Ireland Building Homes at Europe's Fastest Per-Capita RateIreland Building Homes at Europe's Fastest Per-Capita Rate
Wednesday 2 September 2026
Ireland is leading Europe in per-capita home construction with 40,000 completions expected in 2026, though supply and affordability deficits persist.
Ireland is building homes at the fastest per-capita rate in Europe, with housing completions expected to reach 40,000 in 2026.
According to a Goodbody report produced for Glenveagh, Ireland's projected delivery rate equates to approximately seven homes per 1,000 people. This construction rate is more than double the European average. A separate report published by the Irish Examiner matches this trend, stating that the country is currently building 7.2 homes per 1,000 people.
Despite this high rate of active development, Ireland still lags in terms of total housing stock. The Goodbody report indicates that the country has 585 homes per 1,000 adults aged over 25, compared to a European average of 691.
Furthermore, affordability remains a significant obstacle for prospective buyers. A Red C poll cited in the research found that 48% of respondents identified house prices as the single biggest barrier to getting onto the property ladder.