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.

You've decided on a new-build home and are ready to start looking, but what makes a great development and how do you spot one? We ask a few experts 

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 Dublin,  information is shared on the Glenveagh 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.”

What happens after the sale has been agreed?

How the Affordable Purchase Scheme Can Help You Buy a Home

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

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

The ABCs of mortgages for first-time buyers

Why a New Two Bedroom Home might be the Perfect Fit

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

How to design a comfortable home office

At a Glance with Glenveagh - June '24 

The advantages of buying through a large home builder

Everything you need to know about mortgage interest rates

How to organise and personalise your living room

Looking to buy your first home? Here's why a new build could be the ideal choice 

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

Key factors to consider when choosing a home

Schools Embrace Nature Hero Bootcamps 

Balmoston Site Update

 Balmoston First-Time Buyers Event

Donabate Ready for 4-Mile Road Race

How to save a deposit for your new home

Recreational Hub Planned for Ballymastone

Building Balmoston - Construction Underway

Episode 5 - The Big Decision

Episode 4 - The Financial Advice

Episode 3 - The New Build

Episode 2 - The Doer-Upper

Episode 1 - The First-Time Buyers

The hidden costs of buying a house  

How to organise your kitchen for maximum functionality

Key tasks to tackle after moving into your new home

The First Home Scheme : Here’s what you need to know

What are the lead times in the homebuying process?

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

Simple tips to keep your garden green

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

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

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

How to get that 'Show-Home Look'

Lighting, layout and storage: What makes a great kitchen? We spoke with 3 designers to find out

How many houses should I view? 5 big questions from a first-time buyer, tackled by an expert

Top tips for saving energy in your home

Buying your first home: top tips to make the process as easy as possible 

How can a solicitor support you during the homebuying process?

Buying a House in 2023: How to Save for a Deposit

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

The Trending Interior Style of 2023: Organic Modern

Stylish State of the Art Homes, Located At the Heart of it all in Athlone. Register for Gracefields @ Drumaconn. 

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

Modern Homes with Great Transport Links and Local Amenities close to Dublin City, Register for Citywest Village 

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

Energy-Efficient Homes set in a Community Location, Register for Grey Abbey View 

What Financial Supports Are Out There For You?

What's Important About The Local Area?

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

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

How You Can Make Huge Savings In Energy Consumption

Could Your Home Make You Money?

What Does The Future of Housing Look Like?

Applying for a mortgage in 2023: New lending amounts for first-time buyers

A Community Christmas Event: Barnhall Meadows 

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

How We're Reducing Our Impact on the Environment

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

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

Glenveagh Staff Volunteer at Alone Housing Facility

Village Life with Added Convenience in Kilcock

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

Clare and Meath stars unveiled as new Glenveagh Homes Gaelic4Girls ambassadors 

Green Days with Glenveagh - Biodiversity Education in Schools

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

Top Five Wellness Tips for 2022

Great Job Opportunities & Spacious Accommodation for First-Time Buyers in Citywest

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

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

Locals Share What They Love Most about Citywest

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

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

Five easy eco-friendly Christmas decorations to make at home

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

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

Glenveagh Staff Volunteer Day at Jack & Jill Charity Boutiques

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

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

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

Jack & Jill Founder Celebrates his Milestone Birthday with a Fundraiser  

Glenveagh Homes supports Newbridge Community First Responders

Glenveagh supports 10th annual June Fest in Newbridge

Making your house a home - adding the finishing touches with Scatter Box

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

Spacious, bright and convenient: three-bed family homes with great transport links from €250k

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

Community living at Taylor Hill with Hemerson Macalão Ramos

Village life with easy city access: check out these new family homes

Due to COVID-19 we have created new ways to view our properties to ensure your safety and comfort.