I have been trying to save for a deposit on a house for a few years now and have got to an amount that I'd be happy enough with. I'm undefined about where I should buy though. Whether it's where i live now or somewhere closer to Belfast although i wouldn't be sure of the areas and if the properties would hold their value. Especially as property prices seem to be on the rise right now.
Anyone's thoughts on these areas? Some great houses but then the areas don't look great sometimes.
Newtownabbey
Glengormley
Carrickfergus
Glenavy
I don't know whether to go for somewhere smaller and slightly cheaper (with the thought of selling and moving if i was to build a family) or take a long term view (potential family etc) and go for a bigger and more expensive place now and buy as if this is where I'll live for 30 years.
Any advice would be great!
Here are some tips on negotiating with an estate agent that might come in handy
https://www.askaboutmoney.com/threads/how-to-deal-with-an-estate-agent.123191/
continue saving for 10 years and to hell with the mortgage, just buy the house outright, will work out way cheaper
Location, location, location. Just buy as much house as you can afford at the lowest fixed interest rate you can get in the place where you most want to live.
That guy is right. It's all about location. Buy what you can afford in a good area with a view to moving in a few years when your circumstances change ie. when you can afford a move up. If you're in a good area there's always strong demand for first time buyer homes so hopefully you'll make some profit which you offset against your next home. But don't wait much longer because if you're paying rent it's lost money. Good luck.
Don't buy expecting prices to rise. Because the economy is not going anywhere . Get the best interest rate deal so you don't waste money. Sometimes an up and coming area may be better. If young people like you are moving in there can be a good dynamic.
Of the 4 areas glenavy is the strongest from a gaa community perspective . The rest are all shitholes.....
Quote from: delgany on June 08, 2017, 07:07:34 AM
Of the 4 areas glenavy is the strongest from a gaa community perspective . The rest are all shitholes.....
I think youll find a bigger club in Glengormley no offence to Glenavy. In terms of transport links to anywhere and choice in general "shit hole is hardly a fair assessment.
I've mostly read bad opinions on places like Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus and while some of the houses there I do like it would put me off buying if they were held in bad regard. I presume these are places to avoid or have you other thoughts?
What places are up and coming? The area I live in is nice enough but prices can be expensive enough.
It's beginning to frustrate as to what to do...stick and save a little longer or buy something although not wishing to compromise too much on location.
Can you afford anywhere in South Belfast? Ravenhill, Finaghy, Rosetta?
House Prices are more expensive but will certainly hold their value much better.
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on June 08, 2017, 02:25:01 AM
continue saving for 10 years and to hell with the mortgage, just buy the house outright, will work out way cheaper
I'm genuinely unsure if you're being serious or not lol
Quote from: qwerty123 on June 08, 2017, 08:38:48 AM
I've mostly read bad opinions on places like Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus and while some of the houses there I do like it would put me off buying if they were held in bad regard. I presume these are places to avoid or have you other thoughts?
What places are up and coming? The area I live in is nice enough but prices can be expensive enough.
It's beginning to frustrate as to what to do...stick and save a little longer or buy something although not wishing to compromise too much on location.
Neither Newtownabbey nor Carrickfergus residents look kindly on anyone carrying a hurl.
Make sure your house is facing North or North/East so you get the little sunshine there is in your back garden in the evening.
Quote from: qwerty123 on June 08, 2017, 08:38:48 AM
I've mostly read bad opinions on places like Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus and while some of the houses there I do like it would put me off buying if they were held in bad regard. I presume these are places to avoid or have you other thoughts?
I'd also discount the two you've already said have bad opinions. Newtownabbey is a bit of a nothing and Carrick is a black hole. I think Glengormley would be a much nicer place to live. I have no real opinion on Glenavy but it's not an extension of Belfast the way Gleng would be.
I am a big champion of North Belfast for affordable but nice and also very handy for transport links and walkable to the city centre in about 40 mins. Without knowing your budget, you can get some nicely refurbed semis around Lansdowne Road area for really decent prices and most of them have generous gardens.
Quote from: qwerty123 on June 08, 2017, 12:10:02 AM
I have been trying to save for a deposit on a house for a few years now and have got to an amount that I'd be happy enough with. I'm undefined about where I should buy though. Whether it's where i live now or somewhere closer to Belfast although i wouldn't be sure of the areas and if the properties would hold their value. Especially as property prices seem to be on the rise right now.
