What the experts say

Conor Gallagher - Douglas Newman Good

It's important to have an outdoor space; the trend is towards having a balcony as a usable living space. You tend to get larger balconies further out of town, although some of the newer apartments in town, like those in the IFSC, have substantial balconies and terraces. The older inner city apartments don't tend to have them.

Ben Gough - Wyse Property Management

The key considerations are affordability and location. If it is a new apartment scheme, then attention should be paid to the quality of finish and whether the builder is reputable. It's a good idea to query previous projects. It could be a concern if the service charge is too low, because there might not be enough of a "sinking fund" to cover emergency situations - some of which might not be covered by insurance. Insurance companies tend to itemise the risks they won't cover. A low service charge can be a marketing tactic by the developer.

Simon Ensor - Sherry FitzGerald

Be aware that the more extensive the common area, the more sizeable the service charge. Some older blocks have spacious common areas and big gardens but you pay for their maintenance.

James Pike - O'Mahony Pike Architects

With the virtual elimination of the investor market, developers are having to look at the owner-occupier who wants more space, better storage and better layout. In the inner city, we need a lot larger and more flexible flats. A lot of apartments fitted for the investor market are now being gutted and redesigned by owner occupiers. The local authorities are now asking developers to provide services, shops, a laundry and a creche as part of a scheme as well as a community room for social involvement.