Local agents give tips on where to buy

Thomas Byrne - Thomas Byrne Auctioneers

You can pick up a three-bedroom semi at Wheaton Hall, practically new, in mint condition, on the south side and near the rail station, for £130,000. In the town, for around £80,000, you can buy a good terraced house in an established area.

Donal Brady - Brady Estates

People should go for townhouses because they will always sell quickly and have more room than apartments. You can still get an excellent townhouse in Drogheda for less than £100,000.

Frank Flynn - Robert B Daly

Brand new four-bedroom semis at Legavooreen Manor on the south side near the station are a good buy at £134,950. You could pick up a house on the northside in the new Manor Park development before the bypass is built and reap the dividends. Termonfeckin, Clogherhead and Monasterboice on the edge of town are good value. These areas are unspoiled and will remain so because of planning restrictions.

Giles Belton - Sherry FitzGerald Lannon

For first-time buyers, look at the ex-corporation housing estates at Ballsgrove and Marian Park. You can buy a three-bedroom house in these areas for £90,000.

Fintan Sullivan - Sullivan Estate Agents

The north side of town is traditionally cheaper. Now there is a suggestion for a train station there. Tullyallen, Monasterboice and Collon are all beside the motorway junction and the bypass. The north side is going to be good value.

Darina Collins - Gunne Residential

The Donore and Duleek areas to the west of town are now coming into their own with the new motorway passing through. Right now you can buy a big four-bedroom house on half an acre for around £190,000. Watch this space with these areas.