New Houses in Diswellstown Castleknock
- Thread starter taytoman
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Hi clp. Yes. Took half day off work to check it out. Lots of couples there like us. Four bed semis selling well so they released some more. Didn't get a good feel for how the 5 bed semis were doing. There were also some detached, but none of them had sold when we were there, but at €725k plus they would obviously take longer to sell anyway. First impressions? The 4 beds felt a little small on the ground floor, especially at the rear? And the 5 beds are quite narrow. The nicest house type was the detached, because the ground floor felt roomy. As far as finish goes, I think Bracken were still the nicest and roomiest on the inside. There's not much between Hamilton and Diswellstown, in terms of house type or finish, though the setting in Diswellstown is very pretty. There's a management fee, c. €600 pa I think. Btw they are selling some of the three beds off plans. Best to go down and take a look. We currently have a good sized three bed and if we didn't I probably would have thought the 4 beds were roomier. The layouts in all of them are good; space is well used, windows in the bathrooms etc. A very nice development, but we are still undecided!!!
Hi, took time off work on Thursday to see the houses. As Rossie says, the four beds seemed to be selling well and when we were there, there seemed to be a fair few red stickers on the 5 bed houses. I was interested in the 5 beds myself but was disappointed with the overall layout of the downstairs and second floor. The kitchen and front sitting room seem quite small. The third floor attic conversion though is very nice. I think the problem I have with the Diswellstown development is that the downstairs feels "pokey". I also felt the bedrooms on the second floor were lacking in space. It may have something to do with the fact that similar house types in Bracken have higher ceilings and more footprint space so the kitchens/bedrooms there seem much bigger than in Diswellstown (even though the square footage between both house types are only 340 sq/ft). I think we'd have trouble fitting our current kitchen furniture into this house and having an "open" feel to the kitchen. Also, none of the gardens are south facing (same problem with the Hamilton estate next door). However, to offset that the price of the 5 beds in Bracken are €180,000 more expensive than the Diswellstown 5 beds. From what I make of that, the Diswellstown 5 bedroom houses are reasonably priced for the square footage/finish of their house and the Bracken houses are wildly overpriced (hence it seems the reason that Bracken are still trying to sell a number of 5 beds in the development). While I was there, I also saw the 4 bed showhouse. Layout is similar to the 5 bed but obviously no attic. I actually prefer the Hamilton 4 bedroom houses for an extra €10K (at €490,000) but that would be just my opinion. Obviously, a lot of people would disagree with me but there you have.
All-in-all, while the Diswellstown estate will be nice when it's finished, myself and the wife will be continuing our search.
All-in-all, while the Diswellstown estate will be nice when it's finished, myself and the wife will be continuing our search.
Thanks for all the replies, what do you think the location? Diswellstown just opposite to the hotel, estate is nice, more green area. Hamilton is closer to the shops. As our target is 3 beds, same price you can get terraced /bigger size in Diswellstown but sem-de/ smaller in Hamilton. There are 3 types (E F H) for 3 beds in Diswellstown and 2 types(the orpen and the Dillon) in Hamilton. Some 3 beds are already been sold even no show houses in Diswellstown. Hard to decide, we are still considering.
Also deciding between the 4bed Lavery in Hamilton and the 4bed in Diswellstown.
Location and estate for Diswellstown is much superior I think. Reasons are much better entrance, looks more private and mature as you drive in. The distance to shops between both estates are basically the same. The front houses in Hamilton would obviously be closer but as I'm going for the 4bed which is quite far back then I think Diswellstown would be as close.
One of the main reasons though would be the traffic. When complete you will have 400 units in hamilton vs 119 in Diswellstown so Hamilton will be much more congested. Also access to the m50 and towards the city centre would be much faster from Diswellstown.
I personally think the Diswellstown houses are much nicer on the outside and the fact that there are 12/13 house types in Diswellstown means your house a bit more uniqueness to it also.
