Waterford City house prices increased significantly over the past year, according to the latest Real Estate Alliance Average House Price Index. The average price of a second-hand three-bedroom semi-detached home in Waterford city rose to €345,000 in 2025, up 10.6 per cent from €312,000 at the end of 2024.

Across Waterford county, prices also climbed sharply. The average three-bed semi now costs €295,000, an annual increase of 10.7 per cent. Homes continue to sell quickly, with properties taking just five weeks to reach sale agreed in the city and eight weeks across the county.

Local agents say demand remains strong, particularly among first-time buyers. The survey shows that 75 per cent of buyers in Waterford city and 40 per cent across the county were first-time purchasers this quarter. At the same time, landlords accounted for 25 per cent of sales in the city and 33 per cent across the county.

Eamonn Spratt of REA Spratt in Dungarvan said more small landlords are reviewing their position due to pending Residential Tenancies legislation. Agents expect landlord exits to increase further in early 2026, especially ahead of the nationwide rent pressure zone expansion.

Energy efficiency is also driving prices higher. A-rated homes achieved price premiums of 15 per cent in Waterford city and up to 25 per cent across the county compared with similar C-rated properties.

National Increases

Nationally, the average selling price of a three-bed semi rose by 1.6 per cent in the past three months to €359,417. Annual growth now stands at 8.7 per cent, showing a slight slowdown. Dublin prices rose by 1.5 per cent this quarter, while other Irish cities and large towns continued to record strong increases.

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