ASKING prices for apartments in Cork city fell slightly last month but nationally prices are expected to plunge 14% this year.

SIGNS that Ireland is battling its way out of recession have emerged as two reports reveal how consumers are starting to spend again and house prices are starting to stabilise and even rise in some areas.

ASKING prices for houses in some Dublin areas are increasing while prices for apartments in Cork city look to be stabilising.

CLOSE to one in four properties monitored moved to sale agreed status within one month of going on the market.