Irish House Price Growth Slows – But the Midlands Continues to Outperform
House prices across the Midlands increased by 9.3% over the past year, according to the latest CSO figures – significantly ahead of the national rate.
The latest Residential Property Price Index from the Central Statistics Office provides an interesting picture of the Irish property market as we move into the final months of 2026.
Residential property prices nationally increased by 5.5% in the 12 months to July 2026, down slightly from 5.6% in June.
While this represents the lowest annual rate of property price growth since January 2024, it is important to put the headline into context.
House prices are not falling. They are continuing to rise – just at a slower rate nationally.
And here in the Midlands, the figures tell a particularly interesting story.
Midlands House Prices Rise by 9.3%
According to the CSO, house prices in the Midlands – comprising Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath – increased by 9.3% in the 12 months to July 2026.
That compares with house-price growth of 3.7% in Dublin and 6.2% across areas outside Dublin overall.
For homeowners considering selling property in Offaly, Laois or the wider Midlands, this demonstrates the continued strength of demand across our regional property market.
The Midlands continues to attract buyers looking for greater value, larger homes and sites, while retaining good accessibility to Dublin and major employment centres.
What Does This Mean for Sellers?
For sellers, the latest figures are encouraging.
Although national property-price inflation has moderated, demand remains strong and prices are still increasing.
However, a strong market does not mean every property will automatically achieve its maximum value.
Correct pricing, professional presentation and exposure to the widest possible pool of buyers remain critical.
At Midlands Real Estate, we believe the initial launch of a property is one of the most important stages of any sale. A property that is professionally photographed, marketed correctly and strategically priced can generate competition between buyers and allow the market to determine the strongest achievable price.
For anyone considering selling a property in Tullamore, Daingean, Clara, Portarlington, Mountrath or elsewhere across Offaly, Laois and the Midlands, the current market conditions make obtaining an up-to-date appraisal particularly worthwhile.
What Does This Mean for Buyers?
There is some positive news for buyers too.
The national rate of price growth has gradually eased from the much higher levels experienced previously. However, buyers should not confuse slower growth with falling prices.
Outside Dublin, residential property prices were still 6.4% higher than a year earlier, while Midlands house prices increased by 9.3%.
Buyer activity also remains significant. In July alone, 4,769 residential purchases were filed with Revenue, with a combined value of approximately €2.17 billion.
Of those purchases, 2,035 involved first-time buyers, an increase of 8.5% compared with July 2025.
For buyers, being prepared remains important. Having mortgage approval or proof of funds organised before making an offer can put you in a much stronger position when the right property becomes available.
Are Property Prices Starting to Fall?
Based on these figures, no.
The distinction between slower price growth and falling property prices is important.
A 5.5% annual increase means Irish residential property prices were still higher than they were one year previously. What has changed is the speed at which prices are increasing.
In fact, property prices increased by 0.8% between June and July, which was the strongest monthly increase in approximately a year.
This is why national headlines do not always tell the complete story – particularly for homeowners in regional markets such as the Midlands.
The Midlands Property Market in 2026
One of the standout figures from the latest CSO report is the continued performance of the Midlands.
With house prices increasing 9.3% annually across Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath, the region recorded one of the strongest rates of house-price growth in Ireland.
Every property and local market is different, of course. A national or regional percentage cannot determine the value of an individual home.
Location, condition, BER rating, accommodation, site size, presentation, local supply and – most importantly – current buyer demand all influence what a property can achieve.
That is why an appraisal based on recent comparable sales and current local market activity remains considerably more useful to an individual homeowner than relying solely on national statistics.
Thinking of Selling in Offaly, Laois or the Midlands?
If you are considering selling your home, you may be surprised by how much the local market has changed.
Midlands Real Estate provides professional property appraisals and residential sales services throughout Offaly, Laois, Westmeath, Kildare and the surrounding Midlands region.
Our approach focuses on professional presentation, extensive online marketing and active management of the sales process to achieve the strongest result the market will support.
Whether you’re actively preparing to sell or simply want to understand the current value of your property, we would be delighted to speak with you.
Midlands Real Estate
Auctioneering Firm of the Year 2024 & 2025
057 9300029
www.mre.ie
PSRA Licence No. 004650
Source: Central Statistics Office, Residential Property Price Index – July 2026. Published 16 September 2026.