Northern Ireland's housing market continued its steady growth during the second quarter of 2026, with average house prices rising to £229,462, according to the latest Northern Ireland Quarterly House Price Index.

Produced by Ulster University in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Progressive Building Society, the report analyses 5,981 property transactions completed between April and June 2026 and provides a comprehensive overview of housing market performance across the region.

The latest findings show that average house prices increased by 2.9% over the quarter and a weighed 6.6% increase compared with the same period last year (Q2 2025), reflecting a positive trajectory and ongoing market stability.

The market continues to be supported by strong underlying demand, stable mortgage interest rates and healthy levels of buyer activity, with well-priced, high-quality properties continuing to attract interest. While buyers are becoming increasingly affordability-conscious and taking longer to make purchasing decisions, demand remains robust and Northern Ireland continues to outperform many other UK regions.

Average price by property type

The report highlights strengthening performance across all sectors of the housing market, with every property type recording both quarterly and annual price growth.

Detached homes continued to record the strongest annual growth, rising by 8.2% to an average price of £341,166, while apartments saw the biggest quarterly recovery, increasing by 4.4% to £170,459 after being the only sector to record falling prices in the previous quarter. Terraced homes also performed strongly, with prices rising 3.7% over the quarter to £157,455, reflecting continued demand for more affordable properties, while semi-detached homes remained stable, increasing by 0.8% to an average of £210,080.

Table: Average price by property type (unweighted % change)

Regional Trends

Regional analysis found that nine of Northern Ireland’s eleven Local Government Districts recorded quarterly house price growth. Mid Ulster experienced the strongest increase at 5.1%, followed by Mid & East Antrim (4.4%) and Derry City & Strabane (4.2%). Belfast and Lisburn & Castlereagh both recorded growth of 3.1%. While modest declines in Causeway Coast & Glens (-1.5%) and Fermanagh & Omagh (-2.0%), reflected local market adjustments rather than signs of broader market weakness.

Table: Average price by Local Government District

Future Outlook 

Dr Michael McCord, reader in valuation, investment and finance at Ulster University, and lead researcher, stated:

“ The second quarter of 2026 points to a housing market that remains resilient, with sustained buyer demand continuing to support stable price growth. The average transaction price increased to £229,462, with the weighted index recording growth of 2.9% over the quarter and 6.6% annually. While demand and market confidence remain positive, buyers are increasingly affordability-conscious and price-sensitive, meaning that realistically priced and well-presented properties continue to perform most strongly.”  

“The central challenge facing the market remains the imbalance between housing demand and available supply, alongside continued pressures around borrowing and deposit affordability. We are also seeing growing concern from agents about the efficiency of the conveyancing process, where lengthy completion times can constrain transactions and contribute to sales falling through. Looking ahead, the underlying fundamentals suggest that the market should remain resilient, but we expect price growth to continue at a relatively stable and sustainable pace. Improving housing supply and transaction efficiency will be increasingly important if Northern Ireland is to maintain a healthy and accessible housing market.” 

Ursula McAnulty, Head of Research at the Housing Executive, which commissions the analysis, said :

“The optimism displayed in the housing market in NI in Q1 2026 continued into Q2, with house prices recording a quarterly increase of 2.9% to £229,462.  The annual price statistics also showed a weighted increase, of 6.6%, in comparison to Q2 2025.  This consistency in house prices reflects strong underpinning market demand and a stable macroeconomic and mortgage interest rate environment. 

“Agents report that buyer demand remains good, market bidding and listings have been stable, transactions are broadly unchanged and market confidence is still positive.  However, market evidence from agents also suggests that buyers are more conscious about affordability, and more inclined to negotiate and challenge unrealistic asking prices.” 

Michael Boyd, Chief Executive of Progressive Building Society, said: 

“The Northern Ireland housing market remained resilient in the second quarter, with prices rising across all major property types and demand holding firm in most regions. Buyers are becoming more considered, however, and affordability, realistic pricing and value are playing a greater role in their decisions. Stable mortgage conditions should continue to support activity. At the same time, constrained supply and the challenge of raising a deposit are likely to remain key factors in the months ahead, particularly for first-time buyers.”

Read the full report findings: Ulster University House Price Index Q2 2026