Looking for new homes in Cork — a place rich in culture, community spirit, and stunning natural scenery? Cork might just be the perfect fit. As Ireland’s second-largest city after Dublin, it offers a fantastic lifestyle with a lower cost of living and growing job opportunities. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or property investor, this guide covers everything you need to know about the latest new home developments in Cork.
Development Hotspots for New Homes in Cork
If you’re considering a new home Cork, here are some of the most sought-after suburbs and areas to explore:
Ballincollig: A vibrant suburb with parks, cinemas, schools, restaurants, and excellent transport links.
Blarney: Just 8km from the city, known for its historic castle and tranquil wooded surroundings.
Glanmire: A charming town north of Cork city, offering picturesque views and a peaceful community vibe.
Docklands: A major regeneration area with cost-rental apartments and affordable housing close to the city centre.
Bishopstown: A family-friendly neighbourhood with parks, sports clubs, and proximity to schools and universities.
🏡 New Home Developments Cork – 2025 Highlights
Thousands of housing units are underway in the southern Irish city, showing a city growing steadily, brick by brick. From the inner part to the expanding docklands, urban living is rapidly becoming a standard. It includes bold plans for over-the-shop living and the creation of a new neighborhood. Talking about the range of developments, Conor O’Connell, director of CIF (housing, planning and development at the Construction Industry Federation), stated:
“No other region in Ireland has the levels of development Cork has right now.”
Here’s a breakdown of key projects:
Waterfall Heights Bishopstown
In the past 3 decades, you wouldn’t have seen any major developments in the Bishopstown suburb of Cork City. The area is going to witness the first wave of new residents moving into the 275-unit development. Furthermore, the development will include 136 houses, 99 apartments, and 40 duplexes, with an estimated total cost of around €124m. Some homes are proposed to be completed in September 2025 and the remaining in 2026.
Anglesea Terrace
The Land Development Agency (LDA plans to apply for permission to build over 140 affordable homes in Cork which will be owned by the City Council. The majority of these new homes Cork are anticipated to be cost-rental apartments located on the 0.6-acre site at Anglesea Terrace. It’s set to deliver its first units by 2030. The goal behind this initiative is to revitalise the Anglesea Terrace area.
New Housing Development in Ballincollig Cork
Ballincollig is to receive 6 more social housing units, adding to the 56 homes announced previously in Inishmore. However, a local councilor has cautioned that additional parking must be addressed first. The latest proposed development is located at the entrance to Inniscarra View. The development will feature 6 social housing units one of which will be designed for individuals with special needs.
Dunkettle Housing Scheme
In April 2025, Cork City Council approved the 1st phase of a major new housing scheme to the east of the city. The developer submitted an application to build 550 homes near the Dunkettle Interchange, a site it had owned since 2003.
The project will incorporate 394 new homes Cork and 156 apartments and duplex units as well as a proposed creche and neighborhood centre. To improve the wider area by extending the active travel links and increasing access to greenways, cycleways, and sustainable transport modes.
Little Island Residential Development
The County Council gave the go-ahead for 172 new homes Cork project in Little Island in December, just east of the city. This development will comprise 146 houses, 6 duplex units, and 20 apartments. Moreover, it also features a creche with 49 childcare spaces and 4 commercial units.
Why Choose Cork to Buy Your New Home?
The Cost of Living
When compared with other cities of Europe like London, living cost in Cork is a breath of fresh air. No doubt, for first-time buyers, the Cork property market is competitive as per the latest data by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) shows: new home Cork prices are growing significantly faster than the national average, approximately 30% faster.
Excluding rent the city is 4.5% cheaper than London offering a welcome change for those seeking affordable living. With rental prices 41.6% lower than those in the English capital, Cork looks more budget-friendly.
Beach Escape
You can find a lot of beaches located within an hour’s drive of the city of Cork which you can visit. These are perfect for weekend gateways or evening visits during the summer months. It includes Garretstown, Myrtleville, and Fountainstown Beach. If you live in the city, you can explore so many places.
Accommodations in Cork
Finding accommodation is one of the biggest hurdles when you move to Ireland. So it’s better to buy a new home if your pocket allows you. The housing crisis has led to a shortage of rental properties to meet the demand.
Fortunately, Ireland is regarded as a highly safe country with crime levels comparatively low in comparison. So, it’s up to you to choose a type of new home Cork you select based on your preference.
Thriving Tech Hub
The tech scene of Ireland is growing by leaps and bounds in cities such as Limerick, Cork, and Galway. Offering lower costs compared to Dublin, these regions attract tech companies and develop into lively hubs. You can see significant job opportunities and enjoy community backing.
💡 Pro Tip: Are you looking to purchase a new home in Cork? Consider suburbs like Douglas, Bishopstown, or Glanmire. They offer modern housing (family homes), amenities, and local attractions.
Pros and Cons of Buying a New Home in Cork
If you’re comparing suburbs to buy a house in Dublin, here’s a quick breakdown of the advantages and challenges.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Friendly, welcoming locals |
Rainy weather year-round
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Cosy city with a welcoming atmosphere |
Some areas appear run-down due to derelict buildings |
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Affordable compared to Dublin or London |
Morning and evening traffic congestion
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|
Walkable, with good pubs and entertainment options |
Competitive property market — act fast
|
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Access to beautiful beaches and countryside escapes |
Hard to break into tight-knit local communities initially
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Modern new builds in desirable suburbs |
People are nice but still hard to break in
|
Conclusion
Cork isn’t just a city — it’s a lifestyle. From thriving neighbourhoods to lively cultural attractions and unbeatable natural scenery, new homes Cork are in high demand for good reason. Act fast to secure your place in one of Ireland’s most exciting property markets.
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FAQs
Yes — with new developments and a growing job market, Cork is one of Ireland’s most appealing cities for buyers and investors alike.
Providing amenities, being beside the beach, and local attractions, East Cork is said to be one of the better areas, especially for families.
Look into Douglas, Bishopstown, Glanmire, and Ballincollig for family-friendly amenities, schools, and parks.
Yes, according to the CSO, new home Cork prices are increasing around 30% faster than the national average.
The city’s most disadvantaged areas include Farranferris B, Knocknaheeny, and Fair Hill B.
