The launch of a new housing scheme in Swords, Co Dublin this weekend will be the biggest new homes launch in the capital in recent years. The first phase of the Millers Glen development, comprising 60 new houses – the majority of which are three beds – represents a return to the coalface by Gannon Homes, one of the biggest new homes builders of the boom.
Owned by developer Gerry Gannon – “the man in the hat” and one of the Maple 10 Anglo investors – the scheme is being funded with development finance provided by Nama, which is currently managing Gannon’s substantial loans.
The long-awaited Millers Glen scheme, located 2km north of Swords village on Glen Ellan road, is in the Applewood area which saw a number of vast estates built on Gannon-owned lands from 2002 on.
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The new scheme has permission for up to 1,500 homes by the time it is completed, and is expected to meet some of the pent-up demand for family homes in the capital.
Market appetite
The first phase, which is selling through Sherry FitzGerald New Homes, will be followed closely by similar sized follow-on phases with plans for a village centre and apartment schemes to be included around phase four. However, progress will be determined by the market appetite, and with this in mind, it looks like phase one, designed by Conroy Crowe Kelly Architects, has been very much priced to sell. Two-bed townhouses are €240,000, while the three-beds, of which there are 45, are between €280,000 and €290,000. Nine 149sq m (1,600sq ft) detached four-beds, all on corner sites, are priced at €400,000.
Bigger than average
What sets this development apart from its boomtime counterparts is that it has been built in compliance with strict new building regulations at an estimated additional cost of €10,000 to €20,000 per unit. The result is bigger-than-average houses, for example the three-bed semi-detached units are 119sq m (1,280sq ft) compared with a previous norm of about 93sq m (1,000sq ft).
All homes need to be wheelchair accessible on the lower level, resulting in roomier hallways and door frames. Every unit has solar panels ensuring a continuous supply of hot water and super-thick insulation, delivering an energy efficient BER rating of A3, which should mean low utility bills. Fitted kitchens are included along with fully tiled and floored bathrooms.
“We’ve worked hard to understand what people want, and these are dramatically different to houses that would have been delivered six years ago. People want their own driveways, more space, separate utility rooms, fitted wardrobes and of course an A-rating,” says Shane Daly, commercial director with Gannon Homes.
Future requirements
When complete, it’s envisaged the Millers Glen development will be similar in size to the adjoining Castleview estate, built on land purchased from Gannon Homes. The scheme is located opposite two newly built primary schools and a tract of green space ceded to Fingal County Council that will be retained as natural terrain.
Within walking distance are shops and amenities at Applewood Village, which was constructed during the boom by Gannon Homes. The area is located close to the M1, and is well serviced by bus links to the city centre and the airport.
The latest ESRI report indicated Dublin needs 54,000 new homes over the next seven years, though there are only 2,000 new homes actually scheduled for construction this year.
Almost half of the available zoned land in Dublin at the moment is in Fingal, where Millers Glen is located. With permission already granted for more than 21,000 new homes in Fingal, this area has by far the greatest potential to substantially meet the future new homes requirement for the capital.
Show houses are open to the public on Saturday and Sunday from 2-5pm.
