You don’t necessarily have to be looking to buy or invest in a property in order to have a look through it.

Thousands of people visit MyHome.ie every day just to check out what is on the market and pick out their dream home.

With that in mind, we’ve decided to compile the list of the 10 most viewed properties of 2014 to give you an idea of what attracted people the most to the site.

1. Fifty Abington, Malahide, Co Dublin

• Estate Agent: Sherry FitzGerald Blanc
• Current Status: Sale Agreed
• Asking price: €2,450,000

Built in 2010, Fifty Abington is the former marital home of Ronan and Yvonne Keating. It is a five bed detached house with 6,286sq ft of living space set in the exclusive Abington development, just eight miles from Dublin city centre.

2. Sorrento House, Dalkey, Co Dublin

• Estate Agent: Lisney/Sherry FitzGerald
• Current Status: For Sale
• Asking price: €12,000,000

Set in the stunning back-drop of Dalkey Island, Sorrento House offers uninterrupted sea views across Killiney Bay to Bray Head, the Wicklow Mountains and beyond. The six bed property has living space of 7,685sq ft.

3. College Square, Terenure, Dublin 6W

• Estate Agent: Savills
• Current Status: For Sale
• Asking Price: €725,000

These new A-rated four bed semi-detached properties offer living space of 1,722sq ft and are located just four miles from Dublin city centre. The properties combine Victorian and Edwardian architecture with contemporary design.

4. Belmont, Stepaside, Dublin 18

• Estate Agent: Sherry FitzGerald
• Current Status: Sold
• Asking Price: POA

These three bed detached newly built homes in Stepaside attracted a lot of interest last year with more than 100 sold. A new phase is expected this coming spring although the house style will be different.

 5. Forrest Hill, Carrigaline, Co Cork

• Estate Agent: Dooley and Howard
• Current Status: For Sale
• Asking Price: POA

One of only two entries in the top 10 outside of Dublin, this new development of homes in Carrigaline sold quickly, with only a handful of three and four bed semi-detached houses still on sale for between €235,000-€290,000.

6. Tudor House, Dalkey, Co Dublin

• Estate Agent: Sherry FitzGerald Dalkey
• Current Status: For Sale
• Asking Price: €3,500,000

Discreetly tucked away off Castle Street behind electric timber gates, Tudor House has a special feeling about it. Dating back to 1845, the property has six bedrooms and extends to 6,421sq ft with many period features intact.

7. Dalkey Sound, Green Road, Dalkey, Co Dublin

• Estate Agent: Crawford’s
• Current Status: Sale Agreed
• Asking Price: €2,500,000

Tucked off Dalkey’s Coliemore Road, North House is a smart home that offers spectacular sea views of Dalkey Island from its three south facing balconies. The five bed house has 4,000sq ft of living space and has a B3 energy rating.

8. Maytree, Bray Road, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow

• Estate Agent: Colliers International
• Current Status: Withdrawn
• Asking Price: €750,000

A futuristic four bed house set on 1.5 acres of land in Enniskerry, Maytree sits at the foot of an escarpment and offers 287sqm of living space. Set behind electric gates, it is complemented by an extensive raised terrace.

9. Brandwyne House, Rathmichael, Dublin 18

• Estate Agent: DNG Bray
• Current Status: For Sale
• Asking Price: €2,200,000

Built in 2007, Brandwyne House is a contemporary five bed home with 8,525 sq ft of living space. Amongst its many attractive features are four reception rooms, a cinema room and a basement swimming pool with gym and sauna.

10. ‘Cuil Min’, 56 Sydney Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin

• Estate Agent: Knight Frank
• Current Status: For Sale
• Asking Price: €3,250,000

Built c.1910, this ivy clad red brick Edwardian residence has been refurbished in recent years to leave it as a stunning period home. The five bed house offers 3,810sq ft of living space with its landscaped gardens adding to its offering.

The post MyHome.ie’s Top 10 most viewed properties of 2014 appeared first on MyHome.ie Advice & Blog.

Interest in Irish property from abroad is on the rise at present, with UK buyers in particular taking a closer look at the market here.

The strength of sterling combined with soaring property prices means that more and more investors are turning their attention to Ireland.

A recent study from UK property portal Rightmove found that 48 per cent more Britons had searched for Irish property in 2014 than the previous year.

While a 15 per cent increase in house prices here last year might have threatened to put some potential buyers off, the OECD still describes Irish property as undervalued and by as much as 60 per cent in some rural locations.

The value of sterling is also a driving factor with a €500,000 property now £26,041 cheaper than it would have been a year earlier.

Sherry FitzGerald are one estate agents certainly seeing the benefit, with a rise in enquiries from the UK ahead of their London Irish Property Show in the Millennium Gloucester Hotel on Saturday week, February 21^st.

“UK buyers do see themselves in a strong position at the minute,” admitted Sherry FitzGerald Countrywide director Triona Gorman.

