New build: 3 bed house in bad area vs 2 bed apt in good area?

DonnieCorko

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122320010#Comment_122320010

Was the top floor under 500k? I get what you mean about the noise but you dont hear anything with the windows/doors closed. But we were looking at the ground floor one. Top floor may have more noise.

I think a second hand home would appreciate more IMO, so if that is your number one consideration and can afford the 500k without the FHS, I think that would be the better option. Its what I would do anyways. If you do plan on cancelling please let me know as I might try get your place if its under the 500K :-D

The one we wanted was taken so we will keep looking and come back to it when the last part of danehill is released if we still haven't found anything.

Im not sure about those areas you mentioned but alot of the new builds will have 20% social housing soon. I know Danehill has 0% as its going in the next two blocks.

FHS could be handy to reduce your mortgage payment. Could allow you save up to buy a rental/invest etc.

jc1001

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122290963#Comment_122290963

Hi @DonnieCorko Just seeing this - build was 2003 so quality / noise insulation may have been a little lacking. Neighbours upstairs put in wooden floors in contravention of block policy. Also self-closing fire doors banging during the night were an issue, and the odd party going through the block late at night. Pros and cons may vary. I found (unallocated parking in our complex) that the spaces near the main entrance were always taken by the more settled / retired tenants, and the only ones left whenever we returned from work were a good old walk from around the back (at least with bags of shopping), where the fire door couldn't be opened / have a code pad added for some fire regulation reason. I'd still go with a fixed upper / own door over a spanking new apartment but my reasons may be a bit old codgery / not relevant in your situation.

classynow

Hi @DonnieCorko it's really hard to get a house in Clonburris area, there's a massive demand. On Cairn's side (Seven Mills) I don't think any new houses will go on the market until they finish apartments/retail elements near the train station. I think that was mandated by SDCC. The houses that are currently being built are all reserved/sold.

For the social element, it will be owned by Respond housing. Good amount of it will be cost rentals, they even had applications open for the duplexes. Prices were €1.6k for 2 bed duplex, and €1.8k for 3 bed duplex. If you need more info you can pm.

spakman

People saying location, location, location need to also consider that the OP has to live in the apt/house.

If you're living in a "good area" but the house is too small, or freezing cold, that's not much good to you.

It's certainly not a binary choice.

When there's a budget involved, as there is for almost everyone, then compromises are needed.

I know of people selling up their modern 4-bed semi to move to a smaller older 3-bed, and that's because of the commute from their current house.

In contrast, I don't have a commute issue, so would never dream of making the move they're planning.

kippy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123084313#Comment_123084313

This is it - its definetly not a binary choice in this case.

A two bed apartment with 2 kids, while many families do and have done this, isn't ideal if you have any level of control over your living situation.

Forget about the fact that it's a small space but even access to that space and access to outside space is a major consideration. What happens when the lifts are out of order, how is access with buggies, bring in large shops, is there a bath in the apartment for the babies/toddlers etc, is there some safe shared space for kids to play outside etc etc

Idbatterim

you mentioned kids etc and renting out a room, here is what I would do. Get a house, with side access, put up a garden room, E1000 a month including bills. There you go, E1000 a month, not sharing the house and its accommodation for the kids etc when in college if needed…

mrsgiller

My son has bought in Seven Mills and is really happy. Lovely neighbours and train station across the road. Nice size house and very well insulated. Only issue they have is only having one parking space. No antisocial issues at all.

Moonbeam

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122276020#Comment_122276020

yes every school has their own admission criteria

Moonbeam

No idea what your budget is but I think I would keep looking and find a house in a better area. With 2 kids you will want 3/4 bedrooms and an area you feel safe in.

mrslancaster

^^ Agree. It would be a better area for me every time. Depending on your budget, could you buy a smaller house in a better location and then extend in a few years time when finances allow.