WE'VE HEARD of free cars and financial packages, but one Cork developer has really upped the stakes in new homes perks. Warren Developments is offering buyers at its Desert Heights scheme in Clonakilty a free apartment in Cape Verde as a sweetener to tempt buyers back out of their hiding holes.

The scheme of five large family homes has been on the market for three months and, despite a 30 per cent price reduction, there have been no takers. Now builders John Fitzpatrick and Denis Hayes are hoping to lure buyers with the offer of a one-bed apartment at a scheme being developed by fellow Corkman Tom Sheehy's Cape Verde Development on São Nicolau, one of the 18 islands that make up Cape Verde.

Selling agent Michael Galvin of DNG Michael Galvin Auctioneers says the apartments are worth €70,000 each and come fully furnished (satellite TV and all). They also have a "guaranteed rental income" of €3,500 for three years, he said. Houses at the unfortunately named Desert Heights are from €595,000.