When Brenda O'Halloran's son, David, was in his final year, daughter Aisling was filling in her CAO application to study music at a Dublin DIT.
The results were good and Kerrywoman Brenda could have been facing another three or four years rent payout with nothing to show for it at the end.
Except that earlier in the year, Brenda and her son, David, queued for four days to secure a two-bedroom apartment at Hunters Hall, a popular Ellier development off Ballycullen Road in Dublin 24.
They took turns in the car with sandwiches and flasks and, as a bonus, got to know future neighbours in the queue.
"It was an education for me," says Brenda. "I was able to release equity and both Sherry FitzGerald and the Bank of Ireland were very understanding about getting David on the property ladder.
"I took out a 100 per cent mortgage, part interest-only, with David's name on the deeds and mine on the joint mortgage.
"His sister could probably get student accommodation - but now she has a choice. When you sit down and look at it, it makes sense when you have two youngsters.
"In five to seven years when Aisling is finished, David will either keep the flat or use it as a stepping stone to his final property. It will give him a sense of responsibility."
