OVERALL activity in the residential property market increased in all 26 counties, excluding Laois, last year, with the volume of sales showing strong growth in most regions.
However, average house prices values continue to fall almost everywhere with the exception of Dublin and Kildare.
A detailed analysis by the Irish Examiner of all transactions recorded in the Residential Property Price Register in 2013 shows almost 27,800 full-price houses and apartments were sold last year — an increase of 18% on 2012.
The total value of all residential property sales last year rose by 24% nationally to more than €5.9bn driven largely by a resurgent market in Dublin and its commuter belt.
The analysis provides further evidence of the existence of a two-tier housing market in the Republic with sharp differences between rising prices in the capital and falling values in almost every other region.
Average house prices fell in 24 counties during 2013, continuing a trend since the economic downturn began in 2008.
Nationally, average house prices fell by 7% nationally — down by almost €10,500 to €147, 550.
If property sales in Dublin are excluded, average house prices across the State decreased by 9% — down €12,000 to €118,000.
In contrast, average house prices in Dublin jumped by 9%, with increases also recorded in Kildare of 3%, a trend largely attributed to the effect of a shortage of supply of family homes.
