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    Discover the Dublin 4 renovation project designed for three generations

    Switching your mortgage could provide extra funds to add new details to your home. For Sooby and her family, their clever renovation has resulted in a house that works for everyone

    Sponsored by Ulster Bank

    In part of 11 of our Switch it Up series, we discover the directional, multi-generational renovation of the home of content creator Sooby Lynch. This Sandymount home was built in the 1930s and has been passed from mother to daughter for almost four generations. Now, it has been transformed into a home that works well for three generations of the same family.
    “I’ve lived here nearly all my life,” Lynch says. “It was my great-grandmother’s originally and there is a tradition of someone either inheriting or buying the house and keeping it in the family. I think it’s great because in the future, as my parents get older, it will be easier for me to care for them,” she says.
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    Lynch and husband Paul, daughters Marnie (3) and Penny (8), plus parents Sheila and James live between the original three bed semi-detached house and a new one bedroom annex apartment.
    Before lockdown the couple had launched a 39-seater boutique theatre in the centre of Dublin. As they wait to focus on that in 2021, Lynch is working with brands through her Instagram account @standingbythewall. She’s also giving her all to finishing the renovation of the family home.

    The newly-finished exterior of the house, complete with contemporary slate coloured windows and front door, allows access for Lynch’s parents to the side.

    The couple bought the property from her parents five years ago with the intention of breathing new life into the space. A ground floor apartment to the side of the property for her parents to live in was a priority. The completed annex now includes a kitchen, living area, bedroom with en suite and a guest toilet. Her parents can walk directly into their new home from the main driveway, which is perfect for her dad, who has mobility issues.
    Architects Finnegan Jackson were on hand for the design, but Lynch’s original idea for a “super modern build” was rejected by planners. “It didn’t look anything like the rest of the area, so we changed it and the new plan was accepted,” she says.

    Priorities are vital when it comes to planning a build, and for Lynch, she knew what she wanted to achieve with her budget.
    The most important element to get right was a working kitchen. “Originally there was a breakfast room, with lots of little spaces, there were no counter tops, and appliances were all over the place. I really wanted a kitchen that worked well for cooking and baking, but also space to just hang out in,” she says.
    And so, in order to achieve that goal and to drench the property in light, the couple knocked several ground floor walls. They were careful to leave folding doors into the living room, an original 1930s feature, in order to have one area separate from the rest of the open plan space.
    Compromises had to be made in order to stay on budget. “We had poured resin floors on our wishlist, but they’re expensive,” she says. “We decided to change the windows instead – so we cut other stuff from the budget to do that. I’m delighted we did it as it’s so cosy now. We just painted the original floorboards over lockdown instead and they look lovely.”
    Industrial steps now lead down to the extended, spacious kitchen. “I gave the metalwork guy photos of fire escapes. When they were put in they did look really industrial, but I painted them white and they look great.”
    A free-standing American style fridge/freezer is a bold centrepiece in the room, and the couple splashed out on a hob with integrated downdraft extractor.

    At the entrance to the kitchen is a functional walk through pantry, which also houses the microwave. They achieved the impactful high ceilings by digging down to garden level – which is a clever way to achieve a feeling of space.
    Lynch didn’t stop there. She carefully considered lots of other ways to make the house function for them during their renovation. An upstairs laundry room that must be the envy of friends was non-negotiable ­– the concept behind it to “make the chore an absolute joy”.
    “It was to make the whole wash, dry, fold, iron and put away an enjoyable and easy job. There is a washing machine, dryer, hot press and counter space for sorting,” she says.

    An image saved from Pinterest has now become a reality and takes pride of place in the family bathroom. “My pink sink is a total joy. I could talk about the pink sink all the time,” she laughs. “Our old bathroom was dingy and very small. The water wouldn’t stay warm, the water pressure was horrendous, the hot tap on the sink didn’t work and there was no freestanding shower. So the big bath, powerful hot spacious shower, and all the storage is just great. It’s a very calm enjoyable space to spend time and relax in,” she says.
    Décor is a key component of this home and with a distinctive monochrome palette throughout, Lynch’s inspiration comes from New York loft apartments.
    “I’m into the plain minimalist look,” she agrees. But she doesn’t think you have to splash out to achieve it. “The décor is quite budget-friendly, and most of the storage is Ikea. We splashed out on an expensive couch from Sofa So Good in Navan. All four of us can now sit comfortably on it which I love.”
    With the line between indoor and outdoor becoming ever more blurred, long term plans include a garden that can be used as an extension to the kitchen. The couple eventually hope to convert the attic into a den or a bedroom for their eldest daughter, and a home office is another possibility, if restrictions continue.

