Tax · Property
Local Property Tax Ireland 2026
Local Property Tax (LPT) is an annual tax on all residential properties in Ireland, calculated on the property value as at 1 November 2021. Most homes pay between €90 and €675 per year. This guide covers who pays, current rates and bands, exemptions that still apply, deferral options, and how to pay — including what immigrants who bought new homes need to know about exemptions that have now expired.
LPT 2026 — KEY FACTS
| Valuation date | 1 November 2021 (applies for 2022–2025; next valuation expected 2025/2026) |
| Basic rate | 0.1029% per year on values up to €1,050,000 |
| Rate on €1.05m–€1.75m | 0.25% on the portion above €1,050,000 |
| Rate above €1.75m | 0.3% on the portion above €1,900,000 |
| Local authority variation | Up to ±15% from the national rate |
| Who pays | Property owner (not tenant) as of 1 November of the prior year |
| Annual filing deadline | 1 November each year for the following year |
| Payment deadline | 12 January for annual lump sum; monthly direct debit from January |
LPT valuation bands and typical annual charges
LPT is not charged on exact market value — properties are placed into bands and taxed on the mid-point of the band. This is how most properties in Ireland fall:
| Property value band (2021) | Band mid-point | Basic annual LPT | With 15% reduction | With 15% increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to €100,000 | €50,000 | €51.45 | €43.73 | €59.17 |
| €100,001 – €150,000 | €125,000 | €128.63 | €109.33 | €147.92 |
| €150,001 – €200,000 | €175,000 | €180.08 | €153.07 | €207.09 |
| €200,001 – €262,500 | €231,250 | €237.96 | €202.27 | €273.65 |
| €262,501 – €350,000 | €306,250 | €315.13 | €267.86 | €362.40 |
| €350,001 – €437,500 | €393,750 | €405.17 | €344.39 | €465.95 |
| €437,501 – €525,000 | €481,250 | €495.21 | €420.93 | €569.49 |
| €525,001 – €612,500 | €568,750 | €585.29 | €497.50 | €673.08 |
| €612,501 – €700,000 | €656,250 | €675.35 | €574.05 | €776.65 |
Figures are estimates based on the national 0.1029% rate applied to band mid-points. Your actual LPT will vary based on local authority variation. Always pay the amount shown on your Revenue LPT notice, not a calculated estimate.
Who is liable to pay LPT — and who is not
The person liable for LPT is the legal owner of the property on 1 November of the preceding year. This means:
- Owner-occupiers pay LPT on the home they live in
- Landlords pay LPT on every residential property they own, including rented properties
- Shared equity scheme owners (e.g., First Home Scheme participants) are typically the liable person even where the government holds an equity share
- Life tenants — someone with a life interest in a property is the liable person, not the remainder owner
- Long-term lessees (leases of 20+ years) may be liable depending on the lease terms
Tenants are not liable. If you rent your home privately, your landlord pays the LPT. Landlords cannot charge LPT to tenants as a separate itemised levy, though it may be factored into the overall rent level.
Exemptions — who pays nothing
Several categories of property are fully exempt from LPT. If your property qualifies, you submit an LPT return claiming the exemption but pay nothing.
New builds — important for immigrants who bought recently
The new-build exemption situation is a frequent source of confusion, particularly for people who were told when they bought that their home was exempt from LPT.
- Properties first occupied between 1 January 2013 and 31 October 2021: Were initially exempt for several years. However, the 2021 valuation cycle brought all properties onto the LPT register. The phased exemption for this group has ended or is ending — if Revenue has issued you an LPT notice, you are now liable.
- New builds first occupied after 1 January 2023: Exempt from LPT until the next valuation date (which had been expected around 2025/2026). The exact end date of this exemption should be confirmed on Revenue\'s website as the next valuation date is announced.
Other exemptions
- Pyrite and mica damage: Properties certified as having significant structural damage caused by pyrite under the Dwellings Damaged by Pyrite Act 2017, or properties affected by defective concrete blocks (mica), are exempt. You must have a valid certificate from a competent professional and Revenue must confirm the exemption.
- Uninhabitable properties: Properties certified as incapable of being used as a dwelling (for example, completely derelict structures) are exempt. A property that is merely in poor condition but habitable does not qualify.
- Social housing: Residential properties owned by local authorities and approved housing bodies for social housing purposes are exempt. Tenants in social housing do not pay LPT.
- Charitable bodies: Properties owned and used by charities and religious bodies for qualifying charitable purposes may be exempt.
