First-timers account for 65 per cent of home buyers in Q2

Widening divide is emerging between turnkey homes and properties requiring upgrades

Prices were relatively unchanged in Cavan and Monaghan during the second quarter of 2026, while homes took an average of three weeks to reach sale agreed, according to the Q2 Real Estate Alliance (REA) Average House Price Index.

In Cavan house prices were unmoved in the past three months, March to June, with average prices for a three-bed semi factoring around the €237,500 mark.

Monaghan though experienced a slight increase, up 0.8 per cent compared to the first three months of the years, to €252,000.

By comparison, average house prices in neighbouring counties rose by 0.4 per cent to €231,000 for the same three-bed semi; 1.3 per cent in Longford (€228,000); 2.6 per cent in Louth (€323,200); 0.4 per cent in Meath (€342,375); and 1.4 per cent in Westmeath (€365,000).

“Interest and demand have picked up significantly compared with the first quarter of 2026,” said James Spring of REA Donohoe Spring. “We are seeing a steady supply of second-hand homes, but not enough to meet demand.”

The survey found that first-time buyers accounted for 65 per cent of purchasers, while 35 per cent of sales involved landlords exiting the market. Agents also reported that A-rated homes achieved prices around 35 per cent higher than comparable C-rated properties.

Nationally, REA suggest a widening divide is emerging between turnkey homes and properties requiring upgrades, with buyers focusing on move-in-ready stock.

The average selling price of a three-bed semi-detached home nationwide increased by 0.9pc during the quarter to €367,988, bringing annual growth to 5.8pc.

Large towns recorded quarterly growth of 1.1pc, with average prices reaching €281,287, while commuter towns saw growth slow to 0.5pc, with average prices of €379,219.

Donegal recorded the strongest quarterly increase, rising 3.5pc to €222,500.