Most developers catering for first-time buyers in the greater Dublin area are now concentrating on building duplex units, apartments and terraced houses rather than conventional three-bed semis.
The change has been prompted by the demand for higher densities and a need to keep prices within the range of those seeking their first home.
A foretaste of the kind of development likely to dominate the market in the coming year can be seen in the Co Meath town of Ashbourne on Saturday and Sunday next when Gable Developments releases the first phase of a mixed scheme of townhouses, duplex units and apartments.
Martina Dillon of Leahy Property Consultants is handling sales along with Ronald Duff & Associates.
The Cluain Ri scheme is one of the best located of a range of new developments in Ashbourne, being just off the main street close to the shopping centre. The northern end of the town, where the homes are being built, is shortly to lose a 40-year old eyesore when the row of corn stores is demolished and the site redeveloped for apartments and shops.
At the opposite end of the town, work is nearing completion on a mixed development that will include a hotel, shops, apartments and a multiplex cinema.
Designed by architects Paul Carroll & Associates, the Cluain Ri scheme will eventually have 230 homes in an interesting mixture of courtyards and short avenues rather than in boring straight lines. All 42 units going for sale this weekend are located in two and three-storey terraced buildings fronting on to open space. Most of the homes are likely to be bought by first-time buyers, some of whom may eventually have an opportunity to trade up to four-bedroom homes on the site when they come on the market. Cluain Ri has one obvious advantage over most new schemes. All the homes have infinitely more floor space. Onebedroom apartments have 820 sq ft, three-bedroom townhouses and duplex units come with 1,170 sq ft while the three-bedroom apartments are almost double the usual size with up to 1,770 sq ft.
First to sell out will probably be the one-bedroom apartments which have a terrific livingroom/kitchen at the rear with a glass door opening out on to a tiny garden. Prices start at £119,950. The kitchen has a handy breakfast bar and an attractive fireplace piped for natural gas.
There is a double bedroom at the front with a good-sized wardrobe and a bathroom between it and the livingroom.
The two-storey, three-bedroom homes above the apartment also have a superb livingroom/diningroom with more space than usual and an open fireplace with gas fire. Selling prices will be from £144,950. The reception room opens out on to a huge balcony.
A separate kitchen/breakfastroom off the entrance hall has a range of Shaker-style wall and floor units. Two of the bedrooms on the top floor are doubles and the third is a child's room. The main bedroom has an en suite shower room and a small balcony looking out to the front.
For most families, the two-storey three-bedroom terraced homes priced from £149,950 must seem excellent value. They are bright and spacious with an excellent livingroom which will double as a diningroom.
The kitchen at the front of the house is well finished and has enough space for a table and chairs. The main bedroom has an en suite shower room and fitted wardrobes. The second bedroom is also a double while the third can easily take a single bed.
The selling agents are also taking bookings for four three-bedroom apartments which range from 1,550 to 1,770 sq ft and are priced between £159,950 and £164,950. As these units are still in shell condition, buyers may be able to divide the livingroom/diningroom into two separate rooms rather than having one huge room. The three-bedroom apartment on the upper floor has the added advantage of a spacious roofed balcony. Whoever buys it will undoubtedly install windows to close it in and use it as sunroom.
The small enclosed rear gardens open out on to larger communal gardens which will be landscaped and maintained by a management company. There is plenty of car-parking space at the front of the homes.
