Two-bed apartment with exclusive address may make over £400,000

Apartments rarely come up for sale in Herbert Park Lane, the development beside the Herbert Park Hotel, in Ballsbridge, so agent Lisney expects a premium price when it auctions a fifth-floor two-bedroom apartment in the development on March 2nd. Built in the mid-1990s, the scheme, where one-bedroom units originally sold for around £50,000, is now one of the most sought after addresses in the city, but very few have changed hands over the last five years.

The selling agent for Number 62/63 the Oaks, Denis Beare, expects that the price could hit the £400,000 mark. Viewings have been "very strong", he says, with most of the interest coming from country business people looking for an easily managed base in Dublin 4, as well as from people who already have substantial homes in the suburbs but who want a pied-a-terre close to the city centre. The presence of the hotel next to the apartment block is a big bonus, he says. People who live in the apartments tend to use the hotel as an extension of their home or office, taking meals there and meeting clients and friends in the large lobby.

Developers Sheelin McSharry kept about one-third of the apartments as an investment. Rentals in the development are strong, with two-bedroom units achieving between £1,500 to £1,600 per month.

This apartment for sale is not particularly large, and it's also a little dark since it is directly opposite the tall office block.

However, from the balcony off the living-room, there is a good sideways view of the RDS grounds and the Dodder river. To the left, is the entrance to the hotel.

The main reception area is a living-room-cum-dining-room with a handsome, built-in dresser unit running along one wall behind the dining area.

The kitchen, which overlooks the dining area, has a good array of fitted units with a light timber finish and pale terracotta splash-backs. There's a shower room off the hall, opposite the door to the kitchen.

New owners might consider reorganising this entire area of the apartment to create a better sense of space. The main bedroom has a good-sized en suite bathroom, as well as a dressing area, with tall fitted wardrobes. The second bedroom is also a reasonable double and it, too, has fitted wardrobes.

Carpets will be included in the price, while the curtains and furniture are available by negotiation.

There is one basement car-parking space.