The downstairs layouts of both houses are pretty much the same, I would have a preference for the larger open plan kitchen living room in Diswellstown but again that is personal preference.
Upstairs is where the real difference is though. Hamilton is far superior, all rooms are larger including the bathroom and ensuites and having a shower and bath in the main bathroom is also a bonus.
An attic conversion in Diswellstown is quite a challenge as the placing of hot water tank and heat recovery are in poor locations in the attic. And to make things worse the prefabricated roof has trusses that would need to be cut and re-enforced. Also as it is a 3rd floor you would need to upgrade the doors to make them fire compliant.
Garden aspects is another big factor, Diswellstown wins here as it has mainly east facing while the majority in Hamilton are north facing with large trees behind them. Both gardens are around the same size at 10m by 7.5m based on the show houses.
Both houses have heat recovery, Diswellstown has PV panels so you can save some on your electrical bills while Hamilton has solar panels so you can save a bit on your hot water costs.
Diswellstown has led down lights in all rooms and much higher electrical spec with a lot more sockets and also has Ethernet cables run to each room along with coax cable for saorview and freesat which is really good.
Hamilton has no maintenance fee while Diswellstown does at around 5-600/year.
Overall I'm favouring Diswellstown but I don't think either would be a bad choice, I think Diswellstown has a bit more exclusivity to it and would do better on the market in years to come.
Location and estate for Diswellstown is much superior I think. Reasons are much better entrance, looks more private and mature as you drive in. The distance to shops between both estates are basically the same. The front houses in Hamilton would obviously be closer but as I'm going for the 4bed which is quite far back then I think Diswellstown would be as close.
One of the main reasons though would be the traffic. When complete you will have 400 units in hamilton vs 119 in Diswellstown so Hamilton will be much more congested. Also access to the m50 and towards the city centre would be much faster from Diswellstown.
I personally think the Diswellstown houses are much nicer on the outside and the fact that there are 12/13 house types in Diswellstown means your house a bit more uniqueness to it also.
The downstairs layouts of both houses are pretty much the same, I would have a preference for the larger open plan kitchen living room in Diswellstown but again that is personal preference.
Upstairs is where the real difference is though. Hamilton is far superior, all rooms are larger including the bathroom and ensuites and having a shower and bath in the main bathroom is also a bonus.
An attic conversion in Diswellstown is quite a challenge as the placing of hot water tank and heat recovery are in poor locations in the attic. And to make things worse the prefabricated roof has trusses that would need to be cut and re-enforced. Also as it is a 3rd floor you would need to upgrade the doors to make them fire compliant.
Garden aspects is another big factor, Diswellstown wins here as it has mainly east facing while the majority in Hamilton are north facing with large trees behind them. Both gardens are around the same size at 10m by 7.5m based on the show houses.
Both houses have heat recovery, Diswellstown has PV panels so you can save some on your electrical bills while Hamilton has solar panels so you can save a bit on your hot water costs.
Diswellstown has led down lights in all rooms and much higher electrical spec with a lot more sockets and also has Ethernet cables run to each room along with coax cable for saorview and freesat which is really good.
Hamilton has no maintenance fee while Diswellstown does at around 5-600/year.
Overall I'm favouring Diswellstown but I don't think either would be a bad choice, I think Diswellstown has a bit more exclusivity to it and would do better on the market in years to come.
We are weighing up the pros and cons of both developments and leaning to a 4 bed in Hamilton over the 4 or 5 bed in diswellstown. For us the location of Hamilton is more superior as is easier accessible from nearby areas - diswellstown manor seems that bit 'cut off' which arguably may lead to the exclusivity of the development.
We did love the smaller feel of diswellstown manor and the gated entrance. Love the external finish on the houses and some lovely finishes internally too (recessed lighting). For us however the internal lay out of the Hamilton houses is far superior than the diswellstown manor options. The Hamilton houses felt much more spacious to us and having an extra room downstairs was important to us separate to the kitchen & living room. This is the same upstairs also with the bedrooms in Hamilton feeling much more spacious.