“There are a lot of people over there looking anywhere at the moment for good investment opportunities and they are seeing the value of Ireland at the moment.

“There are great rental returns to be had at present and even if they’re only making a short term investment they can expect to make an immediate return on their money,” she said.

While Triona admitted that they weren’t “inundated” with enquiries, she said that the profile of buyer had extended away from the traditional ex-pat looking to retire back to Ireland.

“We’ve been doing this show for over 10 years and the profile is quite different from when we started out. Now those attending are maybe a bit younger and see themselves moving back home in the long-term but who would like to buy now when they see the value and are looking for a return in between.

“We also have people with no Irish connections too,” she said.

While Savills reported strong interest last week from Australia, Monaco and Dubai in their new development at 31-33 Merrion Road, a lack of new stock coming on the market was an issue in generating more interest from abroad, however, according to David Bewley of Lisney.

“If I’m honest I can’t say I’ve noticed any pick up. The interest has been steady from the UK, Europe and surprisingly Singapore.

“There are always people looking at Irish property, whether they be ex-pats or investors but there is not enough stuff coming onto the market at the moment to fuel more interest,” he said.

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Cillian Murphy

Irish actor Cillian Murphy has spent €1.7m on a home in Monkstown in South County Dublin.

The house on Belgrave Square North was being sold by Sherry FitzGerald, who described it as being an “elegant and comfortable home.”

However, it’s not known whether the 38-year-old intends to live with his family in the property or whether it is purely an investment.

He married artist Yvonne McGuinness in 2004, and the couple have a home in north-west London with their two sons Malachy and Aran.

His new Monkstown period pad was built around 1863. The protected structure is an “excellent example of a Victorian terraced residence,” according to Sherry FitzGerald, who say that “all of its magnificent original features remain intact.”

The original fireplaces are still in many of the principal rooms. The house has six double bedrooms as well as a drawing room.

The Corkman made his breakthrough in Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later and has gone on to work with Leonardo DiCaprio in Inception and Christian Bale in Batman Begins.

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Nowadays most of us like to enjoy a drink in our homes.

Some people though take entertaining to a new level by installing their own bars at home.

It’s a growing trend in houses of all shapes, sizes and prices around the country so here at MyHome.ie we thought we’d take a look at some of the best home bars on the market at present.

Here’s 20 we came across on the site at present:

The Danes, Ashford, Co Wicklow

• Estate agent: Savills (Country)
• House type: Five bed detached
• Asking price: €1,500,000

The Forge House, Kilkerley, Dundalk, Co Louth

• Estate agent: Sherry FitzGerald Carroll
• House type: Four bed detached
• Asking price: €265,000

Kara Lodge, Stacumny, Celbridge, Co Kildare

• Estate agent: Savills (Country)
• House type: Seven bed detached
• Asking price: €1,095,000

4 Eaton Close, Rathcoole, Co Dublin

• Estate agent: Redmond Auctioneers
• House type: Three bed penthouse
• Asking price: €195,000

Bowling Green, off St John’s Hill, Kinsale, Co Cork

• Estate agent: Engel & Völkers
• House type: Three bed townhouse
• Asking price: €525,000

Starwood, Coolmine, Saggart, Co Dublin

• Estate agent: City Properties
• House type: Five bed detached
• Asking price: €695,000

Capilano, Ticknock Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18

• Estate agent: Knight Frank
• House type: Four bed detached
• Asking price: €2,250,000

Claremont House, Annagh Lough, Moyne, Co Longford

• Estate agent: Frank Greene Property Sales
• House type: Four bed bungalow
• Asking price: POA

Sile House, Ballaghbehy, Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick

• Estate agent: Property Professionals Woulfe & Co
• House type: Five bed detached house
• Asking price: POA

Rio Vista, Dromore, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

• Estate agent: Property Partners Paul Reynolds
• House type: Three bed dormer bungalow
• Asking price: POA

134 Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

• Estate agent: Lisney Leeson Street
• House type: Four bed detached
• Asking price: €1,950,000

Treascon Lodge, Portarlington, Co Offaly

• Estate agent: Kate O’Shea
• House type: Nine bed detached
• Asking price: €450,000

Winton Grove, Ballybawn, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow

• Estate agent: Sherry FitzGerald Bray
• House type: Six bed detached
• Asking price: €1,875,000

Templeboy, Co Sligo

• Estate agent: Sherry Fitzgerald Draper
• House type: Five bed detached
• Asking price: €170,000

Millstream, Baskin Lane, Kinsealy, Co Dublin

• Estate agent: Goffs
• House type: Four bed detached
• Asking price: POA

Swallow House, Nemestown, Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford

• Estate agent: Sherry FitzGerald Radford
• House type: Six bed detached
• Asking price: €650,000

