Athlone is expanding at a phenomenal rate, according to Dermott O'Meara from Sherry FitzGerald O'Meara.

A lot of commercial development coming into town means a lot of new jobs and new people looking for new homes, he said. Although not the biggest share of the market, first-time buyers represent a significant 40 per cent of the property market, he said.

The Bealnamulla area of the town out the Tuam Road is a popular area with first-time buyers. This up and coming area is just off the motorway.

A two-bed semi in Monksfield costs €150,000, a three-bed semi costs €180,000 and a four-bed semi €200,000.

Rivervillage is another development in the same area. So far 80 per cent of houses sold are to first-time buyers, according to Auctioneer Donna Hynes.

The houses come complete with tiling, carpeting and kitchen appliances, which is proving to be a big selling point for those seeking to get onto the property ladder.

In Rivervillage a two-bed terraced house costs €157,400 and a three-bed semi €194,950. Out the Coosan Road to the north of the town is a new development called Churchwood. Here a large semi with 140 sq m (1,500 sq ft) costs in the region of €265,000.

Even closer to the town centre is Canal Walk, a six-minute walk from the town centre. A three-bed semi close to the river Shannon costs €185,000.

There are three local authorities (Athlone Town Council, Roscommon County Council and Westmeath County Council) responsible for the town, each with their own agenda. A significant amount of land has been rezoned in recent times on the Ballymahon Road, north-east of the town. Some 1,200 to 1,500 homes are due to be built there. The Monksfield and Coosan areas of the town have also been ear-marked for residential development.