DESPITE the high cost of living here and ever-increasing house prices, many overseas workers are choosing to stay long-term, according to the most recent research from Irish Mortgage Corporation, which reveals that non-Irish born people represent 20% of all first-time-buyers.

The findings are based on mortgages completed by the Irish Mortgage Corporation for the first six months of 2006. Findings also show homeownership in Ireland has been steadily growing among non-Irish born people, since 2001.

And while the number of firsttime buyers has grown in general, the research found that Asians represent the biggest number of buyers, accounting for 6.8% of all first-time buyers, and 36% of nonIrish born buyers, in the first half of this year. Most buyers in this group come from India, the Philippines and Pakistan.

Next in line are UK buyers, who represent 21% of non-Irish born buyers, followed by 17% from other EU countries, half of which come from Poland.

The research indicates that the numbers of non-Irish homebuyers is a sign of con"dence in the market, with many overseas workers planning on establishing a permanent life in Ireland.

Habitat exhibits Irish craft

ANYONE with a love of the craft industry will be interested in the unveiling of 10 new product ranges by Ireland's top craft companies, which are currently exhibiting in Habitat on Suffolk Street, Dublin 2.

Running until 8 September, the Avantcraft programme, run by the Crafts Council of Ireland, and funded by the EU under the Interreg Programme, brings top designers and makers together to develop innovative, market-led craft products.

The exhibition will feature work from companies such as McKernan Scarves, Jerpoint Glass, Noel Whelan, Enibas, Nest, Fado, Geeskemaria, Geoffrey Healy, Forde Crafts and Celtic Roots. The companies all worked with various designers to come up with the products.

"We are excited to be showcasing the products which have been developed as part of Avantcraft, as they illustrate how the disciplines of craft and design can come together to create beautiful pieces that have both the functionality of good design yet retain the uniqueness of a handcrafted piece, " says Deirdre Murphy of Habitat.