The price of the average second-hand three-bed semi in County Westmeath has risen by 4.4% to €235,000 in the last three months, according to a national survey by Real Estate Alliance.
Across the county this quarter, the average time taken to sell rose from three weeks to four, the Q3 REA Average House Price Index shows.
Nationally, average house prices have risen by €3,500 per month since the end of June, with selling prices in commuter areas and small towns increasing by over double the growth experienced in the major cities.
The survey concentrates on the actual sale price of Ireland's typical stock home, the three-bed semi, giving an accurate picture of the second-hand property market in towns and cities countrywide.
The price of a three-bedroomed semi-detached house across the country rose by 4.1 percent over the past three months to €264,056 – representing an annual increase of 12 percent.
The biggest rises in Q3 came in commuter counties (4.6 percent ) and the country’s large towns (4.9 percent ) as buyers continue to move out further from the capital in anticipation of long-term remote and hybrid working situations.
They are being joined by a surge of interest from ex-pats, anxious to return to Ireland after the pandemic, with more set to return when family homes become available.
The rural and commuter area increases are double those being experienced in Ireland’s major cities, with Dublin increasing by 2.3 percent to €467,000 and Cork, Limerick and Galway by an average of 2.4 percent to €281,750.
“The survey’s average of four weeks to sell should be even lower because, while bidding is fast and furious, vendors are not rushing to accept offers.
“With an exceptional shortage of stock, demand is being fuelled by an increase in mortgage-approved buyers on the market.
“The rural flight, which began during lockdown, shows no signs of letting up, even in the face of a return to office working," REA spokesperson, Barry McDonald stated.
