The scramble to find an affordable home in Dublin is forcing house hunters to start to shake things up.
The relentless rise of prices across the capital has seen previously unfashionable areas become increasingly on the radar.
The second-quarter statistics from REA show that selling prices in Dublin city rose by 2.6%, while REA agents reported noticing fewer first-time buyers at recent viewings.
The average three-bed semi in the capital is now selling at €572,693 – a 9% annual rise of almost €50,000.
According to Sherry Fitz's regional managers for both north and south of the capital, it is getting harder and harder to pick out “up and coming areas”.
"Dublin is a relatively small capital city, so many would-be home buyers will know of the areas, but there might be some areas they may not have considered," suggests Sherry Fitz's Graham Murray.
"If you are looking at locations in or close to the city centre, then East Wall offers value with a wide range of housing types from older period villa style residences, two up two down traditional red bricks, ex-corporation homes, modern townhouses and apartments.
"Each property offers different advantages and attributes, but all are very well located within walking distance of the IFSC and city centre, excellent public transport links and the wider road network."
"Another area to consider is Dublin 7, which has become one of Dublin’s most sought-after locations, from those buying their first homes to those who have established themselves in the location and then look to trade up, and as such, values have followed suit.
"However, some pockets remain, Broadstone & Smithfield, which are both very attractive city centre locations adjacent to many wonderful restaurants and cafes (some of the best in Dublin), along with easy access to the city centre, public transport, the Phoenix Park, National Museum of Ireland, etc.
Cabra in Dublin 7 has increased in value significantly in recent years, says Graham.
"In some locations, selling well in excess of €600,000 for some house types, but there still remain pockets where one can find properties in the early to mid €400,000.
"Alongside here (Dublin 7), areas close to Dublin 1 also represent value again, with a selection of period homes and apartments being the mainstay of housing types," he added.
Sherry Fitzgerald's Steven Manek, Regional Director for South Dublin and Wicklow, said there was no let-up in the demand to move to the area.
"The suburbs of South County Dublin and coastal towns of North County Wicklow remain highly desirable locations for many buyers," he said.
"The fashionable sought-after towns and villages of Blackrock, Booterstown, Monkstown, Sandycove, Dalkey and Dun Laoghaire remain highly desirable for the high-end family homes and period homes they offer.
"And indeed, we would see demand for all housing and apartments in these popular locations. Dublin 18, including Foxrock and Rathmichael, is also as popular as ever when it comes to people looking for that special property.
"Further down the coast, the towns of Shankill, Bray, Greystones, Delgany, Newtownmountkennedy, Newcastle, Ashford and Wicklow town are also highly popular locations.
"With a particular focus by buyers on the New Homes developments that have been built in large quantities in these areas, bringing a new, younger population into these towns and villages.
"With many people now looking to right-size from larger homes in areas like Monkstown, Blackrock, Sandycove and Dalkey, there is a real need for more manageable-sized homes in these areas.
"Bespoke infill developments are partly satisfying this need and are very popular in these locations for people right-sizing, as they are A-rated and need no work.
"We are also seeing people moving from these areas to smaller homes in areas like Shankill, Enniskerry, Greystones and Delgany."
He added: "Properties with high Ber ratings, and in excellent condition that are well presented, are still the most popular, with people still concerned about the price of modernising homes that need to be upgraded."
