Should I Sell My House Now or Wait? Ireland Property Market 2026 Guide for Homeowners in Dublin & Kildare
By Team Lorraine Mulligan RE/MAX Results | Celbridge & Lucan | Updated May 2026
Should I Sell My House Now or Wait? For most homeowners — particularly those in the Dublin commuter belt including Lucan, Celbridge, and Kildare — 2026 remains a strong seller’s market and a good time to sell. Key reasons:
- National house prices rose 6.8% year-on-year to February 2026 (CSO)
- Homes in the commuter belt are selling at 6–8.5% above asking price
- Available stock is 50% below levels of a decade ago — buyers outnumber sellers
- Price growth is forecast to moderate to 3–5% through 2026 — the peak rate of growth has likely passed
- The structural housing shortage (32,000 completions vs. 50,000–60,000 needed) will keep prices supported but not surging
Verdict: Sellers who are ready to move should act in 2026 rather than wait for a marginal potential uplift in 2027. The market remains favourable but the best conditions are moderating.
Source: CSO RPPI February 2026 | MyHome.ie 2026
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about selling your home, you’re not alone. With Irish property prices still rising — but at a slower pace than 2024 — thousands of homeowners across Dublin, Kildare, and the commuter belt are asking the same question: should I sell my house now, or is it worth waiting?
The short answer: for most homeowners in Lucan, Celbridge, and the surrounding areas, 2026 is still a strong seller’s market — but the window of peak conditions may be narrowing. Here’s everything you need to make an informed decision.
📋 Want to know what your home is worth right now? Get a free, no-obligation property valuation from Team Lorraine →
Table of Contents
- What Is the Irish Property Market Doing in 2026?
- Is It Still a Seller’s Market?
- What’s Happening to Prices in Lucan, Celbridge & Kildare?
- Sell Now or Wait? The Decision Table
- What Happens If I Wait Until 2027?
- 5 Signs Now Is the Right Time to Sell Your Home
- 5 Reasons You Might Consider Waiting
- What Buyers Are Looking for Right Now
- How to Get the Best Price If You Decide to Sell in 2026
- FAQ: Selling Your Home in Ireland in 2026
- Next Steps: Get a Free Valuation
What Is the Irish Property Market Doing in 2026?
Ireland’s property market in 2026 is best described as strong but moderating. After price growth of over 10% nationally in 2024, the pace has eased — but prices are still rising, and demand continues to significantly outstrip supply.
According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), residential property prices rose 6.8% nationally in the 12 months to February 2026. The national median sale price now stands at €390,000 — and in Dublin, that figure climbs to €500,000.
Crucially for homeowners in the commuter belt, prices outside Dublin are rising faster than in the capital, with areas like Kildare, Wicklow, and the Midlands recording some of the strongest growth in the country.
Key market facts for sellers right now:
- National price growth: +6.8% year-on-year (CSO, February 2026)
- Homes are selling at an average of 6% above asking price nationally
- In Dublin and the commuter belt, that premium rises to 8.5% above asking
- Available properties for sale remain at historically low levels — 50% below a decade ago
- Buyer demand remains high, supported by strong employment and population growth of 78,300 people in 2025 alone
The bottom line: sellers currently have significant negotiating power. There are more buyers than homes available, and that imbalance is not expected to resolve before 2027 at the earliest.
Is It Still a Seller’s Market?
Yes — Ireland is firmly in seller’s market territory in 2026, and this is expected to continue throughout the year.
A seller’s market exists when demand exceeds supply, giving vendors the upper hand in negotiations. Several indicators confirm this is still the case:
- Fewer than 11,571 properties were listed nationally on MyHome.ie as of early 2026 — a figure considered critically low by historical standards
- Bidding wars remain common, particularly for turnkey, energy-efficient homes in popular suburbs and commuter towns
- The average time from listing to sale agreed has shortened in competitive areas
- Properties in good condition with strong BER ratings are consistently attracting multiple offers
Lorraine Mulligan, who has been selling property in the Lucan and Celbridge market for over 20 years, notes: “We are still seeing strong buyer competition for well-presented homes in this corridor. Correctly priced, well-marketed properties are not sitting on the market — they are moving quickly and often above asking price.”
What’s Happening to Prices in Lucan, Celbridge & Co.Kildare?
While the national picture is important, what matters most to you is what’s happening on your doorstep.