Anyone's thoughts on these areas? Some great houses but then the areas don't look great sometimes.
Newtownabbey
Glengormley
Carrickfergus
Glenavy
I don't know whether to go for somewhere smaller and slightly cheaper (with the thought of selling and moving if i was to build a family) or take a long term view (potential family etc) and go for a bigger and more expensive place now and buy as if this is where I'll live for 30 years.
Any advice would be great!
In the exact same position as yourself. Mortgage in Principle sorted so now the search really starts. I would prefer South Belfast i.e Ormeau Road area but there isn't alot of choice there at the moment (affordable for my budget anyway). Definitely agree with comments re location, as I have seen some houses that look really nice and affordable but when you check the streetview there's a union jack flying outside on the lamp post. You basically have to weigh up the pros and cons of living in/out of the city....there are better houses on the outskirts but then there is the hassle of hitting the Westlink or whatever on the way to/form work, esp if you work in the city centre.
Quote from: Rois on June 08, 2017, 11:01:13 AM
Quote from: qwerty123 on June 08, 2017, 08:38:48 AM
I've mostly read bad opinions on places like Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus and while some of the houses there I do like it would put me off buying if they were held in bad regard. I presume these are places to avoid or have you other thoughts?
I'd also discount the two you've already said have bad opinions. Newtownabbey is a bit of a nothing and Carrick is a black hole. I think Glengormley would be a much nicer place to live. I have no real opinion on Glenavy but it's not an extension of Belfast the way Gleng would be.
I am a big champion of North Belfast for affordable but nice and also very handy for transport links and walkable to the city centre in about 40 mins. Without knowing your budget, you can get some nicely refurbed semis around Lansdowne Road area for really decent prices and most of them have generous gardens.
Hi, could you recommend any areas in North Belfast to look at? Preferably one which isn't too scummy and little to no flags lol
Quote from: qwerty123 on June 08, 2017, 12:10:02 AM
I have been trying to save for a deposit on a house for a few years now and have got to an amount that I'd be happy enough with. I'm undefined about where I should buy though. Whether it's where i live now or somewhere closer to Belfast although i wouldn't be sure of the areas and if the properties would hold their value. Especially as property prices seem to be on the rise right now.
Anyone's thoughts on these areas? Some great houses but then the areas don't look great sometimes.
Newtownabbey
Glengormley
Carrickfergus
Glenavy
Any advice would be great!
I work in Newtownabbey-shit hole generally. Hightown in Glengormley is dead on up near where the Edmund Rice and St Enda's pitch is, lots of new developments being built in the area as you travel towards Mallusk. Although be aware there are a couple of landfills in the area which sometimes in the summer can attract flies and odour. There are also plans for a waste incinerator to be located in the area. Collinward just on down the Antrim Road near the Bellevue isn't too bad, although there can be quite a bit of anti Social behaviour around here over the summer months around the area near McDonalds.
From Fortwilliam Park outwards is what I class as the nicer areas. No flags unless you go to the bottom towards the Shore Road.
Lansdowne Road/Park, Somerton Road, Bristol Av, Taunton Av, Downview, Innisfayle, Parkmount, Waterloo. Quite a few houses around that area I find are in need of modern decoration but the size of the gardens mean you could really do a lot to it over the medium term. There's a pretty tidy looking (small) detached house in Lansdowne Drive for £160k which I think looks good value.
I'm looking round at the minute, and I am def including that area in my search.
The schools in the area are nice, and I'll be honest, it feels like there's a strong nationalist demographic around that particular part, although it is not outwardly visible, so I feel really comfortable.
Quote from: qwerty123 on June 08, 2017, 08:38:48 AM
I've mostly read bad opinions on places like Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus and while some of the houses there I do like it would put me off buying if they were held in bad regard. I presume these are places to avoid or have you other thoughts?
What places are up and coming? The area I live in is nice enough but prices can be expensive enough.
It's beginning to frustrate as to what to do...stick and save a little longer or buy something although not wishing to compromise too much on location.
Just out of interest which parts of Newtownabbey where you looking at?
