2025 Housing Market: What to Expect and Why Snagging Matters
- Fórte Flooring
- Jan 3
- 3 min read
What Does the 2025 Housing Market Have in Store? Expert Insights and the
Critical Role of Snagging
The 2025 housing market is positioned at a crossroads of opportunity and challenge. With falling interest rates creating favorable conditions for buyers, and supply shortages driving demand, the landscape is one of heightened activity and complexity.
Industry leaders like Orla McMorrow, Deputy CEO of DNG, emphasize that supply remains the biggest hurdle, underpinning price growth in the residential sector. Meanwhile, the construction sector is working at full capacity, with a notable increase in new housing commencements over the past year.
However, as pressure mounts on developers to deliver quickly, ensuring the quality of new builds has never been more critical. For homebuyers, this is where snagging inspections come into play—offering a vital layer of protection for one of life’s most significant investments.
2025 Housing Market: Why Snagging Matters In 2025
1. Supply Constraints and Construction Growth
The Irish housing market continues to grapple with supply challenges, a key driver of price growth in recent years. While the number of completed homes in 2024 matched the previous year’s figure of 32,695, a significant surge in housing commencements suggests brighter prospects ahead.
Between January and September 2024, over 49,000 housing units began construction—more than double the 23,923 units started during the same period in 2023. This uptick signals that the sector is mobilizing to address the shortfall, but it also raises concerns about potential compromises in build quality as developers rush to meet demand.
2. Demand Drivers: Population Growth and Economic Strength
Demand for housing remains robust, fueled by factors including:
Population Growth: With an annual increase of 0.8%-1.2%, Ireland’s population is projected to reach 5.6-5.8 million by 2030.
Economic Stability: Rising employment levels and increasing wages are creating favorable conditions for homebuyers.
3. Affordability and Price Trends
Falling interest rates are playing a pivotal role in making mortgages more affordable, encouraging more first-time buyers and investors to enter the market. As a result, experts forecast a 5% average price increase in the residential sector for 2025. While this represents steady growth, it also places added pressure on developers to deliver homes quickly—a situation where snagging inspections can help ensure standards are maintained.
Snagging: A Buyer’s Essential Tool in 2025
What Is Snagging, and Why Does It Matter?
Snagging is the process of identifying and documenting defects or unfinished work in a new build before ownership is handed over. From minor cosmetic imperfections to significant structural issues, snagging provides buyers with a clear understanding of what needs to be addressed by the builder.
Key Reasons to Prioritize Snagging
Rushed Timelines, Missed DetailsThe race to meet demand can result in construction oversights. A snagging inspection ensures that no detail—big or small—is overlooked.
Compliance with Building RegulationsBuilders must adhere to strict regulations, but rushed projects can sometimes lead to shortcuts. Snagging helps ensure your home meets all required standards.
Peace of Mind for BuyersPurchasing a home is a significant investment. A professional snagging inspection provides the reassurance that your property has been built to the highest quality.
The Snagging Checklist: What Should You Look For?
A thorough snagging inspection will cover all aspects of your home, including:
Exterior: Check for cracks, poorly fitted windows, and drainage issues.
Interior: Assess walls, ceilings, skirting boards, and doors for proper finishes.
Mechanical and Electrical Systems: Ensure heating, plumbing, and wiring are functioning as intended.
For more information on what’s included in a snagging inspection, see our Complete Snagging Checklist for 2025.
Expert Insights on the Future of Housing Quality
Pat Davitt, Chief Executive of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV), has expressed concerns about the balance between supply, demand, and quality. As political leaders consider reforms to support housing supply, including discussions around Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs), maintaining high standards of construction must remain a top priority.
Meanwhile, Orla McMorrow of DNG highlights that the surge in housing commencements reflects a positive step forward for the industry but underscores the importance of ensuring that this growth does not come at the expense of quality.
Why Snagging Is a Smart Investment
In 2025, snagging inspections are no longer just an option—they are a necessity. With developers working tirelessly to meet the needs of a growing market, buyers must take proactive steps to protect their investment. A professional snagging inspection ensures that your home not only meets your expectations but is also free of defects that could result in costly repairs down the line.
Conclusion: A Promising Yet Complex Market
The 2025 housing market offers significant opportunities for buyers and investors, supported by favorable economic conditions and increased construction activity. However, the challenges posed by supply shortages and accelerated timelines make quality assurance more critical than ever.
By investing in a snagging inspection, buyers can navigate this dynamic market with confidence, knowing that their new home meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and compliance.
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