Budget 2026 is expected to keep property prices in Ireland stable with potential for moderate growth, particularly in areas with high buyer demand and limited stock. Key budget measures—including the Help-to-Buy extension, mortgage relief, and incentives to keep landlords in the rental market—help support steady demand, which is positive for sellers.
Homes that are energy-efficient (BER A or B), modernised, or located near transport, schools, or town centres in areas like Lucan, Celbridge, Leixlip, and Kildare are likely to achieve the strongest prices. With more buyers encouraged back into the market, 2026 could be an excellent year to sell your home for a competitive price.

Thinking of selling your home in 2026?

Budget 2026 is widely expected to create a strong environment for anyone planning to sell their home in Ireland in 2026. With the Help-to-Buy scheme extended to 2027 and the introduction of targeted mortgage interest relief, more first-time buyers and movers are likely to enter the market. This increased affordability boosts buyer confidence and leads to higher demand—especially in popular commuter locations such as Lucan, Celbridge, Leixlip, Maynooth, and Kildare, where supply remains limited.
For homeowners considering selling, Budget 2026 supports a stable and active Irish property market, meaning more viewings, more interest, and stronger offers throughout 2026.

Thinking of selling your home in 2026?

If you sell your investment property for more than you originally paid (including the cost of any qualifying improvements), you may be liable for Capital Gains Tax (CGT). In Ireland, the current CGT rate is 33% on the net gain.

To calculate your gain, subtract the original purchase price, along with any allowable expenses such as:

• Legal and estate agent fees
• Stamp duty from the original purchase
• Qualifying capital improvements (e.g., renovations, extensions)
• Advertising or marketing costs for the sale

It’s important to retain detailed records and receipts for any costs you plan to claim. If you’re unsure about your CGT liability, it’s best to consult a tax advisor or accountant who specialises in property sales.

Note that some sellers may qualify for reliefs or exemptions depending on their circumstances, such as Principal Private Residence Relief (if you lived in the property at any stage). Your accountant will determine if any reliefs apply.

Yes, you can legally sell an investment property with tenants still in place in Ireland. This approach often appeals to investor buyers who are looking for a ready-made rental income stream. In these cases, the new owner effectively steps into your role as landlord, and the existing lease and Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) registration remain valid.

However, it’s crucial to communicate openly with your tenants throughout the process. Let them know your intentions early, reassure them of their rights, and work with your estate agent to schedule viewings at convenient times. A good estate agent will act as a liaison between you and your tenants, helping to maintain goodwill and ensure minimal disruption while complying with all legal requirements.

Disclosing the full details of the tenancy—such as rent amount, duration, and tenant history—is essential. This transparency helps attract the right buyers and keeps the sale process compliant and efficient.

The notice period you must give tenants when selling your investment property in Ireland depends on how long the tenancy has been in place. According to RTB legislation, if you are seeking vacant possession before the sale, the required notice periods are as follows (as of 2025):

• Less than 6 months: 90 days
• 6 months to 1 year: 152 days
• 1 to 7 years: 180 days
• Over 7 years: 196 days

You must issue the notice in writing and follow the correct RTB format, ensuring it includes the reason for termination (i.e., intent to sell). If you intend to sell within 9 months, the tenant must also be given a copy of the sales advertisement within 90 days of the termination date.

Failing to follow proper procedures can result in delays, fines, or a voided notice. Your estate agent and solicitor can guide you through this process and ensure all legal timelines are correctly observed.

It’s generally advised that sellers do not attend viewings. While it may feel natural to want to highlight your home’s features, buyers typically feel more comfortable asking questions and expressing honest opinions when the owner isn’t present. A relaxed viewing environment helps them envision the property as their future home, not someone else’s.

Your estate agent is trained to showcase your home’s strengths while managing buyer interactions professionally. They know how to answer questions, highlight key selling points, and gather feedback that could be valuable in your selling strategy. By trusting your agent to host viewings, you give your property the best chance to make a strong, lasting impression.

Once you accept an offer, things move into the conveyancing stage. This is where both solicitors (yours and the buyer’s) work together to handle all legal and contractual matters. Key steps include drafting and reviewing contracts, organising title deeds, confirming planning permissions, and finalising the buyer’s mortgage.

Your estate agent remains actively involved by overseeing the entire sales progression, liaising between both parties, keeping you updated on deadlines, and troubleshooting any issues that might arise (e.g., delays in documentation or buyer queries). Their support is crucial to avoid unnecessary setbacks and keep your sale on track. Once everything is in order, contracts are signed, and the sale is completed on the closing date.

Yes, you can absolutely sell a tenanted property, but it requires careful handling to comply with tenancy laws in Ireland. If the lease is ongoing and you wish to sell with tenants in situ, your estate agent will market the property to investors who are open to acquiring it with tenants already in place.

Alternatively, if you plan to sell the property with vacant possession, you’ll need to issue the correct notice period to tenants based on the length of their tenancy, as outlined by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Your estate agent can help you navigate this process, advise on timelines, and communicate with tenants respectfully and professionally to ensure minimal disruption. Proper planning ensures a smoother sale and protects your legal interests.

A vital part of the role of estate agent is ensuring that only serious, financially capable buyers are brought to the table. Agents qualify potential buyers by requesting proof of mortgage approval (a mortgage agreement in principle) or confirmation of available funds for cash buyers. This vetting process helps you avoid wasted time on viewers who aren’t in a position to proceed.

In addition, experienced estate agents often have a feel for a buyer’s intent based on their communication and property search history. This allows them to filter out time-wasters and focus only on those who are ready, willing, and able to purchase—ultimately speeding up the sale process and reducing the risk of deals falling through.

One of the best ways to speed up the sale of your property is to be legally and practically prepared before you go to market. Delays in the property process often happen when sellers don’t have the right documents ready—or when issues arise during conveyancing. By taking a few key steps early on, you can prevent hold-ups and make your home more appealing to serious buyers.

Here’s how to streamline the process:

✅ Get Your Legal Documents in Order

Before listing your home, gather the essential paperwork:

• BER Certificate (Building Energy Rating)
• Title Deeds (proof of ownership)
• Planning permissions or certificates of compliance (for any extensions or structural work)
• Utility bills and property tax receipts
• NPPR certificate (if applicable, for properties owned between 2009–2013)
• Management company details (for apartments or managed developments)

Having these ready signals to buyers—and their solicitors—that you’re serious and well organised.

✅ Appoint a Solicitor Early

Instruct your solicitor before putting your home on the market. They can review your documents, flag potential issues (such as boundary discrepancies or missing consents), and prepare the contract for sale so it’s ready as soon as you accept an offer.

✅ Choose the Right Estate Agent

An experienced agent won’t just advertise your home—they’ll qualify buyers, manage expectations, and help keep things moving behind the scenes. A proactive agent can reduce time wasted on unsuitable viewings or uncertain buyers.

✅ Be Flexible and Responsive Make your home available for viewings, respond promptly to queries, and be open to reasonable negotiation. A flexible and cooperative approach can make the difference between a sale progressing smoothly or stalling unnecessarily.