Every December I get the same question: “James, what’s next year going to look like for the property market?”
And look, I don’t pretend to be some fortune teller — but when you spend every day dealing with buyers, sellers, solicitors, banks and everything in between, you start to see where things are heading.
Here’s what I genuinely think 2026 has in store for us:
1. Supply Will Loosen, But Not By Much
Stock has been tight all year and I don’t see that completely changing.
But I do think we’ll see a small but noticeable increase in homes coming to market — people who’ve been waiting for rates to settle, waiting for renovations to finish, or simply waiting for the new year to get moving.
2. Interest Rates Settling Will Give Buyers Confidence
The fear around rate hikes is gone.
Buyers can finally plan again — and when people can plan, they move. That confidence alone will help drive activity.
3. Prices Will Stabilise — But Expect 4–8% Above Asking on Average
I don’t see dramatic price jumps, but equally, I don’t see any real price drops in East Cork.
Demand is still too strong, especially for well-presented homes.
Realistically, the majority of properties will still land 4–8% above asking in 2026.
Some will go higher — they always do — but that’s the sensible average based on what we’re seeing.
4. East Cork’s Smaller Towns & Villages Will Surge in Demand
The combination of improved infrastructure, stronger school options, and the ongoing development of the Greenway is making the smaller towns and villages in East Cork far more attractive than they were even two or three years ago.
Buyers who once insisted on being “close to the city” are now happy to move further out if the lifestyle is right — and East Cork is quickly becoming a first choice, not a fallback.
5. Buyers Will Be More Selective, Not More Hesitant
People aren’t panicking anymore.
They’re calmer, but they’re also more selective. If your home isn’t prepared properly, priced right and marketed professionally, it will sit longer than its competitors.
The good ones will still fly — that hasn’t changed.
Final Thought
2026 won’t be crazy, and it won’t be messy — thank God.
It’ll be a year of steady, confident movement and continued strong demand for the right properties.
If you’re even thinking about buying or selling next year, pop me a message. A quick chat in December can save you months of stress in January.