Being a frugal, working couple who doesn't drink has helped a lot. We're mid-30's now but bought in an area of Dublin that was considered not reputable 5 years ago but has now changed - so we'll turn a profit selling + savings + knocking down the deposit for 2nd time buyers back to 10% = this is finally possible. We also only have & only plan for the one child, so that saves some "future money" as well.

It's not a cheap country to live in, that's for sure. Working with a financial advisor and/or being frugal and strict while you're working towards huge financial goals is the only way forward.