Ischia, Sorrento Road, Dalkey, Co Dublin

• Estate agent: Sherry FitzGerald Dalkey
• House type: Five bed detached
• Asking price: €4,000,000

Lir House, Mashanaglass, Macroom, Co Cork

• Estate agent: Engel & Völkers
• House type: Five bed detached
• Asking price: €1,300,000

Gorseland, Coynes Cross, Ashford, Co Wicklow

• Estate agent: HJ Byrne
• House type: Seven bed detached
• Asking price: €1,495,000

Charmwood, 6 Old Rathmichael, Rathmichael, Co Dublin

• Estate agent: Sherry FitzGerald Bray
• House type: Five bed detached
• Asking price: €1,900,000

The post Raising the bar: 20 of the best home bars on the market right now appeared first on MyHome.ie Advice & Blog.

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One of south Dublin’s best-known estate agencies, Daphne L Kaye and Associates, has been acquired by Sherry FitzGerald.

The deal – for an undisclosed sum – will deliver an immediate presence for Sherry FitzGerald in the lucrative Foxrock area where Daphne Kaye has dominated the residential property landscape for decades from her village premises.

Kaye’s Foxrock office will operate as Sherry FitzGerald from today. Kaye will join Sherry FitzGerald as a director of the residential business, maintaining close ties with the Foxrock branch, which will now be managed by Serena Maguire, who joins from the Bray office.

Daphne L Kaye’s business will provide a landmark presence for Sherry FitzGerald in the Foxrock, Carrickmines and Wicklow border area where detached homes on substantial sites routinely trade for multi-million euros. It brings to 17 the number of Sherry FitzGerald branches in the capital.

Clients of Daphne L Kaye and Associates have been notified of the change in ownership and given the option to remain with Sherry FitzGerald or switch to another agent. Any deposits currently on the books will transfer to Sherry FitzGerald within seven days.

Kaye told The Irish Times she was approached to sell the business three to four years ago, but “meaningful discussions” only began in earnest with Sherry FitzGerald in January of this year.

Commenting on the announcement, Michael Grehan, Sherry FitzGerald managing director said: “Daphne has been one of the leading residential agents in Dublin ever since she established her firm. She has gained a significant client reputation and is a very well-respected and popular figure within the industry. The addition of Daphne to our team will strengthen our client offering.”

Kaye’s husband and business partner Martin Gilmartin is to retain the lettings and management portfolio of Daphne L Kaye and Associates and will operate under the new trading name Trustee Property Management TPM.

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The recovery in the market for Irish holiday homes remains strong despite poor summer weather, according to a report in The Irish Times.

Estate agents across the State are reporting a pickup in business this summer, with a recovering economy, low-yielding deposits, a stronger sterling and improved infrastructure all cited as factors behind the interest.

Areas close to Dublin appear to be first in line for the recovery. Catherine O’Reilly of Sherry FitzGerald in Wicklow town, who sells holiday homes in nearby Brittas Bay, says business is “much, much better” this year, with price growth of about 18-20 per cent off the bottom of the market.

In Wexford, Colum Murphy of Kehoe & Associates, says there has been “a noticeable increase” in activity on last year, particularly in areas like Rosslare, Kilmore Quay and Curracloe.

“There is definitely an increase in demand,” he says, citing factors such as the general upturn in the economy as well as the extension of the M11 motorway which links Dublin with Wexford.

Indeed as figures from the property price register show, there were 55 sales in Rosslare since the start of the year, up from 29 on the same period in 2014. But much like the weather, reports are mixed.

In west Cork, Maeve McCarthy of Charles McCarthy Estate Agents in Skibbereen, says prices are “slowly improving” and that properties are achieving their asking prices – but only when they’re priced in line with the market.

“Any property up to €200,000 is selling away,” she says, but “above that it gets more difficult.”

Given the difficulty in earning more than about 1.5 per cent on deposit, McCarthy says that low interest rates mean some people will put their money into a holiday home, because at least “they’ll get the use of it”.

Currency conversions are also at play. In the Wicklow area, sterling’s current relative strength is a “massive factor” in driving demand, Ms O’Reilly says, with UK buyers getting a lot more value for their money.

“We see a lot of Irish people [living abroad] looking to get somewhere over here for the ‘Irish summer experience’,” she says.

Irish property has become a lot cheaper for US and British buyers, given the strengthening of the dollar and sterling.

A €200,000 home that would have cost a UK buyer about £160,000 last August will now only cost about £140,000.

But UK buyers are less in evidence in Cork, with Ms McCarthy saying that, given the currency factor, buyers from Britain are not at the volume she’d have expected. Rather, she has noted a lot of Irish people are back buying homes.

Yet with prices still so far off the peak, many holiday home owners are still trapped in negative equity, which is constraining supply.

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Dublin’s most expensive residential home, 1 Sorrento Terrace in Dalkey, has been sold according to a report in today’s Irish Times.

