The price of the average second-hand three-bed semi in Cork county rose to €267,107 in 2025, up 15.3pc from €231,750 at the end of 2024, according to a national survey by Real Estate Alliance.
In Cork city, average prices rose over the past twelve months to €410,000, up 5.1pc from €390,000 in 2024, the Q4 REA Average House Price Index shows.
In the county, average time taken to sell this quarter was five weeks, while in the city it was four weeks.
“There continues to be strong demand for both second-hand and new homes, which is reflective of an increase of new home developments coming on stream,” said Michael O’Donoghue of REA O’Donoghue & Clarke, Bantry.
“In relation to the second-hand market, due to the scarcity of stock together with steady interest rates and increased competition property prices will continue to increase in 2026.
“Overall demand is strong for all property types throughout the city and county.
“However, it is clear that the new RPZ controls to be implemented in March are having a detrimental effect on the rental market with private landlords deciding to sell their properties.”
The survey shows that across the county this quarter, 15pc of purchasers were first-time buyers, while a total of 20pc of sales in the county, and 15pc in Cork city, were attributed to landlords leaving the market.
Additionally, agents in Cork city reported that the BER ratings of properties saw A-rated properties command 10pc price increases in comparison to comparable C-rated properties.
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.
A recent rise in landlords exiting the housing market is set to sharply increase in the first months of 2026, according to agents.
The impending nationwide rent pressure zone at the end of February has seen a 38pc annual increase in landlord sales in many areas now included in the legislation.
The actual selling price of a three-bed, semi-detached house across the country rose by 1.6pc in the past three months to €359,417.
This represents an 8.7pc overall rise annually – a gradual slowing from the 10.3pc increase registered six months ago.
Actual selling prices in Dublin city rose by 1.5pc in the last three months, with the average three-bed semi in the capital’s postcode areas now selling at €586,000, an 8.1pc annual rise.
Selling prices in Ireland’s major cities outside Dublin rose by 1.3pc to an average of €373,750 – a 7.4pc annual increase.
Homes in the country’s large towns showed the biggest increases nationwide, 1.75pc this quarter and 9.9pc on last December to an average of €275,611 – with homes taking one week longer to reach sale agreed, at five weeks.
Prices in commuter counties rose by 1.6pc to €373,513, and while supply continues to cause issues, there is an anticipation of further landlord sales across the area in the new year.
