With market uncertainty resolved and affordability improved following measures in the budget, buyers can have their cake and eat it thanks to continued good supply and choice for all sections of the market. Agents don't, however, envisage a revolutionary year of change in 2007 . . . overall, it'll be more of the same in terms of price and availability.

"We will see a positive market in terms of selling and purchasing in 2007, " according to Shane Daly, Gunne New Homes. "Supply is high, as seen in the latter half of 2006 and this will ensure greater price stabilisation for buyers next year."

However, if you want to buy, Daly warns against procrastinating as there will still be price rises in certain areas.

Key locations where price increases are likely, according to Daly, include the city centre and close to good transport nodes such as the Luas, Dart and to a lesser extent QBCs.

"Once again in 2007, a lot of new developments will be found close or along the Luas and Luas extension lines.

There is some development activity beside the Dart, but most of this is currently in planning stage, so unlikely to be seen until next year at the earliest."

According to Permanent TSB/ESRI figures, house prices rose by 0.6% nationally in 2006, with national average house prices reaching 309,963, some 32,000 more than in December 2005.

In Dublin, average house prices reached 432,727, up from 368,576 in January 2006.

While prices are expected to remain stable in 2007, there is still a planning shortfall, according to Ken MacDonald, Hooke & MacDonald, which will impact on demand.

"There were 20,000 new homes built in Dublin in 2006 and a requirement for 30,000.

To date, planning permissions for 2007 are around 14,000 so already, we can estimate that the planning shortfall for 2007 will be around 8,000.

"Buying off-plan offers a great way for first-time buyers to get their foot on the ladder. With only 5,000 required for a booking deposit and then between 12 and 18 months to get their finances in order, it's a way of buying at today's prices for tomorrow's completed costs.

Sometimes, prices can increase by as much as 40,000 although this is likely to be much less next year, " explained MacDonald.

Affordability and price sensitivity will be crucial factors in the property market this year, according to Rob McCormack, McPeake Auctioneers.

"There was no doubt that interest rate rises really affected affordability for firsttime buyers and it was a big factor in the market last year.

But we're over the worst of that now. The big driver in the market in 2007 will be access to transport links and affordability.

"Developments that have priced themselves within the first-time buyer's budget will continue to do well. The demand is still there, but with increased supply, price will become crucial."

As well as more choice in 2007, buyers will see a new level of presentation in terms of marketing, according to Daly.

"Developers know they have to work harder to attract buyers with increased choice, so there'll be more state-of-the-art marketing suites, better brochures and show units. Buyers will have a much better idea of what they're going to purchase, with real-size showrooms as well as fittings and fixtures."

The market is also becoming more competitive in terms of what buyers are being offered, says Gemma Lanigan, assistant manager, Douglas Newman Good.

"Developers and architects are starting to provide more diversity within developments so that people can think of relocating within an existing development more easily."

We'll also see more in terms of fit-out and finish adds Lanigan. "Five years ago, you wouldn't have got tiling or appliances, but now buyers expect them as standard. They don't want to move in and then have to go through the expense and hassle of getting more work done."

In terms of location, Sandyford and the Docklands were the big hits of 2006 and will remain strong in 2007, according to MacDonald.

"Sandyford has really come to the fore as a popular location with buyers. The Luas is a big factor, but it's also got great quality and good prices.

The Docklands is another area that gets a lot of enquiries, especially from young buyers as it's so central and has great nightlife."

MacDonald predicts buyer interest will focus on west Dublin in 2007, with a large number of new developments all with good transport infrastructure and within the firsttime buyer's budget.

"Castleknock will see a number of prestigious new schemes and the Phoenix Park Racecourse will be one of the biggest launches of the year with 200 units and show apartments on view for the first time this March, " says MacDonald.