Second-hand property prices in Dublin rose by 5.8 per cent during the second quarter this year. According to Sherry Fitzgerald's quarterly barometer of house prices, this brings house price inflation to 14.2 per cent for the six months to June 30th. During the same period last year, house prices rose by 16 per cent.

The estate agent's economist, Ms Marian Finnegan, says a deceleration in housing prices has been moderate. The disparity between supply and demand is still extensive with indications that the yearly price rise could reach 20 per cent, she said.