Address: 36 Elderwood Avenue, Boreenmanna Road, Cork
Type: Three-bedroom duplex
Note: Gas fired central heating, central location
Contact: Redfords, 021-4272000
Price: €295,000

Address: 5 Crestfield Downs, Hazelwood, Glanmire, Co. Cork
Type: Three-bed bungalow
Note: Oil fired central heating
Contact: Keane Mahony Smith, 44 South Mall, Cork 021-4270311
Price: €210,000

There has been talk recently of creating a NAMA-type body to assist homeowners who have fallen into arrears on their mortgage repayments. This, it is argued, is just and fair because if the Government is forking out billions from taxpayers' money to help out financial institutions and developers then they should also help out the average mortgage holder who is struggling under the weight of negative equity and fixed mortgage repayments.

Address: 6 The Paddocks, Ballincollig, Co. Cork
Type: Three-bedroom detached bungalow
Note: Set in cul de sac with two other properties
Contact: Bowe Property 021-4879007
Price: €350,000

It is when someone is challenged that you see their true nature. It is in time of difficulty that people are really tested and their inner qualities shine through. It is also in time of necessity that innovation rules supreme and invention leads the way. Considering the current challenges facing the property market then it would be safe to say that new ideas are greatly needed and a new market must emerge rather than a revamp of the original one which will, inevitably, run into the same old problems.

Ireland's largest housing charity has welcomed the announcement by the Government that assistance will be offered to homeowners but is concerned at the delay in providing support. Respond! Housing Association says that a similar announcement was made in October as part of the renewed Programme for Government but little action has been taken since that time.

Address: 12 Deer Park Avenue, Castlepark, St Joseph's Road, Mallow Co. Cork
Type: Three-bedroom semi detached
Note: Gas fired central heating
Contact: Sherry FitzGerald O'Donovan, Mallow 022-42651
Price: €270,000

Address: 12 Elm Road, Fota Rock, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork
Type: Three-bedroom semi detached
Note: Cul de sac
Contact: Donal Collins, Global Properties, 087-9048344
Price: €215,000

Address: 17 Grangevale, Pinecroft, Grange, Douglas, Cork
Type: Five-bedroom semi detached
Note: Oil fired central heating
Contact: Donal Collins, Global Properties, 087-9048344
Price: €300,000

Address: 29 Orchard Avenue, Castleredmond, Midleton, Co. Cork
Type: Four-bedroom semi detached
Note: Gas fired central heating
Contact: Hegarty Properties, 021-4639411
Price: €235,000