What is Local Property Tax?
Local Property Tax (LPT) is an annual tax on residential properties in Ireland. It is based on the market value of your home and is collected by Revenue on behalf of local authorities.
How LPT is Calculated (2026)
LPT is charged at 0.1029% of the property's market value for properties valued up to €1.05 million. For properties above €1.05 million, a higher rate applies.
| Property Value Band | Mid-Point Used | Annual LPT (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| €0 — €200,000 | €150,000 | €154 |
| €200,001 — €262,500 | €250,000 | €257 |
| €262,501 — €350,000 | €300,000 | €309 |
| €350,001 — €437,500 | €400,000 | €412 |
| €437,501 — €550,000 | €500,000 | €515 |
| €550,001 — €1,050,000 | €700,000 | €720 |
Rates are based on the 2021 valuation period (valid until November 2025, with a new valuation due).
How to Value Your Home
Your home is placed in a value band based on its market value. Revenue's online LPT calculator helps you determine your band. Key points:
- Use the self-assessment method: estimate what your home would sell for
- Check similar properties on Daft.ie or MyHome.ie for guidance
- The valuation period is fixed: you cannot change your band unless you make a significant improvement or the market shifts dramatically
Exemptions
Some properties are fully or partially exempt from LPT:
- New homes: Exempt for the first time they are purchased (but the exemption period has ended for most: check with Revenue)
- Properties in certain unfinished estates: May qualify for exemption
- Properties purchased by charities or public bodies
- Homes with significant pyrite/mica damage (subject to certification)
- First-time buyer exemption: There is no general FTB exemption: most first-time buyers pay LPT from the date of purchase
Payment Options
You can pay LPT in several ways:
- Single annual payment: due by 1 January or 21 May (depending on payment method)
- Direct Debit: monthly or quarterly instalments
- Deduction from salary/pension: regular deduction at source
- Credit/debit card: via Revenue's online portal
LPT for First-Time Buyers
When you buy your first home, you become liable for LPT from the date you take ownership. Key points:
- Your solicitor will advise you on LPT registration
- You must register the property with Revenue online
- The tax is apportioned: if you buy mid-year, you only pay for the remaining months
- Your first payment covers the period from purchase to year-end, then a full year's LPT from January
2026 Updates
- New valuation period begins in November 2025 (affects 2026 LPT calculations)
- Revenue has provided updated guidelines for the November 2025 revaluation
- No rate changes announced for 2026: still 0.1029%
- Digital filing is mandatory: paper returns no longer accepted
What Happens If You Don't Pay?
If you fail to pay LPT, Revenue can:
- Deduct the amount from your wages or pension
- Add penalties and interest
- Place a charge on your property
- Seize goods or take enforcement proceedings
Official site: Revenue.ie: Local Property Tax
New Valuation Period 2026–2030
Local Property Tax entered a new five-year valuation period on 1 November 2025. Your 2026 charge is based on your property's market value on that date, which you self-assess against Revenue's valuation bands. The bands were widened by 20% and a new base rate of 0.0906% applies, so roughly 96% of properties stayed in their existing band.
For 2026 the basic charges are €95 for properties up to €240,000, €235 up to €315,000, €333 up to €420,000, €428 up to €525,000, €523 up to €630,000, €618 up to €735,000, and so on in €95 steps up the bands. Most homeowners with properties valued at €525,000 or less pay only €5–€25 more than before.
Local Adjustment Factor: What Your Council Decides
Your local authority can vary the basic LPT charge within its area. From 2026, councils may increase the rate by up to 25% (previously 15%) or reduce it by up to 15%. Several councils have used this power, so check your own authority's adjustment — the same home can attract different charges in different counties.
The adjustment is applied to the basic charge before any local credits or deferrals. Revenue's LPT calculator shows both the basic charge and the adjusted amount for your local authority area.
If you bought your home recently, remember that the valuation date of 1 November 2025 captures the strong price growth of 2024–2025, so your self-assessed value should reflect what similar homes were selling for around that date, not today's asking prices. When in doubt, check recent comparable sales on the Property Price Register or Daft.ie.