Irish Property Blog | MyHome.ie

Grand Design: 39 Deerpark East, Westport, Co Mayo

The Investor — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:28:00 +0000

First grand design of the month this March is an architecturally designed 4 bed detached by award winning architect Michael Horan of Axo Architects. Not only that, but the property was also nominated for an award by the Architectural Association of Ireland!

39 Deerpark East is a unique property located in a small residential cul-de-sac just a short stroll from the beautiful Westport town centre.

The property extends to approximately 250 square meters and was planned to be “light filled, practical and low maintenance.” The design of the property incorporates a cedar-clad L-shape structure with a long glass atrium style roof over the living room, a butterfly roof which can gather water for use in the house, and an azure blue glass block wall in the stairwell which gives the illusion of blue skies “even on the greyest days”. If that’s not enough the property also comes with a long list of features such as;

Air Thermal heat-pump
underfloor heating throughout
Beam hoover system
polished porcelain tiles
all bedrooms en-suite with a generously sized dressing room in the master bedroom

It also has some features I’m not sure you would even find in the new London based US embassy such as;

Black out blinds on all windows
Maple veneer internal doors that are “one hour fire resistant”

Take a closer look at 39 Deerpark East, Westport, Co Mayo

Buy of the week: Station Court, Gorey, Co. Wexford

The First Time Buyers — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Buy of the week this week is a 3 bed townhouse located in Station Court, Gorey for €199,500!

Station court is a new development of one, two & three bedroom apartments, three bedroom duplex units and two & three bedroom townhouses which is location only a stones throw to Gorey Main Street and the recently opened Gorey shopping centre.

Not only is the property span new, with all mod cons and in walk in condition but the property is located virtually adjacent to Gorey train station and the N11 making location ‘king’ and one of the main selling points. With quick and easy access to Dublin City by both rail and road, Station Court has become a great commuter town of Dublin.

Take a closer look at Station Court, Gorey, Co. Wexford

Would you buy property in the current economic climate?

The MyHome Newsdesk — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0000

Would you buy property in the current market?
Or is the current economic climate deterring you from buying a home?
Do you think house prices will fall further?
How much do you think property is worth now?

MyHome.ie is conducting a short survey to find out what your thoughts and opinions are on the current Irish property market.

By completing our survey (which will take less than 5 minutes!) you’ll be in with a chance to WIN a fantastic iPod Touch!

Biggest property in the US: Ira Rennert’s Mansion

Admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:10:00 +0000

Reportedly the self-made billionaire Ira Rennert, founder of the Renco Group owns the largest residential property in the whole of the US. The property is situated on a 63 acres site in Sagaponack, New York and has 29 bedrooms, 39 bathrooms, as well as the usual gigantic dining room. In addition to the main home is an indoor theater, two bowling alleys, two tennis courts, two squash courts, game rooms, and a basketball court… among other things.

The property, which began construction in 1998 and completed in 2003 was so large that the local community thought that it was going to be used as a hotel, business retreat or religious centre.

The mansion is estimated to be worth between $170m -$180m and comes in at number 2 on the list of the world’s top 5 most expensive houses.

Drop in UK house prices during February

The MyHome Newsdesk — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:08:00 +0000

According to the last property index report from Halifax in the UK residential property there saw an unexpected price fall of 1.5% in February. The decrease has been the first drop in UK residential house prices since June last year. The decline followed a downwardly revised 0.4% rise in January and left prices 4.5% higher in the three months to February compared with a year ago.

Commenting on the drop, Halifax’s housing economist Martin Ellis said; 'the bad weather in the first two months of 2010, together with the return of the lowest stamp duty threshold to £125,000, are likely to have had an adverse impact on housing demand'.

Along with the latest Halifax report The UK Nationwide building society also reported a 1% fall in prices last month and Bank of England figures showed mortgage approvals fell to an 8 month low in January.

Gadget of the week: Six part toaster

The MyHome House Doctor — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:45:00 +0000

Household gadget of the week this week is this uber funky and quite handy six part toaster. The toaster design by Matt Gossington rotates and heats the toast in single compartments. You can then remove the compartments from the main appliance and swing open to allow toast to keep warm and crisp on its hot plates.

