House prices in Cork continue to soar amid 9% increase since last year

House prices in Cork and Kerry rose by 9% in the 12 months to June, 2025, according to the latest CSO data.

This marks an acceleration from the 8.2% growth recorded to May, putting the region ahead of the national average of 7.8%.

With the national median price of a dwelling now at €370,000, the CSO figures show how affordability pressures are deepening in Cork.

In Cork county, the median price is €363,000, while in Cork city it stands at €335,000.

Within the city, the gap between areas remains stark, an analysis by Eircode shows. In T12 (southside), the median price is €409,999, while in T23 (northside) it is €322,751.

The P17 Eircode of Kinsale remains the most expensive market in the county, with a median house price of €485,000.

With the CSO recently reporting a median annual income of €46,416 in Cork, affordability is under severe strain, a spokesperson for Auctioneera said.

They explained that a typical southside home requires a household income of around €90,000 to secure a mortgage, nearly double the Cork median, while a northside home requires about €71,000.

While a dual-income couple on two average Cork salaries, €92,800 combined, could qualify for a mortgage sufficient to buy on the northside, they would still struggle to purchase at southside levels.

Helen O’Keeffe, director at Auctioneera, commented: “The latest CSO figures show that the Cork property market remains a real challenge for buyers — whether they’re trying to get on the ladder for the first time, move to a bigger home, or even downsize.

“On the southside in particular, affordability has slipped further out of reach for many families.

“The lack of supply is the root problem, driving up prices and keeping would-be buyers locked out of parts of the market.

“That said, Government supports such as the help-to-buy and first home schemes are giving first-time buyers a vital leg-up, and if interest rates continue to ease, it should help improve affordability in Cork over the coming year.”