Ireland Housing Crisis in 2025: How Cork’s Property Market is Feeling the Pressure

Patricia Otranto
Aug 14, 2025
3 min read

Ireland Housing Crisis – An Overview

The Ireland housing crisis has reached a tipping point in 2025, with record-high rents and soaring property prices across the country. While Dublin has long been the epicenter of housing debates, Cork’s property market is now under intense pressure as demand outstrips supply. For both locals and newcomers, securing affordable housing is becoming a serious challenge.

Housing Market Statistics in 2025

Recent data shows the Ireland housing crisis has pushed the national average rent above €2,000 per month for the first time. In Dublin, rents average €2,540, while Cork City has reached €2,213—an increase of over 13% year-on-year. Property purchase prices in Cork average €4,807 per square meter in the city center, reflecting how the crisis is impacting buyers as much as renters. Read our full rent price comparison guide.

Why Cork Is Now a Housing Hotspot

Although Dublin dominates headlines about the Ireland housing crisis, Cork is quietly becoming one of the most competitive real estate markets in the country. A growing tech sector, new multinational offices, and a vibrant cultural scene have attracted professionals and students alike. This rapid population growth is straining housing supply and driving prices upward.

Renting in Cork – The Real Costs

For those affected by the Ireland housing crisis, renting in Cork is far from easy. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages €1,579 per month, while a three-bedroom can reach €2,804. These prices rival those in larger European capitals, despite Cork’s smaller size, highlighting the depth of the crisis in Ireland’s second city. See our renting in Cork tips.

Buying Property in Cork

The Ireland housing crisis has also impacted buyers, with affordability becoming a key concern. Rising mortgage rates and limited inventory mean bidding wars are now common. For many first-time buyers, saving for a deposit is a multi-year challenge, especially when renting eats up a significant portion of income.

Government Policies and Their Effect

In an attempt to address the Ireland housing crisis, the government has implemented rent caps tied to inflation and stricter rules on evictions. The “Housing for All” programme aims to build 33,000 homes annually, but progress has been slow. Critics argue that without a significant increase in social and affordable housing, cities like Cork will remain under pressure.

The Human Side of the Housing Shortage

Beyond the numbers, the Ireland housing crisis has a human cost. Young professionals are delaying buying homes, families are moving further from urban centers, and low-income households face displacement. In Cork, long-term residents are being priced out of neighborhoods they have lived in for generations.

Future Outlook for Cork’s Property Market

While the Ireland housing crisis shows no signs of easing in the short term, Cork could benefit from targeted housing policies and investment in infrastructure. Predictions suggest that without significant intervention, rents will continue to climb in 2026, making it harder for new residents to settle in the area. Explore our housing market forecasts.

Practical Tips for Navigating Cork’s Real Estate Scene

If you’re navigating the Ireland housing crisis as a renter, start your search early, prepare documentation in advance, and consider areas outside the city center. Buyers should work closely with local agents and be prepared for competitive bidding. For investors, Cork still offers opportunities in emerging neighborhoods, provided they understand the market’s volatility.

Final Thoughts

The Ireland housing crisis is reshaping both Dublin and Cork, with long-term implications for affordability, community stability, and economic growth. For Cork in particular, balancing growth with housing availability will be key to sustaining its appeal as a place to live, work, and invest.