According to the paper, the high profile end-of-terrace property with spectacular views of Dublin Bay on the area’s most exclusive coastal strip was sold in recent weeks to a US buyer for about €10.5 million.

Sorrento House was put on the market in 2013 with a selling price of €12 million.

David Ashmore of Sherry FitzGerald and David Bewley of Lisney were joint agents for the sale, which was brokered through Christies International. Ashmore declined to comment on the purchase except to confirm that the new buyer plans to use Sorrento House as a private residence.

The owner can look forward to palatial living in a stunning setting – the 714sq m (7,685sq ft) property sits at the end of a gleaming strip of protected Victorian houses between Bullock Harbour and Killiney’s Vico Road. The grounds cover two acres of headland, giving it an unrivalled dual aspect. The panoramic views take in Dalkey Sound, Bray Head and the Sugarloaf in the distance.

Neighbours on the strip include film-maker Neil Jordan, who owns two adjoining houses, legal professionals, and property developing partners Robin Power and Michelle Kavanagh. The adjoining property, which is substantially smaller, sold for €2.5 million in August 2012, while 3 Sorrento Terrace sold in May 2014 for €3 million. Number 1’s sale price of €10.5 million would be consistent given that the house is more than double the size of Number 3 and the property’s exceptional situation on two acres of headland.

Sorrento House was lavishly refurbished throughout and it features antique Jerusalem marble in the hallway, three types of wood in the ornate parquet flooring in the diningroom, and decorative Japanesque panels that were commissioned for a number of rooms.

Perhaps the finest room is the orangery, glazed on all sides with three sets of French windows opening to a wraparound terrace that takes in the full breadth of Killiney Bay. A fully stocked cocktail bar makes it the ideal setting for pre- and post-dinner drinks.

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Sherry FitzGerald will once again be bringing its Irish Property Show to London in the New Year.

The event takes place on Saturday February 20^th in the Millennium Gloucester Hotel from 11am to 3pm.

On the day Sherry FitzGerald and DTZ Sherry FitzGerald will be displaying a sample of properties from all across Ireland and giving UK purchasers an opportunity to meet property professionals from several of their offices across the country in one day and in one location.

The event is sponsored by MyHome.ie, Bank of Irleand and The Sunday Times and you can register your interest in having your property showcased at www.sherryfitz.ie/LondonPropertyShow2016

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Agricultural land values rose by 1.1% in 2015, to stand at approximately €9,800 per acre.

This compares to growth of 3% recorded in 2014, according to the latest report by Sherry FitzGerald Group.

Following average price growth in farmland of 1.5% in the first nine months of 2015, prices dipped in the final quarter, falling by 0.4%, reflecting the ongoing volatility in the market.

An unsteady trend continues to take place each quarter and varies across the regions. The regions with the highest growth rates in 2015 were the South-East and the West at 4.3% and 4.0% respectively, followed by the South-West at 0.8%. Notably the South-East recorded strong price growth in all types of land in the year.

A similar trend took place in the West and, albeit from a lower base, values in the West appear to be generally on the increase. In contrast, the Mid-East experienced the largest fall at 1.6% during the twelve month period, while all other regions remained relatively stable. Notably, land values in the Mid-East stabilised in the second half of the year.

Dissecting the market, 2015 saw values for prime arable land and prime grassland grow steadily, while growth in marginal grassland was more moderate. However, all types of land experienced a dip in the final quarter. The average price per acre of prime arable land stood at approximately €11,700 at the end of December, while prime grassland values averaged €11,000 per acre. Marginal grassland values are notably lower, averaging €6,700 per acre.

Following relatively cautious optimism at the beginning of 2015, prime agricultural land prices softened in some areas towards the latter half of the year, underpinned by a reduction in confidence in the sector. Furthermore, an analysis of sentiment in the marketplace by Sherry FitzGerald Research reveals that overall activity in the fourth quarter of the year ranged from stable to low, as uncertainty regarding weaker dairy prices continues to weigh on the demand for land.

Large parcels of land of 100+ acres, both including a residence and without, witnessed increased demand during the year. In particular, the average price of such parcels which include a residence rose by approximately 2.6% in 2015. However, this compares to a 5.6% increase recorded in 2014 and may be reflective of the notable moderation in Irish house price growth which took place in 2015. This slowdown can perhaps be attributable to farm estates in the commuter counties of Kildare and Wicklow.

Commenting on the market, Roseanne De Vere Hunt, Sherry FitzGerald said, “Land values overall increased during 2015, albeit moderately, as purchasers remained cautious. The outlook for 2016 will see a similar trend to 2015 with modest growth levels. Demand is likely to be strongest for smaller parcels of land as the market remains hampered by a lack of cash and restrictions on borrowing.”

