The Commuter Calculation: Dublin Properties by Distance from City Centre

Executive Summary

Property prices and characteristics in Dublin vary significantly by distance from the city centre, with median prices ranging from €460,000 within 5km to €385,000 beyond 15km. This analysis examines how location affects property values, sizes, and investment potential across four distance rings from Dublin's General Post Office.

Methodology: Defining Distance Rings

This analysis divides Dublin into four distance rings from the city centre (General Post Office at Dublin 1):

• 0-5km: City center and immediate suburbs
• 5-10km: Established suburbs with good transport links
• 10-15km: Outer suburbs with commuter access
• 15-25km: Further suburbs and satellite areas

Price Analysis by Distance

City Center (0-5km)

Median price: €460,000 (14,258 properties)

Properties within 5km of the city center command premium pricing due to convenience and lifestyle factors.

Mid-Distance (5-10km)

Median price: €475,000 (14,972 properties)

This ring shows the highest median prices, reflecting well-established suburbs with excellent transport access and amenities.

Outer Suburbs (10-15km)

Median price: €439,000 (11,434 properties)

Properties in this range offer good value, balancing affordability with reasonable commute times.

Further Areas (15-25km)

Median price: €385,000 (2,931 properties)

The most affordable ring, appealing to buyers prioritizing space and value over proximity to the city center.

The Space vs Location Trade-Off

Property Size by Distance

Price and Space Trends by Distance

Understanding Bedroom Averages

The bedroom averages reflect Dublin's property mix by location:

• 0-5km (City Center): 2.6 beds - Many apartments (32%) and smaller terraced houses
• 5-25km (Suburbs): 2.9-3.0 beds - More family homes and semi-detached properties

Size Trends

Properties further from the city center offer more space for the price, with average sizes increasing from 99 square meters in the city center to 121 square meters in the 10-15km ring. This reflects the transition from urban apartments to suburban family homes.

Transport Connectivity and Commute Times

Public Transport Access

Areas within 5km of the city center benefit from extensive public transport options, including DART, Luas, and bus services. Properties in this ring typically offer walkable access to multiple transport modes.

Commuter Patterns

Areas in the 5-10km and 10-15km rings balance commute times with property affordability. Many of these locations offer direct access to major transport corridors.

Investment Perspective: Yields by Distance

Rental Yield Analysis

Outer suburbs (10-15km and 15-25km) show the highest rental yields, reflecting investor preferences for affordable properties in growing areas.

Investment Strategy

• City center (0-5km): Premium rental market with lower yields but strong capital appreciation potential
• Mid-distance (5-10km): Balanced yields with good tenant demand
• Outer areas (10-15km+): Higher yields with potential for rental income growth

Lifestyle Considerations

Urban vs Suburban Living

City center properties appeal to professionals prioritizing convenience, while suburban locations suit families and commuters seeking space and community.

Environmental Impact

Properties further from the city center may offer lower carbon footprints for residents who work remotely or use efficient transport options.

Recommendations by Buyer Profile

Urban Professionals

Consider the 0-5km ring for minimal commute times and access to city amenities. Expect to pay a premium for convenience.

Families

The 5-15km rings offer optimal balance of space, affordability, and reasonable commute times. Focus on areas with good schools and community facilities.

Investors

Outer suburbs (10-15km and beyond) provide the best rental yields, though capital appreciation may be slower than city center properties.

Remote Workers

All distance rings offer viable options, with outer areas providing more space for home offices at lower cost.

Conclusion

Distance from Dublin's city center significantly influences property prices, sizes, and investment potential. The optimal choice depends on individual priorities, balancing commute preferences, budget, and lifestyle requirements.

Transport for Ireland data shows average Dublin commute time is 45 minutes, with public transport usage at 35% (Transport for Ireland Annual Report, March 2025). [https://www.transportforireland.ie/]

Methodology

This analysis calculates distances from Dublin's General Post Office (53.3498°N, 6.2603°W) using the Haversine formula. Price and size data are based on 43,595 properties with valid coordinates, ensuring comprehensive geographic coverage across Dublin.