Selling agents’ outlook on the new homes market in 2026

Demand continues to far outstrip supply, and while positive policy measures are in place, delivery remains the key constraint. Photograph: iStock

Ivan Gaine

Managing director at Sherry FitzGerald New Homes

The year has been off to a strong start, with early volumes demonstrated across a wider variety of price points. We have sale-agreed 50 per cent more homes in January 2026 compared with January 2025.

Government interventions announced in the Delivering Homes Building Communities housing plan late last year are systemic and ambitious and will over time yield results. The VAT reduction for apartments and emphasis on infrastructure is being met with enthusiasm by the house building, developer and institutional sector.

Ivan Gaine, managing director of new homes at Sherry FitzGerald

Viability is now achievable almost nationwide and we are most active in the mid-east and in Cork but are increasingly looking at developments with our clients in the larger towns such as Navan, Ennis, Dunboyne and Athlone. The availability of zoned and serviced land is a key pillar for the industry, there is momentum in the system now which will enable and activate supply over the coming years, and optimism is building.

There have been some further tweaks to the First Home Scheme in January that assist buyers and aid viability. New tenures such as cost rental are maturing and we will see more local authority and LDA-supported affordable homes coming to market over the next few months. There are different pathways to home ownership and we regularly host information webinars with experts to assist aspirant buyers on their journeys.

We do expect an increase in output in 2026 and are much more certain of greater inroads and higher numbers of homes being delivered over the next few years. The priorities of Government in creating and servicing sufficient supply of zoned land and creating the right environment for investment are clear and appropriate.

Sarah Jane Kearney

Director at DNG New Homes

As Ireland looks to 2026, the new homes market is entering a more decisive phase. After years of reform, many of the policy foundations required to increase supply are in place.