Commenting on the South-East market, John Radford, Sherry FitzGerald Radford said, “Confidence in the farming sector in the South-East had a positive influence on demand during 2015 and this can be seen in sales achieved, both in small and larger lots of land. This was evident for all types of land, while the general outlook for 2016 is positive.” 

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The winner of the Sherry FitzGerald Franchise of the Year Award 2015 was announced at the company’s annual Countrywide Conference which was held last Friday in Killashee House Hotel in Naas, Co Kildare. Fighting off stiff competition from 67 franchised offices, Sherry FitzGerald O’Neill, with branches in Clonakilty and Skibbereen emerged victorious, a reflection of their excellent standard of service, business acumen and professionalism.

Sherry FitzGerald O’Neill are long established in West Cork, the business having been founded by Ray O’Neill’s grandfather in 1930. Ray O’Neill and his wife Mary O’Neill were one of the first estate agents to join the Sherry FitzGerald Countrywide network in 1999 and they have gone from strength to strength ever since. They are a business that are continually striving to improve the customer service experience and are particularly strong in their use of marketing and technology to do so.

Commenting on the award Ray O’Neill said: “We are thrilled and honoured to be the recipients of the Sherry FitzGerald Franchise of the Year 2015 award. Our partnership with Sherry FitzGerald began in 1999 and we have been delighted to be working with this progressive company ever since. Our innovative systems ensure that our service as an estate agent in the West Cork market is the best it can be. Our intention is to continue to lead the market in West Cork and provide a quality service to vendors and purchasers alike.”

Mary Dillon, Managing Director, Sherry FitzGerald Countrywide, said: “Sherry FitzGerald O’Neill in Clonakilty and Skibbereen represents all that is best about our franchise members. Their outstanding customer care, professionalism, and innovative approach to marketing to ensure they always achieve the best price are some of the qualities that make them an outstanding member of our franchise team.”

Other winners on the night included; Michelle Maye of Sherry FitzGerald Power & Walsh who won the Administrator of the Year Award, Sherry FitzGerald Tom Fox won the Innovation Award and Sherry FitzGerald Reynolds were successful for the second year running in winning the Marketing Award.

This year’s awards were in association with MyHome.ie and for the first year the conference hosted over 15 exhibitors who displayed their products and services.

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Searching for a home in Ireland could be about to change forever with the news that virtual reality viewings are set to be introduced.

One of the country’s leading estate agencies, Sherry FitzGerald, have today announced plans to launch Europe’s first virtual reality platform for viewing houses.

Digitally profiled by an environment artist, the virtual version of the house gives potential buyers the chance to check out the property without ever stepping in the door.

Sherry FitzGerald director Brian Dooley said it was hoped that the new technology would also allow clients to virtually customise a home.

“We want to allow people to pick their kitchen finishes or wall colour finishes. Matching tile with a kitchen finish and a wall colour can be difficult,” he said.

“If you have a representation of that in virtual technology then you can make the decision in comfort.”

Sherry FitzGerald’s forway into VR comes as some of the world’s major tech players such as Google and Microsoft invest billions of dollars into what many see as the next big consumer technology.

For the initial launch, a very limited range of properties, such as the Rokeby Park development in Lucan, can be viewed using VR headsets in a select number of Sherry FitzGerald branches. However, if successful the plan is for each branch to have its own kit.

Sherry FitzGerald head of new homes Ivan Gaines said one of the main benefits of VR from a commercial point of view was being able to market an undeveloped property earlier than ever before.

“The principle reason for using the technology in Lucan was really to start the marketing campaign very early,” he said.

“The clients might have been aware of the floor plans and had some visualisation of what was to come, but given that we are a season or more from having a physical showhouse, VR gives them a sense of the house.”

Gaines said he doesn’t expect buyers to sign on the dotted line based on a VR viewing alone and that people will still want to see “the bricks and mortar” before making a decision.

Looking beyond the new home market, Dooley said the main challenge the company faces is adapting the VR technology to cater for houses that have already been built.

“The challenge is trying to make it mainstream, because 95% of what we sell is existing as opposed to new homes,” said Gaines.

“We’re working with various parties and introducing some 360-degree camera technology that we can use in existing builds.

“Perhaps we will have a virtual negotiator or voice overs talking you through various features, such as where the sun shines in and other key selling points,” said Gaines.

Sherry FitzGerald has confirmed that Samsung Gear VR headsets will be used for the viewings.

These were chosen because of their ability to provide “a comfortable, easy to use, high quality 360 degree experience of new properties.”

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Nearly two-thirds of first-time buyers are unclear about how the mortgage process works according to new research from KBC Bank Ireland.

To deal with this issue, KBC is inviting first-time buyers from around the country to the bank’s first ever national Mortgage Lounge event on Thursday.

Taking place from 6pm-8pm at the Mansion House on Dawson Street, Dublin 2, the Mortgage Lounge is aimed specifically at helping first-time buyers to understand the mortgage process from beginning to end in an easy and accessible format.

