Adamstown from €280,000:A new phase of apartments, duplexes and townhouses is being launched this week at the new west Dublin suburb of Adamstown, writes Fiona Tyrrell.

A total of 265 starter homes go on sale this weekend at Castlethorn Construction's latest phase in Adamstown, the new town taking shape in west Dublin.

Last year, a record 330 homes were snapped up by buyers in two days when Adamstown was first launched in February 2006 and an additional 315 were sold in the following two weeks.

Adamstown, near Lucan, is the first scheme in the Government's Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) initiative designed to fast-track planning for starter homes. The new town will be home to 25,000 people when complete.

All eyes will be on Adamstown this weekend to see if this big launch will breathe some life back into the new homes market.

Following in the footsteps of Adamstown Castle last year, Adamstown Square is offering a broad range of units at prices to suit most wallets.

Entry level prices have not shifted since last year with one-bedroom apartments available from €280,000. Prices go up to €495,000 for four-bedroom townhouses.

The architects for this phase of the development are Murray O'Laoire, so the overall look at Adamstown Square differs significantly from those at Adamstown Castle.

This launch is particularly geared towards young families with 60 per cent of homes on offer boasting three or four bedrooms.

The fact that the much anticipated train station, which is due to open on April 10th, is a 10-minute walk from Adamstown Square, is also likely to be a big selling point.

Also on offer this weekend are 37 apartments and 10 townhouses in the Anthony Reddy designed Sentinel Building, to be built beside a neighbourhood centre.

Selling agent Gunne New Homes will be taking bookings at a marketing suite and five show units will be on display.

Prices start at €280,000 for one-bedroom apartments with 48-67sq m (517-678sq ft) of living space.

Two-bedroom apartments of 65-84sq m (700-904sq ft) are priced from €300,000. Three-bedroom apartments of 89-103sq m (958-1,108sq ft) start at €345,000.

Two bedroom duplex homes of 81-89sq m (871-958sq ft) start at €330,000.

Three-bedroom duplex homes of 97-112sq m (1,044-1,205sq ft) are from €345,000.

Four-bedroom townhouses with 124-146sq m (1,335- 1,572sq ft) of living space are from €495,000.

Homes are due for completion in autumn 2008, according to the selling agent.

Going on the show units, homes will benefit from lots of natural light thanks to unusually large windows, living spaces are well thought out with good storage and the finish promises to be excellent.

Duplex homes will back on to open green areas, and first floor units will have trellised gardens.

Townhouses come with private back gardens.

Buyers will get a choice of four different kitchens and bathrooms, and en suites are fully tiled. Kitchen appliances will be included if purchasers return contracts within 21 days.