Strong demand for property expected to continue in 2026

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Galway’s property market has seen another year of strong demand, rising prices and constrained supply, with estate agents across the city and county pointing to a highly competitive landscape shaped by first-time buyers, returning emigrants and ongoing housing shortages.

While new developments and rental market changes are beginning to influence supply, affordability pressures and broader economic uncertainty are also starting to shape buyer behaviour heading into 2026.

Current Developments in Galway’s private residential rental sector

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

The private residential rental sector in Galway is currently undergoing considerable transformation, reflecting not only local but national market dynamics. These changes are affecting landlords, tenants, and stakeholders across the region. This analysis presents an overview of the principal developments, incorporating expert commentary from Fergal Leonard, Director of DNG Leonard & Heaslip.

Sherry FitzGerald Galway Housing Market Review, 2025 and 2026

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

The Galway Residential Market in 2025 experienced another active year of healthy sales, characterised by strong demand and weak supply. The number of second-hand residential properties that came to the market in 2025 had fallen by approximately 10 per cent on 2024, which in itself was a year of very tight supply. Tony Kavanagh commented, “This has resulted in creating a very competitive marketplace for potential buyers, often resulting in properties attracting multiple bidders and continuing capital price growth in the order of 8.2 per cent for 2025 in Galway.”

Unlock the potential of a vacant property

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant provides financial support for the restoration of vacant and derelict buildings. It can also help fund the renovation of empty or derelict properties that were not previously used as homes, provided the appropriate planning permission has been secured.

Grants of up to €50,000 to renovate a vacant property are available. This increases to €70,000 if the property is derelict. If you are living on an offshore island, you can get up to €84,000 to renovate a derelict building or up to €60,000 for a vacant property. The limits for how much you can get for each type of work are also increased by 20 per cent if you live on one of these islands.

Demand surges but supply lags in Galway’s new homes market

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Strong demand for new homes across Galway is continuing to outpace supply, with estate agents reporting intense interest from first-time buyers and families, particularly for energy-efficient homes, while delivery remains slow and uneven across the county.

New homes market in Galway for 2026

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

The new homes market in Galway city and county continues to be characterised by strong demand and constrained supply, particularly for modern energy-efficient housing. Demand from first-time buyers and families for A-rated homes has grown significantly, driven by rising energy costs, green mortgage incentives and a greater awareness of long-term sustainability.

Salthill’s rising property tide

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Few places in Galway capture the imagination quite like Salthill. With its sweeping promenade, views across Galway Bay, and a community atmosphere that blends seaside charm with city convenience, the coastal suburb continues to attract strong interest from buyers both local and further afield. As demand continues to grow, one auctioneer has quietly built a reputation as the go-to specialist for selling property in the area.

O’Donnell & Joyce see development land in “hot demand”

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

The commercial market across Galway city and the West of Ireland has proven resilient throughout 2025 and into 2026. While certain markets may have stalled due to the ongoing political unrest within the Middle East, both the investment and development land markets have persevered.

Shane McDonagh, Partner of O’Donnellan & Joyce, commented, “demand for residentially zoned lands both within the city centre and larger county towns has increased significantly throughout the past 12 months. The two driving sectors within the commercial market is without a doubt, the development land sector and general investment sector.”

A spacious, turnkey home in a prime city location

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Perfectly positioned just off the Headford Road, No 43 Cluain Riocaird presents an exceptional opportunity for buyers seeking a modern, energy?efficient home with generous accommodation and superb convenience. Brought to the market by DNG Leonard & Heaslip, this impressive four bedroom, three storey residence offers space, comfort and practicality in equal measure — an ideal fit for growing families, first?time buyers seeking additional room, or investors drawn to its strong rental potential.

Super Churchfields house on the market

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

John Quinn is offering for sale Number 78 Churchfields, Lower Salthill. This is a top class three bedroom residence situated on the main Lower Salthill Road within walking distance of both Salthill Promenade and the city centre.

Climbing the mortgage approval mountain

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

By Brian McCormack, Sherry Fitzgerald Financial Services

O’Donnellan & Joyce rental department had a busy start to 2026

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

The numbers of properties where notice of termination was served increased by the 10 per cent considering the new rental regulations. Landlords with rent-capped properties have been exiting the rental market due to low rental returns with no option to increase rents with sitting tenants above two per cent per annum.

New tenancies from March 1, 2026 permitted market value rents, subject to being comparable with rents achieved previously. These rents are documented on the RTB’s Rent Register.

O’Donnellan & Joyce report strong demand in the new homes market

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

O’Donnellan & Joyce report strong demand in the new homes market, which is led by sales agent Mary Fahy. The year 2025 finished on a positive note for the agents, with several new developments fully sold and nearing completion.

Purchasing your first home is always an exciting time, especially when buying a brand-new home. O’Donnellan & Joyce were delighted to be involved and share in the delight of first-time buyers securing their first home.

National Rent Controls - new rental laws transform Ireland’s lettings market

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Major reforms to Ireland’s rental sector took effect on March 1, 2026, introducing new protections for tenants and reshaping how landlords can manage and sell rental properties.

DNG offers stylish apartment in Rockbarton

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

A superb opportunity has arisen to acquire a beautifully presented two bedroom first floor apartment in the highly sought after Rockbarton Court development in Salthill, Galway. No 18 has been recently renovated to a high standard, offering a modern, comfortable living space that is sure to appeal to a wide range of buyers, including first-time purchasers, downsizers, and investors alike.

O’Donnellan & Joyce report strong demand in the new homes market

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

O’Donnellan & Joyce report strong demand in the new homes market, which is led by sales agent Mary Fahy. The year 2025 finished on a positive note for the agents, with several new developments fully sold and nearing completion.

Purchasing your first home is always an exciting time, especially when buying a brand-new home. O’Donnellan & Joyce were delighted to be involved and share in the delight of first-time buyers securing their first home.

New homes market outlook

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

The year has been off to a strong start for our New Homes team nationally, with early volumes demonstrated across a wide variety of price points. In 2025, Sherry FitzGerald New Homes sold over 2,200 homes, primarily concentrated in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), Cork, Limerick and Galway with about twenty percent in the regional towns. Across the country in 2026, we have sale-agreed 50 per cent more homes in January/February compared to the same period in 2025.

Colleran’s offer coastal elegance in Salthill

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Colleran Auctioneers are delighted to present one of Salthill’s most impressive modern homes to the market. Just a short stroll from the famous Promenade, 37 Threadneedle Road is a beautifully designed, detached residence that blends sleek contemporary style with the warmth of a true family home.

Historic Galway development opportunity

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Colleran auctioneers has just been favoured with the sale of one of Galway’s landmark properties, Spires House, Shantalla Road, Galway that comes to the market with full planning permission to redevelop.

Ten things you probably did not know about an AIB mortgage

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

For the majority of us, building, buying or renovating a home will be the biggest financial undertaking of our lives. But picking a mortgage provider can be almost as important as choosing the perfect home – with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming.

AIB has also sought to lead the way with its sustainable green offerings as well as reductions in its fixed rates, says Barry Cooley, AIB area head of homes south and west. Yet he acknowledges that choosing a mortgage can still be challenging.

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