The event brings together a team of mortgage advisors from KBC Bank, estate agents from Sherry Fitzgerald and solicitors from McDowell Purcell all under one roof, giving first time buyers the opportunity to hear from industry experts and take part in panel discussions.

Furthermore, attendees can also browse the Mortgage Lounge Expo and speak one-to-one with a team of mortgage and insurance advisors, brokers, estate agents and solicitors.

Director of Customer, Brand and Marketing at KBC Bank, Aidan Power said: “It’s clear from our research that first-time buyers are looking for help when it comes to understanding how the mortgage process works. At KBC Bank we understand that buying your first home can be an exciting time, but also a little daunting and confusing.

“Our Mortgage Lounge event is designed with that in mind, giving first-time buyers straightforward information, expert advice, and the reassurance they need to take the next step to becoming a home owner. There’s still time to register and I would encourage any first-time buyer looking for guidance to come along for a relaxed and informative evening next Thursday.”

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Estate agent Vincent Finnegan has opened a new office in Dún Laoghaire.

Finnegan, who started his first business in Dundrum in 2003 and added a commercial arm in 2008, spent the recession years quietly expanding his business, eventually buying his new premises in Dún Laoghaire from Nama at a knockdown price.

According to The Irish Times, the 4,500 sq ft unit at 7/8 Anglesea Buildings had been owned by Richard Murphy of Xtravision fame, who paid more than €2.5 million for it in the boom times. Finnegan picked it up for about €450,000.

The new premises opened last week and has five staff, with plenty of space to expand.

Meanwhile in Sandyford, Damien Baxter and his wife Marie have opened a new branch of Baxters Auctioneers, a business that dates back to the 1970s when Damien’s father, the late Kevin Baxter, set up shop in Blanchardstown.

The pair have racked up almost 40 years in the property business between them, both of them working at different stages for Baxters and, more recently, for Sherry FitzGerald in Dundrum and Bray.

Their new venture, Baxter Real Estate in Sandyford village opened a couple of weeks ago with rugby player Dave Kearney and Fine Gael TD Josepha Madigan doing the honours.

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It has been a full week now since Britain’s decision to leave the European Union but seven days on no one really knows what the long term forecasts will be when the Brexit officially happens.

We might be in unchartered waters but that hasn’t prevented people from speculating as to what could occur.

The property market is one area that will be closely monitored and despite reports of a number of deals around the country falling by the wayside due to the fall in the value of sterling adding thousands of euro to deals, could Ireland’s property market be set to benefit from a Brexit?

One of the country’s leading commercial agents, CBRE, seem to think so.

Its Head of Research Marie Hunt expects a number of financial services, technology and other firms to relocate here from Britain, helping interest in the commercial property market as well as boosting the number of jobs available here.

While that will be a silver lining, Ms Hunt said the overall property market will be hit by the general economic uncertainty caused by Brexit and said it may cause some investors to delay making purchases.

That general view was shared yesterday by Sherry FitzGerald whose chief economist Marian Finnegan believes that the Brexit result could put more pressure on the Government to deal with the housing crisis.

She said: “There is a growing view that Brexit may lead to an uplift in occupier demand from the foreign direct investment sector. In particular, Dublin is likely to benefit from increased demand from financial services companies in need of an EU base.

“This will lead to a further increased demand for housing. With this in mind, it is imperative that the Government takes immediate action to remove the barriers to both construction and activity to allow a more normal function and responsive market re-emerge.”

Lisney also speculated earlier this week that a “wait and see” approach would emerge but warned that investment would be needed in housing, something that could lead to opportunities for building investors.

The initial result of the Brexit referendum certainly hasn’t dampened an interest in Irish property. Last weekend traffic to MyHome.ie from the UK was up 43 per cent, for example, although there is little doubt that the fall in value of sterling will put some people off.

Earlier this week the CSO reported that property prices were up by almost 7 per cent year on year and 0.2 per cent for the month of May. That gradual growth is expected to continue in the short term, largely due to a lack of supply, but we won’t fully know Brexit’s impact until a few months down the line, possibly at the turn of the year.

Let us know your thoughts:

• What impact will Brexit have on the market here?
• Will Ireland benefit from the Brexit?
• Has it increased the need for more housing in our towns and cities?

Have your say below…

The post What impact will Brexit have on the Irish property market? appeared first on MyHome.ie Advice & Blog.

Sherry FitzGerald New Homes is delighted to bring to the market “Garville Drive” in Rathgar. This boutique style development is a rare, hidden gem….. tucked away off Garville Avenue in this prime D6 suburb. Garville Drive is a luxury scheme comprising just 8 no. 4 bedroom townhouses extending to 2,000 sq ft (186 sq m approx.) plus a substantial basement of approx. 350 sq ft (32 sq m).

