The latest Daft.ie House Price Report for Q4 2025 confirms that the Midlands and surrounding counties are no longer simply alternatives to Dublin, but some of the strongest-performing housing markets in the country. Across Offaly, Laois, Westmeath, Kildare and Tipperary, prices increased across virtually every property type during 2025, reflecting sustained demand, affordability pressures elsewhere, and a chronic lack of supply.
While national house price inflation slowed slightly compared to 2024, these counties continued to outperform, driven by buyers seeking value, space and connectivity.
Offaly: Steady Growth Across the Board
In Offaly, semi-detached homes remained the backbone of the market throughout 2025. Three-bedroom semi-detached houses saw consistent price growth as first-time buyers and young families continued to target towns such as Tullamore, Clara and Birr. Four-bedroom semi-detached properties also increased in value, reflecting demand for additional space without moving into significantly higher price brackets.
Detached homes in Offaly showed a more nuanced trend. Smaller detached houses experienced strong price inflation as buyers looked for space, privacy and rural living. Larger detached properties, while still in demand, saw more modest growth, suggesting price sensitivity at the upper end of the market.
Terraced houses were among the strongest performers in the county. Three-bedroom terraced homes attracted strong competition from buyers priced out of semi-detached options, pushing prices up sharply. Apartments, while limited in supply, continued to rise steadily, particularly two-bedroom units in larger towns, as demand from both first-time buyers and downsizers increased.
Laois: One of Ireland’s Fastest-Rising Markets
Laois emerged as one of the standout counties nationally in 2025, with price growth evident across all major property types. Semi-detached homes, particularly three-bedroom properties, recorded strong increases as commuter demand from Dublin remained intense. Four-bedroom semi-detached houses also rose in value, driven by families seeking long-term homes with good transport links.
Detached houses in Laois experienced particularly strong growth. Three-bedroom detached properties were highly sought after, while larger detached homes also saw notable price increases, reflecting limited availability and strong lifestyle demand.
Terraced houses performed exceptionally well during the year. Three-bedroom terraced homes became a key entry point for buyers, resulting in rapid price growth. Apartment prices rose more moderately, but still showed clear upward momentum as affordability pressures continued to push buyers toward smaller units.
Westmeath: Balanced and Sustainable Growth
Westmeath recorded broad-based, balanced growth across its housing market in 2025. Semi-detached homes remained consistently popular, with both three- and four-bedroom properties seeing steady price increases, particularly in Athlone and Mullingar.
Detached houses performed strongly across the county. Three-bedroom detached homes saw solid growth, while larger detached properties also increased in value, supported by demand for commuter-friendly rural homes. Terraced houses, especially larger family-sized units, surprised on the upside, with limited supply driving price increases.
Apartments in Westmeath also experienced rising prices. One-bedroom apartments recorded particularly strong growth as first-time buyers and downsizers competed for a very limited number of listings, while two-bedroom apartments continued to edge upward throughout the year.
Kildare: High Prices, Relentless Demand
Kildare remained one of the most expensive counties outside Dublin, yet demand showed little sign of slowing. Semi-detached homes continued to dominate the market, with both three- and four-bedroom properties rising in price as buyers prioritised location, schools and transport links.
Detached homes in Kildare saw continued, though more moderate, price growth. While demand remained strong, affordability constraints began to limit price acceleration at the higher end of the market.
Terraced houses were one of the standout performers in Kildare during 2025. Three-bedroom terraced homes saw significant price increases as buyers compromised on space to secure well-located properties. Four-bedroom terraced houses recorded even stronger growth, highlighting the scarcity of family homes within commuter towns.
Apartments were the fastest-growing segment in the county. One-bedroom apartments experienced exceptional price inflation as first-time buyers competed aggressively for limited supply, while two-bedroom apartments also rose steadily, underlining the pressure at the entry level of the market.
Tipperary: Value Remains, but the Gap Is Closing
Tipperary continued to offer some of the best value for buyers nationally, but prices rose strongly across all property types in 2025. Semi-detached homes saw consistent growth, with four-bedroom properties in particular increasing sharply as families sought affordable alternatives to city living.
Detached houses experienced some of the strongest price increases in the county. Smaller detached homes rose rapidly in value as buyers looked for manageable rural properties, while larger detached homes also recorded strong growth, reflecting lifestyle-driven demand.
Terraced houses remained popular with first-time buyers and investors, with three-bedroom terraced homes rising steadily throughout the year. Apartments, although scarce, saw sharp price increases, particularly for two-bedroom units, as demand far outstripped supply.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers in 2026
Across Offaly, Laois, Westmeath, Kildare and Tipperary, every major property type increased in value during 2025. The underlying driver remains unchanged: too few homes available for sale. With supply levels still dramatically below pre-Covid norms, competition remains intense and prices continue to be pushed upward.
Looking ahead to 2026, modest further price growth is expected, particularly for well-located family homes, terraced properties and entry-level apartments.
Why Choose Midlands Real Estate
In a market this competitive, local expertise matters more than ever. At Midlands Real Estate, we live and work in the communities we serve. We understand not just the headline figures, but the street-by-street realities that determine true market value.
Whether you are selling a family home, buying your first property, upsizing, downsizing or investing, our team offers honest advice, accurate pricing and strong local knowledge across the Midlands.
If you are considering making a move in 2026, talk to Midlands Real Estate today.
