And now for some good news. Waterford estate agent Des Purcell wants to get the message out that if the price is right, people will buy.

Last weekend it cut prices at a well-located development - Cnoic Caislean at Ballygunner, off the Dunmore Road - and the punters rolled in.

According to Purcell, 15 houses were sold on Saturday and Sunday, between two-bedroom terraced houses at €169,950 and the three-bedroom semis at €199,950.