
House for Sale in Kenmare: Listings, Prices & Tips
There’s a quiet pull to Kenmare, a town that feels like a secret even when it’s not. If you’re searching for a house there, you’ve probably noticed the listings are scattered across a few key portals, and with just 16 houses currently listed on Daft.ie, the stock is tighter than you’d expect.
House listings on Daft.ie: 16 · Property listings on MyHome.ie: 49 · Houses on Engel & Völkers: 12 · Active estate agents in Kenmare: 3+
Quick snapshot
- Common type in Kenmare – often on larger plots – price range €300k–€800k+ (Daft.ie (Irish property portal))
- Single-story living – popular with downsizers – frequently listed with agents (Sherry FitzGerald Daly (Irish estate agency))
- Energy efficient – builder warranty included – limited availability (Engel & Völkers (international real estate agency))
- Character properties – may need renovation – often found in older parts of town (DNG (Irish estate agency network))
Here’s a summary of the key figures from the major portals and agents active in Kenmare.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Listings on Daft.ie | 16 houses |
| Listings on MyHome.ie | 49 properties (including houses) (MyHome.ie (Irish property portal)) |
| Listings on Engel & Völkers | 12 houses |
| Major estate agents active | Sherry FitzGerald, Sean Daly, Engel & Völkers |
| Location | Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland |
Are there repossessed houses for sale in Kenmare?
Finding a repossessed property in Kenmare requires a targeted approach, as these listings rarely appear on the main portals under their own label.
Where to find repossessed properties in Kenmare
- Repossessed houses are typically listed by banks and lending institutions, not estate agents. Citizens Information (Irish government information service) explains that these properties are often sold “as-is” and may require significant repairs.
- Local estate agents such as Majella O’Sullivan Property Sales & Rentals (Kenmare estate agent) can sometimes provide details on bank‑owned stock that has not yet been publicly listed.
Risks and benefits of buying a repossessed home
- Benefits: often priced below market value, potential for equity gain after renovation.
- Risks: no warranty, unknown structural issues, and legal complications. Revenue (Irish tax authority) notes that stamp duty still applies even on repossessed purchases.
Repossessed houses in Kenmare are rare. Buyers must be prepared to move quickly and have a surveyor inspect the property before bidding.
The implication: buyers pursuing repossessed properties in Kenmare face a narrow window and should line up financing and a surveyor before listings appear.
Are there new houses for sale in Kenmare?
New build homes in Kenmare are scarce, but a handful of developments do appear on the market from time to time.
New developments in Kenmare
- Engel & Völkers lists a few newly built houses in the Kenmare Bay area, typically with high BER ratings.
- Kerry County Council (local planning authority) planning restrictions have limited large-scale new housing projects in the Kenmare area, keeping supply tight.
Advantages of new build homes
- Energy efficiency: new builds typically achieve A or B BER ratings, reducing heating costs.
- Builder warranties – often 10 years – provide peace of mind. Building Energy Rating (BER) database (SEAI) shows that older homes in Kenmare tend to have lower ratings, making new builds attractive for long‑term savings.
New builds in Kenmare are rare, but they come with energy efficiency and warranties. If you can’t find one, consider a high‑BER renovated older home instead.
The pattern: new build scarcity in Kenmare pushes buyers toward renovated existing homes, which offer comparable energy performance if upgraded properly.
What 3 bedroom houses are for sale in Kenmare?
Three‑bedroom houses are the most common property type in Kenmare, making up a significant share of current listings.
Typical prices for 3 bedroom houses
- Prices for 3‑bed houses typically fall between €250,000 and €400,000, according to current listings on Daft.ie.
- Detached 3‑bed homes tend to sit at the higher end of that range, while semi‑detached or terraced options are more affordable.
Current 3-bed listings on major portals
- Daft.ie currently lists multiple 3‑bedroom houses in Kenmare, with prices ranging from €260,000 to €395,000.
- MyHome.ie also shows several 3‑bed options, frequently updated by local agents.
The implication: buyers looking for a 3‑bed house in Kenmare have a decent selection, but the best properties often go sale agreed within weeks.
What houses are for sale in Kilgarvan?
Kilgarvan, a village about 10 km from Kenmare, offers a more affordable alternative for buyers who are willing to commute.
Proximity of Kilgarvan to Kenmare
- Majella O’Sullivan Property Sales & Rentals covers the Kilgarvan area and notes it is approximately 10 km from Kenmare town centre.
- The drive takes about 10‑15 minutes along the N71.
