House prices up nationally for the first time in eight years

The country’s two-speed property price recovery has become a three-speed one, with a number of counties joining Dublin’s turnaround as others continue to suffer.

Across the country, asking prices have risen for the first time in eight years. However, this masks an irregular growth pattern between urban and rural areas.

Statistically, rising expectation in a small number of counties has created the impression of a universal improvement for those hoping to sell their homes.