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.