The toaster would be ideal for large families who have lots of mouths to feed during the weekly early morning rush. It is also toast lovers dream, for those who just cant have enough toast. Despite the amount you make all in one go, this appliance it does have a contemporary and functional design making an inspiring centre piece in any kitchen.

Winning Design: New US Embassy for London

The MyHome Newsdesk — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:03:00 +0000

Finally, after much anticipation and debate, the plans for the new US Embassy in London, designed by the Philadelphia firm KieranTimberlake were announced late last week.

The new building will be situated in the Nine Elms opportunity area of London, overlooking the southern edge of the Thames is to fill approx a five-acre site. The new design makes extensive use of glass which will be protected by a blast-resistant polymer skin; not only is this blast proof but the polymer skin will also shade the building and hold flexible solar panels. Along with all this the roof will be home to an array of solar panels that will "hide mechanical equipment while producing electricity"; "The goal is a building that creates more energy on balance than it uses".

According to the US state department, the goal of the design of the new US embassy is to "reflect the values of the American people". In an era so obsessed with terrorism and security the new London based US Embassy aspires to a different level focusing on sustainability, ecological responsibility and “neighborliness within a tight urban area”.

Although quoting the UK’s Guardian Newspaper “Cool, remote and superficially transparent, the winning design does reflect what we can divine of the US political process; Nominally open to all and yet, in practice, tightly controlled”.

The State Department hopes to break ground on the new embassy in 2013, with a planned opening date of 2017.

Check out the new US Embassy design

€1m Restoration Scheme for pre 1960’s Farm buildings

The MyHome Newsdesk — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Many traditional farm buildings are to be rescued from near extension by a new EU-funded grant scheme. The project aims to restore traditional Irish Farm buildings around the country to their former glory in order to help preserve our past traditions, history and culture i.e. 'things' that are “distinctively Irish”; “old farm buildings are what make our countryside so interesting and distinguish it from the rest of Europe” said Anna Meenan, the project manager of the scheme.

Also speaking about the scheme, Isabell Smyth, Communications Manager with the Heritage Council said, “the scheme is designed to provide assistance to those involved in the conservation and preservation of Ireland’s traditional farm buildings. These buildings are so important to the Irish landscape as they reveal a great deal about the way the countryside has evolved and the changing fortunes of farming through the ages.

So who’s eligible and who’s not?

Grants are available for buildings constructed "before 1960" and their use associated with agriculture.
"Farmhouses, residential or domestic buildings" are not eligible, nor are "corrugated hay barns – even those from the 1920s and 1930s".
Restoration of pigsties and henhouses from the 1950s may also be eligible

Grant amounts will vary between €5,000 and €25,000 and applications must be received by the Heritage Council by 5pm on March 26th.

For more information and application packages check out the Heritage Council Website.

Buy of the week: 4 St. Marys Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth

The Investor — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:23:00 +0000

Buy of the week this week is a 4 bed mid terrace located in Dundalk. On the market for €165,000 this 3 story period property offers a lot of house for its asking price and is in a super central location with all town centre amenities on the doorstep. Not only do you have plenty of room to play with indoors but there is also a 50 ft south facing rear garden with a garage / store with access to Yorke Street.

The property is full of potential and endless possibilities and would be ideal for any trader ups, investors, builders or architects as the property is in need of a complete renovation.

Take a closer look at 4 St. Marys Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth

3 Properties for under €150,000 in Co. Wexford

The First Time Buyers — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:58:00 +0000

This week’s 3 properties for X amount are located in the sunny southeast county of Wexford. All properties are on sale for €150,000.

