
The average single person in the midlands isn't able to afford a mortgage above the average property price.
Singletons in Westmeath will find it hardest in the midlands region to buy a home in their own county.
New figures from the CSO show their maximum potential mortgage is 22,000 euro below the median asking price for a property in the Lake County.
Single buyers in Laois will come up 16,000 short while those in Offaly will find a gap of around 13,300 euro.
The maximum potential mortgage is based on someone who has a 20% deposit and is earning the median wage.
Estimated max mortgage for someone earning the median wage and with a 20% deposit:
Offaly: 156,657
Laois: 167,036
Westmeath: 163,883
Actual median house price (as of December 2020, based on CSO property price index)
Offaly: 170,000
Laois: 183,000
Westmeath: 186,000
Difference for each county:
Offaly: 13,343
Laois: 15,964
Westmeath: 22,117