They're also opting for more rural areas, according to new research.
Home buyers in the midlands are shifting towards smaller houses in more rural areas, according to an Offaly auctioneer.
Leahy Midland Auctioneers says it's seeing a 'huge' rise in the sale of two-bed homes under 200 thousand euro in rural areas.
Its research also shows regional towns are beginning to see a surge in investors buying properties which are normally purchased by first time buyers, such as three-bed semi-detached homes.
John Leahy, of Leahy Midland Auctioneers, says he is seeing more examples of people choosing to downsize to cheaper options: