Holiday homes are in demand
WEST Sligo ha s been a holiday destination for thousands from all around the country and beyond for many years now, and in order to meet demand the local area has experienced a housing boom in the past 30 years.
A number of housing estates, aimed primarily at holiday- makers, have shot up in Enniscrone since the dawn of the Celtic Tiger, but at times demand still surpasses the amount of houses available to buy or rent.
The scenic seaside resort attracts thousands of visitors every summer, and many have taken the decision to purchase a holiday home in the locality.
Other places in the west Sligo area such as Easkey and Dromore West also have some impressive properties for sale and in general, west Sligo has a number of houses available at lower rates when compared to elsewheree in the county.
“There’s a good demand in Enniscrone but there is a lack of houses for sale,” says Enniscrone- based Joe Queenan of Queenan Properties.
“The really good quality houses aren’t available as much, but houses prices in Enniscrone would exceed those in Easkey and Dromore West by about 20pc.
“Prices here wouldn’t be as high as in Strandhill or Rosses Point, but it would be similar to the likes of Grange.”
Joe says that Queenan Properties deal with many enquiries as to the availability of family homes in west Sligo, as well as organising homes for families on holi- days.days
“We have plenty of enquiries for good quality houses, and anything that was of a high standard has been sold.
“Banks have taken quite a few houses in the last 18 months and when they are sold, there will be a big lift but there are still a few to sell.”
As always, the holiday season continues to be the
busiest iest time of the year property-p wise in west Sligo and according to Joe, demand sometimes exceeds the amount of properties available for rent or to buy.
“The holiday home sector sees less houses being made available for off- season rent in particular.
“July and August is the main season for holiday homes now and really it is only 6 weeks long, because in the off season hotels locally offer cheap deals that mean it isn’t worth your while renting a house.
“In line with that, there are less people putting properties on the market and a lot of people who are looking to rent are looking for long- term lets.
“At the peak in Enniscrone, for example, there were around 200 holiday homes available after about 400 units were built, but now there are only 50- 60 available. “In that there are some very good houses.” But there’s no doubt Enniscrone is still very much a holiday home destination. And for those looking to settle in the seaside village there is plenty of great value to be found.