I don't think either will be a bad buy but Hamilton ticks more boxes for us.
We did love the smaller feel of diswellstown manor and the gated entrance. Love the external finish on the houses and some lovely finishes internally too (recessed lighting). For us however the internal lay out of the Hamilton houses is far superior than the diswellstown manor options. The Hamilton houses felt much more spacious to us and having an extra room downstairs was important to us separate to the kitchen & living room. This is the same upstairs also with the bedrooms in Hamilton feeling much more spacious.
I don't think either will be a bad buy but Hamilton ticks more boxes for us.
Just beware the gardens issue with the Lavery in Hamilton Park. They are north facing and have an unattractive treeline that goes up to gutter height. The kitchen is very long (5 metres?), and is lit by a small enough window. It could be alright, its just you don't know until you are sitting in it
B
Bobsworth
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Not sure how accurate this is. Hamilton only has planning for 225 units? Also the Diswellstown is on is not great for traffic - around the sandpits is horrific at peak times and light segments very short. Plus it's a good distance from the estate entrance to the train in particular. Nice location though in many other ways. Going to M50 through the village would take ages and your likely to go by Blanch SC anyway unless outside peak.
I think both are lovely estates and together with Bracken I am really glad to not see some of the building going on elsewhere in Dublin. Small, terraced houses with little or no garden or green space etc...10 years ago both sites would have sought planning for 6 or 8 story apartment blocks...
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From what I can see on fingal.ie, planning search, Hamilton Park currently has planning for 438 units in total (originally 538, then 450, now 438), with 225 being constructed during phase 1. Under ref: F08A/1425, the following is an excerpt from the Proposal -
The above was amended from 450 to 438 units under ref: FW14A/0044 which I believe contains the most up to date Site Layout Plan /Block Plan. Well worth taking a look at the Site Layout Plan /Block Plan to get a picture of how both Hamilton Park and Diswellstown Manor will sit together when both are completed. Hamilton Park, when completed, comes as far as the Luttrellstown Road adjacent to Diswellstown Manor, directly opposite the Castleknock GAA Grounds. Hence it will eventually occupy the land between Diswellstown Manor and the M50.
The above was amended from 450 to 438 units under ref: FW14A/0044 which I believe contains the most up to date Site Layout Plan /Block Plan. Well worth taking a look at the Site Layout Plan /Block Plan to get a picture of how both Hamilton Park and Diswellstown Manor will sit together when both are completed. Hamilton Park, when completed, comes as far as the Luttrellstown Road adjacent to Diswellstown Manor, directly opposite the Castleknock GAA Grounds. Hence it will eventually occupy the land between Diswellstown Manor and the M50.
I too have looked at both Diswellstown manor & Hamilton and have tirelesly weighed up the pros/cons!It's really a matter of personal choice as both have super attributes. Go with what suits you best.
I agree with earlier post that Diswellstown Manor entrance is more impressive and will be perfect for my golf and kids GAA/soccer matches. The 3 beds at the back of the estate which will be finished October 2016 have large back gardens & perfect orientation.
At 1278sq feet I think these are a brilliant buy. However will they still be €395k at the time of release? I can't wait that long.
For me though Hamilton Park sways it. We talk so much of garden sun but it's the living area of the house that is more important to me. The Lavery are over 1600 sq feet and feel more roomy than D Manor.The hall is impressive when you walk in and the small tv/play room of the kitchen works for us. The north facing gardens will get plenty of sun and trees at Winterwood etc mean you're not overlooked and adds to privacy.Driving just to Spar or Tesco will seem like a pain from Diswellstown Manor as you have longer to travel and as I've posted before, I just don't like that windy road at the sandpits. That was probably the most influential factor.Also at the front of Diswellstown Manor,Coolmine train station will feel miles away whereas Hamilton you turn the corner and it's in sight.
