Wicklow Is Ireland's Fastest Growing County For First-Time Buyers As Mortgage Demand Surges Nationally

Wicklow has the strongest growth recorded anywhere in the country in the first-time house buyer market underling the popularity of the county

Wicklow is Ireland's fastest-growing market for first-time home buyers, with new figures showing mortgage activity among those getting onto the property ladder has risen sharply over the past four years.

The latest Mortgage Market Profile Report from Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) found first-time buyer mortgage volumes in Wicklow increased by 54% between 2021 and 2025, the strongest growth recorded anywhere in the country.

According to the report, Wicklow significantly outperformed other major markets, with first-time buyer mortgage volumes increasing by 26 per cent in Dublin and 30 per cent in Cork over the same period.

Commenting on the findings, BPFI Chief Economist Ali Ugur said: "Wicklow was the fastest growing region for FTBs, with FTB mortgage volumes jumping by 54% between 2021 and 2025, while volumes in Dublin were up 26% and by 30% in Cork over the same period."

The strongest growth in Wicklow came from buyers purchasing newly-built homes. The report found the number of first-time buyer mortgages drawn down for new properties in the county more than doubled between 2021 and 2025, increasing by 122%.

Mr Ugur said the new-build sector had been the standout performer nationally.

"The strongest growth has been in FTB mortgages for new-build homes. In seven of the 12 Mortgage Market Profile regions, FTB volumes for new homes grew by more than 50% between 2021 and 2025. Wicklow saw the fastest growth, with FTB volumes for new homes more than doubling (up 122%), while volumes jumped by more than 80% in Cork, Limerick and the Midlands," he said.

The figures suggest strong demand for housing in Wicklow, particularly among younger buyers seeking newly-built homes within commuting distance of Dublin.

The report also highlights Wicklow's position as one of the country's most expensive property markets. The county recorded the second-highest median property values, mortgage values and household incomes for both movers and first-time buyers purchasing existing homes, behind only Dublin.

Nationally, the median value of a property purchased by a first-time buyer increased by around €100,000, or 33 per cent, between 2021 and 2025 to approximately €399,000. Over the same period, the median first-time buyer mortgage increased by about €80,000, or 34 per cent, to €316,000.

The average first-time buyer mortgage on a new home reached €337,000 in 2025, while the average mortgage value on a second-hand home exceeded €300,000 for the first time at €307,729.

Despite the strong growth in first-time buyer activity, the wider market remains under pressure. Mover mortgage activity declined in every region of the country between 2021 and 2025, with the sharpest falls recorded in Limerick, Meath and the West.

Mr Ugur said affordability continues to be a defining factor in the market.

"Today’s report shows that first-time buyer activity remains strong, particularly for new homes, but the wider market remains subdued. Rising property values, mortgage values and household incomes underline the extent to which affordability continues to shape mortgage activity across the country."

The report found the median combined household income of first-time buyers increased by 20 per cent over the five-year period to reach €89,000 nationally, reflecting the growing financial demands facing those seeking to purchase a home.

However, despite those challenges, Wicklow continues to lead the country in first-time buyer growth, driven largely by strong demand for newly-built homes and its position as one of the most sought-after residential locations outside Dublin.