The commuter belt area spanning Lucan, Celbridge, Leixlip, Maynooth, and surrounding Kildare towns has been one of the strongest-performing property corridors in Ireland over the past 18 months. Here’s why:
Infrastructure investment is a major driver. The DART+ expansion, BusConnects improvements, and MetroLink progress are all drawing buyer attention to towns within 20–30 minutes of Dublin city centre. Buyers who can’t afford Dublin city prices are actively searching this corridor — and competing hard for available stock.
Price growth data for the region:
- Kildare median property price: €444,999 (CSO, year to February 2026)
- Wicklow (neighbouring commuter county): €455,831 median price
- The Midlands region (bordering Kildare): recorded +15.3% annual price growth — the highest in Ireland
For a typical 3-bedroom semi-detached home in Lucan or Celbridge, current market values are significantly ahead of where they were 12–18 months ago. If you haven’t had a professional valuation recently, the figure may surprise you.
🏡 Find out exactly what your home is worth today. Book your free property valuation with Team Lorraine in Lucan or Celbridge →
Sell Your Property Now or Wait? The Decision Table
Use this quick-reference table to assess your situation at a glance:
| Your Situation | Recommended Action | Reason |
| Home is turnkey, BER B or above | Sell now | You are in the strongest position to achieve above asking price in the current market |
| Home needs cosmetic work only (paint, declutter) | Sell now after light prep | 2–4 weeks of preparation is worth the effort; no need to wait months |
| Home needs major renovation (BER D or below) | Consider waiting 3–6 months | Targeted energy upgrades (insulation, heat pump) can add 10–15% to sale value |
| You know where you’re moving next | Sell now | You have a clear plan; delaying risks higher purchase price on your next home |
| You haven’t found your next home yet | Start looking, then list | In a low-supply market, having a plan reduces post-sale stress significantly |
| You’re a landlord with tenants in situ | Take legal advice first | March 2026 legislation changes the rules on selling tenanted properties — get expert guidance |
| You’re in negative equity | Get a valuation first | Prices have risen significantly — you may be in a better position than you think |
| Planning permission in progress | Wait for decision | Granted permission can meaningfully increase your sale price and buyer pool |
| You want to trade up (upsizing) | Sell now | Your purchase price is also rising — waiting costs you on both sides of the transaction |
| You want to downsize | Sell now | Bridging finance now available; downsizing frees up equity at a market peak |
| You’re settling an estate / probate | Sell now | Market conditions are favourable; delays add legal and maintenance cost |
| Major personal life uncertainty | Wait until clarity | Selling adds stress — ensure your personal situation is stable before proceeding |
What Happens If I Wait to Sell My Property Until 2027?
This is the question every potential seller eventually asks. Here’s an honest assessment based on current expert forecasts.
The case for prices continuing to rise: Supply will remain constrained well into 2027. Housing completions in 2025 reached approximately 32,000 units — well below the 50,000–60,000 homes per year needed to meet demand. Meaningful supply relief is not expected before 2027–2028 at the earliest. This structural shortage provides a floor under prices.
The case for not waiting: Price growth is forecast to moderate to 3–5% in 2026, down from 6.8%, and is expected to ease further as affordability limits bite. Mortgage rates, while stable at around 3.46%, are unlikely to fall significantly further. The premium buyers are paying above asking price has already started to compress slightly — from 8.5% in mid-2025 to around 6.5% by early 2026.
What this means for you:
- Waiting 12 months might add 3–5% to your sale price — but this is not guaranteed
- In the meantime, you continue paying your mortgage, maintenance, and potentially missing your next move
- If you’re trading up, the home you’re buying is also rising in price during that wait
- The tax and legal environment is also likely to change — and not always in a seller’s favour
For most homeowners who are ready to sell, acting in 2026 in a still-strong market is lower risk than waiting for a marginal potential uplift in 2027.
📞 Still unsure? Talk it through with Lorraine. Book a no-obligation call or valuation — Celbridge 01 627 2770 | Lucan 01 628 3660
5 Signs Now Is the Right Time to Sell Your Home
1. Your Home Is in Good Condition (or Close to It)
Buyers in 2026 are placing a significant premium on turnkey properties. If your home is well-maintained, recently decorated, and has a reasonable BER rating, you are in an ideal position to achieve a strong sale price right now. Read our guide to how to increase the value of your property before selling for practical tips on maximising your result.
