How to avoid being stung by the hidden costs as a first-time buyer

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

If you're planning to make the leap into home ownership in Ireland, make sure you won't be stung by hidden add-on costs like conveyancing fees and stamp duty.

Coming to market in 2026

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

DNG Leonard & Heaslip are bringing a number of New Homes Schemes to market in 2026, the first being the hugely anticipated launch of “Cuan an Rois”, an exceptional New Homes scheme of stylish and contemporary three and four-bedroom A-rated houses.

O’Donnellan & Joyce experience period of transformation in office leasing for 2026

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

The Galway office market is currently experiencing a period of transformation, driven as much by sustainability requirements as by traditional occupier demand. Average rental rates for good quality or secondary office space sit in the mid to high €20s per sq.?ft., with secondary A-rated stock typically quoting €28 to €32 per sq.?ft. By contrast, newly developed, high-specification city centre buildings are commanding approximately €40 per sq.?ft. for large floorplates, by Galway standards.

How to prepare your home for sale

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Are you thinking of moving to a bigger house in 2026? Or do you want to downsize and start fresh in a different part of the country? First impressions matter, and a well-presented home can help potential buyers picture themselves living there. From decluttering and small repairs to improving kerb appeal, a few simple steps can make your property more appealing and easier to sell.

Kerb Appeal

Calls for robust enforcement as short-term lets outnumber homes to rent by 4 to 1 nationwide

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

National housing charity Threshold has released new analysis which highlights the scale of homes being diverted into the short-term letting market during Ireland’s worsening housing emergency. Threshold’s analysis shows there are now over 8,600 second homes advertised for short-term let across Ireland, compared to 2,100 homes available nationwide in the private rental market.

Despite a well-documented supply crisis in Ireland’s long-term housing market, the Government needs to put serious measures in place to tackle the regulation of short-term lets, according to Threshold. Data* analysed from Inside Airbnb - which collects and collates figures from around the world from the popular lettings and homestays website - shows that there are over 8,600 full properties on the popular short stay website, let by a host with more than one advertised property. This compares to recent figures by Daft.ie for March 2026, which show that there are less than 2,100 homes advertised to privately rent nationwide. This means that nationally short-term lets outnumber homes available to rent by 4.1 to 1.

March first rental changes: advice for property owners

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

The letting of property in Ireland has become increasingly complex in recent years. It is a highly regulated sector with rules and requirements that change regularly, which can make the process feel confusing and daunting for landlords. While there is a large amount of information available online, it can often be overwhelming for those who are not dealing with these regulations daily.

Unlocking potential: A prime opportunity in Galway’s most sought-after location at 49 Lower Newcastle Road

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

In a market where supply remains constrained and demand continues to outpace availability, opportunities to acquire well-located properties with genuine development potential are increasingly rare.

Dating back to the 1940s and occupying a generous site of approximately 438 sq.m. (0.10 hectares), this property presents a compelling proposition for a wide range of buyers. Whether as a refurbishment project, a long-term investment, or the creation of a substantial family home, the flexibility of the site, adds to its appeal.

Galway buyers urged to be prepared as competition remains high

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

First-time buyers in Galway are being urged to be fully prepared, financially disciplined and flexible as competition for homes remains intense, while sellers are warned that pricing and preparation are key to securing a successful sale.

Galway commercial market resilient as office demand grows

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Galway’s commercial property market is showing resilience heading into 2026, with strong demand for office space, particularly in high-quality and out-of-town locations, while the retail sector faces more mixed conditions.

Superb Highfield Park residence on the market with John Quinn

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

John Quinn is currently offering for sale a magnificent three bedroom semidetached home situated in the highly popular residential development of Highfield Park.

Galway property report Q1 2026

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

The first quarter of 2026 has brought little relief for Galway property buyers. If anything, it has confirmed something more important: the underlying pressures that defined 2025 are not easing, they are consolidating.

