Average house price in Northern Ireland rises by 4.8% to £221,233
Northern Ireland’s average house price has risen by 4.8% in the past year, amid interest rate cut and competitive lending conditions
The latest figures from Ulster University’s House Price Index, produced in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Progressive Building Society shows the average price rose to £221,233 in the final quarter of 2025.
The figures show a 0.4% increase on the third quarter of 2025 and an annual rise of 4.8% compared to quarter four of 2024.
This performance reflects a market characterised by stability rather than acceleration, underpinned by strong buyer confidence and a more predictable interest rate environment.
The Bank of England’s decision to hold rates at 4% through most of the quarter, followed by a modest cut to 3.75% in December, combined with competitive mortgage products, has supported affordability and sustained market activity.
Detached homes and apartments recorded the strongest quarterly price increases at 0.7%, while terraced/townhouses rose by 0.6%. Semi-detached properties softened slightly, falling by 0.2%, despite showing the highest annual growth at 4.2%.
The market remains concentrated in mid-price brackets, with 83% of transactions below £300,000, and only 17% above this threshold, indicating limited movement toward higher-value segments.
The study found that quarterly price changes varied across local government districts.
Mid Ulster (+4.8%) Antrim & Newtownabbey (+3.5%), and Belfast (+2.5%) recorded the strongest growth, while Causeway Coast & Glens (-6.0%) and Mid & East Antrim (-2.2%) saw modest declines.
Annual trends remain positive across all districts, with Fermanagh & Omagh (+11.7%) and Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon (+10.7%) leading the way.
Annually, all districts showed price growth over the year as a whole, reinforcing the longer-term stability of the market.
With interest rates easing and lenders continuing to compete, analysts expect the market to maintain a path of modest, sustainable growth into the first half of 2026. However, structural challenges around housing supply and affordability for first-time buyers remain key issues.
Dr Michael McCord, reader in valuation, investment and finance at Ulster University, and lead researcher, said: “Northern Ireland house prices rose modestly at the end of 2025, with the average price reaching £221,233 in the final quarter of the year.
"The report findings show prices to have increased by 0.4% over the quarter and by 4.8% compared with the same period last year, reflecting a stable and healthy housing market underpinned by strong demand and a more settled interest rate environment and realistic pricing expectations among buyers and sellers.
"While market activity typically softens toward the end of the year, transaction levels and bidding activity remained broadly in line with earlier quarters.
"Overall, the market is performing steadily rather than overheating, with affordability and housing supply continuing to pose challenges.
"Looking ahead, the analysis suggests that market conditions in early 2026 are likely to remain broadly similar, with modest, sustainable price growth. Continued competition amongst lenders and greater mortgage certainty are expected to support activity, whilst supply constraints are likely to remain a key influence on prices.”