2. You Have Clear Reasons to Move
Life events — upsizing for a growing family, downsizing after children leave, relocating for work, or settling an estate — are the most reliable triggers for a successful sale. Sellers who have clear, practical motivations tend to make better decisions and achieve better outcomes.
3. Your BER Rating Is B or Above
Homes with A or B BER ratings are selling faster and attracting higher offers in the current market. If your home already has a strong energy rating, you have a significant competitive advantage over neighbours with older, less efficient properties. Read our BER rating guide for Irish sellers to understand how your rating affects your sale price.
4. You’ve Had a Recent Valuation and the Numbers Work
Property values in Lucan, Celbridge, and surrounding areas have risen substantially. If you haven’t had a professional valuation in the last 12 months, you may be underestimating your equity position — and therefore your options. Get a free valuation from Team Lorraine today →
5. You Can Buy Your Next Home
With bridging finance now available from one of Ireland’s main pillar banks, moving simultaneously is more achievable than it has been in years. If you have identified where you want to move — whether that’s elsewhere in Kildare, Dublin, or beyond — the tools to make the transition exist right now.
5 Reasons You Might Consider Waiting Before Selling Your House
In the interest of balance, here are the scenarios where waiting might make sense:
1. Your Home Needs Significant Work
If your property has a low BER rating (D, E, or F) or needs structural or cosmetic improvements, spending 3–6 months on targeted upgrades before listing could meaningfully improve your sale price and buyer pool. See our article on why renovating before selling may or may not be necessary.
2. You Haven’t Found Your Next Home
In a low-supply market, selling without a clear plan for where you’re going next can leave you in a difficult position. If you’re not sure where you want to buy, it may be worth clarifying that first.
3. You’re in Negative Equity
While this is increasingly rare given sustained price growth since 2013, some owners with mortgages taken out at peak Celtic Tiger prices may still be in negative equity. A proper valuation will confirm your position — book yours here →
4. Major Life Uncertainty
If you’re facing significant personal uncertainty — a job change, relationship change, or health issue — taking on the stress of a property sale may not be the right timing regardless of market conditions.
5. Planning Permission Is in Progress
If you’ve applied for planning permission to extend or develop your property, waiting for approval could meaningfully increase your sale value.
What Buyers Are Looking for Right Now
Understanding what today’s buyers want is critical to maximising your sale price. In 2026, the Irish buyer profile has shifted noticeably.
The modern Irish buyer prioritises:
- Energy efficiency: BER A or B is now a significant selling point. Homes with high ratings sell faster and above asking price. Buyers factor in monthly energy costs as part of affordability calculations.
- Turnkey condition: Buyers are time-poor and cost-conscious. They do not want to manage a renovation project on top of their mortgage. Properties that are freshly decorated, clean, and move-in ready consistently outperform those that need work. See our guide on how to stage your home for viewings.
- Broadband and connectivity: Remote and hybrid working remains widespread. Good broadband coverage is now a practical requirement for many buyers, particularly in commuter belt locations.
- Outdoor space: Post-pandemic, gardens and outdoor areas remain high on the priority list, especially for family buyers.
- Proximity to transport: In the Lucan–Celbridge corridor, proximity to bus routes, the planned DART+ stops, and motorway access (M4, M7, M50) is a genuine value driver.
- School catchments: For family buyers — which represent a large share of activity in this area — proximity to good primary and secondary schools remains one of the top search filters.
The more of these boxes your property ticks, the stronger your position in the current market.
How to Get the Best Price If You Decide to Sell in 2026
If you’ve decided the time is right, here’s how to extract maximum value from the current market:
1. Get a professional valuation first to sell your house. Not an online estimate — a face-to-face free valuation from an experienced local agent who knows what comparable properties are actually selling for, not just listing at.
2. Invest in presentation, not renovation. In most cases, a thorough declutter, deep clean, fresh neutral paint, and professional photography will deliver a far better return than spending €20,000 on a kitchen extension. Read our expert staging tips for Irish sellers to get it right.
3. Time your launch strategically. Spring (February–May) and autumn (September–November) are the peak activity periods in the Irish market. Launching mid-December or mid-summer tends to limit your buyer pool.