First up is a 3 bed detached in Beechbrook Park in Killmuckridge. Location is key here with the main ‘wins’ of the property being its easy access to the N11 motorway, within walking distance of Killmuckridge village and its close proximity to the very popular beach of Morriscastle.
Take a closer look at Beechbrook Park, Killmuckridge, Wexford

Second in our trio line up is St Johns, a charming ivy clad two story 4 bed detached house in Kilcarbry, Enniscorthy. This property which was built in circa 1840 possess great character and is situated in a beautiful scenic location, less than five minutes drive to Enniscorthy town and nearby Kilcarbry mill. Features of the property include; a small enclosed court yard to rear with garages and useful out buildings, an elevated garden extending to approx 0.5 acres and near to Boro river, noted for its excellent fishing.
Take a closer look at St. Johns, Kilcarbry, Enniscorthy

Our number three property this week for €1500,000 is a 2 bed terraced property situated in Alder Court Estate, in the historic village of Ferns. Number 19 Alder Court is finished to a high spec both internally and externally. The brochure describes the design of the property as "Intelligent use of space and light, attention to detail and meticulous planning combine to create a very individual living space"… sounds impressive! The property is also located close to Ferns centre and is only a stones throw from the village's local shops, pubs, restaurants, schools etc and the Gorey bypass.
Take a closer look at 19 Alder Court, Ferns

Home Insurance to rise by 20%: Why pay for Insurance at all?

The MyHome Newsdesk — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:25:00 +0000

The devastating floods before Christmas and the big freeze in January saw insurance companies’ payout a massive €541 million; the payout exceeded the total of all serious weather events over the last decade, which stood at €358m. The Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) agreed that homeowners could now face at least at 20% increase, if not more, in their premiums as the industry seeks to absorb the half-billion euro cost of extreme weather damage.

But why pay this increase? Or why pay for home insurance at all?

Insurance is about protecting against risk but it has been reported that those affected by the recent floods and made a claim did not received the amount they were covered for. They also found it impossible to switch to another insurer and when they could get cover they were forced to accept an excess. It is also reported that half the number of insurance companies refuse to cover householders who have made a previous home insurance claim.

So while rising premiums for some may be a problem, the possibility of withdrawing flood cover in a growing number of areas or being refused cover is inevitable for others.

Have Your Say: Home Insurance: Why pay for it?

Should we pay for home insurance if we will not be given the cover we paid for?
Should we, the homeowner be penalised for making a claim due to extreme weather conditions? After all insurance is about protecting against risk?

Threefold increase in 'Sale Agreed' properties

The MyHome Newsdesk — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:16:00 +0000

There has been a threefold increase in the number of 'sale agreed' second hand homes in January compared to the same time last year according to new research carried out by MyHome.ie. The new data shows that sale agreed properties in Dublin rose by over 300% with 658 properties reaching sale agreed status last month compared with just over 200 in January 2009. Similar trends were seen in the counties of Kildare, Wicklow and Meath.

Not only that but the report showed that the month of December actually saw the highest number of sale agreed properties per month in the whole of 2009 in what MyHome.ie would call normally a quiet time for the property market.

The report ends with more signs of positivity in the property market showing that to date, the month of February is already displaying good performance with twice as many sale agreed homes in Dublin compared with the same month last year.

Read the full press release

How to clean your freezer

The MyHome House Doctor — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:21:00 +0000

Cleaning the freezer can be a lengthy and messy job but at the same time it’s a very necessary job. You probably have noticed and are well aware that over time a nice big thick layer of ice can build up on the inside your freezer. Not only does this make it hard to open and close freezer drawers but the ice reduces the efficiency of the appliance adding to your electricity bill.

So how to clean a freezer without too much torture?

First off you will need to unload the freezer of any food items you might currently have inside! If you don’t have a second freezer where you can put the food during the cleaning process one hand tip from Videojug is to wrap your frozen foods in newspaper and put them in a cooler bag which should be stored in the coldest part of your house.
Turn off your freezer and remove any drawers and ice trays from the freezer. Place newspaper or old towels around the base of the freezer to soak up the water as the ice melts.
To help the melting process along, dip a cloth in the hot water and dab it onto the ice covered shelves. Placing a bowl of warm water at the base of the freezer or underneath stubborn chunks of ice will also speed up the job.
While waiting for the ice to melt wash all the freezer drawers and ice cube trays with hot water and a small bit of detergent; rinse and leave to dry.
Check the freezers defrosting progress. Remove and discard any lose lumps of ice and damp newspaper and lay out a dry layer of newspaper or towels.
Leave the freezer until it has completely defrosted; this could take a few hours.
Once defrosted, wipe the inside of the freezer with warm water. Ensure that you don’t forget to clean the door jam as this where food from the fridge can gather!
Now you are ready to replace your freezer drawers and all frozen food.
All done!

