Second-Hand Housing Supply Improves but National Shortage Remains Acute



Statement by Marian Finnegan, CEO, Sherry FitzGerald Group March 16th, 2026.



Sherry FitzGerald Research’s latest bi-annual analysis reveals that housing supply across Ireland remains critically constrained, despite an improvement in the number of second-hand homes advertised for sale in January 2026. Just 0.7% of Ireland’s private housing stock—equivalent to 14,629 properties—was listed for sale last month. Although this marks an increase of 4,250 units from the historic low recorded in January 2025, it is still far below the level required for a balanced and functioning housing market.



Current stock remains 28% lower than January 2020, when 20,332 second-hand properties (1.1% of total stock) were available.



Marian Finnegan, CEO of Sherry FitzGerald Group, underscored the significance of the ongoing supply constraints, stating:&nbsp;“Despite the increase over the past year, Ireland continues to face a severe structural shortage of available homes. The persistent imbalance between supply and demand is placing continued pressure on individuals and families attempting to secure suitable accommodation. Incremental improvements are welcome, but they fall far short of what is required to meet the needs of our growing population.”



In Dublin, 3,952 second-hand properties were advertised for sale in January, representing just 0.7% of the capital’s private housing stock—up from 0.5% a year earlier. While stock levels increased in all areas compared to 2025, many parts of the country continue to experience particularly acute shortages, especially beyond the main urban centres.



When compared with January 2020, several regions have experienced sharp declines in available homes for sale:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Mid-West: –43.0%</li>



<li>West: –42.0%</li>



<li>South-East: –39.2%</li>



<li>Border: –39.0%</li>
</ul>



These regions also recorded some of the strongest price growth in 2025, ranging from 8.1% to 11.1%, according to the Sherry FitzGerald Residential Index—further indicating that supply shortages are a key driver of ongoing price inflation.



While new housing delivery exceeded expectations in 2025—with 36,284 new homes completed—output remains substantially below Sherry FitzGerald Research’s estimated annual demand of 56,200 units. Construction activity was primarily concentrated in Dublin, the Greater Dublin Area and Cork, which together accounted for 63.7% of completions.



Analysis shows significant variation in the share of demand met across regions:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Dublin: 84.2%</li>



<li>Mid-East: 69.6%</li>



<li>South-West: 61.1%</li>



<li>West, Mid-West, Border, South-East: between 45% and 52%</li>
</ul>



Commenting on the regional disparities, Ms. Finnegan added:&nbsp;“Rural and regional Ireland continues to experience some of the most severe shortages of housing. To achieve balanced and sustainable economic growth, it is vital that new supply is delivered across the entire country—not only in our major cities. The uplift in completions in 2025 is encouraging, but all indicators will need close monitoring in 2026. Delivering new homes at scale nationwide is essential to improving choice and easing pressure on the second-hand market.”

Second-Hand Housing Supply Improves but National Shortage Remains Acute

Maximise Your Success in the September Property Market



As autumn approaches, you might be more focused on summer holidays and long, sunlit evenings than on selling your home. However, if you’re considering putting your property on the market, now is the perfect time to start preparing.



&nbsp;With a little foresight and thoughtful planning, you can make sure your home catches the eye of committed buyers eager to move in before the year ends.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Why September Is the Best Time to Sell Your Property</h1>



For years, September has been an active month for property sales in Ireland. As the summer holidays wrap up, buyers return to the market with renewed focus and determination. The return of property supplements in national newspapers signals a wider surge in market activity.



