White

Purple 1

Article header

Get the latest on our developments. We will update you once a month.

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Two experts in the field share their advice.

In the current property climate, new home buyers are often being asked to make rapid decisions on developments as they come to market or risk losing out.

You might already know what number of bedrooms you’re looking for, or have a list of non-negotiables, but how can you best decide which new development is right for you?

We spoke to Josh Maguire of The House Architects to hear his advice for spotting a great development early on, as well as Glenveagh Homes’ Eamon Gavigan about how buyers can be first in the queue when it comes to new homes.

Pay attention to amenities available now – and in the future

“Every homebuyer will have different needs,” says Josh. “But the location of the development relative to work, shops and schools is always going to be top of the agenda. Developments which are well connected are more likely to mature well. Access to public transport is vital.”

While not all developments can be connected with all amenities, Josh advises finding out if the development is planned as part of a larger framework. “This could include construction of new shops, creches, or even schools. It’s so important for buyers to check out what is actually planned around the development in the context of both long term plans and short term plans. This will help them to appreciate how it’s going to mature over the next 10, 20 or 30 years.”

A big indication of a good development is the inclusion of green spaces throughout, says Josh. “They significantly contribute to the family friendly nature of the neighbourhood. The ability of children to play in the open air and close to home is really valuable. You’re much less likely to get one big green space these days, it’s more likely you’ll get pockets of green spaces which relate to different neighbourhoods in larger developments.”

While you may be only interested in buying a particular house size and layout, Josh recommends keeping an eye out for developments where there are a mix of house types available. This, he says, “helps to foster a vibrant community”.

“Modern housing developments are generally designed with much greater recognition of the benefits of a mix of types, which in turn leads to a mix of profiles.”

Check out the developer’s past projects

If the development you’re interested in is still under construction, visiting a completed site from the same developer will likely give you a good idea as to how communal spaces are maintained and looked after over time.

“A developer’s track record is a really important indicator of the quality of the development, the quality of the builds and the quality of the infrastructure,” says Josh. “In some cases, the public areas in the development may not be taken care of by the local authority, in which case the responsibility to maintain the streetscape and green spaces goes the developer, or to a management company ultimately. So visiting previous developments by the same developer can help to provide an insight into that.”

Consider the property’s appearance and function long-term

Buying a home is perhaps the biggest investment you’ll ever make, so of course you’ll want to ensure that the materials used will stand the test of time. An example of this, says Josh, is what finish the exterior of the property is.

“One of the biggest things is look at how it’s likely to mature,” he says. “Obviously a painted finish will have to be painted again in years to come, whereas a stone or brick finish is permanent and doesn’t require maintenance.

“We all know of streetscapes where they actually look better now than they did 50 years ago, and that’s because they matured well.”

The potential to extend or convert the attic is another element to look out for here – especially if you’re buying off plans. “Lots of people find that five to seven years down the line they’re expanding or altering their house, whereas if they really really studied it when they’re buying it off the plans, they could have been able to make those alterations at a much lower cost.”

So, once you know what you’re looking for, how do you get your foot in the door of a new development? Glenveagh Homes’ Sales Manager Eamon Gavigan says it’s all down to communication.

 in Midleton, County Cork,  information is shared on the developer’s website and social media from the very early stages. This is a prime time to register your interest, says Eamon, and allows you to hear in advance about buyer events and new launches. “The early bird catches the worm,” he says.

Once you’ve done that, the agent who’s looking after the scheme will keep you updated on the development’s progress and provide any new information. At this stage, it’s likely that they’ll also ask where you are in the house-hunting process, so have as much documentation and information ready to go as you can.

“We will ask the relevant questions. What is your status? Are you a first time buyer? Have you mortgage approval? Are you aware of the Help to Buy Scheme? If you’re aware of these things and are ready to go, they’re the words we look for.”

As the development progresses, some of the houses may sell off plans. “If they’re going to buy a property off plan, it means that the show house isn’t built, they can’t go in and walk around and see everything. So they will look at the computer generated images of the house internally and externally, they’ll have a copy of the floor plans. We’d also always encourage them to come and look at another development.”

It may take months for plans of homes within the development to become available, or you might want to wait until you can go into a show home and have a look around for yourself. Either way, keeping in contact with the agent is key, says Eamon. “Drop them an email every month or two months asking for updates. If you have the homework done, you’ll get the result.”

