Overnight queues to buy new houses in Dublin

House-hunters have spent a second night queuing outside a new development in North County Dublin ahead of its launch this weekend.

60 newly-built two, three, and four bedroom houses will go on sale on a first-come first-served basis at Millers Glen in Swords from 2pm on Saturday, priced from €240,000 and up.

Eight people have now joined the small queue, which the estate agents expect to grow over the course of the next two days.

"I think it hasn't been [like this] in the last six years - that's why so many people want one," said one of the attendees, from the Artane area of Dublin.

"I want one - that's why I'm here … I think there's only a certain amount at a set price, and then after that, they're going up".

In recent months, several reports have speculated that demand for homes in Dublin will outstrip supply in coming years, as house prices have climbed. In much of the rest of the country, however, prices have remained static or continued to fall.

The agent for the sales, from Sherry Fitzgerald, claimed the appearance of a queue was down to this high demand.

"There have been so few new housing estates built … there simply aren't enough houses being constructed," said Ronan O'Driscoll.

"They're particularly keen to buy the nicest units, they're first time buyers, and I expect all of these to be bought by people to live in, rather than buy-to-let investors. I'm certain of that."