Driving Growth in Munster: How property finance is powering Cork’s future
Stuart Curtin, lending director for Munster, Capitalflow
Cork is at the centre of Ireland’s long term regional development vision. As the city prepares for a projected 50 per cent population increase by 2040, large scale public investment and long-term planning are accelerating a dramatic regional transformation.
Alternative lenders now play a critical role in this ecosystem. Capitalflow, one of Ireland’s leading providers of investor and SME finance, has become increasingly active in Munster. Its expansion in the area reflects both rising demand from property investors and the importance of fast, flexible non bank funding in a competitive market.
Under Project Ireland 2040, Cork is set for major growth supported by billions in public investment to strengthen regional balance, enhance transport connectivity and drive urban regeneration.
The Cork City Development Plan 2022–2028 adds further momentum with targets including 20,000 new homes, 31,000 new jobs and major redevelopment across strategic areas such as the Cork Docklands. These initiatives reinforce Cork’s role as a key driver of national economic performance.
Cork is at the centre of Ireland’s regional growth strategy, and the scale of planned investment reflects that national priority, as set out in the National Planning Framework and the Southern Regional Economic & Spatial Strategy.
Munster is one of Ireland’s strongest economic corridors, supported by well-established clusters in pharmaceuticals, ICT, engineering, medtech, financial services and agri food.
Commercial property indicators highlight this resilience, with industrial vacancy rates remain exceptionally low (around 1–3 per cent), driven by logistics, distribution and manufacturing demand. The office market remains stable with steady take up led by tech and professional services, while retail investment shows renewed momentum, including significant shopping centre transactions.
Housing supply remains a key constraint across the region. Recent data shows that average house prices in Cork City now exceed €400,000 (+7.4 per cent year-on-year), while residential prices across Munster have risen 7.9 per cent. Homes frequently sell at 7–8.5 per cent above asking price.
Cork City rents rose circa 11.8 per cent year-on-year (Q2 2025), while the national average open market rent now stands at €2,055.
Munster homes continue to sell well above asking price - clear evidence that demand remains ahead of supply. With competition intensifying, quick access to specialist property finance has become essential for investors and business owners.
In a fast moving market with tight supply, the ability to secure timely finance can determine whether a deal succeeds. From commercial property acquisitions to pension backed investment purchases and short term bridging, lenders with local knowledge and rapid decision making capabilities are increasingly valuable.
This year marks 10 years in business for Capitalflow, now Ireland’s leading non bank lender. Over the past decade, the company has advanced over €2 billion in loans across Ireland; built a national loan book exceeding €1 billion; secured Retail Credit Firm authorisation (2025), enabling lending to individuals as well as businesses; and set a strategic target to double its business by 2028.
Support from parent company Bunq, a fully licensed EU bank, further strengthens Capitalflow’s capacity to deploy capital to Irish borrowers.
Capitalflow’s activity in Munster has expanded rapidly. Lending in the region has almost doubled in the past three years, reflecting both strong demand and increased strategic focus, and underscoring the region’s growing economic momentum. The appointment of Stuart Curtin as lending director for Munster signals even deeper commitment. His on-the-ground presence is accelerating customer engagement, strengthening broker relationships and sharpening regional insights.
Curtin’s presence in Cork is expected to significantly expand Capitalflow’s already strong Munster portfolio.
With finance solutions including commercial property loans (owner occupied and investment); bridging finance for time sensitive transactions; and pension-backed property lending, Captialflow's combination of people-first engagement, local decision making and fast turnaround continues to attract investors and business borrowers across the region.
Cork Chamber’s Strategic Plan 2025–2028 highlights sustainability, competitiveness and regional balance as critical to the region’s future.
Property finance will play a central role in enabling business expansion, investor acquisition of high demand assets, and delivery of residential and commercial developments aligned with Cork’s 2040 goals
With its growing presence, decade of lending experience and more than €2 billion deployed into the Irish economy, Capitalflow is positioned to play a strong role in the region’s next phase of growth.
Munster is entering a defining era - and Cork is set to lead the way.
