Waterford rent increase tops state with nearly 9% surge
Rents in Waterford have recorded the highest quarterly increase in the country, rising by almost 9% in just three months, according to the latest figures from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
The data shows that average rents for new tenancies in Waterford reached €1,417 per month in Q3 2025, marking a sharp 8.8% quarter-on-quarter increase—the steepest rise nationwide.
Waterford outpaces all other counties
The RTB data highlights how sharply Waterford contrasts with the rest of the country.- Waterford: +8.8% quarterly increase
- Sligo: +7.3%
- Limerick: +6.1%
- Galway: +5.5%
- Dublin: +3.8%
Political criticism over rising rents
Sinn Féin TD Conor D. McGuinness has strongly criticised the Government following the release of the figures. He said the scale of the increase is placing unbearable pressure on households. McGuinness said a near 9% increase in a single quarter is devastating for people across Waterford and shows that Government housing policies are failing renters. He directly questioned the role of John Cummins, arguing that housing policies are worsening the crisis rather than improving it. He said Waterford’s position at the top of the table clearly reflects the direction of Government housing policy and its real-world impact. Rents rising faster than wages McGuinness warned that rent increases are far outpacing income growth, leaving families under sustained financial strain. He said families are already stretched to their limits and cannot absorb increases at this pace. The RTB data supports this concern, showing annual rent increases of 6% in Waterford, alongside sharp quarterly jumps—suggesting sustained upward pressure.Policy concerns over rent rules
The Sinn Féin TD also criticised recent changes to rent regulations, claiming they are having the opposite of their intended effect. McGuinness said the Government’s new rent rules are driving rents upward instead of protecting tenants. He argued that decisions made at Cabinet level are now directly impacting renters in Waterford, contributing to affordability issues and increasing housing insecurity.Risk of homelessness
According to McGuinness, continued rent increases at this level could have serious social consequences. He warned that rapid rent inflation is pricing people out of the market, placing families under pressure and increasing the risk of homelessness.National picture
While Waterford recorded the sharpest increase, the national picture is more mixed.- Some counties like Tipperary (-6.3%) and Longford (-4.8%) saw quarterly decreases in new tenancy rents
- Others, including Cork (+4.4%) and Kildare (+2.1%), experienced more moderate growth
- Dublin’s increase of 3.8% remains significantly below Waterford’s surge
