A new survey of more than 2,000 people has found that 11.8% of respondents would like to buy a property as soon as possible.
The online 'Consumer Attitudes Survey', conducted by Daft.ie, found that a further 8.5% wanted to buy within six months, and another 17.4% wanted to buy within a year, with another 22.2% of respondents keen to buy a home "within two years".
The report also found that 64% said they did not think current prices reflected good value in their region.
The availability of mortgage credit was considered the most important factor affecting house prices this year.
Commenting on the survey, Kieran Harte, marketing director for Daft.ie, said: "The launch of the inaugural Daft.ie Consumers Attitude Survey gives us a deep insight into our consumers' perceptions of the state of the property market both nationally and locally, and it also gives us an indication of people's intention to participate within the property market.
"We believe these on-going surveys will act as an important indicator for measuring consumer sentiment."