Buying a home in Ireland has become harder in recent years, but some counties still offer prices well below the national average.
Using a combination of data from Chill.ie’s Affordability Index and Switcher’s first-time buyer guides, we’ve put together a simple breakdown of the 10 cheapest counties to buy a house in Ireland. These include average prices, deposits, local incomes, and how long it takes to save.
Before diving into each county, here’s a quick look at the numbers.
County Price & Deposit Table
| County | Average House Price | Minimum Deposit (10%) |
|---|---|---|
| Longford | €185,000 | €18,500 |
| Leitrim | €195,000 | €19,500 |
| Donegal | €200,000 | €20,000 |
| Roscommon | €225,000 | €22,500 |
| Monaghan | €225,000 | €22,500 |
| Mayo | €227,000 | €22,700 |
| Cavan | €230,000 | €23,000 |
| Tipperary | €235,000 | €23,500 |
| Sligo | €245,000 | €24,500 |
| Carlow | €250,000 | €25,000 |
National average deposit – Around €30,000.
1. County Longford
County Longford takes first place, with an average home price of €185,000 and a deposit requirement of around €18,500. Longford’s affordability is supported by its lower cost of living and growing transport links, especially for commuters travelling to larger towns.
With a standard savings rate, first-time buyers could save the required deposit in just under 4 years, which is still much faster than the national average of 5 years.
Longford town and its surrounding areas offer good value, making the county a popular choice for buyers looking to buy a home without heavy financial pressure.
2. County Leitrim
County Leitrim is officially the 2nd most affordable place in Ireland to buy a home. In 2024, the average property sold for €195,000, which means a minimum deposit of €19,500 – far lower than the national average. This makes Leitrim especially appealing for first-time buyers working with smaller budgets.
Even though the average local income (€38,000) sits below the national figure, saving for a deposit here is still more manageable. With a typical savings rate of 12.7% of income (about €5,000 a year), a buyer could save the full deposit in around 3 years and 9 months.
Towns like Carrick-on-Shannon offer a peaceful mix of amenities and countryside charm, making Leitrim both affordable and attractive for long-term living.
3. County Donegal
Donegal offers a mix of scenic coastal villages and lively towns, with an average home price of €200,000 and a required deposit of €20,000. The county has long been known for its affordability and spacious properties, making it attractive to families and remote workers.
Local incomes are slightly below average, but due to low house prices, saving the deposit often takes 4 years or less.
Areas such as Letterkenny and Bundoran combine affordability with strong community life, further boosting Donegal’s appeal.
4. County Roscommon
With an average price of €225,000 and a deposit of €22,500, Roscommon remains one of Ireland’s best-value counties. The area offers excellent access to the Midlands and West, making it appealing for buyers seeking more space without losing transport routes.
Saving for a deposit here takes roughly the same as Donegal, just under 4 years for the average saver. Roscommon town and Boyle are especially popular for buyers wanting affordable homes with growing amenities.
5. County Monaghan
County Monaghan ranks as the fifth most affordable county, with an average house price of €225,000 and a deposit requirement of €22,500. Its location along the border makes it a practical choice for those travelling between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Local incomes sit close to the national average, meaning buyers saving €5,000 a year could reach the deposit target in 4.5 years, still well below the national timeline.
Carrickmacross and Monaghan town offer strong employment links and modern services.
6. County Mayo
Mayo combines coastal beauty with low property prices, averaging €227,000, which means a deposit of €22,700. The county attracts both locals and people relocating from cities due to its relaxed pace of life and outdoor lifestyle.
Despite lower incomes, the deposit can be saved in about 4.5 to 5 years, depending on household earnings.
Westport, Castlebar and Ballina continue to draw buyers who want affordable living with strong community life.
7. County Cavan
Cavan’s average home price is €230,000, requiring a deposit of €23,000. Known for its lakes and scenic countryside, Cavan balances affordable prices with access to Dublin through commuter routes, which attracts both families and first-time buyers.
With typical saving habits, a buyer could gather the full deposit in around 4.5 years.
Cavan town and Ballyconnell remain popular choices for those who want to prioritise value for money.
8. County Tipperary
The average home in Tipperary costs €235,000, requiring a deposit of €23,500. Its central location and blend of rural villages and larger towns make it a popular county for value-focused buyers.
With national-average savings, a first-time buyer could save the deposit in just over 5 years, making it a realistic long-term goal.
Clonmel, Nenagh and Thurles offer strong transport links and good amenities.
9. County Sligo
Sligo’s average property price is €245,000, meaning a deposit of €24,500. While slightly higher than the earlier counties on this list, Sligo remains affordable compared with many coastal areas in Ireland.
Saving for the deposit takes about 5 years for the average buyer.
Sligo town, Strandhill and Enniscrone offer a mix of culture, surfing, family-friendly amenities and views.
10. County Carlow
Carlow rounds out the list as the tenth most affordable county, with an average home price of €250,000 and a deposit requirement of €25,000. Carlow is especially popular with commuters thanks to its proximity to the M9 and access to Dublin.
With steady saving, the deposit can be reached in just over 5 years.
Carlow town and Tullow offer a good balance of urban services and quieter living.
Final Thoughts
These counties show that buying a home in Ireland is still possible without stretching far beyond your means. While prices continue to rise in major cities, counties like Leitrim, Longford, Donegal and Roscommon provide realistic entry points for first-time buyers.
The key factors that make these counties more affordable include:
- Lower property prices
- Smaller deposit requirements
- More achievable saving timelines
- Strong value in both rural and urban towns
If you’re beginning your home-buying journey, starting your search in these counties could save you years of financial pressure.
