Shutterstock / Michael Vorobiev Shutterstock / Michael Vorobiev / Michael Vorobiev

THIS WEEK NEW figures were released by the Central Statistics Office telling us all what we basically already knew – house prices across Ireland shot up by more than 15% during 2014.

There was also news on the Central Bank’s new mortgages rules, with something of a relaxation being introduced for first-time buyers.

The Big Movers

First-time buyer relief

Big news came this week for first-time buyers worrying about the Central Bank’s new restrictions on mortgage lending.

It was announced - after some speculation - that people entering the market for the first time would be able to borrow up to 90% of a property’s cost up to a value of €220,000. 

Speaking about this change, Minister for Finance Michael Noonan, said he hoped it would “provide certainty to borrowers and ensure that banks continue to engage in prudent lending practices.”

Michael Noonan pictured with IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde Photocall Ireland Photocall Ireland

Still on the up

Figures this week released by the CSO found that house prices rose by 16.3% during 2014. Quite a daunting statistic considering that during 2013 prices only went up by 6.4%.

A clear difference was notable between Dublin, where prices shot up drastically, and the rest of the country, where there were smaller increases.

House prices in Dublin are now 22.3% more expensive than they were this time last year.

CSO CSO

Jurys Inn 

This week US investors bought the Jurys Inn hotel chain for €980 million.

The group has five hotels in Ireland. Globally it employs around 2,000 people and operates 7,000 rooms.

The group was bought out by US-based Loan Star Funds.

Speaking about the move this week, John Brennan, CEO of Jurys Inn, said that Lone Star were “very committed to the future growth and development” of the business.

Photocall Ireland Photocall Ireland

Under Construction

• The Irish Union of Credit Unions announced the possibility of it doing mortgages.  
• The €100 grant that the government has been promising those signing up for the water charges could end up costing them quite a bit.
• Residents in Dublin 8 this week took to the streets with a rather creative way to protest rubbish dumping… 

@maireaddoherty @maireaddoherty

• First-time buyer looking to take advantage of the new 90% lending criteria? Here is exactly what €220,000 will get you.
• Airtricity customers can look forward to lower energy bills from April 2015.

Des res

With the Super bowl set to take place on Sunday night, Business Insider took a look at some of the best places available on Airbnb for those travelling to attend the game.