DUBLIN, Oct. 20, 2025 — The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has published its latest quarterly statistics, revealing strong momentum in the delivery of social and affordable housing. Minister for Housing James Browne TD welcomed the figures, describing them as evidence that government measures are “moving the dial” in tackling the housing crisis.
Social Housing Growth
- 1,757 social homes were delivered in Q2 2025, including 1,443 new-builds, 162 acquisitions, and 152 through leasing.
- The number of new-builds represents a 42% increase compared with Q2 2024 (1,016 homes).
- In the first half of 2025, 1,804 new-build social homes were completed — 54% higher than the same period in 2024.
- When combined with the Housing Assistance Payment (1,740) and the Rental Accommodation Scheme (491), a total of 3,988 housing supports were delivered in Q2.
- The pipeline remains strong, with 26,684 social homes at various stages of design and construction by mid-2025.
Minister Browne highlighted reforms such as the Single Stage Approval Process for projects under €200 million, aimed at accelerating delivery. He noted that Ireland is now building more social housing than at any point since the 1970s.
Affordable Housing Expansion
- 2,312 affordable housing options were delivered in Q2 2025, a 40% increase on the same quarter last year.
- First-half delivery now accounts for 61% of the 2025 target of 6,400 affordable supports.
- The Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme has delivered over 1,950 homes to date, including 224 in Q2.
- Cost Rental Housing, offering rents typically 25–50% below market rates, has delivered over 4,500 homes since launch, with 554 added in Q2.
- The First Home Scheme has issued nearly 8,400 approvals since 2022, including 831 in Q2 2025, resulting in 368 purchases.
- The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has received 13,737 applications since 2022, with 9,979 approvals and 2,856 grants paid by mid-2025 — a 174% year-on-year increase in drawdowns.
Minister’s Statement
Minister Browne said the figures demonstrate “the effectiveness of affordability measures” but acknowledged that challenges remain. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a record €9 billion housing budget, supporting schemes such as Affordable Purchase, Cost Rental, and the First Home Scheme.
Summary: Ireland delivered 1,757 social homes and 2,312 affordable housing supports in Q2 2025, marking significant year-on-year growth. With nearly 27,000 social homes in the pipeline and affordability schemes scaling up, the government says it is on track to meet ambitious housing targets, though campaigners stress the need for sustained delivery to address ongoing demand.
Source: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (20 Oct 2025).
