13th May 2026
House Prices – Consumer Sentiment Slowing Level of Increases – IPAV
Commenting on the latest CSO Residential Property Price Index for March, IPAV, the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers, said that further tapering in the rate of increase to 6.5% in the year to March is unsurprising, agents are reporting more caution in recent months.
Genevieve McGuirk, IPAV’s Chief Executive said: “This is still a sizeable level of increase, especially in the context of rising prices since the post-Covid period. It is, of course, a reflection of insufficient supply to meet strong pent-up demand.”
She said aspiring buyers, are understandably, considering everything more carefully in the current climate.
“They are worried about what the future holds in terms of interest rates, and they don’t want to overstretch themselves,” she said.
She said a lack of supply is evident countrywide and this is creating pressures on all segments of the market. “Those who want to sell an existing home worry they will not find a suitable alternative, and with properties needing work potential buyers fear they may not be able to get tradespeople or than prices for such may escalate.
“Rising inflation is, unfortunately, feeding into all cohorts of the market.”
She said hopes are resting on Government, that its infrastructure plan and planning changes in particular will begin to impact the availability of greater supply.
“Meanwhile it remains to be seen how geopolitical risks will play out on property prices through the remainder of the year,” she said.
Ends