The price of the average second-hand three-bed semi in county Carlow rose by 2.75pc to €280,000 in the last three months, according to a national survey by Real Estate Alliance.

Across the county, the average time taken to reach sale agreed was three weeks, the REA Average House Price Index shows.

The survey also showed that 31pc of sales in the county were driven by landlords exiting the market.

Prices in Carlow town increased by 5pc to €310,000 – breaking the €300,000 barrier for the first time – with most homes selling in two weeks.

“The Carlow property market remains buoyant, with strong activity across all sectors,” said Harry Sothern, REA Sothern, Carlow town.

“A notable trend continues to be landlords exiting the market, and this is expected to accelerate in advance of new legislation due to come into effect in March 2026.

“This will likely present further challenges for landlords and could place additional pressure on rental supply in the county.”

Tullow prices were static this quarter with landlords accounting for 50pc of all three bed homes on the market.

“Demand for starter homes remains strong but stock levels are very low,” said Matthew Conry of REA Dawson, Tullow.

The REA Average House Price Index concentrates on the sale price of Ireland's typical stock home, the three-bed semi, giving an accurate picture of the second-hand property market in towns and cities countrywide.

The announcement of a nationwide rent pressure zone has triggered a sharp increase in landlords exiting the housing market, the survey showed.

The Government’s announcement in June was followed by an immediate spike in landlord sales in many areas now included in the legislation.

REA agents in Carlow, Kerry and Waterford have reported that over 40pc of their sales are attributable to landlords in the past three months – with that figure rising to 60pc in Limerick city and 80pc in Nenagh.

The REA survey also found that properties with a BER rating of A commanded an average 17pc premium over C-rated stock – reflecting the rising attractiveness of retrofitted homes.

The actual selling price of a three-bed, semi-detached house across the country rose by 1.6pc in the past three months to €353,458, a 9.1pc overall rise annually.

The rate of increase in Dublin has more than halved in the past three months, with REA agents reporting a marked drop in viewings in the capital and homes now taking five weeks or more to reach sale agreed.

Selling prices in Ireland’s major cities outside Dublin rose by 2.2pc to an average of €368,492 – an 8pc annual increase.

Homes in the country’s large towns continue to show growth nationwide, 2.2pc this quarter and 10.7pc on last September to an average of €269,199.