First-time buyers pick Tallaght as their number one housing choice

TALLAGHT is the first choice in Dublin for first-time buyers spending up to €450k in 2016, followed by Swords and Lucan.

According to figures from the CSO, the top 10 neighbourhoods in Dublin for first-time buyers in 2016 were: 1. Tallaght, 2.

Swords, 3. Lucan 4, Finglas, 5. Castleknock, 6. Clonsilla, 7. Clondalkin, 8. Rathfarnham, 9. Malahide, and 10. Balbriggan.

The availability of starter homes, which offer exceptional value in the always-competitive housing market in Dublin, means Tallaght tops the list for first-time buyers in the capital.

The area is experiencing a boom in sales. With 80 per cent of the properties for sale listed as houses, as opposed to apartments, Tallaght is ideal for small families or couples looking to begin a family within a few years of moving to the area.

It comes as no surprise to local estate agent, Ray Cooke of Ray Cooke Auctioneers that Tallaght is number one for first-time buyers in Dublin.

He told The Echo: “The affordability of properties in Tallaght is key. With the Central Bank rules of three-and-a-half times your income, many first-time buyers who are also starting off in a career can look at purchasing homes up to €300,000. There are a good amount of homes available for under €250,000 in the wider Tallaght area.”

The location of Tallaght is an important factor too.

Mr Cooke said: “Tallaght is within commuting distance to Dublin and has strong public transport links with the Luas and Dublin Bus. There are also a number of different employment options, including Citywest, Parkwest, Tallaght Hospital and Tallaght IT.”

Another big selling point is the large range of schools, including two primary Gaelscoileanna and one second-level Gaelscoil.

It is very well served with sports facilities such as the National Basketball Arena, Tallaght Sports Complex (with public pool, gyms and sports halls), Tallaght Stadium, a growing number of large GAA clubs and many other smaller sports clubs.

Another bonus for the area is its proximity to County Wicklow and the Dublin Mountains. Just last month, the Gaelforce East adventure race was held close to Tallaght.

It isn’t a surprise that Tallaght is number one for first-time buyers as it has so many options for those looking for a starter home.