EXCLUSIVE: Over 200 vacant homes currently in hands of Limerick City & County Council

AS THE housing crisis continues to impact many across the country, new figures have revealed that Limerick City & County Council is in possession of over 200 vacant homes within Limerick.

According to the local authority, as of 17 September 2025 there are 208 vacant housing units in the ownership of the council. 

In confirming the figures, a spokesperson added that a number of the houses are already earmarked for new tenants.

"It's important to clarify that 15 of these units are being allocated and are awaiting occupancy, while the remainder require necessary work to ensure they meet the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019, which sets out the minimum legal requirements for re-letting social housing in Ireland."

Of the 208 vacant units, 93 require minor refurbishment while 100 units are in need of major refurbishment works. Then, as mentioned, 15 of these units are currently being allocated. 

In a statement, Limerick City & County Council, said: "These refurbishments are essential to ensure that every home offered to a new tenant is safe, secure, and suitable for long-term living. The Council is committed to maintaining high standards in its housing stock, and refurbishment works are carried out in line with national regulations and best practice."

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When it comes to vacant homes, the National Oversight and Audit Commission's (NOAC) latest report published at the end of September showed that there were a total of 4,251 housing units owned by local authorities across the country that were vacant at the end of last year. This was up from 4,196 in 2023.

The news comes following the Central Statistic Office's report last week, 'Characteristics of Residential Property Purchasers 2022-2024', which showed the impact the housing crisis is having on the demographic of those buying homes across Ireland, and in Limerick.

Last year, the national median income of those who bought homes was €84,400, up from €80,100 in 2023, and €75,600 in 2022. Limerick saw the second biggest annual percentage increase in median purchase price in 2024, rising by a substantial 17%.

The median price of homes sold in the county last year was €295,000. The breakdown of the median price of homes across Limerick last year saw properties in Limerick City East come in at €359,000, Limerick City West at €325,800, Limerick City North at €264,000, Adare-Rathkeale at €289,000, Newcastle West at €210,000 and Cappamore-Kilmallock at €228,000.