Finglas/€205,000: A new development near Finglas village is sure to attract first-timers with keen prices, decent sizes and a good selection of home styles, says Bernice Harrison.
Cityside is a new development close to Finglas village on Dublin's northside. With 422 units, it is very large with different styles and sizes of offer.
A plus is that there are several three-bedroom duplexes and three-bedroom townhouses in the mix, which should mean that this attractive-looking development is likely to appeal to first-time buyers looking for a home that they can live comfortably in for several years. Prices start at €205,000 for one-bedroom units.
While it's called Cityside, it is in fact five miles from the city centre, with good public transport routes and nearby access to the M50. It's also within comfortable walking distance of Finglas village.
One-bedroom apartments cost from €205,000, two-bedroom apartments are from €237,950, three-bedroom duplexes are priced from €271,950, and three-bedroom townhouses start from €314,950.
The standard fit-out in each apartment is good with smart-looking Italian Bravo kitchens that are fully fitted with integrated appliances and floored with tiles. The bathrooms are also fully tiled, something fairly unusual in this market.
The three-bedroom townhouses will probably be the fastest sellers. They have a decent-sized town garden to the back and the accommodation inside is over 114.7 sq m (1,235 sq ft). In addition to the three bedrooms there is also a small study.
The rooms are laid out over three levels; the kitchen and livingroom on the ground floor with a guest bathroom; two bedrooms on the first floor (one double, one single plus the family bathroom); and at the top of the house, the main bedroom with en suite and the study.
The three-bedroom duplexes are in three different styles and sizes so there is a good choice and all are spacious, ranging in size from 93.8-104 sq m (1,010-1,122 sq ft) - larger than most newly built semi-detached houses. The kitchens are sectioned off from the main living area and are good sized. There are balconies off the livingrooms and two of the bedrooms have en suites. The duplexes range in price from €271,950 to €276,950.
Cityside's two-bedroom apartments range from 62.7-67.9 sq m (675-731 sq ft) and have smaller kitchen areas than the duplexes which may or may not matter to buyers. There is a very small, built-in wardrobe in only one of the bedrooms although there is a good storage cupboard off the hallway. Again there is a reasonably sized balcony off the livingroom.
Depending on size and location, the two-bedroom units range from €237,950 to €241,950.
The one-bedroom apartments at 51 sq m (550 sq ft) have wrap-around balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, good-sized livingrooms and kitchen areas, and a double bedroom.
The apartments are being sold at showhouse stage, so the development is fully and very attractively landscaped with a barbecue area and an elaborate centrepiece fountain. The apartments are in three or four-storey blocks, the houses in short terraces and the whole development has a pleasantly open feel.
A children's play area is under construction, as is a commercial centre that will house a crèche and small shops. Car-parking is included in the price.
Hamilton Osborne King is the selling agents and Dolminack, the developers. A total of 79 homes will be launched at Cityside this Saturday. Viewing continues over the weekend.