All in all at €490k I think it represents good value and I think the next phase of Lavery houses will be dearer with the Swift staying at €490k.I'm comparing this figure to a second hand we bid for in Bramley,looking for €500k and probably needed another €50k work.
Still wouldn't have treble glazed windows and all mod cons etc.
As always, only one opinion!!
I agree with earlier post that Diswellstown Manor entrance is more impressive and will be perfect for my golf and kids GAA/soccer matches. The 3 beds at the back of the estate which will be finished October 2016 have large back gardens & perfect orientation.
At 1278sq feet I think these are a brilliant buy. However will they still be €395k at the time of release? I can't wait that long.
For me though Hamilton Park sways it. We talk so much of garden sun but it's the living area of the house that is more important to me. The Lavery are over 1600 sq feet and feel more roomy than D Manor.The hall is impressive when you walk in and the small tv/play room of the kitchen works for us. The north facing gardens will get plenty of sun and trees at Winterwood etc mean you're not overlooked and adds to privacy.Driving just to Spar or Tesco will seem like a pain from Diswellstown Manor as you have longer to travel and as I've posted before, I just don't like that windy road at the sandpits. That was probably the most influential factor.Also at the front of Diswellstown Manor,Coolmine train station will feel miles away whereas Hamilton you turn the corner and it's in sight.
All in all at €490k I think it represents good value and I think the next phase of Lavery houses will be dearer with the Swift staying at €490k.I'm comparing this figure to a second hand we bid for in Bramley,looking for €500k and probably needed another €50k work.
Still wouldn't have treble glazed windows and all mod cons etc.
As always, only one opinion!!
Yes we have a deposit on a 4 bed in Hamilton which doesn't have a north facing garden.
Hi, are you all thinking the price will still going up in the next year or so? like someone mentioned before, the second hand asking price went down a bit in the last few months. Just our personal reason we dont want to wait, but next year might be a better time to buy?
Hi Pauric. Good question. I checked with someone I know from Mullingar (Andrews are based down there). According to them they are a long established and reputable company; no local horror stories of bad builds / shoddy workmanship / cowboy type behaviour. Houses built in the 70's down there still standing and no issues. CLP - that is the eternal question, isn't it? And it's one we got wrong before (we bought our current house in 2006 - oh dear). Anyway, my sense of it is that they won't be increasing, unless the Government amend the current 20% deposit / salary cap restrictions. It's an election year and they seem to be back spending mad, so it's not beyond the bounds of possibility. But absent that I don't think prices are going to increase materially myself. If you find the house that is right for you, it is affordable without putting a millstone around your neck (even if interest rates were to rise or you had to take a cut in income) and you are paying rent that is more or less the same as a mortgage anyway, then that has to be taken into account also. It's different for everyone and you can't second guess everything, you just have to try to!
I've followed this thread intently over the last few weeks as myself and my girlfriend had our eye on both Hamilton and Diswellstown Manor after initially having a deposit on one of the 4 beds in Bracken and ultimately pulling out. We both use the train and the walk was just a bit too far considering the price.
Having visited both Diswellstown M and Hamilton a couple of times now we're going to hold on for the next phase of Hamilton very little between the two for us but what swung it was
a) the location - while Diswellstown M has a nicer aesthetic from the outside and a nicer entrance, we didn't like how out of the way it felt.
b) the layout of the houses - we prioritized a separate family room as we have a young family and i wasn't keen on the bedroom layout. It just felt a bit scattered
c) Management fees - I've a major issue with management fees and wanted to avoid them at all cost.
they're both lovely areas and seem to be great houses so best of luck to everyone that has already purchased / is looking to buy.
