Overview of Sligo’s 2025 Residential Property Market
Strong Price Growth amid Supply Constraints
The property market in Sligo has continued its upward trajectory into 2025. According to the CSO’s Residential Property Price Index, house prices in counties outside Dublin—including the Border Region (Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo)—rose by 12.7 % in the 12 months to January 2025. Nationwide, prices increased by 8.1 %, with Dublin showing 7.9 % growth—underscoring the significant regional uplift.
Local reporting from MyHome and REA confirms this. Q2 2025 median asking prices in County Sligo stand at €210,000, a quarterly rise of €15,000 and an annual gain of €13,000 independent.ie.
Sub‑regional Dynamics: Town vs. County
- Sligo Town: Prices rose ~9.4 % in 2024 to €290,000
- Tubbercurry: Up 17.6 % year‑on‑year to €200,000
- County average (Countywide three‑bed semi): Climbed from €217,500 to €245,000 (+13 %)
Quarterly shifts: June 2024 saw prices increase +2.2 % to €227,500. September they rose again to €232,500 .
Supply Shortage: A Key Driver
Persistent supply constraints underpin the price gains. According to REA experts, limited new‑build activity has fueled competition in the second‑hand market, pushing prices up by roughly 10 % in 2025. Their commentary notes “lack of house building… keeping upward pressure” due to historically low stock.
GeoDirectory data corroborates this: by June 2024, 190 homes were under construction, but Sligo’s residential vacancy rate was still 8.2 %, double the national average of 3.9. This signals both slow delivery and under-utilized housing stock.
Rental Market Adjustments
The rental sector in Sligo reflects similar pressures. The average rent reached €1,398/month in Q1 2025, a 6.3 % year‑on‑year increase. Daft.ie’s Western Region data show rental inflation across Connacht‑Ulster climbed 7–8 % in 2024, with Sligo hovering around 6.9 %.
Balancing acts: Average mortgage repayments on new homes were €1,723 in May 2024 vs. average market rents of €1,836 independent.ie. That makes buying slightly more cost-effective than renting, though affordability remains a concern.
Regional Context & Affordability
National median property prices in the 12 months to November 2024 stood at €350,000 cso.ie+1cso.ie+1. But within the Western and Border regions:
- Leitrim: €180,000
- Roscommon: €187,000
- Donegal: €188,000
- Mayo: €220,000
- Sligo: €240,000
- Clare: €280,000
- Galway: €307,000
This places Sligo above the most affordable counties (Leitrim, Longford, Roscommon) but still significantly below national medians.
Switcher.ie’s affordability index also ranks Sligo among the most accessible counties for sole apartment buyers, taking 2.5–3.4 years to save a deposit.
Driver Analysis: Why This Market?
1. Demand Driven by Demographic & Economic Trends
- Remote Work: Broader national trends show remote working boosting demand outside cities thetimes.co.uk.
- Population Growth: Sligo’s population rose by 7.3 % from 2016 to 2022, housing 20,608 residents en.wikipedia.org.
- Young Professionals & Students: Student and young‑professional demand remains strong, though rental listings are limited.
2. Limited New-Build Output
- Only 190 homes under construction in June 2024, with minimal activity in Sligo and adjacent counties independent.ie.
- Construction delivery lags demand, particularly in turnkey and student/young-professional housing .
- New-build focus skewed toward rental or subsidy schemes, overshadowing privately-owned stock .
3. Outmigration from Rental Sector
- REA stats highlight 20 % of sales are ex-rental stock, indicating landlords exiting the market and triggering supply constraints.
- Local anecdotal reports note flats are scarce, especially affordable options for professionals and students .
4. Infrastructure & Regional Connectivity
- Enthusiasm for transport improvements—like the proposed Western Rail Corridor linking Sligo to Galway—could enhance appeal, housing demand, and prices.
- However, current infrastructure deficits may still hamper supply catch-up.
2025 Market Forecast
Expected Price Growth
- Agents foresee around 10 % growth in 2025 for second-hand homes in Sligo.
- Nationwide, outlooks moderate: +7 % expected overall
- Continued strong Border Region performance likely to make Sligo among the top national gainers.
Moderate Softening Possible
- CSO national data shows a slight slowdown: The RPPI fell from 9.2 % Dec 2024 to 8.6 % in Jan 2025 westerndevelopment.ie.
- If supply issues ease, price increases may temper slightly—but stock remains tight.
Rental Market Trends
- Rents in Q1 2025 grew 6.3 %, with continued pressure forecast. Daft.ie expects further price hikes in Connacht‑Ulster .
- It’s unlikely supply will catch up to demand any time soon.
Potential Catalysts
- New infrastructure: Improved rail links could broaden catchment, increase demand.
- Policy shifts: Help‑to‑Buy or supply incentives may influence market dynamics.
Region Comparison Summary
| Region/Metric | Median Price | YoY Growth | Rental Avg (monthly) |
| County Sligo (Q2 2025 ask) | €210,000 | – | – |
| Three‑bed semi (county avg) | €245,000 | +13 % | – |
| Sligo Town | €290,000 | +9.4 % | – |
| Tubbercurry | €200,000 | +17.6 % | – |
| National median | €350,000 | +9.4 % | – |
| Average rent (Sligo Q1 2025) | – | – | €1,398 |
Insights for Stakeholders
For First-Time Buyers
- Affordability: Sligo ranks among the most accessible counties in Ireland, with deposit saving times relatively short.
- Competition: Strong demand and limited stock mean buyers must act quickly and prepare ahead.
For Investors
- Rental yields remain solid as rents climb.
- Stock scarcity signals long-term growth, though new-build waits may delay income potential.
For Sellers/Suburban Movers
- Seller advantage: Inventory remains low, enabling quick transactions and premiums, especially in Sligo Town and nearby commuter villages like Tubbercurry.
- Migration trend: Remote working bolsters appeal outside metro areas.
Strategic Recommendations
- Monitor new‑build activity — any increase would impact pricing and rental returns.
- Explore regional policy changes like Help‑to‑Buy or supply-side grants.
- Track infrastructure developments, notably the Western Rail Corridor proposal.
- Stay alert to rental market shifts, driven by student flows, asylum accommodations, and landlord exits thetimes.co.uk.
Conclusion
County Sligo’s residential property market in 2025 is characterised by robust price growth (+10–13 %), rising rents (~6 %), and persistent supply shortages, especially for second-hand stock. Regional demand remains strong, fueled by affordability, remote working, and demographic trends.
Market forecasts anticipate continued yet moderated growth through the year. But the long-term dynamics indicate solid returns and opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors—especially if infrastructure or policy changes materialize. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, landlord, or housing developer, informed decision-making will be key in navigating this dynamic market.
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