The rising age profile of first-time buyers will have massive societal implications for Ireland, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne.
Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said:
“While we’ve known for some time that the age of first-time buyers has been steadily rising, Cairn Homes – the country’s largest homebuilders – has confirmed that the average age has now jumped to 38 or 39 in recent years.
“The impact this will have on Irish society is huge, with adults stuck indefinitely in their childhood bedrooms, forced to forego career opportunities or having to delay plans to start a family. It also means people are paying extortionate rents over a longer period, unable to save money for a deposit for their first home.
“Additionally, if you take out a mortgage in your late 30s, you could potentially be straddled with mortgage debt well into retirement years.
“One thing is clear: the housing crisis isn’t negatively impacting Ireland’s large developers, with Cairn Homes seeing its operating profits jump from €150 million in 2024 to €168.6 million last year.”
March 4, 2026