These will be the hot spots for 2018, comprising those parts of counties Meath, Kildare, Wicklow and Louth bordering on Co Dublin. There are at least 40 new homes schemes already under way in these areas and plenty more scheduled to follow. Recent developments would suggest the stars have neatly aligned for the developers in these areas hoping to quickly recoup their investment. With prices for new homes continuing their double digit rise annually, areas closer to the city have become prohibitively expensive for those traditionally associated with new homes – first time buyers. At this stage the asking prices for most new homes and apartments coming on stream are substantially higher than the €320,000 limit being offered to eligible candidates under the newly announced Government-assisted mortgage initiative.

So the biggest increase in activity this year is likely to be in the market for two-, three- and four-bed homes at the north and south city limits and into these commuter counties. Expect many of the applicants under the new mortgage assistance scheme to target their money towards these areas. The net effect however is that prices are likely to be driven upwards on foot of added demand, and new pressures will be placed on these areas to deliver adequate infrastructure supports to meet population growth.

KILDARE

Westfield
Green Lane, Leixlip, Co Kildare
Launching early spring, about 30 three- and four-bed detached, semi-detached and terraced homes. Prices TBC
Launch:	Spring
Developer:	Kilross Properties
Joint agents:	Sherry FitzGerald New Homes and Property Partners Brady

Beechpark
Leixlip, Co Kildare
Five remaining four- and five-bed semi-detached houses. Prices from €395,000
Launch:	Existing development
Developer:	Kilbegnet Developments
Agent:	DNG

Hawthorn Gate
Maynooth Rd, Celbridge, Co Kildare
Last remaining five-bed detached house, 154sq m (1,657sq ft), on large corner site in a scheme of 26 houses. Prices from €575,000
Launch:	Existing development
Developer:	Bourke Builders
Agent:	DNG

Millerstown
Maynooth Road, Kilcock, Co Kildare
Spring launch of second phase in a scheme of 150 detached and semi-detached homes priced from €325,000. First 40 units already on sale
Launch:	Spring
Developer:	McGarrell Reilly
Joint agents:	Coonan New Homes and Hooke & MacDonald

MEATH

Broadmeadow Vale
Ratoath, Co Meath
Launching the first phase of 30 homes in spring, total of 125 two-, three-, four- and five-bed houses ranging in size from 111sq m to 208sq m.
Launch:	Spring
Developer:	Sherwood Homes
Joint agents:	Sherry FitzGerald New Homes and Fitzgerald Hughes

WICKLOW

Glenheron
Greystones, Co Wicklow
Launching early spring, about 30 four-bed semi-detached and detached houses, plus four-bed detached dormer bungalows. From 131sq m to 171sq m. Prices from €490,000 to €650,000
Launch:	Spring
Developer:	Cairn Homes
Agent:	Sherry FitzGerald New Homes

Seagreen
Greystones, Co Wicklow
Late spring launch of 30 new house types of four-bed family homes, floor space from 130sq m. Prices TBC
Launch:	Spring
Developer:	Wood Group
Agent:	Sherry FitzGerald New Homes

LOUTH