For investors, the letting market is strong, with higher than average rental Where is it?

Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 has grown from a small village running the length of Manor Street to include an area spanning from Smithfield to Arbour Hill bounded by the North Circular Road.

Average house prices: Ideal for first-time buyers looking for a city centre base, properties start at around 300,000 for a one-bed apartment with two-beds starting around 360,000 to 420,000 and threebeds from 550,000. Because houses tend to be small, the market is very influenced by stamp duty with top prices in the area below 635,000.

Type of houses:"There are three types of houses in Stoneybatter as well as a small number of new apartment developments, " explains Aisling Murray, The Property Shop. "You've got two-bed cottages of about 600sqft which are priced from 360,000- 430,000 depending on condition. Then you've got the two-up, two-downs which vary in price from around 400,000 if in need of work, to 450,000 if in mediocre condition and around the late 400,000-early 500,000 for those in walk-in condition. There are also some three-beds with garden period houses priced from 550,000 to 635,000.

Rental Market: City centre location and proximity to Smithfield and the Luas make this a very strong letting area with higher than average rental according to Murray.

Average rental for a two-up, two-down is 1,250- 1,300per month depending on mod cons etc. Victorian properties achieve around 1,500.

Best streets to live in: "The city centre end of Stoneybatter used to be the most popular location but now that the Luas is only a short stroll away, it has made the entire area popular, " says Murray. There are also some fine Edwardian properties, off Infirmary Road along de Burgh Road and around Aughrim Street, Manor Street and Prussia Street.

Transport: Number of buses and the Luas.

Stoneybatter is a short walk to the city centre.

Amenities: Manor Street has an attractive village feel with shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

Tescos is the anchor store at the Park Shopping Centre. The Phoenix Park is the main local amenity.

Schools: Stanhope Street National School, St Gabriel's and St Paul's. There are also a good choice of national schools nearby in Cabra and along the Navan Road.

Future development plans: Redevelopment of O'Devaney Gardens will breathe new life into the area by providing 300 new units and will put this side of Stoneybatter on a par with the regeneration at Smithfield. The movement of DIT to Grangegorman over the next two to 10 years, will ensure strong demand for rental accomodation in the area.

On the market
No 7 Sitric Road, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7

Bedrooms: Two doubles Details: No 7 is a well-maintained, traditional twoup, two-down with a small west facing yard to the rear. Superbly located in the city end of Stoneybatter, accommodation includes entrance hall, parlour room, lounge cum dining room, kitchenette, shower room extension and two double bedrooms. This light-filled property also benefits from GFCH and has many original features such as cast iron "replaces, some orginal doors, flooring and coving.

Agent: Property Shop, 01-838 8444