities across Ireland.

Looking ahead, agents anticipate a sharp increase in the number of landlords exiting the housing market in early **2026**. This trend is fueled by the upcoming nationwide rent pressure zone legislation set to take effect at the end of **February 2026**, which has already driven a **38%** annual increase in landlord sales in affected areas, according to the REA.

Nationally, the selling price of a three-bedroom semi-detached house rose by **1.6%** over the last three months, reaching an average of **€359,417**. This marks an **8.7%** increase over the past year, showing a gradual slowdown from the **10.3%** rise noted six months prior. In Dublin, prices increased by **1.5%**, with the average price for a three-bedroom semi at **€586,000**, reflecting an **8.1%** annual increase.

Outside Dublin, selling prices in major Irish cities rose by **1.3%**, averaging **€373,750**, representing a **7.4%** annual increase. Homes in large towns showed the most significant growth, increasing **1.75%** this quarter and **9.9%** annually to an average of **€275,611**. Properties in these areas are taking slightly longer to sell, with the average time on the market extending to **five weeks**.

In the commuter counties, prices rose by **1.6%**, averaging **€373,513**. Despite ongoing supply challenges, there is an expectation of further landlord sales in the new year, which could affect market dynamics as the housing landscape continues to evolve.