- Properties under certain government schemes: Some properties purchased under specific government schemes may have temporary exemptions — check with Revenue at the time of purchase.
Deferral — if you cannot afford to pay now
Deferral is not the same as exemption. Deferred LPT is still owed — it is just postponed. Deferred amounts accrue simple interest at 3% per year and become immediately payable when the property is sold or transferred. However, deferral is a legitimate option for low-income homeowners who need to manage cash flow.
| Situation | Gross income limit | Deferral available |
|---|---|---|
| Single person — full deferral | Up to €18,000/year | 100% of annual LPT |
| Couple — full deferral | Up to €30,000/year | 100% of annual LPT |
| Single — partial deferral | €18,001 – €30,000/year | 50% of annual LPT |
| Couple — partial deferral | €30,001 – €50,000/year | 50% of annual LPT |
Additional deferral may apply where a property owner is in receipt of mortgage interest supplement or certain social welfare payments, or where a person is incapacitated. Apply for deferral through myAccount or by calling Revenue at 01 738 3626 before the annual payment deadline.
Self-assessment — choosing your valuation band
LPT is self-assessed. You determine which valuation band applies to your property based on your estimate of its market value at 1 November 2021, not its current value or purchase price. This is a point of frequent confusion:
- If you bought your home in 2019 for €320,000, the relevant value is what it was worth at November 2021 — which might be €380,000 if the market rose in your area
- If you bought in 2022 for €450,000, the 2021 value could be higher or lower depending on when exactly values peaked in your location
- Revenue accepts your self-assessed band unless they have evidence it is materially incorrect
- Keep evidence supporting your band: comparable property sales in your area around November 2021, estate agent reports, or valuation certificates
Revenue can issue a revised assessment if they believe your band is too low. You have a right to appeal any Revenue assessment through the standard Revenue appeals process.
How to pay Local Property Tax
Payment methods
- Annual lump sum: Pay online at revenue.ie using debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. Also payable at An Post branches using your LPT reference number. Deadline: 12 January of the tax year.
- Monthly direct debit: Set up through myAccount. Payments spread equally across 12 months (January–December). Must be set up before the December deadline for the following year.
- Deduction at source from salary: Revenue instructs your employer to deduct LPT from your pay in equal instalments. Set up through myAccount. Your employer deducts automatically — nothing further is needed from you once set up.
- Deduction from pension or welfare payments: If you receive a Department of Social Protection payment, you can arrange LPT deduction at source from those payments.
Step-by-step: paying online without myAccount
- Go to revenue.ie/lpt
- Enter your PPSN and your LPT reference number (on your Revenue correspondence)
- Confirm the property details and LPT amount shown
- Select payment method (card or bank transfer)
- Complete payment and save the confirmation number
What happens when you buy or sell a property
When a property changes ownership, LPT obligations pass to the new owner from the date of completion. However:
- Solicitors handling the conveyance will check the LPT position as part of the sale. Outstanding LPT must generally be resolved before completion.
- The seller is liable for LPT up to the date of sale; the buyer from that date.
- In practice, LPT for the full year is often adjusted at closing with the buyer being charged a proportion.
- If you purchase a property that has LPT arrears not cleared by the seller, those arrears may be attached to the property and become your liability. Ensure your solicitor verifies LPT compliance as part of due diligence.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a new-home exemption is still active: Many exemptions from the 2013–2021 period have expired. Check your LPT record on Revenue myAccount to confirm your current status.
- Using the current property value instead of the 2021 value: LPT is based on the 1 November 2021 market value, not what the property is worth today or what you paid for it.
- Not registering a newly built property: If your home is not on the LPT register, it is your responsibility to register it. Failure to register does not exempt you and can result in backdated liability.
- Thinking tenants owe LPT: The legal owner — not the tenant — is always liable for LPT.
- Missing the annual filing deadline: LPT returns must be confirmed each year. If your payment method and valuation are unchanged you may not receive a new notice to file, but the obligation still exists.
- Ignoring Revenue LPT notices: Uncontested LPT notices become final. If you believe your band is wrong, dispute it promptly — Revenue\'s ability to collect is strong and penalties accumulate quickly.
Information Accuracy — This guide has been independently researched and reviewed using official Irish government sources available on the publication date. Government schemes, payment rates, eligibility rules and legislation may change over time. Before making financial, legal or welfare decisions, always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant Irish authority.
Frequently asked questions
What is Local Property Tax in Ireland?
