We would say that prices have risen by about 15 per cent so far this year but the increases do not apply right across the board. There is a lot of difficulty with comparing Dublin price increases across two very distinct markets - urban period property and new houses in new suburbs. Period houses are in short supply and in that category we have seen price rises of about 20 per cent but in west Dublin, for instance, increases would have been about eight to 10 per cent. One of areas that has seen massive increases is the smaller period house in areas that are considered slightly off prime such as Milltown or Ringsend.

However, I think there is still value in relative terms in these areas if people are not so hung up on price per sq ft terms. If buyers are prepared to go for smaller, own-door houses adjacent to high performing areas, in back streets off main areas, these properties will undoubtedly perform well.

Smaller artisan dwellings near the city centre are always going to appear expensive, but if you consider the lifestyle that goes with them, then they are good value.

If you add in proximity to shops and workplace into the mix, then these smaller dwellings really score where as if you look on them only in terms of what they cost per sq ft, they can appear expensive.