Q&A

A selection of property queries answered

Should offer of free Volvo tempt us to buy?

Q What is your opinion on extras offered by developers to get a sale?

My partner has heard of a new development in Dublin offering a free Volvo if you buy.

His attitude is that it's a chance to get a new car for free and we should go have a look, but my attitude is "why don't they just drop the price?"

AOf course your partner is quite wrong - as you've doubtless told him - when it comes to sweeteners such as this, there really is no such thing as a "free" car. Buyers always pay for it one way or another.

We assume you are referring to the Alderwood Development in Dublin 15 where buyers who sign contracts in April get a Volvo thrown in. It's not the first time we've seen this, developers have in the past tried to lure buyers in with all sorts of extras, from speedboats to cars.

And, as you'll know if you've been looking at new developments for sale, you'll have seen many things that used to be pricey "extras", such as kitchen appliances and landscaping, are now becoming standard. Though in fairness, no matter what happens to the market, it's not likely that a Swedish family saloon is ever going to become a standard extra!

Your partner is right about one thing though, if you are looking for a new house, you should be shopping around and viewing as many developments as possible so by all means head out to Alderwood.

But forget about the car and apply the same critical thinking you would to any new house, e.g., is it where you want to live? Is it the right size for your family? Does it fit your budget? How does it work in terms of your commute/schools/local amenities etc?

Also lenders are becoming more stringent about house valuations and loan-to-value ratios. How will your lender view the €20,000-plus car? It does not enhance the house's actual valuation, so will that impact on the amount of money they are willing to loan you?

If you are a buyer with your loan in place you are in the strongest position to negotiate - whether it's for more extras or indeed less, at a lower sales price.

Can I keep a boat in driveway?

Q Can I keep a boat in my front driveway? Are there any rules or regulations to stop me doing so?

AGeneral planning regulations permit people to keep a boat (or caravan or campervan) in their garden - once they don't live in it while it's stored there and the period of storage isn't greater than nine months in any year. However if you live in a privately managed estate your lease may prohibit you from keeping a boat in your front driveway - so read that small print before you do anything.

Your questions

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It is not possible to respond to all questions. The above is a representative sample of queries received. This column is a readers' service not intended to replace professional advice. No individual correspondence will be entered into.