One-fifth of first-time buyers born outside Ireland

Almost one-fifth of first-time house-buyers in the first half of this year were born outside the State, according to new research.

The Irish Mortgage Corporation says Asians are the biggest non-Irish property buyers, followed by UK nationals.

It also says Eastern Europe are more likely to rent than buy property.

Elsewhere, the IMC predicts that foreign nationals will make up 25% of first-time buyers by 2010.