Leitrim records highest rate of unused homes in 2024

Leitrim had the highest residential vacancy rate in the country last year, with nearly 12 out of every 100 livable houses unoccupied.

According to the GeoDirectory Residential Buildings Report, Leitrim's residential vacancy rate stood at 11.8% at the end of 2024—nearly four times the national average of 3.8%.

The report found that the highest vacancy rates were in the west of Ireland, with Leitrim (11.8%), Mayo (10.6%), Roscommon (10.3%), Donegal (9.0%), and Sligo (8.2%) recording the largest proportions of vacant residential properties.

In contrast, the counties with the lowest vacancy rates were Dublin (1.2%), Kildare (1.5%), Waterford (2.1%), and Carlow (2.5%).

Leitrim also recorded slow housing growth, with only 150 new address points added in 2024. Additionally, the county had the second-lowest number of houses under construction, with just 121 homes being built at the end of the year.

“The number of buildings under construction has remained relatively stable, indicating that the strong pipeline of new homes will continue into 2025,” said Dara Keogh, CEO of GeoDirectory.

Leitrim also had the lowest average house price in the country, at €190,000 in the twelve months leading up to November 2024.

Meanwhile, Dublin recorded the highest number of new addresses last year, continuing its trend of rapid development.

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