Essential tips for navigating the mortgage process

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Purchasing a home is an exciting yet complex milestone, and the process of securing a mortgage can often feel overwhelming. Lenders assess a range of criteria, with one of the most important being your ability to consistently meet mortgage repayments. To demonstrate this, you typically need to show a strong savings record along with regular rent payments (if applicable). Ideally, this track record should cover at least 12 months, though 24 months is preferred, as it provides stronger evidence of financial stability and repayment capacity. It is also essential to keep your bank account in good order, with clear and responsible spending habits. Avoiding irregular transactions such as gambling or excessive discretionary spending helps present a stable financial profile and reassures lenders of your reliability. However, there is a wealth of support available to guide you through the process. To make the most of your mortgage journey, working with a financial adviser can offer valuable expert guidance - helping you navigate the process with confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and make informed decisions that support your long-term financial goals.

Preparing for your mortgage: saving for the deposit

Living Over The Shop scheme can revitalise rural Ireland

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

The revival of Ireland’s towns and village centres has become one of the defining challenges of modern planning, as communities grapple with vacancy, dereliction, and a shortage of accessible housing. The enhanced “Living Over the Shop” initiative—delivered through the expanded Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant—offers a practical and imaginative response to these intertwined issues. Welcomed by Séamus McGrath, housing spokesperson for Fianna Fáil, the scheme reflects a growing recognition that the answers to Ireland’s housing crisis and town centre decline may lie, quite literally, above our heads.

At its core, the initiative targets a long-standing and highly visible problem: the widespread vacancy of residential spaces above shops. Across cities, towns, and villages, these upper floors—once bustling with life—have fallen into disuse. Whether due to changing retail patterns, outdated layouts, or the cost of refurbishment, these spaces have too often been left idle. The result is a hollowing out of town centres, where vibrant street-level activity is undermined by darkened windows and empty floors above.

Private second-hand market 2026

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Since the beginning of 2026, the residential property market in Galway has continued to reflect a familiar trend seen across much of the country: robust demand set against a limited supply of homes. Galway’s leading estate agents, DNG Leonard & Heaslip, report that buyer activity has remained strong in the early months of the year, particularly from first-time buyers and families seeking to settle within the city’s established residential areas.

Seeing potential in your new property

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Seeing potential in a new property is part instinct, part imagination, and part careful analysis. When it comes to extensions, almost every house – and even some apartments – holds untapped possibilities. The challenge is not in spotting that potential, but in shaping it into something that genuinely improves how the home works and feels. The difference between a transformative extension and a disappointing one often lies in the thinking that happens before any drawings are made or walls are opened.

How to be a good landlord

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Being a good landlord in Ireland entails more than simply owning property and collecting rent, even though that may be the perception that is widely spread. Being a landlord requires a commitment to providing safe, comfortable, and well-maintained accommodation while also fostering positive relationships with tenants. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Legal compliance: Familiarize yourself with the Residential Tenancies Act and other relevant legislation to ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities as a landlord. This includes adhering to regulations regarding rent caps, notice periods, and deposit protection.

Collective sale of two detached office blocks offer prime investment opportunity

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Units 4 and 9, Ballybrit Business Park
Both units are for sale by live online auction which will take place on March 27, at 12 noon. Boasting a passing rent of €267,000 per annum with a vacant ground floor unit, the properties have a gross yield of 13.6 per cent.

Beautiful four-bed semi is in a sought-after location

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

No 66 An Fiodán is a beautiful four-bedroom semi-detached home perfectly located in a well-maintained development overlooking communal green to the front.

Detached beautiful bungalow in Oranmore village

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Sherry FitzGerald has just listed on the market a wonderful detached four-bedroom bungalow-style residence within walking distance of Oranmore village. On a private, west-facing position in an established area, the property is located in Beech Grove, which is one of Oranmore's most highly regarded addresses, as it is a quiet, low-density development located off the Maree Road with excellent services a short stroll away.

A guide to supports for first-time buyers

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Buying your first home is a big deal. The Help to Buy Scheme (HTB) and the First Home Scheme (FHS) are the government's two main support schemes for first-time buyers in Ireland. These schemes are making a huge difference in giving more people the boost they need to get their dream home.

In order to qualify as a first-time buyer and receive any kind of grant aid, you must not have had a mortgage in your name before, either in Ireland or abroad. Inherited properties or a house purchased outright are not included in the list of qualifiers. If you are buying or self-building the property with somebody else, they must also be a first-time buyer.

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