The development at Lockhouse Way in Seven Mills saw all 40 units – three-bedroom homes starting at €480,000 – sell out within two hours of going on sale at 8am. Some hopeful buyers arrived overnight to secure a place in line, underscoring the severe housing shortage and unrelenting demand.

Among those disappointed was Shane Kelly, a local resident from Clondalkin. “I am from Clondalkin and want to stay living here. It’s so disheartening,” he said, calling the housing situation “appalling.” He expressed concern that the housing crisis is forcing people to sleep in cars to secure a chance at ownership.

Others echoed his frustration. One woman said she missed her chance by just five minutes. Marie Mamayuk, who arrived at 8am, noted that she had heard people were already queuing overnight. “I’ve been looking for a home for a year,” she said, adding that as a solo buyer, rising prices make it nearly impossible to keep up.

Amanda and Cynan, another couple in line, hoped to make it onto the cancellation list after learning all units were sold. Des Donnelly, Director of Hooke and McDonald, commented that the turnout “is a clear reflection that there is a supply issue generally.”

Meanwhile, nearly 2,000 people applied for just 20 cost-rental homes in Clongriffin. These homes, part of a 64-unit project by Respond, are priced at 25% below market rent. A government spokesperson stated, “Housing for All commits to delivering a total of 18,000 Cost Rental homes over the period to 2030,” with €6.8 billion in capital funding allocated for housing in 2025.