Docklands apartments awash with glamour

DUBLIN 2: FROM €405,000A swish waterside scheme on Hanover Quay in the centre of Dublin has stunning apartments that will test the new homes market, writes Orna Mulcahy.

A NEW development on the waterfront at Hanover Quay in Dublin 2 will provide an interesting test for the new homes market when the first apartments go on sale today.

There are no discounts, no free cars, no holidays and no other inducements thrown in at the scheme built by Ellier Developments on a site overlooking Grand Canal Basin, close to Grand Canal Square, where the Daniel Libeskind designed theatre is underway.

Instead, prices are strong, with one-beds starting at €405,000, two-bedroom apartments ranging from €550,000 to €740,000 and two stunning three-bedroom duplexes priced at €2.5 million each. Hooke & MacDonald is the sales agent.

While the apartment market is going through tough times, there is still demand for well-located apartments that people actually want to live in rather than hold as an investment. Park Developments proved it next door with its Hanover Quay development where values have risen and second-hand sales are brisk.

The Waterfront should meet some of this demand, since the units are aimed squarely at owner-occupiers. They're bright and well laid out, with higher than average ceilings and great, deep balconies that take advantage of the sunny orientation.

Solicitors working in the growing number of firms that are relocating to the docklands will be interested, as will wealthy parents looking to establish their children at a good address. The odd adventurous couple planning to sell up in the suburbs and move into the city should also take a look to follow the example of PR guru Mary Finan who left her big Victorian house for a docklands apartment.

Designed by Burke Kennedy Doyle, the glass-fronted building has a smart entrance which opens into an entrance lobby bigger and better than most. From here you can walk to a big communal courtyard at the back that will be used by residents and those working in an office block that's part of the development. In all there are 68 apartments in the development, and a small number have already been reserved, including two of the duplex penthouses.

There are three show units on view, designed by Duff Tisdall, Minima and Minnie Peters.

Each unit is finished to a high standard with features including underfloor heating, solid extra-high doors, smarthome technology, SieMatic kitchens with attractive recessed storage, wall-to-wall wardrobes with sliding doors, internal lights and recessed lighting throughout. All owners have to add is floor covering in the livingroom and bedrooms.

FACTFILE

NAME:The Waterfront

LOCATION:Hanover Quay, Dublin 2

PRICES:one-bedroom units start at €405,000; two-beds range from €550,000 to €740,000 depending on the level; a small number of three-bedroom apartments are priced from €795,000; two three-bedroom duplex units available at €2.5 million.

FEATURES:underfloor heating, smarthomes technology, SieMatic kitchens from Houseworks, 9ft high ceilings and some of the biggest balconies in Dublin.

Parking costs €40,000

AGENT:Hooke & MacDonald

WEBSITE:www.hookemacdonald.ie