Revised standards for pyrite-affected buildings have been announced by the National Standards Authority of Ireland.
Pyrite, a mineral that causes cracks and swellings in walls and floors, is thought to be present in more than 20,000 Irish homes.
RTÉ's Morning Ireland understands that the NSAI has changed aspects to one of the categories which could help homeowners who are struggling to sell properties due to the presence of pyrite.
It follows public and expert consultations late last year where the NSAI received over 200 comments.
Pyrite damage is classed under four building categories A, B, C, D.
The NSAI says the main changes in standards are to category B, where pyrite is present but has not resulted in "significant" damage.
Homeowners in this category are finding it difficult to sell on their pyrite infected properties even though the mineral may never manifest.
They say banks are reluctant to issue mortgages to interested buyers due to the presence of the mineral.
However, a change to the NSAI standards will determine what kind of damage property owners are going to get if you are in category B.
It is hoped that this move will help some homeowners who are struggling to sell on their homes as professionals are prepared to sign off that pyrite cracks and masonry issues are relatively small paving the way for people to buy houses with confidence.
Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Standards Technical Manager with the National Standards Authority of Ireland Yvonne Wylde said: "Engineers are now prepared at the end of the report say the kind of damage you are going to get in a B category is very minor.
"By minor they mean damage easily treated using periodic repairs.
"You're talking about small cracks, repointing of masonry etc but definitely linked to pyrite."
She said: "We don't know what the market will do and how the market will react because we have no control over that, this is a group technical experts."
She said the changes hope that people will have more confidence and will be in a better position to sell their houses if that is what they want to do or make decisions about repairing their houses.
The National Standards Authority of Ireland's guidance is used by engineers, geologists and other technical experts when assessing buildings affected by pyrite.
The Government now decides whether or not to implement the changes.
