Family homes for first-timers or trader-uppers in Malahide

Hazelbook is likely to be of interest to first-time buyers Photo: PM Photography

Independent.ie Newsdesk

Anecdotal evidence from estate agents suggests that it is easier to sell new homes to first-time buyers at the more expensive end of the market, in more prestigious suburban areas, than at the lower, cheaper end. First-time buyers in areas such as Castleknock and Malahide are more likely to benefit from parental assistance in raising their deposit, rather than having to rely solely on their own ability to save, and are finding it slightly easier to get their foot on the property ladder. This weekend's launch of Hazelbrook in Malahide should prove of interest to such a buyer.

Bernie Carroll has been building homes in Malahide since the mid-eighties. He now runs Carroll Estates with his two daughters, Róisín and Shauna, and says there is currently a dearth of stock suitable for first-time buyers. This weekend, the company launches a new development of four-bed semi-detached and detached homes in Malahide, which are expected to help fill that gap.

Situated on Kinsealy Lane, just off the Back Road, the site is minutes from the entrance to Malahide Castle and Malahide Village. The land was formerly owned by local farming family the Foleys, who count GAA legend Lar Foley among their numbers. It is bordered by road, farming land and Castleway, a previous development by the same company of four-bed detached homes which was completed in January of this year.

This first phase brings 11 units to the market: six semi-detached homes of c149sqm, from €550,000, and five detached of c169sqm, from €729,000.

This land was bought by the company with fellow developer Bryan Lynam. The two have operated in partnership on projects for years now, buying plots together, working separately once planning permission is achieved, splitting the site in half and building roughly the same type of house. This partnership makes it easier to afford land, Bernie Carroll explains.

There is one further plot to be developed here once Hazelbrook is completed, estimated to be in the next two years. This last site will include three- and four-bed semi-detached units, further first-time buyer stock, and will be accessed from the Back Road, roughly opposite the entrance to Malahide Road. Surrounding residences are mostly one-off builds, many of them bungalows.

Fingal County Council's planning requirements favoured a low-density scheme which was in keeping with the rural character of the area. As such, they began with Castleway - all detached units - and are now launching Hazelbrook, which mixes detached and semi-detached units, and will finish up with the most high-density of the three schemes.

Of all the affluent northside suburbs with close proximity to the sea, Malahide could be said to enjoy the happiest confluence of amenities; a Dart service in the centre of the village, a good bus service, endless options for walks and, of course, the village, a busy spot with plenty of shops, coffee shops and restaurants.

These homes have a BER rating of A3. The ground floor in the semi-detached includes a living room with double doors to a kitchen/dining/living area, which feels particularly spacious and comfortably fits a sofa, armchair and coffee table, as well as a dining table, and a kitchen area with a U-shaped arrangement of units.

The utility room has outdoor access, and there is a storage unit with sliding doors in the hall. There is also a downstairs WC and double doors from the dining area to the rear garden. The first floor includes four bedrooms, including the en suite master bedroom, and the main bathroom.

The detached home is double-fronted, with an extra ground floor room which could work as home office, playroom or fifth bedroom. The dining room is separate from the kitchen/breakfast room. Upstairs, a second bedroom is also en suite. All bedrooms have fitted wardrobes and electrical appliances in the kitchen are included.

Address: Kinsealy Lane, Malahide, Co Dublin

Agent: The Property Team Noel Kelly (01) 846 2752 and Knight Frank (01) 634 2466

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