'It’s a housing crisis, but it’s a social catastrophe.'

Navan comedian Michael Fry co-presents 'Help Me Buy A Home'

Virgin Media Television’s ‘Help Me Buy A Home’, a new show hosted by buyer's agent Liz O'Kane and Navan comedian Michael Fry which follows the journey of house-buyers amidst Ireland's housing crisis, continues this week.

In episode two, Fry catches up with Rory Hearne, assistant professor at Maynooth University, who doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to the current situation.

“It’s having a very real psychological impact on people,” he explains.

“We’re still not realising as a country what the hell is going on, in terms of the amount of people that are affected in so many different ways. It’s a housing crisis, but it’s a social catastrophe.”

Michael also touches base with people who have grown frustrated with being locked out of the housing market, and have therefore taken different directions.

Meanwhile, Liz O’Kane continues to help house-hunters find their home.

27 year-old Sunil is searching for an apartment in the Mullingar area, while Kevin and Nicole have a specific list of criteria for a three-bed house close to Dublin city centre.

But all is not straightforward. “They need to manage their expectations,” Liz comments at one point.

‘Help Me Buy A Home’ at 8pm airs Sunday on Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Player.