In the past two years there has been a remarkable resurgence in transactions (and prices) in Portobello, a highly popular residential area of Dublin 8. Figures from the property price register show that between 2012 and 2015 there were a total of seven properties sold. Since 2016 there have been more than 43 sales. Two of the most recent sales, adjacent properties 29 and 31 South Circular Road, both of which needed upgrading, were sale agreed in less than five weeks. They were seeking €695,000 and €800,000 respectively.
"There has been a huge draw to Portobello again, and it is encouraging to see a healthier supply of properties on the market," says Andrea Whelan of Sherry FitzGerald. It is not surprising that Dockland specialist agent Owen Reilly opened an office in Portobello in 2016 to capitalise on the recent surge of stock and sales.
Number 2 Desmond Street, a mid-terrace, has just arrived on the market quoting €850,000 through Sherry FitzGerald. It last appeared in 2009 when it was seeking €795,000.
From the exterior it’s hard to believe that this property extends to 146sq m (1,571sq ft) and rises over three floors. It’s located on one of the three quietest streets in Portobello – along with Vernon and McMahon Streets – none of these are used as rat runs during peak traffic hours.
Morning sun
The spacious drawingroom to the front catches the morning sun due to its easterly aspect and has its original fireplace and pine flooring. The wall from the diningroom was removed and opens directly into what is now an open-plan kitchen-cum-dining area, which allows a second, more informal livingroom.
The shaker kitchen, though a few years old is in excellent condition and opens through double doors into a small courtyard. With just a few red robin and scant shrubs growing in planters, there is an opportunity to develop this space into something wonderful as the westerly aspect allows for sun all afternoon.
There is also a balcony off a bedroom upstairs. Although accessed from a side hung window, there is, subject to its load-bearing, an opportunity to plant this area too.
The house has three bedrooms to which the photographs do no justice. All three are spacious doubles and the master is en suite. A spacious family bathroom sits on the return.
