Housing strategy is vital

House prices have gone up nationally by 6% in the first six months of this year, according to a survey of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers published yesterday.

The average price of a semi-detached house with three bedrooms is now 166,205 euro.

House prices are getting further and further out of the reach of first-time buyers on an average income. As a result many are being forced to pay high rents for extended periods.

Two-thirds of the auctioneers surveyed believe the Government has no clear goals in the form of a housing strategy. Almost as many believe that the there is a shortage of zoned and serviced land.

This land shortage has been stimulating the housing crisis, which is in part a result of the strong growth in our population, coupled with the decline in traditional emigration.

The unavailability of affordable housing will inevitably lead to a social crisis, if effective steps are not taken to rectify the situation soon. The Government has a duty to implement a housing strategy that will allow those on average incomes to own or rent their own homes at affordable prices.