House price increases in West Cork hitting first time buyers

FIRST-TIME house buyers in West Cork face a “significant challenge” as there has been a 4.4% increase in prices, a Labour Party candidate in next year’s local elections has warned.

Evie Nevin, who was recently selected as the Labour Party candidate in the Clonakilty/Skibbereen electoral area, said her concern was based on new statistics from the Central Statistics Office.

She said these figures highlighted a “troubling trend in the Irish property market, revealing a persistent surge in the cost of new homes” and pointed to a 4.4% increase in the cost of houses in the southwest since last year.

“The reality faced by first-time buyers is alarming and poses a significant challenge for aspiring homeowners in West Cork,” said the Clonakilty candidate.

“Despite recent Government initiatives, like the Help-to-Buy scheme and the First Home Shared Equity scheme, the figures indicate an ongoing challenge for first-time buyers as new-home prices continue to rise,” said Ms Nevin.

She said that the Government’s Housing for All policy was not working as “hoped”.

“Urgent action is needed to address affordability and supply shortages, especially in regions like the southwest,” she said.

The candidate said investment in public housing on public land should be prioritised, along with the promotion of sustainable urban development and collaboration with local communities.

“As Government spending on housing falls behind target, I remain committed to advocating for affordable housing and transparency,” she said.

“My personal experience, waiting 13 years for social housing, fuels my commitment to addressing the pressing issues in our housing market.

“We need effective solutions to ensure everyone has access to suitable housing.”

The candidate also suggested that a key focus should be on energy-efficient housing to reduce environmental impact and living costs for residents.