Planning Permission Ireland

Build Cost per m² in Ireland 2026 — The Live Numbers from SCSI Q1 2026

Last updated 30/6/2026 · Reviewed 30/6/2026
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SCSI Q1 2026: €2,500–€3,800/m² build. A 180 m² house = €450k–€684k. A-rated fabric-first: €2,800–€3,800. Standard: €2,500–€3,200.

SCSI Tender Price Index Q1 2026: build cost in Ireland is €2,500–€3,800 per m² of finished floor area. A 180 m² house built: €450,000–€684,000. A-rated fabric-first design: €2,800–€3,800/m². Standard build: €2,500–€3,200/m². Site-specific cost (slope, access, services, septic, long connection runs) adds 15–25% on top. A 10% contingency is the minimum. Most Irish self-builds land at €2,800–€3,400/m² for the build alone, with site works, fees, services, VAT, and contingency bringing the total to €600k–€1m for a 150–200 m² house.

When this matters most

You're shaping the budget envelope and need a real number.

When this doesn't apply

You've signed a building contract with a fixed price.

Sources

SCSI, Tender Price Index Q1 2026. https://www.scsi.ie/

How this guide works

Turn €/m² into a real budget

Four short steps. Use the figure, sanity-check it, then add the costs the €/m² number hides.

    Read the SCSI Q1 2026 band

    €2,500–€3,800/m² of finished floor area. A 180 m² house = €450k–€684k build. A-rated homes: €2,800–€3,800. Standard: €2,500–€3,200.

    Add site works (15–25%)

    Slope, access, services, septic, long connection runs. €20,000–€80,000 depending on the site. Budget 20% on top of the build cost as a rule of thumb.

    Add the hidden costs

    Professional fees (8–12%), connection fees, stamp duty, VAT (reduced 9% on first-time builds), landscaping, contingencies. €600k–€1m total project cost is typical for 150–180 m².

    Compare with a quantity surveyor

    QS tender comparison saves 5–10% on builder quotes. SCSI Tender Price Index is the authoritative source. The €/m² number is a starting point, not a contract.

Other briefs in the Fit The Inside stage

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to build per m² in Ireland in 2026?

SCSI Q1 2026: €2,500–€3,800/m² of finished floor area. A 180 m² house = €450k–€684k. A-rated: €2,800–€3,800. Standard: €2,500–€3,200.

What is the SCSI Tender Price Index?

The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland's quarterly publication. Tracks tender prices for construction work in Ireland. The authoritative source for build cost in Ireland.

How much is site works on top of the build?

15–25% on top of the build cost. Slope, access, services, septic, long connection runs. €20,000–€80,000 depending on the site. Budget 20% on top of the build cost as a rule of thumb.

When this matters most

You're shaping the budget envelope and need a real number.

When this doesn't apply

You've signed a building contract with a fixed price.

Where to go next

Next decision

The next step in your build sequence.

Branch into

Adjacent decisions at the same stage.

Watch out for

Common mistakes, hidden costs, gotchas.

Compare with

Alternative approaches worth knowing.