Almost seven per cent of all housing stock in County Kerry is currently vacant, according to the latest GeoDirectory Residential Buildings Report, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing housing supply despite continued demand.
Figures from the report, compiled by EY for the fourth quarter of 2025, show that Kerry’s residential vacancy rate stood at 6.9% in December, significantly higher than the national average of 3.7%. The data points to a persistent imbalance between available housing and actual occupancy in the county.
Vacancy Rates Well Above National Average
The report reveals that Kerry’s vacancy rate is nearly double the national figure, raising questions about the usability of existing housing stock.
Analysts note that while some vacant properties may be undergoing renovation or awaiting sale, a substantial proportion remain unused for extended periods.
More than 1,100 residential address points in Kerry were classified as derelict at the end of 2025. This accounts for 5.7% of all derelict residential properties nationwide, out of a national total of 19,438. The figures underline the scale of long-term disuse in the county’s housing stock.
Holiday Homes and Seasonal Use
Holiday homes continue to play a significant role in Kerry’s housing profile. The report shows that 6% of all residential properties in the county are classified as holiday homes. Notably, Kerry accounts for 12.2% of all holiday homes across the State, reflecting its popularity as a tourism destination.
Housing advocates have repeatedly warned that high concentrations of holiday homes can exacerbate shortages in rural and coastal areas, particularly for local residents seeking long-term accommodation.
New Builds and Construction Activity Decline
In terms of new housing supply, 522 new residential address points were recorded in Kerry during 2025. This represents a year-on-year decline of approximately 25%, suggesting a slowdown in new housing delivery.
At the same time, 826 residential buildings were classified as under construction at the end of the year. While this indicates some pipeline activity, the overall pace of development has raised concerns among housing analysts about whether supply is keeping up with population and affordability pressures.
Property Transactions and Prices
The report shows that 953 residential property transactions were completed in Kerry in the 12 months to the end of December 2025. Of these, just 6.6% involved newly built homes, pointing to continued reliance on the second-hand market.
Average property prices in the county reached €311,333, placing additional strain on buyers, particularly first-time purchasers.
Rising prices, combined with limited new supply, have intensified concerns about affordability in both urban and rural parts of Kerry.
Limited Apartment Stock
Apartments remain a very small part of Kerry’s housing mix. According to the report, apartments accounted for just 3.8% of the county’s total residential stock at the end of 2025.
This low proportion reflects the county’s traditionally low-density housing pattern but also limits options for smaller households and downsizers.
Ongoing Housing Debate
The findings come amid wider national debate about how best to tackle Ireland’s housing crisis, with policymakers increasingly focused on bringing vacant and derelict homes back into use.
Kerry’s above-average vacancy rate suggests significant potential for reactivation, provided issues such as renovation costs, planning constraints, and infrastructure gaps can be addressed.
Housing experts say that unlocking even a fraction of the county’s vacant and derelict properties could make a meaningful difference to local housing availability, particularly in towns and villages facing acute shortages.
