The Northern Ireland housing market has once again shown impressive resilience and steady growth, according to PropertyPal’s latest Housing Market Update for Q3 2025. Despite broader economic uncertainty and elevated interest rates, both the sales and rental markets have performed robustly, a sign of continued confidence and demand across the region.
Sales market overview
In Q3 2025, the average property price in Northern Ireland (excluding new builds) reached £232,527, reflecting 7% annual growth and a 0.8% quarterly increase. Houses averaged £239,405, while apartments came in at £166,755, with apartments leading the way in annual growth at 8.7%, compared to 6.9% for houses.
Sales activity
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7,000 newly agreed sales were recorded in Q3 2025, up 5% year-on-year and 8% above the long-term average (2016–2019).
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The average time to find a buyer dropped to 45 days, around two weeks faster than the long-term norm.
Regional price trends
| Region | Average Price | Annual Growth | Quarterly Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Causeway Coast & Glens | £254,926 | 7.5% | 1.9% |
| Mid & East Antrim | £199,168 | 5.3% | 1.3% |
| Belfast | £215,957 | 1.9% | -0.5% |
| Ards & North Down | £286,767 | 7.5% | 1.2% |
Belfast remains the most active sales region, accounting for 22% of all advertised sales properties, followed by Ards & North Down (13%) and Lisburn & Castlereagh (10%).
Rental market overview
Northern Ireland’s rental market continues to strengthen, fuelled by sustained tenant demand and limited housing supply. The average rent across all property types now stands at £987 per month, an increase of 6.1% year-on-year and 1.1% quarterly.
Rental trends
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Houses: £991 per month (+4.6% annually, +0.8% quarterly)
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Apartments: £979 per month (+8.5% annually, +1.3% quarterly)
Rents by region
| Region | Average Rent | Annual Growth | Quarterly Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast | £1,153 | 6.0% | 0.9% |
| Causeway Coast & Glens | £803 | 6.1% | 1.1% |
| Ards & North Down | £983 | 6.6% | 0.9% |
Tenant demand remains elevated, with an average of 73 enquiries per listed property in Q3 2025, a decrease from 103 enquiries in Q3 2023, signalling a gradual stabilisation of demand.
Market challenges and outlook
According to Jordan Buchanan, CEO of PropertyPal, the Northern Ireland housing market has maintained its strength due to low unemployment, healthy household finances, and recent wage growth. However, the upcoming UK Budget and potential tax changes could introduce new challenges for the months ahead.
In the rental sector, the market continues to struggle with limited supply, as 10% of previously rented properties have shifted to the sales market amid landlord exits. Tackling housing supply barriers will be essential for maintaining long-term balance and affordability.
Key takeaways
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Sales growth: Northern Ireland leads the UK in annual price growth.
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Rental resilience: Rents continue to climb amid sustained tenant demand and low stock.
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Economic stability: Low unemployment and wage growth underpin market strength.
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Future watch: Policy changes and housing supply constraints could shape the market in 2026.
As the Northern Ireland housing market evolves, it continues to offer opportunities for buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants alike.
The Reeds Rains Content Marketing Team
