Wexford developers switch from holidaymakers to first-timers

While the second homes market has died a death thanks to the Bacon measures, developers in Wexford have switched their attention to the desperate needs of first-time buyers. Courtown may not be the ideal place for young couples - it's better known as a honky-tonk seaside resort fringed by overdeveloped housing estates of tax driven seaside homes. However, money talks, and starting prices of £79,950 to £85,000 for three-bedroom semis and bungalows was the right incentive to pull in the buyers last weekend when Pat Neville Developments launched the final phase of their scheme. Hooke & MacDonald sold no less than 30 of the houses, virtually all of them to young couples. Other developers pitching for the same type of buyers can only hope to succeed if they are within commuting distance of Dublin or other job centres.