O'Malleys Construction has hit the jackpot with its latest apartment and housing scheme in Dublin's south inner city. Last weekend it recorded £10 million (€12.7m) in advance sales at its classy Symphony House scheme, which will have a dual frontage on to Adelaide Road and the Grand Canal.

Like one or two of the other top builders, O'Malleys has a loyal following who frequently buy units on their developments. True to form, the most expensive home sold last weekend, a three-bedroom penthouse, with 1,700 sq ft of floor space and a huge terrace, was booked by a Galway businessman at £1.2 million (€1.5m).