I had just searched for Newtownabbey on propertypal and like someone said they looked lovely and unbelievable prices, but with a quick search on googlemaps you could see flegs. It may mean the increase of 20K to the house but it's worth it in the long run and these houses I assume are more likely to keep their value that bit better.
It's a hard one to decide to buy something cheaper or buy a house that would be an extra 40/50K but that I would be happy with for years.
Quote from: qwerty123 on June 08, 2017, 12:21:03 PM
I had just searched for Newtownabbey on propertypal and like someone said they looked lovely and unbelievable prices, but with a quick search on googlemaps you could see flegs. It may mean the increase of 20K to the house but it's worth it in the long run and these houses I assume are more likely to keep their value that bit better.
It's a hard one to decide to buy something cheaper or buy a house that would be an extra 40/50K but that I would be happy with for years.
Go and look at the streets you're considering. In Belfast there are flags everywhere, and a street could be on the edge of a dodgy area. However, you do have to ask yourself why the prices are unbelievable.
Buy somewhere you want to live and you're happy to drive home to. It's amazing how quickly you get used to the mortgage payments.
Sister in law lives in Glenavy and it seems a nice enough spot, not a big pile in it but then it isn't a big town.
qwerty, can you kick decent ball at all?
If so, Aghagallon's your spot. £30 quid a year club membership too.
Quote from: MoChara on June 08, 2017, 10:19:19 AM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on June 08, 2017, 02:25:01 AM
continue saving for 10 years and to hell with the mortgage, just buy the house outright, will work out way cheaper
I'm genuinely unsure if you're being serious or not lol
LOL seriously there is absolutely no reason why someone on a decent wage, 25 grand say, can't save 10 grand a year.
if they want to of course.
if there are 2 of you in 10 years you are mortgage free with a 200k house.
there are sacrifices obviously but you will be amazed how quickly capital builds up with discipline.
Of course you can, then you look back in ten years and say, f**k I've wasted ten years of my life. You have to live too.
For what its worth I'd be considering Carryduff strongly in your position - I assume there are good reasons why you mentioned the areas you did, but just in case
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on June 08, 2017, 02:45:29 PM
Quote from: MoChara on June 08, 2017, 10:19:19 AM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on June 08, 2017, 02:25:01 AM
continue saving for 10 years and to hell with the mortgage, just buy the house outright, will work out way cheaper
I'm genuinely unsure if you're being serious or not lol
LOL seriously there is absolutely no reason why someone on a decent wage, 25 grand say, can't save 10 grand a year.
if they want to of course.
if there are 2 of you in 10 years you are mortgage free with a 200k house.
there are sacrifices obviously but you will be amazed how quickly capital builds up with discipline.
Thats ambitious! £25k is about £20k take home with no pension payments. Saying minimum monthly outgoings of £300k for rent/rates (assuming you are sharing a house and not living at home), £100 for car/travel, £200 for groceries, £100 utilities. That leaves you with about £13k left and you have not set foot out the door. I think I am being very conservative on the car/groceries/utilities. No clothes/holidays etc included either. Thats all fine for maybe one year but longterm?
I know you could live on beans and toast etc as a student/graduate but for ten years?? Also, if your going to live like this you can factor in nappies, baby wipes etc after about 9 months because you have fcuk all else entertainment budgeted for! ;D
So yes, theoretically you might be able to but in real terms no way.
Quote from: Rois on June 08, 2017, 11:35:23 AM
From Fortwilliam Park outwards is what I class as the nicer areas. No flags unless you go to the bottom towards the Shore Road.
Lansdowne Road/Park, Somerton Road, Bristol Av, Taunton Av, Downview, Innisfayle, Parkmount, Waterloo. Quite a few houses around that area I find are in need of modern decoration but the size of the gardens mean you could really do a lot to it over the medium term. There's a pretty tidy looking (small) detached house in Lansdowne Drive for £160k which I think looks good value.
I'm looking round at the minute, and I am def including that area in my search.
The schools in the area are nice, and I'll be honest, it feels like there's a strong nationalist demographic around that particular part, although it is not outwardly visible, so I feel really comfortable.
Completely agree Rois and that's not even including the lovely walks up round the cave hill and the Castle. Even off the cavehill road can be nice so long as you stay above the Waterworks. Schools are amazing, daughter in Dominican and son in Park Lodge. As good a schools as you could want.
