[Infographic] Commercial Property Snapshot Q2 2025

GeoDirectory’s latest Commercial Buildings Report for Q2 2025 offers a compelling snapshot of Ireland’s commercial property market, revealing key trends in occupancy, sector distribution, and regional vacancy rates. 

Infographic: Commercial Buildings in Ireland – Q2 2025

Commercial Vacancy Rates Reach New High

• The national commercial vacancy rate stood at 14.6% in June 2025, marking a 0.2 percentage point (pp) increase compared to the same period in 2024 
• A total of 30,800 commercial properties were classified as vacant across the State 
• Vacancy rates increased in 17 out of 26 counties surveyed 
   

The west of Ireland continues to record the highest vacancy rates:

• Sligo: 20.8% (highest in the country)
• Donegal: 20.3%
• Galway: 18.7%
• Leitrim: 18%
• Limerick: 17.9% 

Meanwhile, the counties with the lowest vacancy rates include:

• Meath: 10% (lowest in the country)
• Wexford: 10.6%
• Westmeath: 12.2%
• Kerry: 12.2%
• Cork: 12.5% 

Urban Hotspots and Lows
Among Ireland’s 80 main towns and urban areas, the extremes are striking:

• Highest Vacancy: Ballybofey, Co. Donegal at 33.7%
• Lowest Vacancy: Carrigaline, Co. Cork at 5.1% 

In Dublin, the overall vacancy rate was 13.9%, still below the national average but up 0.6 pp year-on-year. Notable postal districts:

• Highest: Dublin 2 (18.4%), Dublin 8 (17.4%)
• Lowest: Dublin 15 (6.8%), Dublin 16 (7.7%), Dublin 20 (8.4%) 

Sectoral Trends: Accommodation & Food Services in Focus
Using NACE codes, the report reveals sectoral shifts:

• Of 180,349 occupied units, 153,101 have assigned NACE codes 
• The Accommodation and Food Services sector accounts for 14.4% of all commercial units nationally 
• Highest concentrations:
  • Kerry: 23.8%
  • Clare: 20.4%
  • Donegal: 19%
• Monaghan has the lowest reliance on this sector at 8.1% 

Overall, the number of commercial units classified by NACE codes declined by 1,116 units year-on-year, with the Retail and Wholesale sector seeing the largest drop (520 units), followed by Services (325 units) 
 

Expert Commentary: What the Data Tells Us

Dara Keogh, CEO of GeoDirectory, commented on the findings:

“The national commercial vacancy rate has reached a new high of 14.6% in Q2 2025, the highest level recorded by GeoDirectory, continuing the trend of increasing commercial vacancy experienced in recent years. There are now 30,800 commercial units across the country currently vacant, a reminder that our commercial landscape as well as consumer behaviour is shifting.” 

Annette Hughes, Director at EY Economic Advisory, added:

“In Q2 2025, the commercial property vacancy rate rose in 17 out of the 26 counties, continuing a trend of more than half of the counties experiencing an increase in vacancy rates. Overall, the commercial vacancy rate is continuing its upward trajectory at the same time as residential vacancy rates have reached historic lows. This trend highlights the significant challenges and market dynamics commercial businesses have faced in recent years, in spite of the strong overall economic performance of the Irish economy. Evolving shopping preferences and ongoing cost pressures on businesses and households continue to impact the sector, although the extent of their influence will vary depending on factors such as location and sector.” 

Discover the complete findings in the report by downloading the report below.