Having visited both Diswellstown M and Hamilton a couple of times now we're going to hold on for the next phase of Hamilton very little between the two for us but what swung it was
a) the location - while Diswellstown M has a nicer aesthetic from the outside and a nicer entrance, we didn't like how out of the way it felt.
b) the layout of the houses - we prioritized a separate family room as we have a young family and i wasn't keen on the bedroom layout. It just felt a bit scattered
c) Management fees - I've a major issue with management fees and wanted to avoid them at all cost.
they're both lovely areas and seem to be great houses so best of luck to everyone that has already purchased / is looking to buy.
I would say both will hit very similar bottlenecks in the morning, but its depends on your route. As the area in general is constrained by one road at castleknock college, and the canal/railway crossing, one road through Laurel Lodge. its pulling traffic into it from the greater D.15 area, Lucan, Meath etc. Especially since they opened up Dr Troy Bridge & Porterstown Road, and there's 5 schools in the immediate vicinity. Diswellstown Road, will have more school traffic on it, at school times. Traffic has been a problem in the D.15 area for decades at peak.
Yes the fact that Diswellstown M has a management fee was a big drawback for us as well.
I know they tend to do a nice job around the place but it's just a large additional expense every year and you have no control over it.
Call me old fashioned, but what ever happened to expecting the council (who we already pay for through our high taxes) to cut the grass and prune the trees every once in a while?!
I know they tend to do a nice job around the place but it's just a large additional expense every year and you have no control over it.
Call me old fashioned, but what ever happened to expecting the council (who we already pay for through our high taxes) to cut the grass and prune the trees every once in a while?!
I have viewed both the new estates and yes they are really lovely, the plans for the 3 beds in Diswellstown Manor look good and the Hamilton Park 3 bed show houses were also nice, but 395k does seem very expensive for a three bed in the area, especially when there are some great secondhand houses for sale within a kilometre radius for up to 100k less. In Fernleigh for example there are some well kept 3 beds going with decent gardens and nice aspects, some with designated parking. These houses are only 12-14 years old so a lot of them have been well maintained and are in walk in condition.
At the end of the day choosing a house in the area really is a matter of personal preference and budget, but for anyone looking for a 3 bed concerned that 395k might be a little steep, there are other estates closeby with some good houses that are significantly cheaper and worth checking out.
At the end of the day choosing a house in the area really is a matter of personal preference and budget, but for anyone looking for a 3 bed concerned that 395k might be a little steep, there are other estates closeby with some good houses that are significantly cheaper and worth checking out.
B
Bobsworth
Guest
To be fair estates like Fernleigh are much higher density and houses tend to be terraced. There is also a much higher % of rental properties in the estate. There are no "bad estates" in the area that I know of but I do think the 3 bed in Hamilton being 112sqm and semi detached has a bit of a premium on Fernleigh etc.... Fernleigh and Annfield have 1, 2 and 3 bed units from apartments to terraced houses. Hamilton has 3 and 4 bed semi d and detached units only, I think that changes the value a bit as the estate is not "high density".
I havent been into Diswellstown but looks really nice from outside. I actually prefer the layout of the kitchen/living/dining area at the back to hamilton (Which I bought one of) but given the actual house measurements provided wonder is it as large as the photo suggests? So difficult to tell when the photos are so deceiving. The 4 bed 2 story house in Hamilton is very deep and id say the area is bigger but maybe just looks different as not open plan?
Management fees have to be a consideration. They keep the lawns looking well generally but can be run by small minorities that have the time and they can charge fees once they have pretty small numbers of votes as AGMs tend to be like ghost towns. Id steer clear of these always as they have only ever been poor in my experience, the regulation is just too weak here. I have seen incredible corruption with multiple management companies and agents.
For the poster asking about build quality - I havent seen Diswellstown as I said but both Bracken and Hamilton were of incredible quality from what i could see. They definitely had a premium feel. Id say they are far better than anything that was built during the boom years as the building regulations have gone to a different level since then......there was a lot of crap built in the 00s in particular.