Looking to buy a new build? Here's how to spot a great development - and be first in line for updates

Love Where You Live 2.0

News

News categories

Love Where You Live Campaign

Greencare by Glenveagh

Cookies

Inspire Hub 

Benefits of buying with Glenveagh

Buying with Glenveagh

First Time Buyers

Employment Candidate Privacy Notice

Home

Our Communities

Charity

Local Economy

Sports & Fitness

Sustainability

Health & Wellbeing

Education

Terms of Use

Ledwill Park Newsletter

Ledwill Park Construction Updates

Ledwill Park Community News

Moving in advice: 7 Tips to make moving into your new home smooth and simple

Ledwill Park FAQ

Ledwill Park Home Services

Ledwill Park Local Guide

Love Where You Live

Privacy Statement

Love Where You Live Report

The First Home Scheme

LGFA | Glenveagh Show us your skills competition T&C's

Developments

Compact Growth

Nature Hero Awards

The hidden costs of buying a house  

Community living at Taylor Hill with Hemerson Macalão Ramos

Key factors to consider when choosing a home

Convenience, nature and community: find what Kildare has to offer and check out two new developments

The Sanderling Christmas Showhome with Muriel Simpson from H+G Design Group

Modern, Low-Impact Family Homes on Dublin's Doorstep Coming Soon

What's Important About The Local Area?

Clare and Meath stars unveiled as new Glenveagh Homes Gaelic4Girls ambassadors 

From deals to documents: a first-time buyers guide to mortgage applications

How to organise your kitchen for maximum functionality

Glenveagh supports 10th annual June Fest in Newbridge

Important tasks to tackle after moving into a new house

Glenveagh Homes launches new charity partnerships with Jack & Jill and ALONE

The ABCs of mortgages for first-time buyers

What Financial Supports Are Out There For You?

The Trending Interior Style of 2023: Organic Modern

What are the lead times in the home buying process?

A Community Christmas Event: Barnhall Meadows 

Important questions to ask when viewing a house

Why New Builds Provide The Easier Option For New Homebuyers 

How to choose a home that'll suit your needs now and in the future - from garden size to layout

Buyers share what made their new place feel like home

Five easy eco-friendly Christmas decorations to make at home

Getting ready to buy a house: a simple guide for first-time buyers

Bigger And Better: The Advantages Of Buying A New Home Through A Large Home Builder

Simple steps to secure mortgage approval

Simple tips to keep your garden green

Glenveagh Staff Volunteer at Alone Housing Facility

What's Most Important For Young Families Looking For a New Home?

A Superb Collection of A-rated Homes in the Inviting Community of Mullingar. Register for Farranshock Park

Green Days with Glenveagh - Biodiversity Education in Schools

What Is the Most Energy Efficient Way to Heat Your Home?

What Does The Future of Housing Look Like?

How do I decorate on a small budget? Your home design questions, answered by an expert

Top Five Wellness Tips for 2022

How to Save a Deposit for your New Home.

How to make an offer on a house

New to gardening? Here are some top tips for beginners

How to create a bedroom where you’ll always feel relaxed with designer Aoife Tobin

Want a family home that has it all? Explore two brand new developments in Kildare.

‘There’s so much art and energy’: Locals on why Newbridge is a great place to call home

Stylish, spacious and close to all you need: Three-bed homes in Co Offaly from €250k

A Collection of Energy-Efficient Homes set in the Heart of Kilkenny, Register for Cluain Glasan

How We're Reducing Our Impact on the Environment

Country Life That’s Close to the Action: Register Now for These Family Homes Just Outside Swords

Village Life with Added Convenience in Kilcock

Village life with added convenience: Homes at Ravens Mill are near to schools, shops and more

Could Your Home Make You Money?

What happens after the sale has been agreed?

Glenveagh Homes supports Newbridge Community First Responders

How to design a multi-purpose living area in your new home, according to the experts

Mistakes To Avoid As A Self-Employed First-Time Buyer

The Help-To-Buy Scheme: How It Works And Why It Can Benefit You

What mortgage interest rate works best for first-time buyers?

These New Commuter-Friendly Homes in Wicklow are Sure to Improve your Work/Life Balance, Register for Ushers Glen

How to get that 'Show-Home Look'

‘There’s Always Time for a Chat’: Locals on What Makes Balbriggan a Great Place to Live

Glenveagh Staff Volunteer Day at Jack & Jill Charity Boutiques

How to organise and personalise your living room

Green is the New Neutral: The Interiors Trends Every 2022 Buyer Should Know

Locals Share What They Love Most about Citywest

Launching soon: Brand new three and four-beds close to the north Dublin coast

A step-by-step guide to closing the sale on your home

'Everyone's so friendly and warm': Locals share what they love about living in Trim