The nationwide trend of more people working from home has seen families in Kilkenny pushing their budgets to the limit to secure a home office.
The local market has also been bolstered by locals returning from Dublin to settle down in an area where they can get a lot more for their money.
The average price for a three-bed in the Marble County is around €300,000, which is less than half what you can expect to pay in the capital.
The price of the average second-hand three-bed semi in County Kilkenny increased to €304,570, up 2% from €298,500 in the last three months, according to a national survey by Real Estate Alliance in March.
Ciarán Dunphy of DNG Ella Dunphy said: "The most in-demand emerging area in Kilkenny is Loughmacask, particularly the new Fox Meadow development.
"Buyers are drawn to its modern A-rated homes, generous green spaces, St. Canice's primary school, the recent opening of the state-of-the-art CBS secondary school, sports facilities (Dicksboro) and neighbourhood amenities in the Loughmacask masterplan.
"The area offers a rare blend of new-build quality and close proximity to the city centre, making it especially attractive to families looking for long-term homes near education, recreation and employment hubs.
"Alongside this, the Castlecomer Road corridor continues to see exceptionally strong demand, particularly for five-bedroom detached houses.
"Stock in this segment is very limited, and buyers, especially Dublin returnees and growing local families, are prioritising space, privacy and premium settings.
"These homes typically offer large gardens, multiple living areas and quick access to Kilkenny College, the Ring Road, local shops and the city centre.
"As hybrid working becomes more established, purchasers are willing to stretch budgets for properties that provide both room to grow and strong connectivity.
"There is a new housing estate likely to commence in the Glendine area in early 2026, which will be of interest to this Buyer profile.
"Overall, families are targeting neighbourhoods that combine modern energy-efficient builds, excellent school access, and a high quality of life.
"Loughmacask’s ongoing development and the enduring prestige of the Castlecomer Road place both areas firmly among Kilkenny’s most desirable up-and-coming locations."
