ASK THE EXPERTS

What would you buy if you were an investor spending (a) €250,000, (b) €350,000 and (c) €600,000

KEITH LOWE (a) €250,000 — In west Dublin I’d buy a top of the range two -bed apartment priced in the region of €200,000 where it would command a rental income of around €1,500+ per month and this would provide a very attractive gross yield of just under 10pc a year. With banks offering under 0.5pc for deposits this is a fantastic return. Apartments in west Dublin have been slow to recover in value which makes them very affordable.

(b) €350,000 — I would buy a two-bed apartment in the Dublin Docklands. The location will remain hot for tenants and buyers alike as it sits at the centre of a high employment area which is home to some of the highest paid employees, many of whom are working for international banks, insurance and technology firms. This area is becoming the hub of Dublin’s Silicon Valley.

(c) €600,000 — I would favour a Pre ‘63 investment property (house in multiple residential units) on the north side of the capital near one of the new LUAS stops.

Nine per cent to 10pc yields can still be obtained which are now a rarity for this asset class on the south side of the city. Specifically, I would buy between Phibsboro and in or around the North Circular Road. Phibsboro will become one of the most sought-after areas in the future and the price divide between some areas of the north and south sides of the city will narrow as the cross-city LUAS effect takes hold. PAT DAVITT The best value is in apartments in good country towns like Navan, Drogheda,

Athlone, Portlaoise etc, there is possibly a yield of 10pc plus from these apartments and in most cases they can be bought for up to €100k. DARINA COLLINS (a) €250,000 — Townhouse in commuter land close to transport hub.

(b) €350,000 — Apartment in one of the main cities close to university, financial service area, hospital etc.

€600,000 — Mixed use building; residential/retail in large towns countrywide.