Laois house prices rise with strong performance in Portlaoise

Dunamase View on the Dublin Road in Portlaoise were completed in 2023.

placeholder image — Dunamase View on the Dublin Road in Portlaoise were completed in 2023.

Real Estate Alliance (REA) publish the latest analysis from Laois and other counties

The price of the average second-hand three-bed semi in Laois has increased to €260,000, up 2% from €255,000, over the past twelve months, according to a national survey by Real Estate Alliance (REA).

This quarter, prices have remained unchanged, while the average time taken to sell currently sits at five weeks, the Q1 REA Average House Price Index shows.

The property survey shows that across the county, 70% of purchasers were first-time buyers, and 5% of purchasers were from outside of the county.

A total of 25% of sales in the county this quarter were attributed to landlords leaving the market.

“The market in Portlaoise town continues to perform strongly, particularly in the new homes market,” said Seamus Browne of REA Seamus Browne, Portlaoise. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien cuts the ribbon on new housing in Ballylinan in 2023.

“There are less viewings and less stock available in Q1 2024 in comparison to Q1 2023,” he said.

The selling price of a three-bed, semi-detached house across the country rose by 1.3pc in the first quarter to €308,235.

The REA Average House Price Index concentrates on the sale price of Ireland's typical stock home, the three-bed semi, giving an accurate picture of the second-hand property market in towns and cities countrywide.

Time taken to reach sale agreed nationally is steady at five weeks as historically low supply continues to drive sales - amidst a belief that interest rates may have peaked.

“There continues to be strong demand throughout the country as buyers compete for the lowest supply of residential property in two decades – despite the high level of values and interest rates,” said REA spokesperson, Barry McDonald.

“On the positive side for potential homeowners, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has finally kicked in, opening up a market for homes in need of improvement.

“These were the type of property previously really hard to sell with people afraid of refurbishment costs, limiting the market to builders and developers.

“If a home is declared vacant for two years or more, and it qualifies under the scheme, buyers know they can avail of a grant for refurbishment of up to €50,000 and up to €70,000 if there is a structural issue,” said Mr McDonald.

Mortgage-approved first-time buyers are still the main market drivers, accounting for 59pc of sales nationally. MORE BELOW NATIONAL TABLE.

Major cities outside the capital experienced the highest rise in the Q1 survey – up by an average of over €5,000 in the last three months. The 1.8pc increase is equivalent to an average selling price of €328,750 – with the annual rate of increase at 6pc.