Irish house price indices - Methodological issues

This paper reviews the international literature on house price indices, loo king at the basic methodologies employed, the variables chosen for the indi ces and the functional forms used. Ideas are sought for future improvements to an Irish index and tentative assessments are made of how Irish results correspond to published research findings. Although the recent vintage of h edonic house price indices in Ireland warrants caution in reaching conclusi ons, there are interesting correspondences with published results. Some iss ues are identified that will require resolution to achieve further progress .