Property Affordability In Wicklow Is A Growing Issue According To SCSI Residential Review

Wicklow three-bed semi-detached homes on the market are largely out of reach of most a report has found

Estate agents from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) expect national property prices to increase by an average of 4% this year, according to the organisation’s 43rd Annual Residential Property Review and Outlook.

This represents a slight moderation from the 5% forecast last summer and the 6% predicted at this time last year. The Central Statistics Office recently reported that the annual rate of property price inflation is 6.6%.

Key Findings from the SCSI Report

• 7 out of 10 agents report low levels of housing stock

• 83% of agents believe prices are either rising and will soon plateau or have already peaked

• National property price growth is expected to moderate, driven primarily by constrained supply

Gerard O’Toole, President of the SCSI, said:

“Constrained supply is driving sustained house price growth and mounting affordability pressures for home buyers and renters. Low stock levels remain a major factor influencing price expectations, with nearly six out of ten agents citing the number of homes being built as the main driver of increases.”

The report notes that over 36,000 new homes were completed in 2025, a 20% increase on 2024 figures, reflecting the effectiveness of government measures such as Croí Cónaithe, Help to Buy, Shared Equity, and Cost Rental schemes.

Affordability Scenarios Highlight Wicklow Challenges

The SCSI report examined affordability for a couple earning a combined income of €112,000, using the Help to Buy scheme towards a 10% deposit. It compared median purchase prices for three-bedroom semi-detached homes across Cork, Kildare, Meath, and Wicklow.

• In Cork, the couple could afford all property types examined.

• In Kildare and Meath, the affordability gap for a three-bed semi was €2,000.

• In Wicklow, the gap widened dramatically to €24,000, making three-bed semi-detached homes largely out of reach.

The study also found that the couple could afford two-bedroom terrace homes in Wicklow, but would face a €2,000 shortfall for three-bedroom terraces priced at €500,000.

While Dublin was not included in the analysis, the report notes that house prices there remain well beyond the affordability threshold for couples on similar incomes.

Gerard O’Toole commented:

“These scenarios illustrate the scale of the challenge for couples on good salaries seeking three-bedroom homes. House prices continue to rise faster than household incomes, pushing first-time buyers into later life and delaying family formation. Current government scheme ceilings, while helpful, remain misaligned with market values in high-demand areas, and we would urge a review to ensure effectiveness.”

Rental Market Pressures

The report also highlighted rental market concerns, with 86% of agents expecting more landlords to exit due to the nationwide extension of Rent Pressure Zones. The SCSI has called on the government to pause new rental reforms to stabilise the market.

Looking Ahead

While property price growth is set to continue, most agents expect moderation in the rate of increase. The key to long-term affordability remains increasing the supply of new homes while reducing delivery costs, alongside ongoing government support schemes.