First-time buyers make their mark on market

FOREIGNERS are becoming an increasing force in the first-time buyer Dublin property market, according to a new survey.

It found that 14% of all first-time house buyers in the greater Dublin area in 2006 were by foreigners.

Over half (52%) of all new houses bought were accounted for by the first-time buyer according to the research that covered a sample of 1,417 buyers. The survey was conducted by Dublin-based estate agents Hooke & MacDonald.