Irish Housing Demand Continues to Outpace Supply Despite Record Apartment Pipeline
Hooke & MacDonald report highlights growing affordability pressures, rising population growth and the urgent need for sustained housing delivery
13 June 2026 | 📧 editor@ipropertyradio.com
Ireland’s housing market remains under intense pressure as strong population growth, rising employment and continued inward migration drive demand well beyond current levels of housing supply, according to the latest Residential Market Report 2026 from Hooke & MacDonald.
The report highlights a widening mismatch between the number of homes required and the volume being delivered, despite recent increases in construction activity. While housing completions have risen in recent years, the report notes that Ireland continues to face a significant housing deficit, with demographic growth and household formation continuing to add pressure across both the owner-occupier and rental sectors.
According to the analysis, Ireland’s population has now exceeded 5.4 million, reaching its highest level in modern history. Employment levels also remain strong, supporting household formation and housing demand. At the same time, the country continues to experience sustained inward migration, further increasing demand for accommodation in both urban and regional locations.
The report identifies new apartments as a critical component of future housing delivery, particularly in Dublin and other urban centres. A substantial pipeline of apartment developments is progressing through planning and construction stages, although concerns remain regarding viability, financing costs and the pace at which projects can be brought to market.
Hooke & MacDonald notes that apartment construction is increasingly dependent on institutional investment and public policy support. Rising construction costs, development finance challenges and regulatory requirements continue to affect project viability, particularly in higher-density schemes. These factors have contributed to delays in bringing forward new supply despite strong underlying demand.
The report also points to continued affordability challenges for first-time buyers. Although mortgage lending remains active and employment conditions are favourable, high house prices and elevated rental costs continue to make saving for deposits difficult for many households. Supply constraints remain the primary factor supporting property values across much of the country.
In the rental market, limited availability continues to place upward pressure on rents. The report highlights ongoing shortages of rental accommodation, particularly in Dublin and other major employment centres, where demand remains strongest. This reflects broader market trends seen across the residential sector, where demand consistently exceeds available stock.
Looking ahead, Hooke & MacDonald argues that sustained increases in housing output across all tenures will be required to address Ireland’s long-term housing needs. The report suggests that planning certainty, infrastructure investment, development finance and policies that improve viability will all play a key role in accelerating delivery.
For policymakers, investors and housing providers, the report reinforces a central challenge facing the Irish housing system: while demand continues to grow rapidly, the pace of housing delivery must increase significantly if Ireland is to close the gap between housing need and supply in the years ahead.
