Apartments in Temple Bar for sale at £168,000

A new development of 29 apartments in Temple Bar will be on view tomorrow during an open day organised by Temple Bar Properties.

Prospective purchasers will have a chance to view the stylish show apartments in Saul's Court and will then be talked through the plans. The entire development will then be sold from the plans next Thursday, October 14th. Prices range from £168,000 for the one-bed apartments to well over £300,000 for a three-bedroom duplex unit

The apartments qualify for Section 23 tax relief, so they are sure to be of strong interest to investors. However, Temple Bar Properties has an active preference for owner-occupiers. Hooke & MacDonald is the selling agent and previous launches have seen queues on the day of sale outside its offices.

Owner-occupiers in the queue will be given first options to buy the apartments; investors will then get a chance to purchase what is left.

Saul's Court is in what Temple Bar Properties is referring to as the Old City. It is in the west end of the area, on the far side of Parliament Street towards the Central Bank.

It is one of three new developments that will overlook a new courtyard. The forth fourth side of the at courtyard is will be taken up by a purpose-built creche. The Saul's Court scheme is bordered by Cow's Lane, a new street. It is one of the last opportunities to buy into the area. When the three developments have been built, Temple Bar Properties will have completed its residential building programme.

Designed by architects O'Dowd O'Herlihy Horan, there are 15 different apartment types in Saul's Court. There are 15 one-bedroom units, which range in size from 433 sq ft to 581 sq ft at £168,000 to £176,000; nine two-bedroom units ranging in size from 603 sq ft to 711 sq ft at £220,000 to £250,000 and four three-bedroom units from 785 sq ft to 875 sq ft, which will sell from £280,000 to £300,000. There is also a very large 1,319 sq ft three-bedroom duplex. No price has been set, but it is expected to sell for well in excess of £350,000. As in all other Temple Bar Properties' schemes, these apartments are outwardly modern, with an emphasis on light and space.

Each apartment features large windows, which usually take up an entire wall, along with wooden floors, and contemporary styled Nobilia fitted kitchens.

Other common features include kitchens that are incorporated into the main living areas and smart looking tiled bathrooms.

However the bedrooms are disappointingly small, even in the larger apartments.

The communal areas are very attractive and bright. There is a lift and most residents will have their own balcony.

All residents will have access to the large, communal roof gardens which enjoy wonderful views over the city and some apartments have their own spacious roof gardens.

Given the variety of styles and extras, particularly in terms of outdoor space, attending the open day to have a good look at the plans is a must for would be buyers.

There are three car-park spaces available in the development and these will sell for £30,000 each.

They come with several restrictions in that they can only be used by the apartment occupier and they can only be sold on to other apartment occupiers.

There is extensive bicycle parking.

The apartments will be ready for occupation early in 2000, by which time the adjacent Pudding Row development, which sold off the plans earlier this year, will be occupied and the central courtyard will have been landscaped. The creche is also due to open around that time.

Tomorrow's Saul's Court open day will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Temple Bar Properties, 18 Eustace Street, Temple Bar.