First-time homebuyers rocked by record prices

THE dream of owning their own home fades today for tens of thousands of couples as new figures show that first-time buyers face a record €200,000 price tag.

Prices leapt almost an average €30,000 within 12 months with a similar hike facing second-time house purchasers.

Despite recent trends pointing to the rate of the price growth moderating, today’s figures offer cold comfort to thousands of homeseekers.