The address: 8 Belville, off Ailesbury Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 (the scheme is roughly behind Donnybrook church).

The property: one-bed first floor apartment in 1990s-era scheme with 41sq m (443sq ft) of space for €250,000. The apartment, which is in good decorative order, also has a separate storage shed, designated car-parking spot and video intercom. The annual service charge is €1,407.

The agent: Douglas Newman Good.

The landscape: the apartment is within walking distance of Donnybrook village, Herbert Park, plenty of bus routes and is within striking distance of UCD, RTÉ and St Vincent’s Hospital.

A top-notch location with good access to the city centre and an easy exit to the countryside down the nearby Stillorgan Road/N11.

How much for an owner occupier? A first-time buyer could get a 92 per cent loan, or €230,000, with AIB. To qualify, the household would require income of €50,000. At AIB’s variable rate of 2.65 per cent over 25 years, monthly repayments are €1,049.

How much for an investor? ICS would offer investors a maximum 85 per cent mortgage, or €212,500. Stamp duty is €8,750 leaving them requiring equity input of €46,250. At ICS’s variable rate of 4.45 per cent monthly repayments work out at €1,499 over 20 years and €1,272 over 25 years.

Potential? The apartment would rent for between €1,000 and €1,100 a month, according to the agent.

Verdict: its excellent rental location means this apartment is better suited to an investor.

Calculations by Chrome Capital

– Justin Comiskey