    Daughter Penny’s bedroom is airy and bright and filled with interest

    Building started in September 2019 and a completion date of six months was given but the pandemic saw the process stall. “We rushed to get my parents’ part finished and they’re in now which is brilliant,” she says.
    While most of the work is complete, the finishing touches will be done on an incremental basis, she says. “It’s a million times better than it was,” she smiles. “We really appreciate the level we have gotten it to.”
    Lynch says their living situation has been a dream for her family during lockdown, with everyone blissfully co-existing.  “I can’t believe how lucky I am to live here and have my mum and dad right next door, knowing we can look after them and see them every day. It’s just the perfect set up.”
    About Switch it Up
    Switch it Up is a new 12-part series for those who might be considering switching mortgage provider to make savings on their monthly repayments. It is a follow-up to the award-winning Story of Home series, which explored the idea of home through the eyes of creative people who found their dream place to live.
    Now, Switch it Up, which like Story of Home is supported by Ulster Bank, looks at helpful information on home improvements as well as renovators’ home tours. Plus, we’ve got helpful answers to your mortgage switching queries: from the incentives to how long it will take (not long!) and what’s involved in making a mortgage switch, read our Everything you need to know about switching your mortgage guide at irishtimes.com/switchitup.
    Perhaps now more than ever, we want our homes to suit the way we live and work, and being able to explore the potential in our homes offers us flexibility. This series is designed to unlock the ways in which we might Switch it Up in our homes as our wants and needs change.
    Switching your mortgage could free up funds to help you make these changes. “At Ulster Bank, we want to be a part of the journey you take in making your home the best it can be,” says Sean Kellaghan, mobile mortgage manager at Ulster Bank.
    “We want to make the mortgage switching process as simple and as hassle free as you do,” he adds. Kellaghan understands the stress that can come with making a switch, and he offers reassurance.
    “We are here to help you, and the process is a lot shorter and a lot more straightforward than you might think. Get in touch today and we can talk you through the options and process.”
    For more information, visit ulsterbank.ie
    Ulster Bank Ireland DAC is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland More

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    Small release of new homes now available at Ledwill Park

    A small release of homes have just been made available at Glenveagh Homes’ stunning new Ledwill Park development in Kilcock, Co Kildare.
    Sponsored by Glenveagh
    With prices starting from €312,500, these 3 and 4 bed properties offer quality build and energy efficiency at the core of their design.
    Originally launched in spring 2019, Ledwill Park has been a resounding success with over 130 homes sold to date. When fully completed this outstanding development will consist of approximately 430 homes. The last 4 bed semi, which overlooks Kilcock GAA club, is also ready to occupy now so you could be in your new home in time for Christmas.

    The Sparrow – the 4 bed semi-detached house in Ledwill Park

    The homes in Ledwill Park are innovatively designed to deliver super living accommodation and bedroom space. At the heart of every house in Ledwill is a superbly designed and fitted contemporary kitchen by Gallagher Kitchens.
    The kitchen of the 3 bed semi-detached house in Ledwill Park

    The 3-bedroom homes come with a contemporary kitchen. Each home benefits from an abundance of natural light from the excellently positioned windows.
    The homes vary in size between 102 -114 sq.m./1,104 sq. Ft. – 1,228 sq. ft for the 3 beds.

    The living room of the 3 bed semi-detached house at Ledwill Park

    The following is a list of some of the standard features at Ledwill Park;
    External Features
    Maintenance free, tasteful mix of brick and render exteriors
    Composite front doors with secure five-point locking system
    PVC fascia, gutters and downpipes

    Heating
    Heat pump system which is thermostatically controlled to maximise your comfort

    Kitchens
    Contemporary kitchen by Gallagher kitchens

    Gardens
    Driveways finished in paving
    Seeded gardens with secure post and panel fencing to rear gardens

    Bathroom & Ensuite
    Stylish contemporary bathroom, ensuite and guest WC with elegant sanitary ware
    Beautiful taps, shower heads & bath fittings

    Energy Efficiency
    All homes are A-rated and incorporate sustainable and renewable technology resulting in lower energy costs
    High level of insulation incorporated in floors, walls and roofs
    All houses are constructed to provide a high level of air tightness in order to retain heat.