Quote from: Rois on June 08, 2017, 11:01:13 AM
Quote from: qwerty123 on June 08, 2017, 08:38:48 AM
I've mostly read bad opinions on places like Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus and while some of the houses there I do like it would put me off buying if they were held in bad regard. I presume these are places to avoid or have you other thoughts?
I'd also discount the two you've already said have bad opinions. Newtownabbey is a bit of a nothing and Carrick is a black hole. I think Glengormley would be a much nicer place to live. I have no real opinion on Glenavy but it's not an extension of Belfast the way Gleng would be.
I am a big champion of North Belfast for affordable but nice and also very handy for transport links and walkable to the city centre in about 40 mins. Without knowing your budget, you can get some nicely refurbed semis around Lansdowne Road area for really decent prices and most of them have generous gardens.
Didn't realise you worked for an estate agent.
Glengormley is also Baltic ....for about 10 months of the year
Quote from: Orior on June 08, 2017, 03:33:34 PM
Didn't realise you worked for an estate agent.
Too cheesy? I've been reading too many property news adverts.
Seriously though, lots of those older houses built up the hill in that area have really big gardens that can be extended into. Apart from my 2007-built house off Fortwilliam that had a postage stamp garden til I paved over it.
Quote from: delgany on June 08, 2017, 05:03:37 PM
Glengormley is also Baltic ....for about 10 months of the year
Significantly colder than anywhere else in Greater Belfast.
Quote from: haranguerer on June 08, 2017, 03:10:43 PM
Of course you can, then you look back in ten years and say, f**k I've wasted ten years of my life. You have to live too.
For what its worth I'd be considering Carryduff strongly in your position - I assume there are good reasons why you mentioned the areas you did, but just in case
After spending most of my life there, sold 2 houses in Whitewell area of N. Belfast last year, for 2 different reasons & ended up going to Carryduff. House prices just about scraped into 6 figures last year for semi Ds. Carryduff spot on.....only bummer is Saintfield Road traffic.
Quote from: The Gs Man on June 08, 2017, 01:30:38 PM
qwerty, can you kick decent ball at all?
If so, Aghagallon's your spot. £30 quid a year club membership too.
Haha! I wish I could but unfortunately not! I'm nearly as bad at house hunting!!!
Anyone had experience buying off-plan?
Basically have found nothing in/around part of Belfast where I live - even the more reasonable houses seem to be in serious need of renovation...and the vendors still looking silly amounts.
Quote from: Rois on June 08, 2017, 12:39:05 PM
Quote from: qwerty123 on June 08, 2017, 12:21:03 PM
I had just searched for Newtownabbey on propertypal and like someone said they looked lovely and unbelievable prices, but with a quick search on googlemaps you could see flegs. It may mean the increase of 20K to the house but it's worth it in the long run and these houses I assume are more likely to keep their value that bit better.
It's a hard one to decide to buy something cheaper or buy a house that would be an extra 40/50K but that I would be happy with for years.
Go and look at the streets you're considering. In Belfast there are flags everywhere, and a street could be on the edge of a dodgy area. However, you do have to ask yourself why the prices are unbelievable.
Buy somewhere you want to live and you're happy to drive home to. It's amazing how quickly you get used to the mortgage payments.
Jordanstown, just outside of Belfast no flegs, great area, Loughshore at the bottom, bars, restaurants, cafes and great location to get to work, takes me 20 minutes in the morning and 15 mins on the way home... good schools also... cycle/run/walk path straight into Belfast
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 05, 2017, 02:21:36 PM
Jordanstown, just outside of Belfast no flegs, great area, Loughshore at the bottom, bars, restaurants, cafes and great location to get to work, takes me 20 minutes in the morning and 15 mins on the way home... good schools also... cycle/run/walk path straight into Belfast
Probably students from a third rate university as well.
Quote from: armaghniac on July 05, 2017, 03:09:52 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 05, 2017, 02:21:36 PM
Jordanstown, just outside of Belfast no flegs, great area, Loughshore at the bottom, bars, restaurants, cafes and great location to get to work, takes me 20 minutes in the morning and 15 mins on the way home... good schools also... cycle/run/walk path straight into Belfast
Probably students from a third rate university as well.
Nope all the students live beside that dump called the Holy lands ... with the rest of the layabouts