The oldest dilemma in home buying is finding the balance between location, house and price.

If you want to live closer to town or city centers, and give yourself a shorter commute and better amenities you'll pay more for less house.

If you move further out from the center of the action, to a so called "commuter town", or further still to rural areas, you'll get much more house for much less money.

It's not hard to find people who'll advise you that if you are priced out of the cities, then buy anyway, even if it means a long commute.

Think very carefully about this before you jump in. At the moment we're in a property slump, and you have time on your side. There's no panic to buy.

At some point in the future house prices will begin rising again, and people will feel pressure to make quick decisions and "get on the ladder"

Think about the actual quality of life that a long commute will bring. Ireland is not noted for it's excellent infrastructure and public transport.

There are questions about the simple day to day realities.

• How much will your monthly travel bill be? Does the move further out still make economic sense when these are factored in?
• Will you need to buy, tax and insure a second car?
• If you miss a train or bus home, what are your alternatives?
• How early will you leave, how late will you return from work?
• Can you commute by Train, and possibly make use of the time, or will you be forced to drive?
• Are you the kind of person who can handle long term commuting, or will you grow tired of it quickly?
• Are you particularly attracted by the idea of raising a family outside of the city? Will this compensate for other drawbacks?
• If cost is the only factor preventing you living closer to the city, then how does renting closer in compare with buying further out?
• Do you value amenities like Broadband internet access, and will you have access to them in the area you are considering?