Developers Elmhill Homes and DDA Architects have designed an extremely attractive home. The modern brick façade subtly conceals the luxury within – where generous internal specification combines with the latest technology to create a superior A2 rated energy-efficient home. The rear gardens are south-facing and come complete with patio area and full landscaping.

Garville Drive enjoys an enviable prime location in Rathgar, Dublin 6. Dating back to the eighteenth century, Rathgar maintains a distinctly village feel, with charming restaurants, delicatessens and boutiques. And all within 4 kilometres of Dublin City Centre.

4 bedroom townhouses from €1,075,000 (approx. 2,347 sq ft total)

Developed by: Elmhill Homes

Built by: Montane Developments

Montane Developments is an International Property Development Company focused on residential and commercial property developments. Montane are committed to setting new standards, innovative concepts, meticulous planning and quality construction. The Company has developed major projects during the past 15 years and their commitment to quality for homeowners and business has been recognised by several awards.

Show Home On View – Sat 3^rd September from 12pm – 2pm or by Private Appointment

Contact: Sherry FitzGerald New Homes 667-1888 / Rathmines 496-6066

Special Features:

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

• Superior ‘A2’ energy rated homes
• Low energy / low carbon emissions create a low energy demand, greatly reducing the cost of heating & hot water production
• High levels of quality insulation deliver exceptionally high levels of thermal performance. This reduces heat loss through floors, walls and roofs leading to lower annual running costs
• Air-tightness membranes ensure homes are draft free and heat does not escape, which in turn reduces heating times and increases heat retention
• Mechanical heat recovery ventilation (MHRV) system supplies a constant stream of fresh air and simultaneously recovers the heat from the exhausted air thus reducing condensation and dust levels and creating a healthier living environment

EXTERNAL FEATURES

• Traditional concrete block construction with attractive brick and rendered block work façades. Sandstone finish to front elevation window sills and surrounds
• High performance double glazed windows and patio doors by ‘Carlson’. The low emission argon-filled windows reflect heat back into the room
• Composite front door with superior multi-point locking system
• Large glazed roof lights above main dining/ kitchen area and central stair core
• Zinc effect cladding to roof and front porch
• Fully landscaped rear garden complete with synthetic grass, paved patio area, planter with stone cladding and feature timber panelled rear/ back wall
• Outdoor tap connected to a below ground rainwater harvesting system
• Low maintenance sedum (green) roof finish to flat-roof areas at first and second floor levels
• Roof terrace complete with hardwood decking
• Powder coated aluminium maintenance free gutters, down pipes, fascia and soffit
• Rendered blockwork boundary walls to rear gardens provide privacy. Side gates fitted (where applicable)
• Solar Panels

HEATING

• Attractive feature wood burning stove to main living room set in a modern style quartz stone surround
• Gas fired central heating with ‘A’ rated gas condensing boiler
• Thermostatically controlled radiators with precise controls deliver high efficiency. The system can also be fully controlled via a smart phone app

INTERNAL FEATURES

• All internal walls and ceilings are plastered and painted throughout. Finished in a white matt paint
• Feature stairs to all levels with hardwood balustrade and painted handrails
• Naturally lit stair wells
• Contemporary skirting and architraves throughout
• Elegant painted ‘shaker’ style internal door complete with brushed chrome lever door handles and ironmongery
• Smoke, heat and CO2 detectors fitted throughout

KITCHENS

• Stylish contemporary fully-fitted kitchens by Kitchen Elegance complete with luxurious stone countertop and splash back and soft close doors
• High quality electrical SMEG appliances are included as standard to include; oven, hob, microwave, wine fridge, extractor hood and fridge freezer

UTILITY ROOM complete with fitted units and contemporary countertop. The washing machine and condenser dryer are included as standard

BEDROOMS come complete with generous fully-fitted wardrobes by Bedroom Elegance

BATHROOMS & EN-SUITES

• Stylish bathrooms and en-suites are fitted with high quality sanitary ware. Floor tiling and wall tiling to wet areas. En-suites are fitted with large walk in pressured ‘monsoon’ showers complete with fitted shower screens. Heated towel rails in all upstairs bathrooms and en-suites

ELECTRICAL

• Generous lighting and power points with contemporary chrome finishing. Recessed LED downlights to basement, hallway, sitting room, kitchen and landing as per show house. Pendant lighting elsewhere. Power sockets with USB ports to Kitchen, Living Room and Bedrooms. Cat 5 cabling, wired and ready for connection of T.V., telephone and broadband
• Each home is wired for intruder alarm

BUILDING GUARANTEE all homes at Garville Drive are covered by the HomeBond 10 Year Guarantee Scheme

Professional Team:

Developer: Elmhill Homes

Builder: Montane Developments

Architect: DDA Architects Ltd.

