NEW RULES ON mortgages will mean that house buyers will only be able to borrow three-and-a-half times their income.

While this, in time, should mean a reduction on house prices – for the current moment it just means less options for buyers.

Here are some properties that an working Irish couple could expect to come close to being able to afford.

Here are five properties on view under €250,000 this weekend…

Property 1 - 17 Spireview Way, Navan, Co. Meath

Daft Daft

• Asking price: €210,000
• Viewing time: Sunday, 14.00 – 14.30
• Why you should see it… This well-designed bungalow is positioned in such a way as to take full advantage of natural light. The three-bedroom also has a large back garden.

Property 2 - 33 Melville Terrace, Finglas, Dublin 11

Daft Daft

• Asking price: €249,950
• Viewing time: Saturday, 14.35 – 15.00
• Why you should see it… Available to view on Valentine’s Day – this property would be a good starter home for a couple. The four-bedroom home offers great value for somewhere so close to the centre of Dublin.

Property 3 - No. 2 Parkview Cottages, Blessington, Co. Wicklow

Daft Daft

• Asking price: €239,000
• Viewing time: Sunday, 13.45 – 14.00
• Why you should see it… The property was modernised in 2004 and has more than 70 square metres of floor space. It also has a garage and “ample” off-street parking.

Property 4 - 135 Sandyford View, Sandyford, Dublin 18

Daft Daft

• Asking price: €250,000
• Viewing time: Sunday, 13.00 – 13.30
• Why you should see it… This home is less than ten years old and sits in the corner position of this apartment block. This allows for it to take full advantage of surrounding views. The three-bedroom is close to all the local amenities.

Property 5 - 5 Lios Ealtan, Nile Lodge, Salthill, Co. Galway

Daft Daft

• Asking price: €180,000
• Viewing time: Sunday, 12.00 – 12.30
• Why you should see it… This home is said to sit between Galway city centre and Salthill. It also has the advantage of coming in a turn-key condition and being ready for immediate occupancy.