Property areas in SE Belfast.

funkey_monkey

Hi,

What are the best areas in Belfast for a single professional to purchase? I only really have knowledge of South Belfast and even that is quite limited.
I'd prefer a mixed area with no flags, murals or any of that nonsense. Apart from that the normal desires such as quiet, good access, etc apply. Prefer Semi-detached, but would possibly consider an apartment in a small complex - nothing like Obel, etc.

I've not been out looking for a while now due to a mixture of personal & professional reasons. Prices seem to be rocketing upwards.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks.

donnac2558

Well I am in Rosetta area(NIHE), but quite a number of private rents and homes for sale. Always see quite a few in the mornings heading out in their suits. So you could check out this area. We are have the Ormeau Road on one side and heading to the Cregagh Road the other way.

belfastgirl23

What are your priorities? Potential for increasing your investment? Nice shops and cafes nearby? Good schools (in case circumstances changes)? A strong community ethos? Ease of access to transport routes? The Ormeau definitely ticks the middle three of these imho and has a more cosmopolitan vibe than say Malone Road or Cregagh which I tend to think of as more family friendly. Some lovely semis up around rosetta, red brick, quiet but a short bus ride from the city centre. Personally that's where I'd look in your shoes, but you may have other priorities. But if you're looking for investment potential above all else then you'd probably look further out.

BTW I kind of think the flats market here isn't great, given the choice I'd definitely go for a house. Flats tend to be transient and more geared towards students, not people who maybe want to put down roots. Which does mean more issues with noise, litter, general low level antisocial behaviour etc. Just my personal opinion though!

funkey_monkey

Thanks - as a single person the idea of an apartment is appealing both in terms of size and upkeep. However, as you say the apartment market here is not geared for owner-occupiers, which is a shame.
From the apartments that I've been in - College Court Central, Quaygate, Citygate & Magarita plaza non were particularly appealing to me.

What is Newtownbreda (beside Tesco off the dual carriageway) like?

ballyblack

Beware of high service charges on Apts especially if they have lifts & large common areas etc..

warmhands.coldheart

Do you have much of a Budget? Don't want to know exactly but that can be a big factor in where to look..... Realistically you'll need £170,000+ to get anything decent in a "reasonably nice area" (i.e. mixed with no flags) of Belfast...

fallin123

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Thanks - as a single person the idea of an apartment is appealing both in terms of size and upkeep. However, as you say the apartment market here is not geared for owner-occupiers, which is a shame.
From the apartments that I've been in - College Court Central, Quaygate, Citygate & Magarita plaza non were particularly appealing to me.

What is Newtownbreda (beside Tesco off the dual carriageway) like?

Newtownbreda/Cairnshill/Four Winds are all nice areas, but if I were a single professional I would rather live slightly closer to city centre, as there's not a great deal in terms of restaurants, bars, coffee shops etc.

funkey_monkey

Well realistically as a single purchaser I wouldn’t want to go more than £180,000 if possible. Not sure if this is sufficient. Should have bought last year, but sure wouldn’t we all be retired millionaires with the benefit of hindsight. The lack of properties coming on in this area seems to be pushing prices high.

warmhands.coldheart

Are you at all Handy in that would you take on a "wee project" or are you looing to move into something all done?

funkey_monkey

Either. Preference would be for a project.

eastlady

Have you considered the Belmont Road or Ballyhackamore .Know lots of young professionals who live round Ballyhackamore.All like the caf!s and restaurants/ bars in the area. Might be worth a look.