Dublin may have to wait another nine years for the MetroLink rail service to become a reality, but smart house hunters might want to take a closer look at some of the proposed stops along the route.
The introduction of the capital’s Luas tram system triggered price rises of between 15 and 20 per cent in some areas for properties within a 10 minute walk of a stop, and the MetroLink will likely have a similar impact.
Although properties close to the city centre and the southside stops all the way out to Sandyford have already risen in value, as MetroLink will track the Luas route, areas around the new northside stops are worth checking out.
There are also large tracts of as yet unused land, particularly between the Dardistown stop and Estuary, beyond Swords, that have been earmarked for development, but where builders have been holding out for the green light on the new transport route.
Expect homes-building to mushroom in these areas, in line with the Government’s intention to improve density in these city areas.
Here’s a selection of northside properties for sale and new-home schemes coming on stream within easy walking distance of stops along the proposed MetroLink line.
Mater
3 Library View Villas: €439,950
Refurbished three bed of 110sq m close to the Mater, Temple Street and Rotunda hospitals
38 Geraldine Street, Phibsboro, Dublin 7: €250,000
Two-bed redbrick terrace of 56sq m close to Blessington Basin, curiously seeking "cash buyers only"
Glasnevin
13 Leinster Street North, Phibsboro, Dublin 7: €450,000
Described as "an interesting refurbishment opportunity", this 123sq m four bed is currently set out in bedsits. Located in the heart of Phibsborough village
Griffith Park
121 St Mobhi Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 9: €725,000
Solid four-bed semi on a great road across from Na Fianna GAA club, with a 165ft rear garden
10 Walsh Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9: €425,000
Three-bed mid-terrace property off Homefarm Road has been extended and now measures 88 sq m.
Collins Avenue
26 Wadelai Green: €390,000
Newly refurbished three-bed, three-bath semi on a quiet cul-de-sac. Great location and energy-efficient BER of B3.
708 Collins Avenue, Whitehall, Dublin 9: €389,000
Three-bed 98sq m semi, move-in ready. Good east-facing rear garden and floored attic with Velux windows.
Ballymun
13 The Plaza, Ballymun, Dublin 9: €179,950
Spacious two-bed second-floor apartment close to schools and Omni Shopping Centre
169 Shanliss Road, Santry, Dublin 9: €345,000
Three-bed semi with 98sq m and a private walled rear garden with access from a shared driveway.
Northwood
Northwood Green, Northwood Avenue, Santry
€385,000 (three beds), €415,000 (four beds)
Quality development of 32 large three- and four-bed houses. There are 16 three beds of 126 sq m and 10 four beds of 134sq m, plus six extra-large four-beds-plus-study houses, all with A3 BER energy ratings. Open viewings this weekend
121 Lymewoods Mews, Northwood, Dublin 9: €275,000
Spacious third-floor two-bed apartment with a south-facing balcony. Suited to first-time buyers and investors.
Fosterstown
70 Boroimhe Aspen, Swords, Co Dublin: €310,000
Three-bed terrace of 94sq m with utility room and landscaped rear garden, close to airport.
25 Holywell Wood, Swords, Co Dublin: €260,000
Two-bed, two-bath town house plus attic convsersion of 800sq ft in good decorative order and with BER energy rating of C1
Swords Central
29 Mountgorry Wood, Malahide Road, Swords, Co Dublin: €250,000
Two-bed ground-floor apartment of 80sq m in a low-density development. Five-minute drive to Pavilion Shopping Centre, 10 minutes to Dublin Airport.
26 Highfield Crescent, Swords, Co Dublin: €430,000
Very nicely presented four-bed semi of 98sq m (main bedroom en suite) with a well-maintained rear garden. Swords village and shopping centre just a walk away.
Seatown
11 Carneige Avenue, Swords, Co Dublin: €205,000
Roomy two-bed duplex of 73 sq m ready to walk into on a quiet cul-de-sac. Walking distance to shops.
44 Castle Drive, Swords, Co Dublin: €300,000
Three-bed end-of-terrace property of 80sq m with side entrance and sunny west-facing rear garden on a mature cul-de-sac. Cobble-lock driveway to the front.
Estuary
Woodlands, Windmill Road, Balheary, Swords, Co Dublin: €695,000
Nicely finished 229sq m four-bed detached home on 0.9 acre (0.36 ha) of mature gardens. Electronic security gates and large decking area with two sheds to the rear.
4 Newcourt Mews, Swords, Co Dublin: €275,000
Two-bed mid-terrace house on a cul-de-sac with double-glazed windows, a fenced rear garden with shed, and modern fitted kitchen.
