Kilkenny housing market remains resilient but constrained by lack of supply - Ciaran Dunphy

While recent national figures released by DNG point to continued low to mid-single digit house price growth in 2026, local market conditions in Kilkenny suggest that supply rather than demand remains the dominant issue shaping prices.

According to Ciarán Dunphy, Director of DNG Ella Dunphy, the trends identified nationally are clearly reflected at local level.

“What we’re seeing in Kilkenny is a very steady, resilient market, but one that is under constant pressure due to a shortage of supply,” Mr Dunphy said. “There is strong demand for good quality second-hand homes, particularly in Kilkenny City and the surrounding areas, but simply not enough properties coming to market to meet that demand.”

He noted that while Kilkenny has not experienced the same pace of price inflation as Dublin, values have continued to rise gradually over the past year, especially for well-located family homes.
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“Price growth locally has been measured rather than dramatic,” he said. “However, in the absence of increased housing delivery, prices are being supported by competition between buyers rather than speculation.”

Ciaran Dunphy
Mr Dunphy also highlighted the growing impact of landlords exiting the rental market, a trend identified in DNG’s national research, which he says is increasingly evident across Kilkenny.

“We are seeing more former rental properties coming up for sale, particularly from small landlords,” he said. “While that does improve choice for owner-occupiers, it is having a knock-on effect on rental availability, which is already extremely limited in Kilkenny.”

Looking ahead to 2026, Mr Dunphy expects further modest price increases locally, particularly in the first half of the year, but stressed that the underlying issue remains unchanged.

“Unless there is a meaningful increase in the supply of new homes aimed at private buyers, the imbalance we’re seeing will persist,” he said.

“Kilkenny continues to be an attractive place to live and work, and demand reflects that but supply has not yet caught up.”

He added that while national housing initiatives are welcome, it will take time before increased delivery translates into real relief on the ground.

“The market here is not overheating, it’s constrained,” Mr Dunphy said. “That distinction is important when we’re talking about affordability, rental pressure and long-term housing policy for the county.”