A West Cork Estate Agent’s – recap on 2025

I’m Majella Galvin, an estate agent and registered valuer based in West Cork. 2025 was a busy and rewarding year in the property market, and I’d like to share my personal and professional recap — reflecting on highlights, achievements, and what the year taught me.

January gives us a rare chance to pause. After stepping away over Christmas, I finally had the space to reflect on 2025 — a year that was busy, challenging at times, but deeply rewarding.

So here we are in January 2026, and I’m taking the time to properly reflect on 2025.

December was busy, but once the 22nd arrived I properly switched off. Two weeks of fresh air, long walks along the beaches of West Cork, catching up with family and friends, spending time with my dog Cindy, and even getting out for a bit of golf gave me the space to slow down and reset.

That time matters. It allows you to step back from the day-to-day and really see the year for what it was.

And when I do that, I can honestly say that 2025 was a very good year. A busy year, a challenging year at times, but a hugely rewarding one.

I had the privilege of helping so many people move home — each with their own story, pressures, and hopes for what comes next. From first-time buyers and growing families to downsizers, investors, landlords, and sellers navigating probate or major life changes, it never stops being humbling to be trusted at those moments.

Property is rarely just about property. It’s about people.
And that’s something I’m reminded of every single day.

At DNG Galvin, a family business established over 40 years ago, that belief underpins everything we do. We genuinely care about supporting both buyers and sellers, and about doing the job properly. Each day I ask myself: how can we do this better? Better service, clearer advice, stronger marketing, and a smoother, less stressful experience for clients.

Buying or selling a home is often described as one of life’s most stressful events — yet it should be exciting. In our experience, stress usually comes from uncertainty. Not knowing what happens next, how to prepare a property, or what mistakes to avoid can create unnecessary worry and delays.

Education has always been central to how I work.
That’s why, following the success of Ireland’s first Property Clinic in 2024, we hosted another in-person Property Clinic in 2025. We brought together a panel of experts — including a solicitor, engineer, BER assessor, mortgage broker, and home stager — in a relaxed, welcoming environment where people could ask questions and get practical, honest answers. The feedback once again showed just how valuable clear, reliable information can be. Click here to get the recording of the property clinic.

Alongside this, I continued contributing to the media throughout the year. Writing articles, sharing market insights, and speaking on radio and podcasts for publications such as the Irish Examiner, Irish Times, Southern Star, The Echo, and Business Post allowed me to reach a wider audience. My goal has always been simple: to demystify the property process and help people feel informed and confident in their decisions.

Like every year, 2025 was also one of hard work across the board. We supported sellers, buyers, landlords, and tenants in a market that remains challenging. Buyers continue to face limited supply, sellers are balancing timing and expectations, and landlords are navigating ongoing regulatory change and uncertainty.

Of course, none of this happens on my own.
Teamwork and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do at DNG Galvin, and I’m incredibly fortunate to work alongside a dedicated and experienced team who care just as deeply about our clients as I do.

Supporting landlords has been a key focus, and our Lettings Manager, Caroline, has been exceptional in guiding clients through evolving requirements and answering the many questions that come with change. That reassurance and clarity makes a real difference. Alongside this, Flo, our assistant, supports the day-to-day running of the office, and we’re backed by a wider DNG team, along with trusted photographers, videographers, and marketing specialists. Everyone plays their part, and it’s that collective effort that allows us to deliver consistently for clients.

Professional development and connection were also a big part of 2025 for me personally. Serving as Vice Chair of the SCSI Residential Group allows me to contribute to best practice at a national level, while being a committee member with Network Ireland West Cork continues to be hugely rewarding, working alongside an inspiring group of women. In 2025, I also had the privilege of being elected President of Bandon Toastmasters, an organisation I greatly admire for the way it builds confidence, communication, and leadership skills. The learning, support, and friendships that come from these organisations — both locally and beyond — have been invaluable.

The DNG network continues to be a real asset for our clients, giving sellers national and international exposure through a trusted, premium network. That reach, combined with strong local knowledge, genuinely adds value to how property is marketed and sold.

There were also moments of celebration during the year. Winning the Marketing Award at the National Property Awards was a proud achievement for DNG Galvin and recognition of the innovation and care that goes into how we present property. On a personal level, being a finalist in the Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Awards was a real honour and a lovely way to mark the year.

While I truly love my work, balance matters. Walking, hiking, golf (with plenty of room for improvement!), meeting friends, and enjoying everything West Cork has to offer help me reset and return with fresh perspective and energy.

As I look ahead to 2026, I feel genuinely optimistic. There are exciting plans in place, both personally and professionally, and a strong focus on continuing to improve how we support buyers, sellers, and landlords through education, innovation, and experience. I’m very much looking forward to the year ahead.

To everyone who trusted us, worked with us, supported us, and encouraged us throughout 2025 — thank you.

If you are thinking of selling, buying, looking for a valuation feel free to contact me anytime.

Majella Galvin | Chartered Surveyor | RICS Registered Valuer | Property Expert

As an award-winning estate agent, I specialise in sales, lettings, and valuations across all property types in County Cork. Whether you need guidance on residential, commercial, or agricultural properties, I’m here to help. Feel free to reach out for expert advice and personalised service.