Last week, our CEO, Mary McGrath, joined an esteemed panel of industry leaders at the CBRE Ireland Real Estate Market Outlook 2026 event at the Royal Irish Academy of Music – RIAM. As the Irish property landscape enters a pivotal new phase, the discussion focused on the “Living” sector — a market that is set to be the primary driver of investment in the year ahead.
Proven Performance in a Pivotal Year
The discussion comes on the back of a landmark year for our organisation. While the broader market navigated a period of transition, McGrath Group achieved a 2025 turnover in excess of €135m. This strong financial performance underscores our ability to deliver large-scale, complex residential projects even in a shifting economic climate.
A Turning Point for the Living Sector
The 2026 Outlook report highlights a significant shift in the Irish market. After a period of relative illiquidity, institutional interest is rebounding. CBRE forecasts that investment in the private rental sector (PRS) is poised to more than double in 2026 compared to last year’s levels.
During the panel, Mary shared her perspective on how McGrath Group is responding to this renewed momentum.
“The market is clearly shifting from caution toward renewed activity. What matters most now is alignment: the sector needs consistent policy delivery from Government, particularly around the supply of zoned and serviced land and more efficient planning pathways. These are the fundamentals that will unlock the scale of housing Ireland urgently requires.”
Key Takeaways from the Discussion:
- Positive Market Sentiment: Total returns for Irish real estate are back in positive territory. With ECB rates stabilising, debt markets have become increasingly competitive, providing the liquidity needed for large-scale residential projects.
- The Supply-Demand Gap: Despite the optimistic outlook for investment volumes (forecasted to exceed €3bn in 2026), the challenge remains delivery. Mary emphasised the importance of high-density, energy-efficient developments — like our recent projects at First Lock and 348 Harold’s Cross — to help bridge the housing deficit in Dublin.
- Sustainability as a Value Driver: While sustainability continues to be an important factor for investors, Mary noted that “clarity and certainty in the planning and land supply system are now just as critical as ESG considerations in determining whether projects can move forward at pace.“
- Policy & Planning: The panel discussed how recent budget measures and evolving legislation will shape 2026. Mary advocated for continued collaboration between developers and policymakers to ensure a steady pipeline of housing.
Looking Ahead
At McGrath Group, we are energised by the findings of the CBRE 2026 Outlook. The Living sector is increasingly the cornerstone of the Irish investment landscape, and we will continue to be practical enablers of housing delivery — ensuring that policy ambition is matched by on-the-ground execution.
Photography courtesy of Andres Poveda
Venue: Royal Irish Academy of Music – RIAM