4. Price correctly from day one. Overpricing is the single most damaging mistake a seller can make. A property that sits on the market for months loses its freshness — buyers become suspicious and offers come in lower. A correctly priced property in a supply-constrained market will attract multiple bidders and often achieve above asking. Read our guide on how to determine the best price for your home.
5. Choose an agent with proven local results. Your estate agent’s negotiating skill, buyer database, and local market knowledge directly affect your final sale price. Ask for evidence of recent comparable sales in your area before committing.
📊 Team Lorraine has been the #1 RE/MAX selling agent nationally for 14 consecutive years. Find out what your home is worth and how we can help you achieve the best possible price →
FAQ: Selling Your House in Ireland in 2026
No significant price fall is forecast for 2026. The structural undersupply of housing — with completions running at roughly 32,000 units against a need for 50,000–60,000 — means demand will continue to support prices. Moderate growth of 3–5% is the consensus forecast among economists and property experts.
In well-priced, well-presented condition, properties in the Dublin commuter belt are typically going sale agreed within 4–8 weeks of going to market. The full conveyancing process (from sale agreed to closing) usually takes a further 8–12 weeks, depending on legal and mortgage processes.
Yes. A valid BER certificate is a legal requirement before placing your property on the market in Ireland. Your estate agent can advise you on how to arrange an assessment if you don’t already have one. Read our BER guide for sellers for more detail.
The main costs for sellers are: estate agent commission (typically 1–1.5% of sale price plus VAT), solicitor fees (typically €1,500–€2,500 plus VAT and outlays), and the cost of a BER certificate if you don’t already have one (approximately €150–€250). Capital Gains Tax may also apply if the property is not your primary residence.
In the current market, most sellers are advised to sell first — or at least have a sale agreed — before proceeding with a purchase. This gives you a clearer budget and stronger negotiating position as a buyer. Bridging finance, now available from Bank of Ireland, is an option for those who find their next home before completing their sale.
Spring (February to May) is generally considered the optimal time to sell in Ireland, as buyer activity and daylight viewing hours are both at their highest. Autumn (September to October) is the second peak. If your home is in excellent condition, however, any time of year in the current market can yield strong results.
The most accurate way is a face-to-face valuation with a local agent who has access to recent comparable sales data — not just online portal estimates, which can be significantly off. Team Lorraine offers free valuations in Lucan and Celbridge with no obligation →
Next Steps: Get Your Free Property Valuation to Sell Your House
Key takeaways from this article:
- Ireland’s property market remains a seller’s market in 2026, with national prices up 6.8% year-on-year
- The Lucan–Celbridge–Kildare corridor is one of the best-performing commuter markets in the country
- Price growth is forecast to moderate — selling in 2026 is lower risk than waiting for a marginal potential uplift in 2027
- Turnkey, energy-efficient homes are achieving the strongest results right now
- Correct pricing and local market expertise are the two biggest levers in your sale outcome
If you’re considering selling your home in Lucan, Celbridge, Leixlip, Maynooth, or anywhere in the Dublin/Kildare commuter corridor, the most important first step is understanding what your property is worth in today’s market.
🏡 Book Your Free Property Valuation — No Obligation
Team Lorraine Mulligan, RE/MAX Results has been helping homeowners in Lucan, Celbridge and the Dublin commuter belt achieve the best possible price for their property for over 20 years. We know this market better than anyone.
→ Request Your Free Valuation Online
📞 Celbridge Office: 01 627 2770 📞 Lucan Office: 01 628 3660 📧 office@teamlorraine.ie 🌐 teamlorraine.ie
Lorraine Mulligan M.I.P.A.V. — Licensed Estate Agent Lucan and Celbridge, PSRA Licence No. 002196 | RE/MAX National No. 1 Top Selling Agent 2007–2023 |
Related Articles You May Find Useful:
- How to Increase the Value of Your Property Before Selling
- How to Stage Your Home for Viewings
- Do I Need a High BER Rating to Sell My Home?
- How to Determine the Best Price for Your Home
- View Properties for Sale in Lucan
- View Properties for Sale in Celbridge & Kildare
Sources: Central Statistics Office (CSO) Residential Property Price Index February 2026 | MyHome.ie Q4 2025 Market Report | Knight Frank Ireland Research 2026 | Daft.ie Rental Report 2026 | CBRE Ireland Real Estate Market Outlook 2026 | Bank of Ireland Housing Market Report 2026