While the Republic of Ireland is part of the British Isles, this only refers to geography, not nationality – its people are Irish not British. Last year saw heightened activity in the residential property market on the back of Ireland’s exit from the bailout programme which fuelled overall positive sentiment in the market. An extended Capital Gains Tax incentive, pent-up demand and lack of supply fuelled the recovery and overall saw residential price appreciation of 22.3%. This growth has slowed in 2015 which on balance is a positive development for a sustainable recovery.
Rena O’Kelly, residential director of Knight Frank Ireland, reflects,
“Price recovery has resulted in an increased amount of high calibre property coming to the market as homeowners feel more confident transacting in a more predictable market. Investors and indeed many of Ireland’s ex-pats who have been observing the market from abroad see this period of recovery as the perfect opportunity to purchase their trophy home. Even if they are not planning to return to Ireland in the immediate future they are keen to buy in at the early stages and take advantage of future appreciation in residential property price. Strengthening dollar and sterling exchange rates versus the euro further reinforce the strong case to buy in 2015.”
High Cross, Dartry, County Dublin
Outstanding period family home built circa 1860 on just under an acre of south facing gardens on the highly regarded Temple Road. There are many horticultural delights to be enjoyed within this garden which has been nurtured over many years.
Set behind security gates with complete privacy, it includes beautifully proportioned reception rooms at hall level, spacious living accommodation at garden level and five bedrooms over the three floors. The property was also extended to the side and this area is currently used as a games and snooker room. There is ample off-street car parking on the driveway and a gated side entrance leads to a cobble courtyard with storage areas and a garage.
£5.3m / €7.5m / $8.2m
Knight Frank +353 1 6342466
Blackrock, County Dublin
Built circa 1910 this ivy clad, red brick Edwardian residence has undergone a recent refurbishment project transforming it into a stunning period home with every modern convenience. Its period details have been sensitively restored including reinstated sash windows and magnificent fireplaces.
The property has a dining room and living room, both with large bay windows, and a family room with a picture window for garden views. The kitchen/dining room has French doors leading to the garden and a side bay providing a nook, perfect for occasional seating. Bedrooms are located over the first and second floors. There are five double bedrooms, four with shower room en suite, while the master bedroom has an en suite bathroom with dressing room.
The mature gardens provide an impressive feature of this family home. They are landscaped and well stocked with extensive shrubs and flowering plants and include a kitchen garden providing fresh herbs.
£2.1m / €2.95m / $3.2m Knight Frank +353 1 6342466
Kinmere, Quarrylands, Dunboyne, Co Meath
An impressive five-bedroom detached family home built around 2005 to exacting standards, Kinmere stands on 2.5 acres of private landscaped grounds. The property is behind security gates and accessed from a winding, tree lined driveway. Some of its many special features include bespoke cherry wood joinery throughout, a Bang and Olufsen sound system and a high tech security and lighting system.
A butterfly staircase provides a most impressive focal point of the entrance hall, while two reception rooms to the front of the house feature fireplaces and French doors. There is a large patio area together with an ornamental fish pond and a thatched gazebo for warm weather dining and entertaining.Also in the grounds is a large detached, pitched roofed building originally designed to house an indoor swimming pool but currently laid out as a double garage.
£1.1m / €1.55m / $1.7m
Knight Frank +353 1 6342466
