Kilkenny Home Prices Surge in First Half of 2025

Home prices in Kilkenny have continued to rise across all categories in the first half of 2025, according to the latest data from the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV). This upward trend reflects the ongoing challenges in the housing market, particularly for aspiring buyers.

The IPAV’s Residential Property Price Barometer reveals that sale prices for three-bedroom homes in Kilkenny increased by 3.39% to reach €305,000. Four-bedroom homes saw a similar rise of 4.05%, bringing their average price to €385,000, while two-bedroom apartments experienced a growth of 3.57%, now priced at €217,500.

Comparative Market Analysis

In the broader regional context, Roscommon led the increases for three and four-bedroom homes, with impressive jumps of 10.49% and 9.24% respectively. Other notable contributors included Carlow, which saw a 9.71% rise in three-bedroom prices, and Waterford and Wicklow, with increases of 8.88% and 7.92% respectively.

Conversely, some areas, particularly in Dublin, recorded more modest increases, with several market segments showing growth of less than 3%. Longford emerged as the most affordable location for three-bedroom homes, priced at €220,000, followed by Roscommon and Donegal at €223,750 and €225,000 respectively.

Challenges Ahead for Buyers and Government

Genevieve McGuirk, Chief Executive of IPAV, commented on the trend, stating, “Prices have been on the up since the third quarter of 2023. It is not positive from the perspective of aspiring buyers, or indeed for the State, that increases of this magnitude would continue indefinitely.” She noted concerns regarding the supply-demand balance, which has been disrupted for an extended period, with current data offering little hope for improvement.

The Central Bank reported that institutional investment in residential properties fell by 80% in 2023 and 2024. Although new dwelling completions in the second quarter of 2025 rose by 35% compared to the same period last year, commencement notices in the first seven months of 2025 showed a significant decline.

McGuirk emphasized the urgent need for a cohesive government strategy to address these issues. “We have to embrace new thinking,” she said. “Above all, we must see coherence of policy across Government and State agencies to break down impediments so that housing policy better delivers socially and economically.”

She also highlighted the necessity for emergency planning measures to mitigate the ongoing housing crisis. As Kilkenny’s housing market continues to evolve, the coming months will be crucial in determining how effectively these challenges can be addressed.