Opportunities in India for Irish Construction Workers

The MyHome Newsdesk — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:47:00 +0000

The Ireland India Business Association (IIBA) in conjunction with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) organised a meeting today to highlight the current opportunities in the property and construction sectors in India to Irish companies.

This morning, construction businesses, bosses and employees alike heard about the plethora of work and money available in India in the sector and were advised to look to India for future opportunities where the industry is apparently booming. According to a forecast by PricewaterhouseCoopers recently, India could overtake Japan to become the world's third largest economy behind the US and China by 2012.

The Ireland India Business Association (IIBA) says India plans to increase investment in infrastructure to $500 billion over the next five years. The proposed infrastructure programme includes the $50 billion Delhi to Mumbai Industrial Corridor, a high-speed railway connecting major cities, a comprehensive road building programme, as well as port upgrading and 500 operational airports within the next 5 years.

Australia: Property prices rise and supply falls

The Overseas Investor — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:31:00 +0000

Australian property prices rose 4.8% in the three months to December from the previous quarter, bringing the national average property price to $525,524 Australian dollars or approx €347,414. According to Australian Property Monitors, they expect prices will rise by as much as by another 10% this year.

So what are the Australians doing that we aren't?
A lack of supply is helping keep prices high and construction of new homes across Australia will struggle to keep up with demand this year due to Australia’s land use regulations. Land use regulations are laws enforced by the ozzy’s which govern land use planning in order to manage urban growth. The land use planning system helps to establish the conditions needed to protect and create attractive and efficient urban environments. Therefore there is a restriction on the number of properties built in Australia every year.

Along with Land use regulations, sales of newly built properties doubled in the December quarter from a year earlier. The jump was driven by a first home buyers’ grant there, which favoured purchases of new properties. Not only that but higher prices for existing properties relative to land and building costs in some parts of the country also drove demand for new houses.

However while this might sound all very positive, reports from Australia say that the rise in property prices means that an increasing number of owners are now struggling to meet their mortgage payments. According to a survey from the Mortgage Finance Association of Australia about 16% of property owners are struggling to pay loans.

Repossession: Twink faces a fight to keep luxury home

The MyHome Newsdesk — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:24:00 +0000

Adele King, better known as Twink, could face the prospect of losing her home after she was issued with a repossession order. The Bank of Scotland began legal proceedings on Monday last to repossess Idrone House in Idrone Avenue, which she owned with her former husband David Agnew.

The conversation filler story broke just before the announcement that the moratorium on house repossessions is being extended to 12 months for all lenders.

However, the change which was ordered by the Financial Regulator does not mean that Twink has a year of breathing space as the order details that lenders must wait at least a year from the time arrears first arise before applying to the courts for a repossession order. The order also only applies to mainstream institutions as well as subprime lenders, which account for more than 40% of repossession orders coming before the courts. The 12-month requirement does not apply where a borrower is deliberately not engaging with the lender.

In a statement issued through her agent Twink said; "Unfortunately I find myself in this current situation -- no different to half of the country that have lost their jobs or, like me, are single parents -- trying to pay my mortgage, bills and raise two children on my own…It would appear that the trick is to owe the banks and building societies millions, not thousands, that way you walk away scot-free".

It has been estimated that they are approximately 35,000 people now in arrears, and figures compiled by the Courts Service show that 758 new applications for repossession orders were brought to the High Court in 2008, compared with 374 the previous year.

New shopping network: Win a €1,000 Shopping Spree!

The MyHome Newsdesk — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:15:00 +0000

To celebrate the launch of MyHome.ie's new shopping network Littlewoods Ireland, Ireland's Leading Online Department Store is giving you the chance to win a whopping €1,000 shopping spree to spend on anything you choose from the huge range available on LittlewoodsIreland.ie!

