Local house prices now €252,500

e price of the average second-hand three-bed semi in Co Kilkenny has risen to €265,000, up 5% in 12 months from €252,500, while prices have remained unchanged in the past three months, according to a national survey by Real Estate Alliance.

Across the county, the average time taken to sell has risen by two weeks to seven, the Q2 REA Average House Price Index shows.

Agents in the county reported that this quarter, 35% of properties were purchased by rst time buyers, with buyers from outside of the county making up 33% of sales. is quarter, agents found that 30% of sales are directly linked to landlords leaving the market.

e price of the average three-bed semi in Kilkenny town this quarter sits at €310,000.

“We are seeing frustration with the operation of the affordable scheme, as it is very cumbersome,” said Michael Boyd of REA Boyd’s, Kilkenny. Callan prices this quarter remain unchanged at €220,000.

“We are seeing a stable market, and this quarter, not much has changed,” said Robbie Grace of REA Grace, Callan.

“ ere is a lack of properties on the market, and the increase in interest rates has probably had an impact on prices.” e REA Average House Price Index concentrates on the actual sale price of Ireland’s typical stock home, the three-bed semi, giving an accurate picture of the secondhand property market in towns and cities countrywide. e actual selling price of a three-bedroom, semidetached house across the country rose by 1.3% over the quarter to €297,056 – representing an annual increase of 6.6%. e price of a three-bed semi in Dublin city has hit €500,000 for the rst time, rising by 0.3% in the past three months. ey are now 14% ahead of their €431,000 Celtic Tiger peak level, with demand being largely driven by rst-time buyers in an otherwise cautious market.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has welcomed meetings in Kilkenny , Carlow and Waterford, with department o cials engaging with leaders from the further and higher education, research and innovation sectors on their role in delivering on key Government strategies including regional rebalancing, housing, health, climate and enterprise.

Oh dear me... we’re very dear

Ireland is the most expensive country in EU with prices in one sector through the roof Alcohol and tobacco prices were 116% higher here than the EU average, while food and non-alcoholic drinks were 15% more and the fourth highest. See also Pages 6 & 26