Many buyers are motivated to secure their new home before the year ends, creating a valuable window of opportunity for sellers.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">The Importance of Planning Ahead</h1>



Selling a property is more than simply listing it for sale. From legal documents to home presentation and marketing, starting early gives you the time and breathing room to excel—avoiding the stress of last-minute preparations.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Your property looks its best in summer: Lush gardens, vibrant outdoor spaces, and abundant natural light help your property shine in professional photographs.</li>



<li>Time to prepare properly: Small improvements—like a fresh coat of paint, home staging, or tidying up the garden—can make a remarkable difference in attracting potential buyers.</li>



<li>Avoid legal delays: Appointing a solicitor early ensures your title deeds and compliance documents are in order when offers come in.</li>



<li>Strategic marketing: Early planning lets you and your agent build a bespoke marketing campaign for maximum impact.</li>
</ul>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Your Home This Autumn</h1>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Market Appraisal</h2>



A qualified Sherry FitzGerald agent will visit your home, assess its strengths, and provide a realistic valuation based on current local market conditions. They’ll also discuss the best method of sale to suit your needs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Appoint Your Solicitor Early</h2>



Choosing a solicitor in advance means your legal paperwork—title deeds, planning permissions, etc.—can be prepared ahead of time. This avoids delays when a buyer is ready to proceed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Prepare Your Property for Market</h2>



Your agent will guide you on presenting your home at its best, from decluttering and painting to minor repairs and staging advice. First impressions count, especially when buyers see your property online before visiting in person.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Schedule Professional Photography</h2>



Summer’s full bloom and natural light make it the ideal time for high-quality photos. We’ll arrange the photographer and also the type of photographs they take.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Build a Strategic Marketing Campaign</h2>



Your Sherry FitzGerald agent will create a marketing plan combining local insight with the reach of a national network. A high quality brochure, backed up by a comprehensive online and offline campaign, will help you connect with your buyer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. Stay in Touch with Your Agent</h2>



Regular updates, buyer feedback, and ongoing advice from your agent will keep you informed and confident throughout the process. Your agent will manage viewings, negotiate offers, and guide you right through to completion — all backed by our exclusive online bidding platform, mySherryFitz, which gives you full transparency and real-time visibility as offers come in.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Why Selling in September Gives You an Edge</h1>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>You’re ahead of the rush—ready to launch just as buyers become active again for the new selling season.</li>



<li>You meet motivated buyers—many keen to move before year-end.</li>



<li>You avoid delays—by having all legal and marketing materials prepared in advance.</li>
</ul>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Local Expertise, National Reach</h1>



Choosing the right estate agent makes all the difference. At Sherry FitzGerald, our agents combine deep local knowledge with the strength of a nationwide network, ensuring your property reaches the widest pool of motivated buyers. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a peaceful rural area, we know how to position your property for success.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts: Make Your Move with Confidence</h1>



The September selling season brings a fresh wave of opportunity. By starting your preparations now, you give yourself the best chance to present your home in its best light, attract the right buyers, and achieve the strongest result.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li> Get started with a free market appraisal today.</li>



<li> Contact your local Sherry FitzGerald office or</li>



<li>Visit www.sherryfitz.ie</li>
</ul>



Let us help you make your next move with confidence.

Selling Your Home This Autumn? Why Now Is the Time to Start Preparing

Q: My house is going on the market and I want to declutter it for viewings. Where do I start? Suzy Kell, decluttering coach, offers her expert advice.



A: Don’t panic! There’s a solution for everything. Decluttering the home will make it easier to prepare for viewings and the first step is to get rid of any large items you don’t want to keep. That might be an unused exercise bike or a chair you’ve never really liked, but it could also include things you’re not going to need in the new home. I once met a family who’d moved back from Canada along with all their skiing equipment. They were never going to need that in Ireland! Some of these items can be sold but there are also are many charities and online networks where you can donate things to people who need them. Landfill is a last resort. 



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The next step is to look at your home with fresh eyes. Walk through it as though you had never been there before and look for problem areas that catch the eye. We’re all in the habit of overlooking unsightly things that have always been there. Sometimes it helps to invite a friend to give their honest opinion. They might notice a tangle of wires dangling from the television, a misaligned shelf, or a messy corner. Locate the problem areas and deal with them. These may feel like small steps but nobody gets from zero to decluttered in a day.