Engineer: Kavanagh Burke

Energy Consultant 2EVA

Interior design: Ventura Design

Solicitors: Byrne Wallace

Selling Agent: Sherry FitzGerald New Homes

www.garvilledrive.ie

Show Home On View – Sat 3^rd September from 12pm – 2pm or by Private Appointment

Contact: Sherry FitzGerald New Homes 667-1888 / Rathmines 496-6066

The post A hidden gem in the heart of Rathgar appeared first on MyHome.ie Advice & Blog.

Dundalk-based estate agents Sherry FitzGerald Carroll were the big winners at the Sherry FitzGerald Group’s annual conference at the Lyrath Hotel in Kilkenny on Friday.

The event, sponsored by MyHome.ie and The Irish Farmers’ Journal, saw Sherry FitzGerald agents from around the country gather to discuss the year just gone and look ahead to 2017.

There were particular celebrations for Sherry FitzGerald Carroll, who are part of the Sherry FitzGerald Group since 1999, when they were awarded the coveted Franchise of the Year award.

Pictured above is MyHome.ie’s Angela Keegan, Vincent Brady and Annie Fitzgibbon

The post Sherry FitzGerald Carroll take group’s coveted Franchise of the Year award appeared first on MyHome.ie Advice & Blog.

Sherry FitzGerald hosted a series of Buyer Information Evenings across their Dublin Residential network last Tuesday evening.

This informative evening, which saw over 150 people attend across all events as well as a Facebook Live reach of 11,000, showed how to make the buying process as seamless as possible.

On the night there were presentations from Sherry FitzGerald Financial Services on the mortgage process, Sherry FitzGerald New Homes on buying a new build as a first time buyer and a market update from Sherry FitzGerald’s Residential offices.

One of the events was also broadcast via Facebook Live and achieved a huge organic reach with the number of views growing daily. This proved a huge success for Sherry FitzGerald and allowed members of the public to interact with the estate agency via a computer device.

The evening was split into three separate videos allowing the public to access them easier afterwards:

• Residential Market Update & The Buying Process – Will Moore, Director and Andrea Whelan, Sales Manager
• New Homes Advice – Carolyn Strauss, Development Account Manager, New Homes
• The Mortgage Process – Peter Magee, Head of Mortgages

Afterwards members of the public were able to ask staff any questions they had regarding the buying process.

Videos from the evening can still be viewed on the Sherry FitzGerald Facebook page here.

Sherry FitzGerald will be hosting monthly property clinics via Facebook Live. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates.

The post Facebook Live broadcast opens Sherry FitzGerald’s Buyer Information Evening to a wide audience appeared first on MyHome.ie Advice & Blog.

Mark FitzGerald, the chief executive of the country’s biggest estate agency, Sherry FitzGerald, is to step down from his role at the end of this month.

Mr FitzGerald was a co-founder of the firm in 1982. He will be succeeded by chief financial officer Stephen McKenna on July 1^st.

Mr FitzGerald, a son of former taoiseach Garret FitzGerald, will continue as the company’s non-executive chairman and a leading shareholder, with a 40 per cent stake.

Mr McKenna (39) joined Sherry FitzGerald in 2008 as financial controller of the residential business. He was promoted in 2010 to group financial controller, and to group finance director in 2012, a role he has since occupied.

The former Connacht rugby player, who hails from Galway, trained and qualified as a chartered certified accountant with EY, and holds a masters in business practice from UCC. He is married with two children.

The post Mark FitzGerald to step down as chief executive of Sherry FitzGerald appeared first on MyHome.ie Advice & Blog.

People living in Dublin City are now spending as much as 55% of their take-home pay on rent.

That’s according to new figures from Sherry FitzGerald, released this week.

They show just how expensive it is to rent in the capital with the rise in rents in recent years outpacing earnings growth over the same period.

By contrast Limerick City was the cheapest urban centre to rent in with dwellers giving up just 30% of their after-tax income on their home.

When rent is calculated as a percentage of income Dublin was the third most expensive city in the world to rent in afer London (Kensington and Chelsea) at 85% and Manhattan at 60%.

Since the end of 2012 the rent-to-income ratio, or the amount of the average income that goes on rent, has been rising steadily, but touched 55% for the first time in the second quarter of this year according to Sherry FitzGerald.

This means that for every €100 in after-tax income earned, €55 goes on rent. So a single person on a salary of €35,000, will have take home income of €2,405, of which €1,322 will go on rent.

Typically financial experts recommend that a person keeps their housing costs to 30 per cent of their net income, When housing costs go above this level, it starts to impact on a household’s ability to save and cover other costs.

Back in 2008, as the Celtic Tiger bid farewell, Dublin dwellers were spending about 53% of their disposable income on rent, in excess of the national average of about 40%. However, the ratio tapered thereafter, but has been rising steadily since 2012 and the latest figure represents a new high.

Nationally the income to rent ratio now stands at 41% while it varied in areas such as Cork City (37%), Kildare (40%), Galway (41%) and Wicklow (42%).

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