House prices rose 16.5% while sales fell in the second quarter
INE's latest housing index shows annual price growth slowing to 16.5%, while 40,142 homes changed hands between April and June, 6.4% fewer than a year earlier.
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Archived 12 September 2026Fewer transactions have not yet produced a national fall in prices, so buyers should separate market direction from the value and condition of one home.
- Prices were 16.5% higher than a year earlier and 3.6% higher than in the previous quarter.
- There were 40,142 transactions, down 6.4% year on year.
- Existing-home prices rose faster than new-home prices.
- National averages are not a valuation for a particular property.
A slower rise is still a rise
The annual increase eased by 1.3 percentage points from the first quarter, but remained high. Existing homes rose 18.0% year on year and new homes 12.3%, while the total value of transactions reached €10.7 billion.
The number of sales fell for a third consecutive quarter on an annual comparison. That combination means activity cooled while the properties that sold still supported a higher index.
Use the data without overpaying
A national index cannot price a street, building or renovation risk. Compare recent completed transactions where possible, inspect the property and budget taxes, finance and repairs separately.
Non-resident buyers accounted for 1,890 purchases in the quarter. Tax residence, not nationality alone, is relevant to several transaction rules, so obtain advice for the actual buyer structure before signing.
What you can do now.
- 01
Compare the asking price with local completed sales and an independent valuation.
- 02
Inspect legal records and physical condition before a non-refundable commitment.
- 03
Model the full purchase cost, not only the mortgage payment.
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