Looking for . . . a property with potential in Dublin 4 for under €500,000

When it comes to space and location, you may struggle to find anything that trumps the mature low-density, upmarket developments dotted around Dublin 4. While apartments in such developments tend to come on the market requiring work, this gives buyers the opportunity to put their own stamp on the property and to add value. The following properties have good proportions, gas- fired central heating and secure parking in the heart of Dublin 4.

14 Burleigh Court, Burlington Road, Ballsbridge

Agent: Bennetts Sandymount Price: €425,000 Size: 1,055sq ft/98 sq m

Built in 1978 by Finbarr Holland, Burleigh Court is a redbrick gated development consisting of 40 large apartments, all similar in size, and mostly all owner-occupied. Number 14 could easily double as a film set for a bygone era, with the interior recalling scenes from 1970’s Dallas. While some prospective buyers may find the interior off-putting, this apartment has everything going for it.

The generous 1,055sq ft of interior space is further enhanced by a practical 60sq ft enclosed balcony and a 150sq ft private garage – one of eight in the development. Its layout remains desirable, with a spacious entrance hall, two large double bedrooms, two bathrooms (both with full bathtubs) and a 23-foot long livingroom, interconnecting with the separate kitchen-cum-dining room.

It’s rare to find a nice kitchen in modern Dublin apartments – most consist of a window-less nook at the end of the livingroom . But Number 14’s sizeable kitchen is a refreshing sight, with its full-sized dining table and natural light. The annual service charge of €2,200 is on a par with other mid-sized developments.

At the height of the boom, a similar apartment traded for €925,000. In 2007, Burleigh Court’s 40 owners were each offered an astounding €800,000 plus a another apartment in the area, all in an effort to gain control of the block’s one- acre site in the wake of Bernard McNamara’s purchase of neighbouring parcels.

8 Wavendon, 69 Northumberland Road, Ballsbridge

Agent: Sherry FitzGerald Price: €495,000 Size: 1,109sq ft/103 sq m

Northumberland Road is a picturesque, tree-lined road flanked by handsome Victorian redbricks, located a stone’s throw from Ballsbridge Village. Completed in 1981, Wavendon houses 12 exceptionally large apartments in a popular location behind an instantly appealing façade – a mix of modern redbrick and original Victorian structures.

Number 8 is one of the nine purpose- built apartments in the development, located to the rear of the block and overlooking Baggot Lane. All of the rooms enjoy a sunny southwesterly aspect; being set back from the busy main road to the front of the block is also a major plus.

The apartment is sparsely furnished and the interior ordinary. The original kitchen is still in place and has aged well for one of its vintage . (In fact, it is the exact same Arco kitchen as in 14 Burleigh Court.) The kitchen isn’t huge, but the living-cum-dining room more than compensates, with abundant space for a large dining table and full livingroom suite. There are two large double bedrooms, one en suite, and a second bathroom. The apartment has great potential, with the large windows providing good light throughout – especially the double-aspect livingroom. Unsurprisingly, given the small number of units in the exclusive development, the annual management charge is on the high side:€3,000. In 2005, 5 Wavendon, an apartment of roughly the same size but laid out with three bedrooms, was for sale at €725,000. Since 2010, four apartments have appeared in the property price register with sales prices between €320,000 and €400,000.

15 Rawson Court, Percy Place, Ballsbridge

Agent: Lansdowne Partnership Price: €495,000 Size: 1,152sq ft/107sq m

Built by Hibernian Insurance in 1991, Rawson Court is a development of five ground-floor apartments and 12 back-to- back triplex townhouse-style units. Originally price around €150,000 (IR£118,000), Number 15 is one of the townhouses fronting on to Percy Place, and is perfect for a buyer seeking the convenience of apartment living while retaining a more house-like layout.

The property features an unorthodox layout, with the master bedroom, en suite bathroom, and large separate utility and storage rooms at hall level. The livingroom and kitchen are located on the first floor, with two further bedrooms and a bathroom on the second. Its interior, like most Section 23 developments, offers little luxury and is rather bland.

The exterior is attractive, and the interior could easily be improved with a cosmetic revamp. 1,152sq ft may not be gargantuan for a three-bedroom, but it is larger than average, and three bedrooms gives flexibility. Rawson Court’s location is unrivalled, situated just off fashionable Baggot Street and less than 15 minutes walking to Stephen’s Green, Grand Canal Square, the Aviva Stadium and the RDS.

In spring 2002, two neighbouring and identical townhouses in the development were for sale for an average of €475,000 each, so the current asking price is not far off this level. The annual service charge is €1,844.

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