Top model Thalia Heffernan was driven out of her native Dublin due to harsh renting and buying conditions.
The 23-year-old beauty and her dancer boyfriend Ryan McShane are now living in Lurgan in Northern Ireland after he purchased a property in his home town.
Thalia told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “We struggled to find anywhere to rent with our dogs in Dublin. The city I have lived in, grew up in and I call home has pushed me out.
“Ryan actually bought us a house in Lurgan, where he is from.”
As one of Ireland’s busiest models, a move to Co Armagh could have ruined her career but Thalia was relieved to find she is able to continue working.
After previously renting together in Wicklow, the commute is similar and it takes them nearly the same amount of time to reach the capital.
She added: “Work-wise, I have two airports to fly out of so it makes sense.
“It takes us an hour and 45 minutes to go up North and that is nearly the same length of time as driving from our previous house in Wicklow.
“I am up and down like a yo-yo, but it is lovely.”
Dublin property prices have almost doubled in seven years, rising 95% from their February 2012 low, according to the Central Statistics Office.
An average three-bed semi in the capital will set you back €367,500 – rising to €533,000 in some leafy south Dublin suburbs – compared to €103,543 in Leitrim and €302,000 in Kildare.
Thalia and Ryan, who met on Dancing With The Stars, are now set to take part in its first tour in Killarney this November.
She said: “It is comical, isn’t it? Brian Redmond called me and asked if I would partner Ryan. Ryan didn’t text me because he wanted Brian to tell me first.
“Ryan knew about the tour, but I just assumed he would be partnered with somebody else and I wouldn’t be part of it.
“I have always wanted to dance with Ryan but he has no choice but to dance with me now.”
