Q2 vs Q1 Selling: Dublin Property Market Seasonal Dynamics
Executive Summary
Dublin property sales in Q2 (April-June) show 8.86% higher transaction volume than Q1 (January-March), with properties achieving 6.98% above asking price compared to 6.09% in Q1. Despite a 1.5% decline in average prices (€542,110 vs €550,377), increased competition creates more favorable selling conditions for motivated sellers.
Market Overview and Seasonal Context
Dublin's property market exhibits distinct seasonal patterns between winter and spring quarters. Q1 transactions totaled 8,904 properties with an average price of €550,377, while Q2 recorded 9,693 sales at €542,110. The volume increase suggests seasonal market activation, with buyers becoming more active in spring months despite economic pressures.
Transaction Volume and Pricing Trends
Property sales volume increased significantly from Q1 to Q2, rising 8.86% from 8,904 to 9,693 transactions. Average prices declined 1.5% (€8,267 reduction), indicating greater market supply or seasonal price adjustments. However, over-asking performance improved 0.89 percentage points, rising from 6.09% to 6.98%.
| Quarter | Transactions | Average Price | Over-Asking Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 8,904 | €550,377 | 6.09% |
| Q2 | 9,693 | €542,110 | 6.98% |
Q2 shows 8.86% higher transaction volume despite 1.5% lower prices, with improved over-asking rates
Monthly Performance Breakdown
Within each quarter, monthly patterns reveal tactical selling opportunities. January showed the highest Q1 prices (€560,226), while April recorded the lowest Q2 prices (€528,614) but highest over-asking rate (6.93%).
| Month | Transactions | Average Price | Over-Asking Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2,618 | €560,226 | 6.29% |
| February | 3,030 | €546,174 | 6.00% |
| March | 3,256 | €546,369 | 6.01% |
| April | 2,943 | €528,614 | 6.93% |
| May | 3,336 | €540,048 | 6.80% |
| June | 3,414 | €555,758 | 7.20% |
Monthly trends show April as the lowest priced month with highest over-asking rates
Property Type Performance Analysis
Different property types show varying seasonal responses. Semi-detached homes improved from 6.16% to 7.03% over-asking, while apartments rose from 5.87% to 6.42%. Detached properties showed the most significant improvement, increasing from 3.20% to 4.38% above asking price.
| Property Type | Q1 Over-Asking | Q2 Over-Asking | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Detached | 6.16% | 7.03% | +0.87% |
| Apartments | 5.87% | 6.42% | +0.55% |
| Detached | 3.20% | 4.38% | +1.18% |
| Terraced | 5.67% | 6.24% | +0.57% |
| Duplex | 6.33% | 7.37% | +1.04% |
Geographic Performance Variations
Selling performance varies significantly by Dublin postcode. D1 properties showed dramatic seasonal shifts, dropping from 11.56% to 5.89% over-asking despite price increases. D4 properties improved from 4.04% to 5.09% over-asking with price growth to €893,306.
| Postcode | Q1 Avg Price | Q2 Avg Price | Q1 Over-Ask | Q2 Over-Ask |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | €340,011 | €374,572 | 11.56% | 5.89% |
| D2 | €564,232 | €546,564 | 3.44% | 4.21% |
| D3 | €578,760 | €549,321 | 5.54% | 5.75% |
| D4 | €861,869 | €893,306 | 4.04% | 5.09% |
| D5 | €501,267 | €509,780 | 8.26% | 9.23% |
| D6 | €967,870 | €888,204 | 5.43% | 5.23% |
| D6W | €718,767 | €694,855 | 7.78% | 6.50% |
| D7 | €453,287 | €463,474 | 5.69% | 6.00% |
| D8 | €448,237 | €422,182 | 4.86% | 6.52% |
| D9 | €488,225 | €488,623 | 6.15% | 6.77% |
Price Bracket Distribution
Properties across all price brackets increased in Q2. Under €400k properties rose from 3,471 to 3,831 transactions, while €400k-€600k bracket grew from 2,889 to 3,252 sales. Higher-value segments showed more modest growth.
| Price Bracket | Q1 Sales | Q2 Sales | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under €400k | 3,471 | 3,831 | +10.37% |
| €400k-€600k | 2,889 | 3,252 | +12.57% |
| €600k-€800k | 1,261 | 1,335 | +5.87% |
| €800k+ | 1,283 | 1,275 | -0.62% |
Strategic Implications
For Sellers
Q2 offers superior selling conditions despite lower average prices, with increased buyer competition driving 0.89% higher over-asking rates. Prioritize Q2 listings for semi-detached properties (+0.87% over-asking improvement) and detached homes (+1.18% improvement). List D4 properties in Q2 for optimal €893,306 average prices. Target D5 properties showing 9.23% over-asking rates. Avoid Q2 luxury segments (€800k+) showing 0.62% volume decline.
For Buyers
Q2 market activation increases competition but maintains price stability. Buyers should expect more bidding situations, particularly in €400k-€600k bracket properties. D1 properties offer 5.89% over-asking rates despite 11.56% Q1 decline. Prepare €15,000-€25,000 over asking budget for competitive bidding situations.
For Investors
Q2 investment purchases benefit from 8.86% volume growth and seasonal market confidence. Focus semi-detached properties (7.03% Q2 over-asking, €605,725 average) and detached homes (4.38% over-asking, €961,908 average). D4 postcode delivers €893,306 prices with 5.09% over-asking premium. Target D8 properties showing 6.52% over-asking improvement despite €422,182 average prices. Consider Q2 acquisitions for 3-6 month holding periods before potential Q1 selling advantages.
Conclusion
Q2 Dublin property market dynamics favor sellers through increased transaction volume and competitive bidding, despite modest price declines. The 8.86% volume increase and 0.89% over-asking improvement indicate seasonal market activation benefits motivated sellers. Geographic variations suggest tactical postcode selection optimizes selling outcomes.
According to the Residential Tenancies Board, Dublin rental demand peaks seasonally from March-May, potentially influencing property purchase timing decisions (RTB Rental Trends Report, Q2 2024). [https://www.rtb.ie/]
Methodology
Analysis covers 18,597 Dublin property transactions from January-June 2024, excluding future-dated records. Geographic coverage includes all Dublin postcodes with minimum 50 transactions per quarter. Statistical validation confirms minimum sample sizes exceed 100 properties for reliable pattern identification.