Local Property Tax (LPT) is an annual self-assessed tax on all residential properties in Ireland. It applies to houses, apartments, bungalows, and any other dwelling — whether owner-occupied, rented, or vacant. The amount due is based on the market value of the property at 1 November 2021, which is the current valuation date for 2022 onwards. Revenue administers LPT and local authorities receive the proceeds.
How much is Local Property Tax in Ireland in 2026?
LPT is based on the 2021 property valuation. The national rate is 0.1029% per year on values up to €1.05 million; 0.25% on the portion between €1,050,001 and €1,900,000; and 0.3% on value above €1,900,000. Local authorities can vary the rate by up to ±15%. Most properties pay between €90 and €675 per year depending on their valuation band and local authority area.
Who is liable to pay Local Property Tax?
The owner of the property on 1 November of the previous year is liable — not the tenant. Owner-occupiers and landlords both pay LPT. If you own a property and rent it to tenants, you pay the LPT, not your tenants. Shared equity scheme owners, life tenants, and long-term leaseholders may also be liable depending on their arrangement.
Are there exemptions from Local Property Tax in Ireland?
Yes. Key exemptions include: properties first occupied as new builds between 1 January 2013 and 31 October 2021 were previously exempt, but that exemption has been phasing out; new builds first occupied after 1 January 2023 are exempt until the next valuation date; properties certified as having major pyrite or mica damage; properties certified as incapable of use as a dwelling; and social housing owned by local authorities or approved housing bodies.
I bought a new home between 2013 and 2021 and was told I was exempt — do I still need to pay LPT?
The exemption for new homes purchased between 2013 and 2021 applied for a limited period and has been phasing out. From 2022 onwards, the LPT valuation date of 1 November 2021 applied to all properties including previously exempt new builds. If Revenue has issued you an LPT notice, you are now liable. Check your Revenue LPT record to confirm your current status.
Can I defer paying Local Property Tax?
Yes, in certain circumstances. Full deferral is available if your gross income is below €18,000 (single) or €30,000 (married/couple). Partial deferral (50%) applies if gross income is €18,001–€30,000 (single) or €30,001–€50,000 (couple). Deferred amounts accumulate as a charge on the property at 3% simple interest per year and become payable when the property is sold or ownership is transferred.
How do I pay Local Property Tax?
LPT can be paid by annual lump sum (bank transfer, credit or debit card, or cash at An Post), phased monthly direct debit from your bank account, or deduction at source from your salary or pension through your employer or the DSP. Revenue sends an annual notice through myAccount or by post. You can also pay online without a myAccount login using your LPT reference number and PPSN.
What happens if I do not pay Local Property Tax?
Unpaid LPT accrues interest at 8% per annum. Revenue can collect through mandatory salary deduction by your employer, attachment of bank accounts, or a charge registered against the property (payable on sale). Non-payment also results in Revenue withholding tax clearance certificates, which affects business dealings, grants, and certain other applications. LPT arrears can affect mortgage applications.
Does Local Property Tax apply to second homes and investment properties?
Yes. LPT applies to every residential property — primary home, holiday home, or investment property — regardless of use. Each property is registered and taxed separately. Vacant residential properties may also attract the Vacant Homes Tax (VHT), which is a separate additional levy introduced in 2023 for habitually vacant properties.
How do I know my LPT valuation band?
You chose your valuation band when you submitted your first LPT return (typically in 2013 or 2021/2022 for the new valuation cycle). You self-assess based on the market value of your property at 1 November 2021. If you did not file, Revenue may have estimated a band based on property data. Log in to myAccount and check your LPT record to see the band currently registered for your property. You can revise it if it is incorrect.
- LPT is based on the 2021 valuation, not the current market value or your purchase price
- Tenants never pay LPT — only property owners are liable
- New-home exemptions from 2013–2021 purchases have expired or are expiring — check your LPT status now
- Deferral is not exemption — deferred LPT plus 3% annual interest is payable when the property is sold
- LPT applies to all residential properties including holiday homes and investment properties
- Non-payment is serious — Revenue has strong collection powers and arrears attract 8% interest per year
This page was reviewed against official Revenue LPT guidance and updated to reflect 2026 rates, bands, exemptions, and deferral conditions. Always verify your specific liability on revenue.ie or your Revenue LPT notice.
Information Accuracy — This guide has been independently researched and reviewed using official Irish government sources available on the publication date. Government schemes, payment rates, eligibility rules and legislation may change over time. Before making financial, legal or welfare decisions, always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant Irish authority.