Cork homes see prices rise by 8.2% in the past year

A total of 330 homes were sold in Cork in May of this year, with prices ranging from below €200,000, to over €540,000.

The latest figures from the CSO show that residential property prices in the south-west, made up of counties Cork and Kerry, have risen by 8.2% over the 12 months to May 2025.

This compares to a national increase of 7.9%, and a 6.9% rise in Dublin over the same period, highlighting strong momentum in regional property markets.

The average price of a home in Cork city was €443,224 in May, while in the county it was €379,327.

The CSO figures also show how many homes were sold per Eircode area and their average prices.

In May, there were 11 homes sold in Clonakilty, 14 in Bandon, 16 in Ballincollig, 18 in Carrigaline, 20 in Glanmire, 34 in Midleton, 38 on Cork’s northside, 40 in Mallow, and 89 on Cork’s southside.

Only one home was sold in both Crookstown and Rylane; with two sold in Mitchelstown; in Charleville and in Watergrasshill; three in Dunmanway; four in Skibbereen; six in Bantry; seven in Youghal; and eight in Macroom, Cobh, Fermoy, Kinsale, and Youghal, respectively.

The highest average sale price was €540,497 in Kinsale, followed by €481,603 in Ballincollig, €440,336 on Cork’s southside, €429,718 in Carrigaline, €423,750 in Watergrasshill, €408,146 on Cork’s northside and €407,900 in Glanmire.

The lowest was €191,667 in Dunmanway, followed by €200,000 in Mitchelstown, €208,000 in Charleville, €246,904 in Mallow, €288,793 in Fermoy and €297,429 in Youghal.

The mean price in May was €318,417 in Bantry, €331,381 in Cobh, €346,750 in Skibbereen, €350,062 in Macroom, €364,000 in Clonakilty, €388,878 in Midleton and €393,768 in Bandon.

Helen O’Keeffe, director at Auctioneera, said that the housing sector remains “very active” in Cork.

She explained: “We’re seeing strong attendance at viewings, particularly in the city suburbs such as Blackrock, Ballincollig, Douglas, and commuter areas.

“Properties that are well-presented and realistically-priced are going ‘sale agreed’ quickly — often within two to three weeks.

“The increase in prices over the past 12 months mirrors the strong buyer sentiment we’re witnessing on the ground.

“While investor activity remains subdued, demand from first-time buyers and returning emigrants is helping to keep upward pressure on prices.

“There’s also a noticeable appetite among buyers to avoid renovation risk — homes that are turnkey are commanding a premium, especially in areas with good schools and public transport links.”