Once this is done, you’ll be feeling more in control and ready to get the home looking its best. I always vote for boxing things. Buy a supply of cardboard boxes, or get them for free from local shops, and begin to fill them in a logical way. Organise things into categories: toys; clothes; things belonging to the kids; things belonging to the dog; or paper. Then pack the boxes and label them by destination as well as by content. It’s as much a mental game as it is a physical one. If two outwardly identical boxes of books are marked: “books from the office” and “books from the playroom” it will help the movers to put them into the correct room. Think of this as doing a favour to your future self! A stash of neatly labelled boxes in the spare room will look as though you’re well organised for the move. It won’t be off-putting for viewers.



Before you do the final packing, consider what you want to keep. My basic guideline is the 20:20 rule. If you can replace something for less than €20 in under 20 minutes, you don’t need to transport it. Cans of beans can go to the foodbank. What you bring with you will depend on how far you’re moving. If you’re moving abroad, the cost of transport will be calculated by weight as well as volume and this will narrow the options of what you can bring with you.&nbsp;&nbsp;



In the meantime, don’t pack away the things you need for daily life. If the house is becoming untidy (especially if you have small children) buy a laundry basket for each room. To prepare the house for a viewing at short notice, pick up anything that’s lying around, drop it into the basket, and close the lid. It’s a short term measure but very much quicker and easier than putting everything in its proper place. First focus on clearing the floors to create walkways around the home. Then clear the tables, countertops and beds. This will make the rooms easier to clean too.



For more help with decluttering see suzykell.com.&nbsp;

Decluttering

Q: I’m downsizing from a larger house to a smaller one but I don’t want to say goodbye to all my furniture and artwork. What can I bring with me? Helena Cousins of Zinc Interior Design offers her expert advice.



A: Bringing some favourite pieces of furniture and artwork into a new home is an excellent plan. Downsizing is exciting but it’s also a major transition and a space feels more like a home when it contains some elements from the past.&nbsp;



The first step is to find out if your furniture will fit. Measure, measure, measure! Look at the available floor space, but also at the position of the windows and doors. A piece that sat comfortably under a window in one house may not fit so well in another if the sills are at a different height.



Be selective about what you chose to bring and avoid filling the rooms with chunky furniture. It will clog up the space and weigh against the feeling of making a fresh start. Pieces with slender or tapered legs tend to work better in smaller spaces, so elevate your furniture! Freeing up the floor will help create a sense of visual flow. A big heavy sofa that sits close to the ground may not work in a smaller room. If you have a suite that you love, consider keeping one of the armchairs. Likewise, if you have a set of dining chairs, keep some of them and the memories associated with them. It’s really nice to have that familiarity.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://radfords.2cubedtest.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-Thumbnail-1-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-456" width="513" height="513" srcset="https://adminwp.radfordauctioneers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-Thumbnail-1-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https://adminwp.radfordauctioneers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-Thumbnail-1-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://adminwp.radfordauctioneers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-Thumbnail-1-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://adminwp.radfordauctioneers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-Thumbnail-1-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://adminwp.radfordauctioneers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-Thumbnail-1.jpeg 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 513px) 100vw, 513px" /></figure>



If the new home is modern, don’t be afraid of adding some antiques to the mix. Downsizing your house doesn’t mean downsizing your style! An antique will often look better when it’s not surrounded by other antiques and you can see it in all its glory. Sometimes a skilled upcycler can help repurpose old furniture for a new home. The bottom half of an old dresser could be transformed into a vanity unit or a pair of old drawers can be repurposed to become a sideboard by adding 1950s style legs.&nbsp;&nbsp;



If you have artwork that you love, do try to bring it with you, but consider changing its position in the home. A paitning that belonged above the mantelpiece in the old house may look better in the bedroom of the new one. Carry it around the house and let it find its place. Sometimes artworks look better in a smaller space where there is less to distract from them. The move can give them a new lease of life. Then, let those pieces be a colour reference for the new design scheme. Decorate with lighter colours and stick with neutrals for walls and curtains. Avoid overly busy patterns as they can maker smaller rooms feel cramped. Natural light makes small rooms feel bigger, so keep the window dressings minimal.



