New research suggests that despite the strong demand for property in the Republic, fewer than one in four of all adults have a mortgage.

A survey commissioned by the Royal Liver and undertaken by Lansdowne Market Research indicates that just 24 per cent of all adults have a mortgage, suggesting the demand for new housing will remain strong.

The research was based on face-to-face interviews with 1,200 individuals across the Republic to assess their awareness of financial products. The survey was carried out in October.

According to the preliminary findings, Irish consumers are savers rather than spenders. According to the research, 69 per cent of adults have a savings account with 61 per cent having a current account.

In terms of personal pensions, the survey suggests that 25 per cent of the adult population have made this type of provision.

About one in four adults availed of the Government-backed Special Savings Incentive Account (SSIA) scheme.

A slightly higher proportion have taken out life assurance. According to the report, some 33 per cent have subscribed for this type of cover.

Credit cards are increasingly popular forms of payment yet the number of these cards being used is still relatively low at 27 per cent. When asked how they would be paying for purchases in the run-up to Christmas, 18 per cent said they would be using a laser or debit card.

The full details of the report are expected to be made available next week.