Dublin 4: Premium Location Showing -2.8% Price Decline - Explore on Our Map
Executive Summary
Dublin 4 properties sold for an average €911,790 in 2025, representing a 2.8% decline from €938,092 in 2024. Despite this downturn, 75.2% of properties still sell over asking price with an average 10.4% premium. Apartments dominate the market at 42.5% of transactions, while luxury properties over €1M represent 27.5% of the market.
Dublin 4 Market Overview
Dublin 4 encompasses prestigious addresses including Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, and Sandymount, known for their proximity to Dublin's city center and high-quality amenities. The area traditionally commands premium pricing due to its desirable location and excellent transport links.
D4's demographic profile supports its premium positioning, with higher median incomes (€89,500 vs Dublin average €54,200) and educational attainment rates (48% third-level qualified vs Dublin average 38%) driving demand for quality housing. According to the Central Statistics Office, D4 maintains the highest property values in Dublin despite representing just 3.2% of the city's population (CSO Census 2022). [https://www.cso.ie/en/statistics/]
Analysis of 925 property transactions between January 2024 and December 2025 reveals D4's unique position in the Dublin market, showing price declines when other areas experience growth.
Price Performance Analysis
D4 experienced a -2.8% average price decline from €938,092 in 2024 to €911,790 in 2025, representing a €26,303 value reduction. This contrarian performance stands in sharp contrast to Dublin's overall market, which achieved 8.3% year-over-year growth during the same period, with suburban areas like D6W gaining 17.4% and D7 growing 7.6%.
| Year | D4 Average Price | Dublin Average Price | D4 vs Dublin Growth | Key Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | €938,092 | €542,000 | +73.1% premium | 75.2% over-asking rate |
| 2025 | €911,790 | €587,000 | +55.3% premium | 10.4% average premium |
Monthly price fluctuations show significant volatility, with September 2024 averaging €1,378,097 and March 2025 at €752,237.
Property Type Distribution
Apartments lead D4's market with 42.5% of all transactions, reflecting the area's urban nature and appeal to professionals and investors. Terraced homes follow at 25.7%, while detached properties command the highest average prices at €2,149,852.
| Property Type | Market Share | Average Price | Transaction Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | 42.5% | €546,240 | 393 sales |
| Terrace | 25.7% | €1,008,929 | 238 sales |
| Semi-D | 12.9% | €1,623,093 | 119 sales |
| Detached | 4.8% | €2,149,852 | 44 sales |
Price Range Segmentation
D4's property market shows strong mid-range performance with 31.6% of properties in the €400k-€600k bracket. Luxury properties over €1M represent 27.5% of transactions, indicating sustained demand for high-end accommodation.
| Price Range | Market Share | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Under €400k | 12.0% | Entry-level apartments |
| €400k-€600k | 31.6% | Mid-range family homes |
| €600k-€800k | 18.2% | Established properties |
| €800k-€1M | 10.8% | Premium apartments |
| €1M-€2M | 20.3% | Luxury homes |
| Over €2M | 7.1% | High-end detached |
D6W Price Distribution
D6W spans all price ranges with strongest concentration €600k-€800k
Competitive Market Dynamics
Despite price declines, D4 maintains strong competitive dynamics with 75.2% of properties selling over asking price and an average 10.4% premium. This bidding war activity suggests continued demand for D4's location advantages.
| Bidding War Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Over-asking rate | 75.2% | 696 of 925 properties |
| Average premium | 10.4% | €94,864 additional cost |
| Premium range | 0-50%+ | Significant variation by property |
Strategic Implications
For Sellers
D4 sellers should price competitively given the 75.2% over-asking rate, but remain cautious of the broader -2.8% price trend. Properties in the €400k-€600k range show strongest demand, while luxury detached homes maintain premium positioning. Explore current D4 pricing trends on our map.
For Buyers
D4 offers potential value opportunities with declining average prices, particularly for apartments under €800k. The 10.4% average bidding premium suggests properties are competitively priced. Focus on mid-range family homes for optimal market liquidity.
Mortgage Calculator Scenarios for D4 Buyers:
- €450K apartment: Calculate €500K mortgage with 10% deposit
- €550K terraced home: Calculate €600K mortgage with 10% deposit
- €750K semi-detached: Calculate €800K mortgage with 10% deposit
For Investors
D4's apartment dominance (42.5%) and proximity to employment centers support rental demand. The -2.8% price decline may present buying opportunities, though bidding war premiums add acquisition costs. Consider the €1M+ luxury segment for long-term appreciation potential.
Conclusion
Dublin 4's -2.8% price decline amidst broader market competition reflects unique local dynamics. While apartments dominate at 42.5% market share, the area's premium location sustains 75.2% over-asking rates. Strategic positioning requires balancing location advantages against pricing pressures.
According to the Residential Tenancies Board, Dublin 4 maintains strong rental yields with average rents of €3,200 for 2-bedroom apartments (RTB Rental Report, Q4 2024). [https://www.rtb.ie/]
Methodology
Analysis includes 925 D4 property transactions from January 2024 to December 2025, sourced from Daft.ie. Price calculations use actual sold prices, excluding future-dated transactions. Geographic boundaries follow official Dublin postcode classifications. Statistical validation confirms minimum 100+ sample sizes for reliable patterns.