Planning permissions for housing estates are likely to soon contain new conditions in an effort to curb major investors buying houses.
RTÉ News understands that proposals set to be considered by Cabinet on Tuesday could see a circular issued to local authorities from next week detailing something called a density specification.
This would mean that permission would not be granted for the sale of homes to a single buyer if the estate was under a certain density or size.
The final specification is still being examined but it might mean, for example, that developments with something in the order of 40 home units per hectare could not be purchased by investors.
There is a view in Government that such a measure would protect traditional family homes from so-called 'cuckoo funds'.
A second proposal is also set to be looked at by Government next Tuesday.
It is aiming to ring fence certain sections of future housing developments for first-time buyers.
This measure could be introduced through an amendment to legislation, possibly to the Affordable Housing Bill, which is likely to be passed by the Oireachtas before the summer break.
Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien has in the past called for at least 30% of homes in new developments to be set aside for first time buyers.
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Earlier this week Mr O'Brien said bulk sales of family homes to investors will be tackled "head on".
Speaking on RTÉ Prime Time on Thursday night, he said the Government was taking "very seriously" what he called a "crisis in housing".
Mr O'Brien said changes in the areas of planning and tax would be brought before Cabinet
