Second-hand homes for sale 'far below' level needed

Sherry FitzGerald say the 14,629 homes for sale in January is up 4,250 units on the historic low of January 2025 'falls far short' of what is needed

Just 0.7% of the country’s private housing stock was listed for sale in January, according to new analysis by Sherry FitzGerald. 

Despite an increase in supply over the last year, the number of second-hand homes for sale remains “far below the level required for a balanced and functioning housing market” with just 14,629 houses listed during January, a new analysis by estate agent Sherry FitzGerald has found.

In the company’s latest bi‑annual analysis, it said that just 0.7% of the country’s private housing stock was listed for sale in January. Although this is an increase of 4,250 units, compared to the historic low of January 2025, it is still far below what is needed.

Chief executive of the Sherry FitzGerald Group Marian Finnegan said the country “continues to face a severe structural shortage of available homes”.

Supply and demand imbalance 

“The persistent imbalance between supply and demand is placing continued pressure on individuals and families attempting to secure suitable accommodation. 

"Incremental improvements are welcome, but they fall far short of what is required to meet the needs of our growing population.” 

The company said that while stock levels increased in all areas compared to 2025, many parts of the country continue to experience particularly acute shortages, especially beyond the main urban centres.

While housing completions increased by over 20% during 2025 to 36,284. Construction activity last year was primarily concentrated in Dublin, its surrounding counties, and Cork, which together accounted for 63.7% of completions.

However, despite the increase in completions last year, output still remains well below what is needed to address the housing crisis. Sherry FitzGerald’s own research estimates there is an annual demand of 56,200 new homes.

It added that there is significant variation in the share of demand being met across various regions with more rural areas seeing the most severe housing shortages.

The analysis said Dublin’s share of demand being met is at 84.2%, while the mid-east is at 69.6%, the south-west is at 61.1% while the west, mid-west, border region, and the south-east range between 45% and 52%.