Piotr Peczek (28) moved to Ireland in September 2003, part of the first wave of Polish people who came here before Poland joined the EU. He moved because he'd heard it was easier to get a job in Ireland than in Poland and wanted to "try something new" and make a better life for his family - his wife, Barbara, and three-year-old daughter, Alexandra.

Piotr got a job as a kitchen porter as soon as he arrived but now works in the Wash Board laundrette in Harold's Cross, Dublin 6, where he is assistant manager and driver. Piotr's wife and daughter joined him in May 2004. The family rented a one-bed apartment in Kilmainham, but soon began thinking about buying their own home. "We planned to stay and wanted rid of having a landlord, paying dead money every month," says Piotr.

It was only a matter of time and saving up for the deposit. He asked around various mortgage brokers and once mortgage approval was secured, the couple bought a two-bed apartment in Ongar in Santry for €257,500. They hope to be in their new home before Christmas. Their mortgage will be only around €200 more than the rent they are currently paying.

When Piotr first approached his mortgage broker about securing a home loan, he was told he was the fifth Polish person that month looking for a mortgage.

"In another year you will see a lot more Polish people buying homes in Ireland."