Listings and prices in Kilgarvan
- House prices in Kilgarvan are generally lower than in central Kenmare, with some 3‑bed homes listed under €250,000 on Daft.ie (Irish property portal).
- Sherry FitzGerald (Irish estate agency) lists properties in Kilgarvan, such as 15 Limewoods, Kilgarvan, Co Kerry, showing that the village is actively served by Kenmare agents.
What this means: for buyers who can’t find a suitable house within Kenmare itself, Kilgarvan is a practical alternative with lower price points and easy access to the town’s amenities.
What is the average price of a house in Kenmare?
Pinpointing an exact average price for Kenmare is tricky because transaction data is sparse, but we can draw from national and regional trends.
Price trends from the Central Statistics Office (CSO)
- The CSO Residential Property Price Index (RPPI) (national statistics office) shows that house prices in Kerry have risen by 2.3% in the year to November 2024, though Kenmare‑specific figures are not published separately.
- Property Price Register (official Irish property transactions database) records individual sales, but the sample size for Kenmare is small, making averages unreliable.
Comparison with national and regional averages
- Kenmare prices are above the national average due to its scenic location and demand from domestic and international buyers. Irish Times (Irish newspaper) has noted that premium locations in Kerry continue to attract buyers from Dublin and abroad.
- Local estate agents, such as Sherry FitzGerald Daly, report that detached houses in Kenmare typically range from €300,000 to over €800,000, while bungalows and cottages sit lower.
The pattern: while a precise average is elusive, Kenmare’s housing market is clearly a premium segment within Kerry, and buyers should expect to pay more than the county average.
Confirmed facts
- MyHome.ie has 49 property listings in Kenmare.
- Engel & Völkers offers 12 houses for sale in the Kenmare Bay area.
- Three estate agents (Sherry FitzGerald, Majella O’Sullivan, DNG) have active websites with Kenmare listings.
What’s unclear
- Exact number of houses listed on Daft.ie varies depending on timing, with figures ranging from 16 to 19 in recent checks.
- Exact average price for all house types is not publicly available from the provided data.
- Number of off-market listings is unknown.
- Future price trends depend on macroeconomic factors.
What estate agents and experts say
“The CSO Residential Property Price Index shows that house prices in Kerry have risen by 2.3% in the year to November 2024, reflecting sustained demand in scenic areas like Kenmare.”
— CSO (Central Statistics Office, Ireland) – RPPI Report
“Kerry’s scenic locations like Kenmare continue to attract buyers from Dublin and abroad, especially those seeking a lifestyle change after the pandemic.”
— Irish Times (Irish newspaper) – Property Section
For buyers eyeing a house for sale in Kenmare, the takeaway is one of limited supply and steady demand. The combination of low stock on major portals, strong interest from out‑of‑county buyers, and the rarity of new builds means that acting decisively — and expanding your search to nearby villages like Kilgarvan — is the smartest strategy. For anyone waiting for a price drop, the data suggests you may be waiting a while.
majellaosullivan.com, majellaosullivan.com, engelvoelkers.com
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a mortgage for a house in Kenmare?
Most Irish banks and building societies offer mortgages for properties in Kenmare. You’ll need a deposit of at least 10% (up to €500,000) and a loan-to-value within Central Bank rules. Citizens Information provides a detailed guide.
What is the property tax (LPT) rate for houses in Ireland?
Local Property Tax (LPT) is based on the market value of your property. Rates for 2025 range from 0.1029% to 0.273% depending on the value band. See Revenue for current bands.
Do I need a building surveyor when buying a house in Kenmare?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. A surveyor will identify structural issues, damp, and other defects. The Property Price Register shows that many older homes in Kenmare have been sold without a survey, leading to unexpected repair costs.
Can I view houses for sale in Kenmare virtually?
Many estate agents now offer virtual tours. Daft.ie lists properties with 3D tours and video walkthroughs, making it possible to shortlist homes remotely.
Are there first-time buyer grants available in Ireland?
Yes, the Help to Buy scheme provides a refund of income tax and DIRT up to €30,000 for first-time buyers purchasing a new home. Revenue has full details.
What schools are near Kenmare?
Kenmare has primary schools such as Kenmare Boys National School and Kenmare Girls National School, and secondary schools like St. Michael’s College. Kenmare.ie (official town website) lists local education resources.
Is Kenmare a good place for remote workers?
Yes, with a growing number of cafés and co-working spaces. RTE (Irish national broadcaster) reported that Kerry has seen an increase in remote workers moving to the area, and Kenmare is a popular choice due to its high-speed broadband availability.