    Guarantee
    Each Ledwill Park homes is covered by a 10-year Homebond Structural Guarantee

    Kilcock is a unique town with much to offer

    Kilock as a location also has much to option. The town is a rare example of a town where a road, a canal, a railway and a river run side-by-side and with this comes great amenities and transport services to the area. The Irish Rail service runs from Kilcock to Dublin with the Intercity train taking approximately 45 minutes to Connolly Station. Kilcock train station is less than a 10-minute walk from Ledwill Park.
    The M4 interchange is less than a 5-minute drive from the development and the travel time to Dublin city centre off peak is 40 mins (35 km) via the M4. Dublin Airport is also just a 30-minute drive from Kilcock. Bus Éireann also has regular services through routes 115 and 115A running from Dublin to Mullingar via Kilcock.

    Kilcock is easily accessed by train

    There is also an abundance of schools in the area. Kilcock has three primary schools, Scoil Choca Naofa, St. Joseph’s BNS and Gaelscoil Uí Riada and is home to secondary school Scoil Dara, located on Church Street.
    Maynooth University is also located 5km east of Kilcock and is easily reached by both train and car.

    The canal runs through the town

    Kilcock also has a wide variety of trendy eateries, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. You can enjoy a quiet intimate drink in one of local pubs including; O’Keeffe’s, Murphy’s & The Gregory. Or why not have a lovely tasty homemade breakfast at the weekend in either The Blackforest Café, Timeless or the award-winning Rye River Café. The high acclaimed Bujolle Bistro also serves the finest French Cuisine each evening.
    There are also a wide number of sports clubs and recreational facilities in the area including Kilcock GAA, Kilcock Celtic Football Club, Kilcock Canoe Club and the North Kildare Club which is a sporting and clubhouse facility that houses cricket, hockey, rugby and tennis all under one crest.

    A bedroom in the 3 bed semi-detached home in Ledwill Park

    In late 2017 the Royal Canal Greenway section between Kilcock and Maynooth was completed allowing walkers and cyclists to avail of the canalside amenity which will eventually when completed link Dublin City to Athlone.

    To see all that these stunning Glenveagh homes have to offer log on to www.myhome.ie/4301663 or visit www.ledwillpark.ie. You can also contact Noel Duffy of Sherry FitzGerald New Homes on 01 6671888 or Eamon O’Flaherty in the Sherry FitzGerald Brady O’Flaherty office in Maynooth on 01 6510000 for more detail or to arrange a viewing. More

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    Residential property prices decrease by 0.8% nationally in the year to September

    Residential property prices decreased by 0.8% nationally in the year to September, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
    This compares to a decrease of 0.9% in the year to August and an increase of 1.1% in the twelve months to September 2019.
    In Dublin, residential property prices saw a decline of 1.8% in the year to September, while property prices outside Dublin were 0.1% higher.
    In Dublin, house prices decreased by 1.6% and apartment prices decreased by 0.6%. The highest house price growth in Dublin was in Fingal at 2.1%, while Dublin City saw a decline of 4.2%.
    Outside Dublin, house prices were up by 0.2% and apartment prices up by 0.4%. The region outside of Dublin that saw the largest rise in house prices was the Midlands at 4.0% – at the other end of the scale, the Mid-West saw a 5.7% decline.
    Overall, the national index is 17.6% lower than its highest level in 2007. Dublin residential property prices are 22.7% lower than their February 2007 peak, while residential property prices in the Rest of Ireland are 20.1% lower than their May 2007 peak.
    Property prices nationally have increased by 83.7% from their trough in early 2013. Dublin residential property prices have risen 91.5% from their February 2012 low, whilst residential property prices in the Rest of Ireland are 83.9% higher than at the trough, which was in May 2013. More

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    Glenveagh’s Silver Banks has much to offer

    Glenveagh Homes have recently launched the second phase of 3 and 4 bed homes at the Silver Banks development in Stamullen, Co Meath.

    Sponsored by Glenveagh

    One of the fine homes in Silver Banks

    If Covid-19 has thought us anything it is the importance of where we live. These fine homes in a beautiful setting will ensure you have everything you could possibly need close by no matter what the future brings.

    Stamullen enjoys close proximity to the sea and the beach

    Silver Banks is just a five minute drive from Junction 7 on the M1 motorway with Dublin Airport just 20 minutes away and the city centre 40 minutes drive.
    There are endless transport links nearby too, including Gormanston Train Station just five minutes away and Balbriggan Train Station 11 minutes away as well as a private bus service from the village and Bus Éireann services from Balbriggan.