With MyHome's new shopping network and with the help of Littlewoods Ireland you can now browse over 20,000 products online where you'll find something for you and your family from fashion and footwear to interiors and electrical goods.

To be in with a chance to win this fabulous prize all you have to do is answer this simple question: How many days does it take for your Littlewoods Ireland purchases to be delivered to you? If you’re not too sure you can find a hint… here!

Enter Competition >>>

Scotland: House price market recovery evident

The Overseas Investor — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:28:00 +0000

According to the latest Scottish House Price Monitor report from Lloyds TSB Scotland the housing market there seems to be recovering. Most areas are seeing property growth with average house prices increasing by 5.9% in the three months to the end of January compared with the previous three months.

The report also shows that although house prices are now rising once more, on an annual basis they have fallen by 6.8%. Following four quarterly price falls and two recent consecutive quarterly rises, Scottish house prices have regained the level last seen at the end of 2008. However, the number of house purchase transactions is still around half of the levels recorded before the onset of the recession.

Professor Donald MacRae, chief economist, Lloyds Banking Group Scotland commented, "The level of mortgage availability including for first-time buyers has increased while the cost of borrowing remains low for many mortgage holders. Although a house price recovery is evident in Scotland, it is based on much reduced levels of activity. Nevertheless, the Scottish housing market is now into recovery."

How to bleed a radiator

The MyHome House Doctor — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:48:00 +0000

First off what is bleeding a radiator and why do you need to do it? Radiator bleeding is a term giving to the 'act' of removing air that has accidentally gotten into the radiator's coils. When air gets in the radiator, it rises to the top and displaces some of the water. Air doesn't conduct heat as efficiently as water; therefore it is both costly and wasteful to run your radiator with air trapped inside. All radiators must be bled on a regular basis, as the heating and cooling of water naturally releases air bubbles.

So how do you bleed a radiator?

Before you begin, you should switch off the boiler, so you avoid the chance of getting splashed! To avoid mess, you should have small container and a couple of cloths to catch any water that might come spurting out of the radiator valve. Last but not least, find your radiator bleed key i.e. the bleed key is a specific key used to open the value. If you can’t find it, don’t worry as they are easy enough to buy at any DIY shop.

Once you are all prepared, open the bleed valve at the top of the radiator with the radiators bleed key. The bleed valve is identifiable by a square bit in the middle of the round plug. Use the key to turn the valve anticlockwise about a quarter of a turn. It shouldn't be necessary to turn it further. You should now hear a hissing sound i.e. the trapped air escaping through the valve. Keep the key on the valve and when the hissing stops and the first dribble of water appears, close the valve tightly.

Job done!

3 properties for under €135,000 in Co. Westmeath

The First Time Buyers — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:53:00 +0000

This week’s 3 properties for X amount are located in Co. Westmeath. All properties are semi detached and come in under the €135,000 mark. Not only that but they are all in commuter distance to Dublin. But if commuting isn’t an issue for you these properties are still good value for money and definately worth a look.

The first property is a 3 bed newly built property finished to a very high specification and located in a small residential development. The property comes with an plethora of features including; a fully fitted kitchen, marble fireplace, stone feature entrance, pillars & walls, a tarmacadamed driveway, landscaped garden with boundary fences, trees & shrubbery AND a 10 year home bond guarantee. Take a closer look at Kings Court, Castlepollard

The second property also a 3 bed semi detached house has recently reduced its price to sell and is now currently on the market for an amazing €124,000. The house is quite modern, has a fitted kitchen and is within walking distance of Mullingar town centre. Take a closer look at 177 Ashefield, Mullingar

Last but not least is our third property for €135,000. Located in Athlone town, just off the main Dublin Road, is this 4 bed property AND self contained apartment. This property could be an excellent investment property as the house is only a 5 minute walk to Athlone Institute of Technology! The present owner has refurbished this property to a high standard with modern fixtures & fittings installed in both residences. Take a closer look at 30 Alverno Drive, Willow Park, Athlone