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House prices rise by an average of 7%

House prices rise by an average of 7%

House prices have increased across the country.

The latest Daft.ie House Price Report shows they rose by 2.5 per cent nationally during the first three months of the year.

The average price nationwide was €247,000, 7.3% higher than a year ago. Compared to their lowest point in 2013, prices nationwide have risen by an average of 50% or just over €82,500.

In Waterford City, prices in the first three months of 2018 were 7% higher than a year previously, compared to a rise of 14% seen a year ago. The average house price is now €165,000, 57% above its lowest point. In the rest of Waterford, prices in the first three months of 2018 were 9% higher than a year previously, compared to a rise of 6% seen a year ago. The average house price is now €211,000, 47% above its lowest point.

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The number of properties available to buy on the market nationwide continues to fall. There were just over 20,000 properties on the market in March. A significant increase in Dublin listings - up from 2,700 a year ago to 3,500 now, largely offset a fall in availability elsewhere. The number of properties on the market outside Dublin is now at 16,800, down 1,000 on a year ago and the lowest on record, for a series starting in January 2007.

Commenting on the figures, Ronan Lyons, economist at Trinity College Dublin and author of the Daft.ie Report, said: "The picture of the housing market in Ireland currently remains one of strong demand and very tight supply pushing up prices. There are some elements for cautious optimism, including an increase in transaction volumes countrywide and in stock on the market in Dublin. Nonetheless, during a five-year period when consumer prices did not change, housing prices rose by 50%. This is an indication of how inadequate housing supply is."

Martin Clancy from Daft.ie said: "Interest and activity amongst property hunters remains very high. At the moment, we are seeing on average over 1,000 property searches taking place every minute on Daft.ie".

Average list price and year-on-year change major cities, Q1 2018

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· Dublin City: €368,356 – up 8.4%

· Cork City: €261,494 – up 1.7%

· Galway City: €273,466 – up 3.1%

· Limerick City: €180,670 – up 3.7%

· Waterford City: €164,930 – up 7.5%

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