Second-hand house prices break €300k barrier for first time in Carlow town

THE price of an average second-hand three-bed semi in Co Carlow rose by 2.75% 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 31% of sales in the county were driven by landlords exiting the market.

Prices in Carlow town increased by 5% 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,” explained 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 50% of all three-bed homes on the market.

“Demand for starter homes remains strong, but stock levels are very low,” added 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 last June was followed by an immediate spike in landlord sales in many areas now included in the legislation.

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