Kildare ranked third most expensive county when it comes to house prices

Kildare has ranked third out of all Irish counties when it comes to least affordable house prices.

Chill Insurance recently analysed housing data from 2010 to 2024 across all Irish counties. The study examined average house prices, incomes, and other key financial factors to reveal the most and least affordable places to buy a home.

It also highlighted the counties projected to see the largest increases in house prices over the coming years.

READ MORE: Children's Yoga was on the menu at Clane Community Day in Kildare

Unsurprisingly, Dublin ranks as Ireland's least affordable location for homebuyers. The average house price in the capital costs €614,012—double the national average of €291,078. Saving the €61,401 deposit would take prospective buyers nearly nine years.

Wicklow takes second place with an average house price of €461,534. Buyers would need to save €6,340 annually over seven years and three months to reach the €46,153 deposit.

Kildare

Kildare completes the top three least affordable counties. The average house price in Kildare is €406,165, with a deposit of €40,616 requiring approximately six years and five months of saving.

The study also revealed that house prices in this area have risen by 82% over the past decade and are projected to increase by 18% by 2030, reaching €479,373.

Additional findings include:

• Leitrim is Ireland's most affordable county for homebuyers, with average house prices at €186,487 in 2024 and a deposit of €18,649, taking just under four years to save.

• County Wicklow is forecasted to see the sharpest increase in house prices by 2030, with the average price expected to rise from €461,534 to €586,398—a 27% surge over the next five years.

• Laois has seen the highest growth over the past decade with the average house prices in the county skyrocketing by 161%, climbing from €101,752 to €265,224.

Ian O’Reilly from Chill Insurance shares tips for buying a home: "Saving for a deposit can feel daunting, especially when facing the prospect of spending up to eight years accumulating funds. While skipping your morning latte or avocado toast won’t singlehandedly get you onto the property ladder, smarter saving habits can make a big difference.

"Experts recommend following the 50/30/20 rule: allocate 50% of your income to necessities, 30% to personal wants, and 20% to savings. This approach is 7% higher than the national average savings rate, giving you a crucial reduction in the time it will take to accumulate your deposit."

Mr O'Reilly added: "Consulting a mortgage advisor is another valuable step. They can help you understand what you can afford and potentially secure better mortgage deals, saving you money in the long run.

"Additionally, government help-to-buy schemes, especially for first-time buyers, can significantly reduce the financial burden and bring homeownership within reach.

"Finally, when you’re ready to finalise your purchase and transfer your deposit, don’t forget to purchase home. Many banks require proof of home insurance before they will release mortgage funds, so having this in place is essential to ensure a smooth buying process."