Sales in the country residential sector are also increasing significantly, and while there is now a blurring of the edges in terms of the once seasonal aspect of this market, the two busiest months of all are waiting to swing into action.

Agents predict that the trend to take up the comparatively excellent value of country property, as against that of Dublin, will increase. According to David Ashmore, associate director of HOK Country, the demand for country living, both in period and modern residences, is especially marked among Dublin buyers, with many of those who re-locate also retaining a city pad - either an apartment or small house.

Value for money and quality of life are the two factors associated with country properties, explains Ashmore, particularly those outside the immediate commuter belt. "With Dublin and the surrounding counties of Kildare, Meath and Wicklow accounting for approximately 40% of the population, it is no surprise that greatest demand and highest prices are found here.

Currently, about 60% of �?�1 million-plus sales are Leinster based. Due to improved infrastructure and broadband availability, this trend is starting to shift."

A particularly noticeable effect on the country market has been the completion of the N11. Edward Townshend, associate director (Country Division), of Colliers Jackson-Stops says that since the route was completed, prices have definitely gone up in South Wicklow, and as far as North Wexford. "The new motorway towards Enfield and Kinnegad will also open up the country further, as will the Ashbourne by-pass when completed."

As in the overall residential property market, the country homes sector witnessed unprecedented sales during the latter end of 2005 - traditionally quiet months. HOK, for example, recorded a volume of sales exceeding that of the earlier peak months of April-July, with demand driving prices up by as much as 12% in some areas, says Ashmore. While prices have risen, there is still great value by comparison with the capital.

"To buy a house on Ailesbury Road in the late l980s, you would have to have sold about 200 acres of land in Co Meath, " says Edward Townshend.

"Now you would have to sell over 1,000 acres." That strong selling activity in late 2005, compounded by a late spring and Easter, has delayed the launch of many properties to the market.

"Sellers want their homes and gardens looking their best, and the shrubs don't really come out until after Easter - these things make a difference when someone is considering the best time to put a home on the market, " explains Townshend.

As for those buyers considering swapping city life for country, the commute to the capital doesn't necessarily provoke that many groans, especially at the multi-million end of the market - there's always the chopper to lift the new country squires up, up and away above the traffic.