Planning delays and weak infrastructure driving buyer concern MyHome survey finds
Just one in ten believe infrastructure is keeping pace with homebuilding as costs and delays reshape buyer choices
3 February 2026 | 📧 editor@ipropertyradio.com
A majority of prospective homebuyers remain deeply concerned about planning delays, infrastructure gaps and affordability, according to new consumer research published by property portal MyHome.
The national survey of 2,031 people, carried out in January 2026, found that only 12 per cent of respondents believe enough is being done to ensure critical infrastructure is in place where new housing is being built. More than half, 52 per cent, said inadequate local infrastructure has already changed their preferred location to buy a home.
Planning delays emerged as a central frustration, with 72 per cent of respondents identifying them as a major reason homes take too long to be delivered in Ireland. Despite recent policy changes, just 7 per cent believe housing reforms have made it easier to buy a property.
Concerns around vacant and derelict homes also remain high. Almost six in ten respondents, 59 per cent, said they would consider purchasing a vacant or derelict property if stronger financial supports were available. However, 86 per cent believe not enough is being done to bring vacant homes back into use to increase housing supply.
Affordability pressures continue to shape behaviour in the market. Nearly half of respondents, 46 per cent, said they had postponed a home purchase due to cost concerns, while 72 per cent reported having to look beyond their preferred location because of prices. In addition, 42 per cent said they want to renovate their homes but cannot afford to do so.
Wider sentiment towards the housing market remains fragile. More than eight in ten respondents, 83 per cent, said they are worried about the state of the property market overall, while 86 per cent believe the Government could do more to support the sector. Just over half, 54 per cent, said private sector investment is needed to help deliver the volume of homes required.
Expectations on prices remain elevated but have softened slightly. Some 56 per cent expect property prices to continue rising over the next year, down from 63 per cent when MyHome last asked the same question in March 2025. Reflecting economic uncertainty, 56 per cent of respondents said they plan to secure mortgage terms of more than five years.
Energy performance continues to influence purchasing decisions, with 70 per cent saying a home’s BER rating would affect whether they proceed with a purchase. Changes in workplace policy appear to be less influential, with only 25 per cent saying their employer’s move away from hybrid working has affected their property search.
Commenting on the findings, MyHome managing director Joanne Geary said supply constraints remain the dominant issue facing the market. She said the survey shows buyers are increasingly focused on structural barriers to delivery, particularly planning and infrastructure. While acknowledging the complexity of the challenge, she said progress is urgently needed, especially in addressing vacant and derelict housing.
She also pointed to the ongoing impact of the cost of living, saying there is a need to continually assess the scale and effectiveness of grants, not only for buyers but for homeowners seeking to renovate and improve energy efficiency.
