Ballybofey had Ireland’s highest commercial vacancy rate in June 2025

Ballybofey had the highest commercial vacancy rate in Ireland in June 2025, according to the latest GeoDirectory Commercial Vacancy Rates Report.

Of the 80 main towns and urban areas surveyed by GeoDirectory nationally, Ballybofey registered the highest commercial vacancy rate at 33.7 per cent.

The commercial vacancy rate in Donegal was 20.3 per cent in June 2025, which was higher than the national average. Compared to the same period in 2024, the commercial vacancy rate in Donegal increased by 0.9 percentage points. 

Of the urban areas in Donegal surveyed, Ballybofey had the highest commercial vacancy rate (33.7 per cent), while Buncrana had the lowest (13.8 per cent).

The analysis, prepared by EY, found that the national commercial vacancy rate reached a new high of 14.6 per cent in June 2025, with a total of 30,800 commercial units classified as vacant across the State. In total, the commercial vacancy rate increased in 17 out of 26 counties surveyed.

The highest commercial vacancy rates continue to be found in the west of the country with Sligo, at 20.8 per cent, recording the highest proportion of vacant commercial units in Q2 2025. Donegal (20.3 per cent), Galway (18.7 per cent), Leitrim (18 per cent) and Limerick (17.9 per cent) rounded off the top five counties with the highest commercial vacancy rates.

A total of 13 counties had a vacancy rate below the national average. Meath, at 10 per cent, was the county with the lowest commercial vacancy rate in the country and the only county in the State with a vacancy rate not above 10 per cent. Wexford (10.6 per cent), Westmeath (12.2 per cent), Kerry (12.2 per cent) and Cork (12.5 per cent) were the counties to record the next lowest commercial vacancy rates.

In Dublin, the commercial vacancy rate was 13.9 per cent in Q2 2025, an increase of 0.6 pp compared to the previous year. Despite its increase, Dublin's vacancy rate is still below the national average (14.6 per cent).

Of the 80 main towns and urban areas surveyed, Carrigaline, Co Cork (5.1 per cent) and Greystones, Co Wicklow (5.5 per cent) were the towns with the lowest vacancy rates.

Commenting on the findings of the latest GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings Report, Dara Keogh, CEO of GeoDirectory, said: “The national commercial vacancy rate has reached a new high of 14.6 per cent in Q2 2025, the highest level recorded by GeoDirectory, continuing the trend of increasing commercial vacancy experienced in recent years. There are now 30,800 commercial units across the country currently vacant, a reminder that our commercial landscape as well as consumer behaviour is shifting.”

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Annette Hughes, Director at EY Economic Advisory, said: “In Q2 2025, the commercial property vacancy rate rose in 17 out of the 26 counties, continuing a trend of more than half of the counties experiencing an increase in vacancy rates. Overall the commercial vacancy rate is continuing its upward trajectory at the same time as residential vacancy rates have reached historic lows. This trend highlights the significant challenges and market dynamics commercial businesses have faced in recent years, in spite of the strong overall economic performance of the Irish economy. Evolving shopping preferences and ongoing cost pressures on businesses and households continue to impact the sector, although the extent of their influence will vary depending on factors such as location and sector.”