I think many people selling 3 and 4 beds in the area probably wish they had sold before Hamilton went on sale in fairness. The prices peaked in May/June and now the new regulation has taken the wind out. Some second hand houses in nice settled estates are taking over 6 months to sell, Cherry - 9 months and counting, Oaktree 6, Talbot even more..... The question is why? If there are over 40 people who bought in the same estate, 1 mile away, in a weekend (Of all ages I must say) then why didnt they go for the mature houses on offer - im sure they all viewed them as we did? Some were obviously overpriced (But would have sold easily last year pre 20% rules) and some just needed too much work. We looked at 3-5 beds locally and they needed work, extending, kitchens, bathrooms, windows, landscaping - huge money to get into shape and the same price as Hamilton to buy. We would have really liked some of these estates but the houses left us underwhelmed unfortunately.
There are plenty of 3 and 4 bed Semi ds all over Dublin well in excess of 500k that arent 150sqm, very well stocked and finished and A energy rated. If you are looking for a nice 4 bed detached house under 500k I would suggest a change of location as I dont think I have come across any in this area? We even looked at Dunboyne and many detached 4 beds were over 550k.
The smallest unit in Hamilton is 112msq - a 3 bed house. The smallest in Fernleigh is a 50msq 1 bed apartment - which there are quite a few of, Annfield its an 85sqm 2 bed apartment (More than any other unit type). Its not at all fair to compare them in rental terms when apartments are by far the majority in the other two estates mentioned. Really the largest semi d in Annfield (3 bed) is smaller than the smallest semi d (3 bed) in Hamilton. Apartment/mixed complexes run at a 50% rental generally. Housing estates are nothing like that.
There are often houses for sale in it, well established, rented houses being sold which is great for others who have been here from beginning. .
Just out of interest - In a well settled area you expect little sales and very few rentals. Not doubting that its a nice area but it seems a little contradictory.
As taytoman said, there has to be a yield to a landlord if they are buying somewhere as an investment to rent out. Spending 400k (Including 80k cash deposit) is just out of the question en mass today. As for spending 500-600k as some in Hamilton were - it just wont happen. Most people at the viewing we were at were trading up, down or young families. Why buy a house where the rent charged and repayments are the same? House equity isnt exactly stable, capital gains loopholes gone etc... its not an investors market. There is no gain there. Annfield and Fernleigh were built in the days of 100% mortgages and interest only repayments for investor mortgages. I think those days are long gone.
Each place is different - I think the real key is that the "area" is settled. This isnt an "Ongar" style development - just a new estate in a very settled area.