Starter Homes

Three years ago, the neat redbrick terraced houses behind the new Bloomfield shopping centre in Dun Laoghaire could have be bought for £65.000. Now, these Victorian workers' cottages are changing hands for well over £100,000 and prices are rising fast. While first-time buyers have to cope with fast-escalating prices, mortgage costs are almost half what they were then, making first homes just about as affordable as they were then. The local authority terraces behind the main street in Dun Laoghaire have had a fresh coat of paint lately and are looking seductively pretty even without the addition of summer flower baskets.

The opening of the Bloomfield centre has moved the axis of the town towards the York Road end, an area that was much in need of rejuvenation. Now, houses are being renovated, new shops, offices and apartments are being built and properties have almost tripled in value since the mid-1990s. People tend to stay in this area for generations, so just a few houses trickle on to the market each year. Those that do come up for sale are usually snapped up by young commuters wanting to be close to the DART. As a result, the population is a mix of retired couples, families and young professionals. Gunne's Dun Laoghaire branch has two houses for sale in this area with asking prices of £130,000-plus and £119,500-plus.

The more expensive of the two is Number 44 Cross Avenue. This is in good order, although a new owner may decide to splash out on timber floors and a more up-to-date kitchen. The house is currently arranged as two units, but this could be changed with the removal of kitchen units in the biggest bedroom upstairs. On the plus side, with plumbing already in situ, adding a washbasin (or small en suite, at a pinch) would not be much of a problem. The house has a hallway leading to a sittingroom with a rustic brick fireplace, which has a back boiler to heat the radiators. Deep window sills are a particularly attractive feature.

There is a good-sized kitchen extension with fitted cupboards and room enough to eat in. A skylight makes this room bright and there are recessed ceiling spotlights. Off the kitchen is a utility area and a family bathroom with bath and wash-basin. There is a small yard with rear access.

Upstairs, the back bedroom has a shower room en suite and telephone point, while the larger room at the front has fitted units and a television point.

The price of 87 Northcote Terrace, off Library Raod, takes into account the extra cost of refurbishing this two bedroom house. The front is of old brick and others on the road which have been tastefully upgraded give an idea of the possibilities of this property. There is a small entrance lobby, sittingroom with an open fire and an archway to the kitchen, shower room and a dining area. The galley-style kitchen has a range of cupboards and a window looking out to a tiny back yard. This has been planted with spring bulbs and there is just enough room to fit a deck chair. Stairs lead from the sittingroom to the two double bedrooms. The back room has wardrobes and sea glimpses from the window. There is a cast-iron fireplace in the front room. The house needs work.

DUN Laoghaire's name comes from a fifth century fort built by Laoghaire, King of Tara. The port rose to prominence when Dublin port silted up and the main east and west piers were constructed between 1817 and 1821 of granite from Dalkey and Killiney hills.

There is an impressive list of leisure activities, including three yacht clubs, several golf clubs within a short radius and restaurants, a cinema and the long promenade. And Dun Laoghaire as a location is undoubtedly on an upward curve.