Strong turnout for viewing

Most of the 50 parties viewing a house in Dalkey last Saturday fell into two categories, couples in a house they felt they could sell, or older buyers who had already sold, writes BERNICE HARRISON

A HOUSE on Coliemore Road in Dalkey offers a new twist on that old saying, you can’t eat the scenery.

If agent Vinnie Finnegan could sell the scenery – and the uninterrupted view from Seaverge which is right across from Dalkey Island is truly breathtaking – then the 1930s house would have been snapped up on the first day of viewing.

The problem for many of the prospective buyers on Saturday’s first open viewing was the amount of work the 1930s semi-detached house, priced at € 695,000 requires.

Not that Finnegan, standing on top of the steps was being anything but straight about the amount of work needed. “He told us that we’d be wise to bring a builder,” said one young woman, out for a look with her husband. The couple who live in the city centre bought a wreck and completely renovated it five years ago. They have had it valued, already had some interest, and have seen other houses in their area sell quickly. Trading up, they said confidently, is possible and they have started looking. For the amount of work involved in Seaverge they thought the price was steep and the house smaller than it looked. The couple were one of 50 parties viewing the four-bedroom house in an hour on Saturday – a strong turnout in any market.

The 10 different viewing parties spoken to by The Irish Times fell broadly into two categories: couples with either two or three very young children living in houses they felt confident they could sell, “it’s in an estate in Killiney said one, houses sell well there”; and older buyers who have already sold and are ready to buy.

One woman revealed a move would be possible thanks to an inheritance. For another, her elderly mother was planning on moving in with them and their pooled resources made a bigger, better located house a possibility.

None of those that commented were relying on securing a large mortgage for this or any house, instead having significant cash to put down. They were also savvy about the market.

“The house next door sold for €1.1 million in 2010, but it was extended,” said one older man, who was able to list off the prices achieved for houses in the area and how long they’ve been on the market.

He and his wife sold their own house in 2011 as well as an investment property and are ready to buy. But not a house like Seaverge that needed such considerable work. And not because of the cost but at their stage in life, because of the time involved. “The market is still falling,” said the man confidently, “but ‘rent rot’ is a real factor in this market, people just get tired of renting and want to buy”.

Everyone we spoke to spent time dreamily looking out the windows at the sea views – as if willing themselves to ignore the amount of work that was required.

The house which comprises 94sq m (1,010sq ft) ranges over two levels with a small return. It has been occupied by the current owners for decades. There are two small interconnecting reception rooms – the front one a living room, the back a kitchen with access to the garden from the side. The bathroom is in the back return. Upstairs are four small bedrooms. It is built on a sloping site – the 20m long back garden is steeply sloped and new owners will probably excavate some of the garden to extend at the back and also at the side – subject to the usual planning permission of course.

Seaverge, Coliemore Road, Dalkey

Description: Excellent location but in need of modernisation

Agent: Vincent Finnegan