In many cases, downsizing involves moving from a house with traditional rooms into an open-plan space. You may not be used to that. Rugs are a useful way of delineating zones within a multipurpose space. For the living area, choose a rug large enough to anchor the furniture. It works better if the sofa and chairs can sit on it, rather than grouped around it. In the dining area, a flat-weave rug will be easier to clean than a deep-pile rug. Find one that echoes the shape of the table – a round rug beneath a round table – and make sure it’s big enough for all the chairs. It’s uncomfortable to sit around a table when only the front legs of the chair are resting on the rug.&nbsp;



See zincid.com

Downsizing

Q: I’m a first-time buyer about to move into my newly built home. I’m planning a phased approach to furnishing and decoration but I don’t know where to start. What do I prioritise? Interior designer Louise Johnston offers her expert advice.



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A: Plan, plan, plan! Use interior design magazines and platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to build up an idea of the colours, styles and textures you like. Think about how you want the home to feel and function for you. Look at the showhouse to see if there are any ideas you can steal! Floors are generally not included in new-build developments so choosing and installing the flooring will be your first priority. Do this before you move in and with a view to it being the foundation for the overall interior decoration scheme you will add over time.&nbsp;



Next, focus on the room you’re going to spend the most time in. This is usually the kitchen dining and living space. You may not have had a choice in the style of the kitchen. If you don’t love it, consider changing the handles on the units and adding tiles to the backsplash area between the countertop and the upper cabinets. It’s a small area, so it’s not crazy expensive to do and it will make the kitchen feel a bit more like you. If you have had your sights set on some open shelving in your kitchen, look into removing a wall cabinet or two to introduce some oak shelving where you can display your own dinnerware and decorative accessories. Essential furniture for the kitchen dining living space includes stools for a kitchen island or breakfast bar, dining table and chairs and a sofa. Add under-cabinet lighting – LED strips are inexpensive and easy to install – and lamps to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.&nbsp;



Then, relax and live in the space before you move onto other areas like a main living room or primary bedroom. Moving in is a big effort, there’s no harm in taking your time. It’s tempting to rush in with paint but it’s good to live in the house for a while and so you can see what the light is like at different times of day. It’s often worth booking an interior designer for a consultation. The cost is relatively small and it can save you money in the long term. Mistakes happen when people jump into a project too quickly or without having a plan in place.



In the interim, you can continue to make some small changes to make the house feel your own. Hang some prints or paintings on the walls. Art that you’ve chosen is an expression of your personality and will quickly add character. If you’re afraid of damaging the plaster, picture hanging strips are widely available. Add greenery! Plants will quite literally bring life to the home!



Consider leaving the primary bedroom relatively unfinished while you concentrate on the living area. Most of the time you’re in there you’re asleep! If you are saving up for a large storage unit, like a built-in wardrobe, you can buy some interim solutions like a hanging rail or baskets for clothing. It’s important to get storage organised early on. Misplaced possessions quickly become clutter, which is hard to shift.&nbsp;



The hallway is the first room you experience when you come in the front door. A simple console table with a mirror above it, a runner on the floor, and a piece of art on the wall will make it feel like home. Additional details like panelling can always be added at a later date.



louisejohnstondesign.com

Decorating a New Build

Q: My home is going on the market. How do I style it for summer viewings? Interior designer Natasha Rocca Devine offers her expert advice.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="171" src="https://radfords.2cubedtest.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-Banner-6-1024x171.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-446" srcset="https://adminwp.radfordauctioneers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-Banner-6-1024x171.jpeg 1024w, https://adminwp.radfordauctioneers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-Banner-6-300x50.jpeg 300w, https://adminwp.radfordauctioneers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-Banner-6-768x128.jpeg 768w, https://adminwp.radfordauctioneers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-Banner-6-1536x256.jpeg 1536w, https://adminwp.radfordauctioneers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-Banner-6.jpeg 1800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



A: Staging a home for viewings is a seasonal business and different things matter at different times of year. Summer is a sensual season and it’s particularly important to evoke all your senses. Take full advantage of the brighter longer days to show off your home at its best.



