The Howth area of Dublin continues to be one of the most sought after locations by house buyers. Ellier Developments took bookings last weekend for all but three of the 32 apartments it is building in the first phase of a development at Howth Road, between Sutton and Howth. The three units still available are on the ground floor - a two-bedroom apartment with 1,000 sq ft will cost £260,000; a three-bedroom home with 1,200 sq ft for £300,000 and a unit of 1,150 sq ft which will set you back £285,000.

Conor Gallagher of Douglas Newman Good says the majority of buyers were couples trading down from large houses in the area. About 30 per cent of the bookings came from investors, who expected significant capital appreciation over the next few years. The Corr Castle development will have a total of 85 apartments and eight houses in what is one of the best remaining development sites on the Howth peninsula.