FOXROCK €395,000:In June 2002, plans were unveiled for an apartment complex in Foxrock that included a gym, spa and 24-hour concierge. The publicity literature called the 48-unit Hollybrook development – under property developer Sean Dunne – Ireland's "dearest ever" apartments. With prices of up to €2.5 million a pop, it may not have been far wrong.

Fast-forward 10 years and the exclusive, luxury development has seen its fortunes change – to some degree. Prices have dropped considerably, but the concierge remains; he says there has never been a single incident in the history of the development: “No burglaries, nothing.” He recalls a truck that came in and “tore up the bricks” on the ground in front of the neo-Edwardian building. They were repaired quickly and things went back to normal.

Repairs, of course, are the remit of Hollybrook’s management company – a management company funded by its tenants. Whoever buys No 32 – a 1,500 sq ft, two-bedroom apartment with open-plan living and dining area and views of the secluded, communal garden – will pay in the region of €7,010 annually for the luxury of speedy repairs, the concierge service and the communal gym and “spa” (a sauna and steam room that are in full working order).

On sale through DNG and asking €395,000, No 32 is a bright and roomy apartment that comes with two underground car-parking spaces and a store room.

The rooms are spacious, and the master has a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite with a large bath.

It could all do with a lick of paint, and there are cracked door frames and a faulty light switch to contend with: should these put you off, you have plenty of choice within the development.

Of the other Hollybrook apartments currently on sale ( myhome.ielists seven), one two-bed is asking €750,000; another, €465,000; another, €475,000. With the €70,000 (minimum) you might save by opting for No 32, you could always hire a handyperson.