Showhouses Open Again

There is murmurings that the residential property market is starting to pick up, according to Harry Sothern of REA Sothern, Carlow. Anyone visiting open houses in Dublin on Saturdays will attest to the numbers flowing in and out of rooms. The satellite towns around Dublin have always been affected by what does on in the ‘Big Smoke’. The property recession hit Dublin first and took about six months to fully hurt towns like Carlow. Carlow agents are hopeful that a recovery in Dublin will seep down here and if recent sales statistics are anything to go by it is already happening. REA Sothern reported three sales alone last Friday! Two other properties on their books received strong offers. Whilst this was the culmination of many viewings over several weeks they are convinced that buyers are now satisfied that the market has bottomed out and are keener to conclude sales than they have been for several years. This Saturday sees the re-launch of Castle Oaks on the Dublin Road (now a NAMA backed development) and REA Sothern are confident of a positive reaction from buyers at new low prices – 3 bed mid-terrace from €120,000, but perhaps the most eye-catching are the 4 bed detached at €200,000. Time will tell. REA Sothern – www.reasothern.ie