    One of the living rooms in Silver Banks

    While the towns of Drogheda and Balbriggan are within close proximity, Silver Banks is within walking distance of Stamullen village and all it has to offer.
    Stamullen offers a strong rural community within close proximity of the capital. Its amenities include a St Patrick’s primary school, Gormanston College, St Patricks GAA club, various sporting amenities, childcare, local shopping facilities and the City North Hotel.

    The kitchen in the Silver Banks development

    Your lifestyle will also be completed by a visit to Gormanston beach, just five minutes’ drive away.
    Stamullen has much to offer nearby including train stations and the beach

    Silver Banks is a small exclusive development with a good selection of 3 and 4 bed family homes. With prices starting from €299,950, these fantastic houses are designed with family living in mind.

    Silver Banks boasts a fine finish throughout

    The spacious houses all have excellent interior finishes and with an A-rating they are future proofed to ensure this is a home that will cater for many generations to come.

    A living area in Silver Banks

    All houses are constructed to provide a high level of air tightness in order to retain heat. Internal features include walls painted throughout in a mid-tone easy neutral paint with ceilings painted in white.

    One of the bedrooms in Silver Banks

    All kitchens are integrated by Gallagher Kitchens while shaker style fitted wardrobes are provided in the master and second bedrooms. The houses also feature a stylish contemporary bathroom, en-suite and guest w.c. with elegant sanitary ware.

    Another of the bedrooms in Silver Banks

    External features include a tasteful mix of brick and render exteriors with composite front doors and driveways that are finished in Kilsaran paving.

    A bedroom in Silver Banks

    The confirmed prices for Silver Banks are:
    3 Bedroom Homes from €299,950 (starting from 115sqm/1,234sqft)
    4 Bedroom Homes from €320,000 (starting from 134sqm/1,437sqft)
    Find out more about these superb family homes now on MyHome.ie at www.myhome.ie/4379627, by contacting selling agent Raymond Potterton on 046 9027666 or at www.silverbanks.ie

    All of the homes in Silver Banks are finished to the highest of standards More

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    Go up, go out: which extension type is right for you?

    Lots of us need more space or want to maximise what we already have. Potential savings from a mortgage switch, combined with additional funds could be the way to create a dream layout   Sponsored by Ulster Bank   For many of us, space has become something we’ve been thinking a lot about over the…
    The post Go up, go out: which extension type is right for you? appeared first on MyHome.ie Advice & Blog. More

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    Barnhall Meadows – A chance to live in a ‘Wonderful Place’

    The Wonderful Barn in Leixlip, Co Kildare, provides the perfect backdrop to the stunning Barnhall Meadows development by Glenveagh Homes.
    Situated on the edge of Castletown House estate, formerly belonging to the Conolly family, the corkscrew-shaped building – which was built in 1743 – sits in front of these new architecturally designed, 2 and 3 bed homes which have prices starting from €320,000.

    The Wonderful Barn overlooks Barnhall Meadows in Leixlip, Co Kildare

    As well as providing a protected 4 acre parkland area right beside these fabulous new homes, the enchanting Wonderful Barn also forms part of the scenic 16km Arthur’s Way Heritage Trail which provides a superb walking, running or cycling route for local residents.

    Barnhall Meadows takes its name from The Wonderful Barn and is further evidence of developers’ Glenveagh’s appreciation of the past. They might be a young company but they appreciate their history and even the brochures for this new development have been designed in such a way as to encapsulate the inside of the barn.

    The Wonderful Barn is described as a fairy tale-style building and you can create your own wonderful story in Barnhall Meadows – a development which truly blends the best of town and country. The aforementioned walk and scenery brings peace and tranquility while Leixlip with its wide range of services and amenities – including two railway stations with regular links to the capital and further afield – has all you could ever need on your doorstep.
    Following the hugely successful previous launch in Barnhall Meadows, Glenveagh Homes have now released new 2 and 3 bed semi-detached and detached houses to the market.

    The living room of The Juniper 3 bed detached house

    Barnhall Meadows offers the discerning purchaser spacious accommodation, stylish, contemporary kitchens & bathrooms, a maintenance free exterior finish & an ‘A3’ energy rating as standard, thanks to high levels of insulation and state-of-the-art heat pump systems.
    The development also boasts one of the best buyer incentive packages on the market today with all appliances and flooring are included subject to the purchaser signing and returning contracts within 21 days.

