It's a date: Elm Park launch set for after Easter

After Easter punters will finally have a chance to buy into what is easily the most visible apartment scheme in D4.

The finishing touches are being put to Bernard McNamara's Elm Park scheme on the Merrion Road. The residential element of the scheme, comprising 300-odd apartments, will be launched after Easter, according to selling agent Hooke & MacDonald.

Prices have yet to be set but they are likely to be €500,000-plus at the swanky development. The €400 million mixed-use scheme scheme on the grounds of a former convent next to Elm Park Golf Club has been in the making for quiet some time.

The 14.5-acre site was purchased way back in 2001. Soon after the Elm Park scheme was unveiled a select list of friends of the developer and friends of friends keen to buy apartments was drawn up and an informal agreement struck. Then in 2006, after some staggering house price growth, McNamara got himself into some hot water when he revealed that a claw-back was being added to the contracts in a bid to prevent these buyers flipping on apartments and making a quick buck.

Needless to say there was much huffing and puffing when it emerged that the Co Clare builder was insisting that he was entitled to the profit if the apartments were sold within the first year. Given that the market has come full circle it will be interesting to see how many of those on the original list, now being approached by the selling agent, will be as keen to get in on the action.