Bad news for first time house buyers

THE average national house price will have increased by over €26,000 to €232,665 by December this year.

House prices are continuing to rise and will have increased year-on-year by between 12% and 13% by December 2003, a survey by permanent tsb has found.

The average price paid for a house nationally was €205,898 in December 2002, but yesterday’s survey predicts the average national house price will be €232,665 by December 2003.