Good value for first-timers

Finglas: from €185,000A massive new scheme six miles from the city centre is on sale from today, writes Bernice Harrison

The development of what was once farming land in north Dublin continues apace with the launch this week of Hampton Wood, a massive new housing development in Finglas, Dublin 11 on Dublin's northside.

Situated on a 41-acre site, it will have over 1,000 apartments and houses when it is complete in five years' time, making this new development from builders Dwyer Nolan a major addition to the housing supply in Dublin.

This part of north Finglas close to St Margaret's is experiencing rapid development. Both Cityside and Citygate are just two of the new housing developments adjacent to Hampton Wood and, in these days of long inter-county commutes, it's not difficult to see why some developers are keen to get the word "city" into the title - the area is around six miles from the city centre, close to the airport and adjacent to the M50.

This first phase of Hampton Wood is made up of just 50 units, a mix of apartments and houses, and all are ready for occupation. Hampton Wood is located on the Jamestown Road and extends to where the road, which leads up from the Finglas village, meets St Margaret's. Hooke & MacDonald is the agent.

The mix of housing types in the development is good, offering the sort of variety that should attract everyone from young families looking for a larger house to older people, singles or professional couples looking for smaller townhouses or apartments.

It's likely that most buyers will be owner-occupiers and, because apartments start at €185,000 and houses at €260,000, there is bound to be strong interest from first-time buyers. Some 70 per cent of the 1,000 units will be houses - one-bedroom units will be very much in the minority.

As well as a variety of housing sizes, there are also different options within each housing type; so, for example, there are three different three-bedroom house styles to choose from, including a large double-fronted version. There are also two different types of two-bedroom apartments; a traditional apartment block type, as well as an own-door option on the ground floor level underneath a three-bedroom duplex. It's this choice that should ensure a good mix of occupants.

The homes include 75sq m (810sq ft) two-bedroom houses from €260,000; three different types of 98-102sq m (1,055-1,100sq ft) three-bedroom houses from €305,000; and three different types of 134-138sq m (1,445-1,485sq ft) four-bedroom houses from €345,000.

All have en suite main bedrooms, a wheelchair accessible downstairs toilet and eat-in kitchens with oak units topped with black stone finished with stainless steel detailing. Contemporary wardrobes are standard. The four-bedroom houses are spacious with four double bedrooms spread over three floors.

Each house has a small fenced back garden and a designated car-parking space, as well as plenty of additional car-parking.

The apartments are a mix of 43sq m (465sq ft) one-bedroom units from €185,000; 55-74sq m (600-800sq ft) two-bedroom apartments from €225,000; and 98-117sq m (1,060-1,265sq ft) three-bedroom duplexes from €290,000. The duplexes are spacious and laid out so that inside they feel like good-sized houses rather than apartments. The apartments have the same kitchen, bedroom, bathroom fit-outs as the houses.

There is a choice of eight Hampton Wood show units to see from today until Sunday at the development.

Jamestown Road is in bad condition but is due to be closed and resurfaced to make room for a bus corridor, a welcome feature for commuters.