David Lewis, Sherry FitzGerald

It would seem to represent reasonable value bearing in mind that the couple will receive a £3,000 government grant and will not be liable for stamp duty. If at all possible, I would recommend being off the ground floor and stretching to a few extra thousand pounds for peace of mind, particularly if they are out working during the day. I know that £16,000 is a lot of money for a car space but represents good value for money. An apartment without a parking space is always much more difficult to sell. I feel the rent received for letting out a car space would go some way to paying the extra on the mortgage.

Martin Walsh, Head of Lending, EBS

If someone is buying a house or an apartment, they shouldn't be talking in investment terms but in terms of what it is like to live there. Real values should be considered like the noise levels, whether it is convenient to work, well-built, what the area is like at night and so on. We don't know what way the property market is going to go in four/five years' time, but a good property that meets the best criteria, then relatively speaking, you should sell as well as anywhere else. It's better to have a parking space; an apartment without a one has a question mark if they ever intend to sell.

Peter Watchman, Jackson-Stops

It's overlooking the water and riverside properties are popular here and in vogue in major European cities like Paris and London. In the long term it could be a good investment - it's near the city centre - but I wouldn't be wildly enthusiastic about buying property in Dublin. People are starting to buy elsewhere as prices are too high and car-parking spaces are so expensive.

Ken MacDonald, Hooke & MacDonald

I would say that the apartment would be worth over £200,000 in two years' time. If they could buy a car space for £16,000, that would be worth £25,000 in two years. It is in one of those areas that will keep improving over the next five to 10 years. It has pubs, shops and restaurants. The bus service is good, it's near Heuston Station, the Luas is going to run through Smithfield and it is near the Phoenix Park.

Eunan O'Caroll, Gunne Residential

Many purchasers are now forfeiting a house on the outskirts of the city for a smaller but more convenient apartment in the city. They should consider buying a car space which will add to the overall saleability and capital appreciation of the apartment if they decide to sell. This property represents a sound investment if full consideration has been given to the lifestyle issues that the city centre presents. As demand continues to outstretch supply, capital appreciation of city centre apartments of this nature can be significant.