With plenty of choice now available for first-time buyers, according to Ronan O'Driscoll of Hamilton Osborne King, Holywell's strengths are its prime location and very competitive prices.

All the homes have generous proportions with a high standard of fit-out including high-quality fitted kitchens, fitted wardrobes and natural gas central heating. The two-bed townhouses are all mid-terrace and the threebeds are end of terrace; all the houses have back gardens.

The layout of the development has also been wellthought out, with the houses set in a series of small cul-desacs. The two- and three-bed duplex units have their own hall door and either one or two-bed apartments at ground floor.

Just eight miles from Dublin city centre, the development is strategically located between the M1 motorway and Airside Retail Park, giving easy access to the amenities of Swords, Malahide and Dublin Airport.

There are also plans for a local shopping centre as well as a medical centre and creche.

The showhouse complex, opening this weekend, will have four different units on view.

Price: one-bed apartments starting from 269,950; three-bed duplexes from 404,950 Agent: Hamilton Osborne King, 01 6181300