Dublin Areas Showing Biggest Price Improvement: 6-Month Analysis

Executive Summary

Our comprehensive analysis of 43,830 property transactions reveals dramatic price improvements across Dublin areas over the past 6 months. Foxrock Dublin 18 leads with an extraordinary 121.4% increase in median sale prices, followed by Sandycove at 106.5% and Dalkey at 45.7%. This analysis compares median sale prices from the last 6 months against the previous 6-month period, providing clear insights into which areas are experiencing the strongest price momentum.

Methodology

This analysis compares median property sale prices across two 6-month periods:

• Recent Period: Last 6 months (most recent transactions)
• Previous Period: 6-12 months ago (baseline for comparison)

Only areas with at least 5 sales in each period are included to ensure statistical reliability. The analysis covers all property types and includes both premium and affordable market segments.

Top 20 Areas with Biggest Price Improvements

1. Foxrock Dublin 18 - 121.4% Increase

Foxrock Dublin 18 stands out with the most dramatic price improvement, with median prices jumping from €960,000 to €2,125,000 - a remarkable 121.4% increase. This premium area has seen 9 recent sales compared to 15 in the previous period, suggesting a shift toward higher-value properties. The overall median price of €1,160,000 and average price per square meter of €6,525 reflect Foxrock's status as one of Dublin's most exclusive neighborhoods.

2. Sandycove - 106.5% Increase

Sandycove shows exceptional growth with median prices rising from €583,400 to €1,205,000 - a 106.5% increase. This coastal area benefits from its prime location along Dublin Bay, with 8 recent sales demonstrating strong buyer demand. The average price per square meter of €8,131 is among the highest in Dublin, reflecting the premium placed on coastal properties.

3. Dalkey - 45.7% Increase

Dalkey continues its strong performance with a 45.7% increase, rising from €875,000 to €1,275,000. With 36 recent sales (compared to 31 previously), Dalkey shows both strong volume and price appreciation. The area's €8,228 per square meter average price reflects its status as one of Dublin's most desirable coastal locations.

4. Tallaght - 40.7% Increase

Tallaght demonstrates significant growth in the more affordable segment, with median prices increasing from €270,000 to €380,000 - a 40.7% increase. This represents substantial value appreciation for buyers in this area, with 10 recent sales showing continued market activity. The €3,871 per square meter average price offers relative value compared to premium areas.

5. Ballsbridge Dublin 4 - 40.5% Increase

Ballsbridge Dublin 4 shows strong momentum with median prices rising from €550,000 to €772,500 - a 40.5% increase. This prime location benefits from excellent transport links and proximity to the city center. With 11 recent sales and an average price per square meter of €7,784, Ballsbridge remains a highly sought-after area.

6-10: Strong Performers

• Rathgar Dublin 6: +33.5% (€367,000 → €490,000)
• Cabinteely Dublin 18: +30.2% (€425,500 → €553,947)
• Clondalkin Dublin 22: +25.0% (€320,000 → €400,000)
• Coolock Dublin 5: +25.0% (€388,000 → €485,000)
• Firhouse Dublin 24: +21.7% (€452,000 → €550,000)

11-20: Notable Growth Areas

• Inchicore Dublin 8: +21.3% (€327,000 → €396,500)
• Stillorgan: +19.4% (€670,000 → €800,000) - 60 recent sales
• Adamstown: +17.7% (€395,000 → €465,000)
• Tallaght Dublin 24: +17.3% (€336,000 → €394,000) - 69 recent sales
• Ashtown Dublin 15: +16.0% (€362,000 → €420,000)
• Bray: +15.7% (€477,000 → €552,000)
• Dublin 3: +14.5% (€550,000 → €630,000) - 186 recent sales
• Fairview Dublin 3: +14.5% (€380,000 → €435,000)
• Dublin 6w: +14.1% (€710,000 → €810,000) - 107 recent sales
• Donnybrook Dublin 4: +13.5% (€555,000 → €630,000)

Key Insights

Premium Market Momentum

The top performers show that premium coastal areas are experiencing exceptional growth. Foxrock, Sandycove, and Dalkey all demonstrate that buyers are willing to pay significant premiums for prime coastal locations, with price increases far exceeding the broader market.

Affordable Market Growth

Areas like Tallaght and Clondalkin show that growth isn't limited to premium markets. These areas offer significant value appreciation while remaining accessible to first-time buyers and investors, with median prices still well below €400,000.

Volume and Price Correlation

Several areas show both strong volume and price growth:

• Dublin 3: 186 recent sales with 14.5% price increase
• Dublin 6w: 107 recent sales with 14.1% increase
• Tallaght Dublin 24: 69 recent sales with 17.3% increase
• Stillorgan: 60 recent sales with 19.4% increase

This suggests sustainable demand rather than isolated high-value transactions.

Geographic Patterns

South Dublin coastal areas dominate the top performers, reflecting:

• Premium location value
• Limited supply of coastal properties
• Strong buyer demand for lifestyle locations
• Excellent transport links and amenities

North Dublin areas like Dublin 3, Coolock, and Ashtown also show strong growth, indicating broader market momentum beyond traditional premium locations.

Market Implications

For Buyers

Areas showing strong growth may offer:

• Investment potential: Continued appreciation likely
• Competition: Higher buyer demand may require competitive bidding
• Value: Areas like Tallaght offer growth at accessible price points

For Sellers

Strong growth areas present:

• Timing opportunities: Selling in appreciating markets
• Pricing strategy: Understanding market momentum for pricing
• Competition: More properties may come to market

For Investors

Key considerations:

• Premium areas: Exceptional growth but higher entry costs
• Affordable areas: Strong growth with lower barriers to entry
• Volume: Areas with high transaction volumes offer liquidity
• Sustainability: Consider whether growth rates are sustainable long-term

Factors Driving Growth

1. Location Premium

Coastal and prime locations command significant premiums, with buyers willing to pay for:

• Scenic views and lifestyle benefits
• Proximity to amenities and transport
• Established neighborhood character

2. Limited Supply

Areas with constrained supply see stronger price growth as demand exceeds availability, particularly in premium coastal locations.

3. Infrastructure Investment

Areas benefiting from transport improvements and infrastructure development show stronger growth, as seen in areas like Dublin 3 and Tallaght.

4. Market Segmentation

Different market segments show varying growth rates:

• Premium coastal: Exceptional growth (100%+)
• Established suburbs: Moderate growth (15-25%)
• Affordable areas: Strong growth (15-25%)

Conclusion

Dublin's property market shows remarkable diversity in price growth, with Foxrock Dublin 18 leading at 121.4% increase, followed by Sandycove at 106.5%. However, growth isn't limited to premium areas - affordable markets like Tallaght and Clondalkin show strong appreciation at accessible price points.

The analysis reveals that both premium coastal locations and affordable suburban areas offer opportunities for buyers and investors, depending on budget and investment goals. Areas with high transaction volumes suggest sustainable demand rather than isolated high-value sales.

For detailed area analysis, explore our comprehensive area pages including Dublin 18, Dublin 4, and Dublin 6.

Methodology Notes

• Analysis based on 43,830 property transactions
• Comparison period: Last 6 months vs. previous 6 months
• Minimum 5 sales per period required for inclusion
• Median prices used to avoid outlier distortion
• All property types included in analysis
• Data current as of January 2025