Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city and one of its most liveable. Compact, well-connected and more affordable than Dublin or Cork, it offers a quality of life that is hard to match. Whether you are buying your first home, upsizing or relocating, Waterford gives you a great deal to work with.
Houses in Waterford City are at their highest prices on record, with the average three-bedroom semi reaching €345,000 in 2025. Demand is strong and homes sell quickly, typically within five weeks of coming to market. First-time buyers make up a significant share of purchasers, drawn by Waterford’s affordability compared to other Irish cities.
Waterford is well connected by road, rail and bus. The N9 provides a direct route to Dublin and the N25 links to Cork, with rail services running to Dublin, Rosslare and Limerick. City bus routes cover all main areas of Waterford, and the compact nature of the centre means most residents can walk to what they need day to day.
Waterford has a strong range of schools at every level. The city is home to well-regarded primary and secondary schools, including De La Salle College and St. Paul’s Community College. South East Technological University (SETU) provides third-level education locally, with around 21,000 students enrolled across its campuses each year.
Waterford offers a genuine mix of everyday convenience and quality of life. The city has two major hospitals, strong retail and a well-regarded arts and festival scene. The Waterford Greenway provides 46 kilometres of off-road walking and cycling, with the coast at Tramore and Dunmore East just minutes from the city centre.
