Homes in Kimmage: why demand in the area is surging

Kimmage has traditionally been defined as a working-class south Dublin suburb, in close proximity to the more affluent areas of Rathgar, Rathmines and Terenure. However, during the Celtic Tiger era, the area changed in its make-up, as this particular part of Dublin 12 became more upwardly mobile and drew desire from wealthier buyers seeking proximity to the city.

Demand in the area is now approaching peak again. So far this year there have been 17 sales in the area, with 63 sales listed last year, and 15 properties currently on the market.

“Traditionally the area was mainly comprised of corporation houses, that are now on the market privately. There are a lot of two-up, two-downs, that are ideal for first-time buyers,” says Victoria Bentley, Sherry Fitzgerald’s Kimmage branch manager.

“Recently the demographic of the residents in the area is changing. There are a lot of older people selling up and younger families moving in. And others selling are moving out of the area to upscale.

Shops on Kimmage Road Lower. The area has plenty of shops, including chemists, hairdressers, pharmacists and jewellers. Photo: David Sleator

Mix of professionals

“They may have been stuck in negative equity in the boom, but that’s changed now, and they’re moving to Terenure and Templeogue and as a result these properties are available again. There’s a wide mix of professionals, anything from architects to solicitors. It’s a little bit of an older community than Dublin 8.”

The area itself, which is largely contained between Sundrive Road, Stannaway Road, Kimmage Road West and Kimmage Road Lower – with Kimmage Road Upper branching past Mount Argus Park towards Harold’s Cross – has a wide variety of architectural styles on display, with just as great a variety in pricing to match.

The varied market caters for detached, semi-detached and terraced homes, ranging from two-beds to seven-beds with many redbricks, but also some stunning period homes that command a hefty price tag. The builds in the area also vary greatly in construction era with a number of 1930s-1950s builds, but also plenty of properties from the 1990s Celtic Tiger construction spurt.

Kimmage Road Lower. House prices in the area vary, ranging from €225,000 to €850,000. Photograph: David Sleator

Central location

Kimmage's central location means that it's well served by transport routes, with the M50 and the M11 short distances away, as well as a number of public transport options connecting the suburb to the city.

“It’s an area which is quite easy to get around,” says Jillian McGuirk, director of McGuirk Beggan Property. “There are lots of cycle lanes and buses. You’ve got the 15, 15A, 49, 54, 54A and 65 buses. The 15 is a really popular route and goes down towards Rathmines. But the city centre is also only a 20-minute walk, which makes it a super area if you want to be close to the city, but a little further out from the hustle and bustle.”

Kimmage itself is a vibrant town, with a very evident spirit of community and over 60 businesses that cater for dining and living needs, meaning leaving for the city centre is not always a necessity.

"Eamonn Ceannt Park is the main green space in the area, which has a cycling velodrome," says Bentley. "For food we have Pickles Deli, which is run by Ballymaloe Cookery School-trained chefs. Rea's Bistro caters for lunch and dinners, and is packed every day. Matt the Rashers is famous for its cooked breakfasts. Monto's Café and Restaurant focuses on Italian food. Down the road there's the excellent Union 8 restaurant in Dublin 8 and also the Hilton Hotel. "

From a recreation perspective, the area has hot yoga, CrossFit and Muay Thai outlets, and there is a Ben Dunne Gym in nearby Crumlin. The town centre has a bit of everything: chemists, hairdressers, pharmacists and jewellers.

In terms of education, the larger Dublin 12 and Dublin 6W area is served superbly, much better than say nearby Dublin 8, which in combination with the availability of first-time-buyer-suited homes, makes it a perfect location for young families.

Broad range of schools

"There's quite a broad range of junior and senior schools, including St Agnes Primary School, St Pius National School down beside Terenure, Bishop Shanahan National School and St Damian's National School, Perrystown," says McGuirk. "In terms of senior schools, there is Terenure College, Templeogue College, Our Lady's School, Templeogue Road, all of which are within cycling and walking distance of Kimmage."

The current purchasing opportunities in the area are mostly older builds; however, a number of new developments are on the market in 2017.

"In nearby Walkinstown we have launched Wilkins View, which are typical family homes, three-beds and four-beds," says Bentley. "We have a brand new development coming to the market shortly called St Agnes Crescent located on St Agnes Road. They're three-bed terraced properties with A-energy ratings that will be starting from around €450,000."

From an aesthetic perspective, Kimmage may not draw the admiring glances of some of its more affluent adjoining suburbs, but for value and location, it’s an area at the forefront of the market.

The word on the street in Kimmage

What’s coming up, what’s on the market?

St Agnes Crescent, located on St Agnes Road, brings five terraced and end-of-terrace three-bed family homes to the market today. The front house of the development incorporates the protected building St Agnes House, with another three builds to the back and a further build to the side. Prices are starting from €450,000 and the development launches today.

Wilkins View in nearby Walkinstown launched recently and has two remaining properties – two four-bed semi-detached homes, one for €550,000 and the showhouse for €595,000. A second phase, Wilkins Court, will launch in autumn and will incorporate two-bed duplexes and three- and four-bed homes.

What is the going rate for properties in the area?

Rates in Kimmage vary widely, allowing for a variety of buyers to enter the market. At the lower end of the scale a two-bed terraced home or apartment can be purchased for as low as €225,000. In the middle end of the market a three-bed semi-detached goes for circa €335,000. The top end of the market runs from about €550,000 for a period redbrick home up to €850,000 for a more modern seven-bed home.

What’s on view there this weekend?

Two-bed, one-bath at 1 Kimmage Court, for €325,000. Agent: McGuirk Beggan.