First-time buyers viewing new estate in Dublin, the biggest obstacle to home ownership for the cohort remains the cost of property. High rents have resulted in those seeking to buy property no longer regarding managing future mortgage payments as a big issue, with 89 per cent feeling secure about their ability to do so. On top of high rents, 50 per cent of the cohort reported saving between €500 and €1000 each month towards deposits. Nearly 90 per cent of first-time buyers value BER (building energy rating) of homes, the survey found. Mr Hartley said it was encouraging to see “so many buyers prioritising BER ratings” and noted that savings habits among hopeful first-time buyers are stronger now that in the past.