When I’m preparing a home for summer viewings, my first priority is the window treatment. The windows will enhance the overall space, but the bright summer light will also show up anything that’s worn or dirty. Clean the windows and consider painting the window frames, even if you’re not painting the rest of the house. If the curtains are at all dirty, take them down and wash them or have them dry cleaned. If the blinds are dirty or broken, remove them. It’s often better to have no curtains or blinds at all than shabby ones.



The second thing to consider is the garden, terrace or balcony. Have some kind of seating in place to show that the outdoor space is connected to the house, but a different zone. If there’s a lawn, mow the grass. It doesn’t have to be perfect! Just make it look like an interesting space that you’d want to be in.



Thirdly, create a theme and style the home around it. There are different ways of doing this. Some people take a favourite movie and bring it to life with little touches around the house. Or, if it’s a seaside property, you could follow a beach house theme. The key is to pick a theme you can believe in. Look at what’s already in the house and create your story around it. For example, if you love plants and have lots of them around the home, you might consider a biophilic theme. That’s all about bringing nature inside with emphasis on plants, natural wood, natural fibres like linen and wool, rattan chairs, green throws, and artwork based on nature or landscape. Remember to tell your estate agent about your theme as it will help them to sell the property. It’s so exciting when you walk into a home and find there’s a story to go with it.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://radfords.2cubedtest.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-Thumbnail-11-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-447" width="572" height="572" srcset="https://adminwp.radfordauctioneers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-Thumbnail-11-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https://adminwp.radfordauctioneers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-Thumbnail-11-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://adminwp.radfordauctioneers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-Thumbnail-11-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://adminwp.radfordauctioneers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-Thumbnail-11-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://adminwp.radfordauctioneers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-Thumbnail-11.jpeg 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 572px) 100vw, 572px" /></figure>



Some people theme their home around a place they love to visit. This can be done subtly and with very little expense.&nbsp; For example, if your theme is Italy, you might have a big jar of pasta and an Italian cookbook in the kitchen. Since summer is all about connecting I’d suggest you focus on the dining area and do a little tablescaping to help people imagine themselves into the space. That could be as simple as setting the table with espresso cups and a jar of biscotti. I always associate Italy with bright colours, so that might be expressed with one of two vibrant cushions or a runner on the table. Brightly-coloured flowers will really add a taste of Italy but fresh flowers need to be replaced regularly. Unless you’re prepared to keep doing this all summer, consider investing in some good quality silk flowers. Bunches of silk flowers from Dooro, and similar retailers, start around €100. They’re not the same as the real thing, but they look the part and will last you all summer. Other Italian details might include a print from a favourite Italian movie or a framed photograph of Italy. There’s no need to spend a lot of money. You can download a print for about €10 and buy a frame from JYSK or IKEA. Then play music that brings the theme together and light a candle that smells of Italy. But don’t overdo it. If each room has one piece relating to your theme – that’s plenty.



In general, preparing a property for viewing, less is more. People will want to move around the home and you’re often better to take things out than to add new pieces of furniture. The permanent features – like the kitchen and the bathroom – should look as new as possible, but these can be combined with older vintage pieces. I like mixing old and new. It’s sustainable and it saves you money. Finally, not everyone can afford to move offsite for viewings. If you’re still living in the home, remember to make the beds as neatly as possible. You can’t go wrong with white sheets. Iron them, place a throw over the end of the bed, and add an accent cushion.



People tend to overcomplicate styling. Keep it simple! Once the home is clean, fresh, and you can move around the space, that’s all the matters.The-Step-by-Step Guide to Designing &amp; Styling Your Home (2023) by Natasha Rocca Devine is available to pre-order. See theinteriorsnrd.com

advice for buyers

advice for buyers

advice for buyers

advice for buyers