Fresh figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) confirm that property prices are still on the rise across Ireland.

In the year to December residential property prices increased by 8.1% nationally.

Outside of Dublin homes were 12% more expensive - this compared to a 5.7% increase in Dublin, where the market's recovery is more mature.

Increases in specific parts of the city ranged between 9.7% in south Dublin and 3.2% in Fingal.

The capital's house prices increased by 5.8% - while apartment prices went up by 7.9% during the same period.

Outside of Dublin prices inflated by 17.8% in the West region - while the mid-east reported the lowest growth, at 7.6%.

Overall, the national index is 32.1% lower than its highest level in 2007.

Dublin residential property prices are 32.8% lower than their February 2007 peak, while residential property prices in the Rest of Ireland are 36.3% lower than May 2007.

From the low in early 2013, prices nationally have increased by 49.1%. In the same period, Dublin residential property prices have increased by 64.3%.

New figures from the Central Bank showed on Wednesday that the median value for a deposit for first time buyers in the capital has risen to an intimidating €50,000.

That's up from close to €30,000 just four years ago. Outside of Dublin that figure halves, falling to €25,000 - which is well below peak levels.