Two stable full-time incomes not sufficient to buy a Dublin home
Two full-time, stable incomes are no longer sufficient for many households seeking to purchase a Dublin home, according to comments made in the Dáil this week, highlighting the continued pressure in the capital’s residential property market.
During Leaders’ Questions, Pearse Doherty, finance spokesperson for Sinn Féin, cited recent data from the Central Statistics Office showing that the median price of a home in Dublin has reached €500,000.
Addressing the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, Mr Doherty said that while the Government acknowledges that prices are too high, values have continued to rise year on year.
He noted that, nationally, average house prices have increased by €100,000 over the past four years.
According to Mr Doherty, purchasing a typical home in Dublin now requires a household income of more than €100,000, with some areas of the city demanding incomes in excess of €150,000.
He argued that this places home ownership beyond the reach of many workers, including nurses, members of An Garda Síochána and newly qualified teachers.
Mr Doherty further stated that many young people feel they have “lost a decade” compared to previous generations and face significant barriers to establishing long-term roots in the capital.
In response, Mr Harris said that while house prices are “too high for too many”, the €500,000 median figure does not necessarily reflect the price of a typical home in every part of Dublin.
He added that a review of current property listings shows a range of homes available below that level.
The Tánaiste also pointed to recent market activity, noting that more than 50,000 homes were purchased in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase.
This included close to 20,000 first-time buyers.
He stated that approximately 600 first-time buyers are now drawing down mortgages each week, compared to around 500 previously.
Pearse Doherty, finance spokesperson for Sinn Féin, cited recent data from the Central Statistics Office showing that the median price of a home in Dublin has reached €500,000. Photo: Leah Farrell/Rollingnews.ie
Mr Harris further highlighted continued uptake of Government supports, including over 60,000 applicants availing of the Help to Buy Scheme and more than 9,000 buyers approved under the First Home Scheme.
The exchange reflects ongoing political and industry debate around affordability, supply, and the sustainability of price growth in Dublin’s residential market.