    One of the bedrooms in The Juniper 3 bed detached house

    In terms of location, Barnhall Meadows is unrivalled with the N4/M4 & M50 all within close proximity. For those doing the daily commute to Dublin, the City Centre is under 30 minutes away by car. Dublin Bus also provides a regular service (No 66) as does Irish Rail with Louisa Bridge & Confey train stations close by.

    The Poplar 3 bed end of terrace/semi-detached house

    For families with school-age children, there are quite a few creches, as well as Scoil Mhuire and Leixlip Educate Together primary schools. For older kids, Confey College, Leixlip Community School, and Colaiste Chiarain offer secondary educational opportunities. Additionally, Maynooth University is only 15 minutes away.

    The living room in The Poplar 3 bed end of terrace/semi-detached house

    Leixlip town has plenty to offer residents of all ages with local athletics, including GAA, soccer, rugby and basketball clubs. Leixlip Reservoir and the River Liffey allow for canoeing, fishing, and other water sports. Whether you’re walking around the Wonderful Barn, or taking a jaunt down to Leixlip Castle, you’ll have a wide array of historical spots to visit, adding some culture to your weekends.

    The kitchen of The Poplar 3 bed end of terrace/semi-detached house

    Weekends can be filled with shopping, dining out or taking in the local scenery with Leixlip & its surrounds offering a wide variety of boutiques, restaurants, bars & natural features including, the aforementioned ‘Wonderful Barn’, Leixlip Castle & the Arthurs Way heritage trail.
    Glenveagh Homes are synonymous with quality, precision & a strong focus on providing the highest standard of finish from construction right through to landscaping.
    The bedroom of The Poplar 3 bed end of terrace/semi-detached house

    Through joint agents Savills New Homes and Coonan New Homes, Glenveagh Homes are releasing a number of 2 and 3 bedroom houses to the market. Find out more now at www.myhome.ie/4373808 or visit www.barnhallmeadows.ie
    The Barnhall Meadows price list winter 2020 More

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    Housing market showing resilience in the face of Covid-19

    The housing market has not been severely impacted by Covid-19 and has outperformed expectations, according to a new report from Goodbody.
    Its latest BER Housebuilding Tracker – which it calculates using data from Building Energy Regulation certificates – estimates that 5,500 units were completed in the third quarter of the year.
    That was up from 3,290 in the second quarter of the year, when the pandemic restrictions were at their most severe and building sites were closed down for several weeks.
    According to Goodbody’s calculations, that left output just 3% lower year on year.
    “This suggests that productivity levels have not been as severely affected by social distancing measures as we would have feared,” Dermot O’Leary, chief economist with Goodbody said.
    “We now expect 20,000 units to be completed this year, down 8% year on year, and up from our previous estimate of 16,500,” he said.
    The Central Bank estimates that 35,000 completions a year are needed to satisfy demand.
    However, Goodbody also said there were some indications that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic may be longer lasting.
    Many of the completions in the most recent quarter were accounted for by developments being completed at a faster pace.
    In the three months to August, housing starts fell by over a third.
    Goodbody also revised downwards its expectation for house price reductions.
    It now expects prices to fall by 5% by the middle of next year – half its previous forecast.
    Rents are expected to fall to a greater extent, the stockbrokers also predicted.
    “Mortgage lending is making some recovery, but we still expect new lending to fall 20% in 2020, before growing by 9% next year,” Mr O’Leary said.
    “Given the unpredictable nature of the virus and the government reaction to it, forecasts are still subject to a higher degree of uncertainty than normal,” he added.

    Tags: Ber housebuilding tracker, Goodbody

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    MyHome.ie Webinar: What the Level 5 restrictions mean for the property industry

    Following on from the country’s move to Level 5 at midnight and the publication of the new guidance protocols published by the PSRA, IPAV and the SCSI, we caught up with IPAV CEO Pat Davitt for a special edition webinar where he outlined what the new protocols mean for agents.
    In the Webinar, Pat clarifies that:
    Agents can travel beyond their 5km radius or across county boundaries to carry out tasks associated with the business
    Agents will not be held responsible for providing a viewing to someone who has travelled more than 5km for it or across county boundaries
    All estate agent offices should remain closed in Level 5
    The new protocols were signed off on by Government so are fully approved
    Check out the full chat with Pat below….
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    The full document containing guidelines for the various levels in the Government’s Living with Covid plan can be found here.

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