Matt Damon effect sparks Dalkey’s reborn supremacy
DUBLIN SOUTH COUNTY
AVERAGE PRICE: €745,000
Blackrock, Sandycove, Stillorgan, Killiney, Dalkey, Monkstown, Mount Merrion, Glenageary, Ballybrack
Change: No change
One Year Forecast: s 5%
Assessing Agent: Beirne & Wise
THE MARKET
Matt Damon’s time in Dalkey during lockdown was a story that lifted the country’s mood. A Hollywood actor with a SuperValu bag full of swimming togs will be a memorable pandemic moment.
His time in one of the most expensive suburbs in Dublin may have had a knock-on effect on the local property market because houses at the high-end that may have struggled to sell in 2019 seem to be back in demand.
Cnoc Aluinn on 92 Coliemore Road sold last October for €3m, while newer homes like No17 Enderly on Cunningham Drive and Breathnú on Ulverton Road sold for €2.2m and €1.59m respectively.
“All around South County Dublin, the demand for new or renovated homes that are energy efficient far outweighs the demand for those seeking to purchase a home needing renovation,” says agent Wade Wise. “Building costs are one factor, but also the lengthy planning process, the disruption and the cost of finding alternative accommodation during a project are also a consideration for buyers.”
Prices have held firm across the area, with most property types seeing no major change in value. At the lower end of the market, a two-bed apartment comes with an average price tag of €396,000, while at the upper end, a detached house of 2,000 sq ft plus is valued at €1.12m.
Prices in Dalkey and Blackrock would be higher than those in areas like Ballybrack, where No114 Sheelin Grove sold for €345,000, or Shankill, where No37 Rathsallagh Grove achieved €300,000.
Wise says the most in-demand houses are those along the Dart line. With housing stock at a low level in the area, he is forecasting prices will rise by an average of 5pc this year. “We expect to see a strong and stable market, with continued price inflation at moderate levels. Supply will remain tight and buyer sentiment will remain somewhat undeterred by the global economy.”