There are calls for the Central Bank to loosen mortgage lending rules for some second-time buyers.
At the moment, they have to come up with a deposit of 20% of the value of their new home.
That compares to 10% for first-time buyers.
Fine Gael senator and criminal barrister, Barry Ward, says the rules should be relaxed.
"Let's say 'John and Mary' are married, the marriage breaks down and John has to leave the family home and buy a new home.
"Now I live in Dun Laoghaire, so for example John needs to have €100,000 in cash before he can even apply for a mortgage.
"That is a huge obstacle for people who need to get that mortgage, and I'm saying really that John should be an exception to that rule."
