I'd hold out and buy a house in either the UK or Ireland after the markets softens further, then take out a mortgage for the balance and work the tax efficiency....That way, unlike a pension, it can be passed on to your loved ones. It should increase in value, as it has done traditionally in the past. Invest in an interest bearing account for now and be in no panic to act. You have 25 years after all.
The market softening could take some time in my opinion.
Even when it arrives, you will still only get capital appreciation at about 1% above inflation in the long-term. Unless you can get a reasonable yield (7-8% to account for dry spells, maintenance, management fees, entry and exit charges) you would be better off putting your money on deposit.
Equities (through unit-linked funds), in the long-term, outperform property, but things to watch out for are: entry fees, exit fees, management charges etc. etc. etc. Again, in my opinion, the markets are over-valued at the moment, but I am very much in the minority on that one!
If you earn, particularly if you are paying tax at the higher rate, then a pension is a must as with tax savings, you get a 46% discount on purchasing the pension. Maybe use the money to do that over the next few years and see if there is some way you can use up unused credits for previous years.