Where is it?

Swords is close to Dublin airport on the north side of the city. About 10 miles from the city centre, it is bounded by Malahide, Kinsealy, Donabate and St Margarets.

Average house prices "A typical three-bed semi sells for Euro380,000 to Euro450,000. There is also a good choice of four-bed semis with prices starting around Euro490,000, as well as one-, twoand three-bed apartments, " according to Brian Daly, GWD. Older Swords, towards the airport and Malahide, is slightly cheaper than newer Swords, towards Ballybougal, Naul and north Co Dublin, where property tends to be much larger, according to Mark Johnston, Gunne Residential.

"Four-bed semis in newer Swords start around Euro450,000 to Euro460,000 and four-bed detacheds start around Euro540,000. Apartments start around Euro320,000 to Euro330,000 for one-beds. Two-beds start at Euro370,000."

Type of houses Three- and four-bed semis and detached family housing. Modern apartment complexes with one-, two- and three-bed units. Some three-bed cottages with large gardens and old ex-council cottages.

Rental market "Swords has become a very busy rental location over the last 12 to 18 months, " according to Anne Marie Tobin, Fingal Letting. "There is always demand from employees at the multinationals as well as among the growing numbers of nonnational workers so it's a good location for corporate and short-term lets and rents are strong. Two-beds rent for Euro1,100 to Euro1,200, three-beds for Euro1,300 to Euro1,350 and four-beds for Euro1,400 to Euro1,600."

Most popular locations Highfield is one of the most sought-after locations in the area, according to Johnston. "Properties rarely come to the market but a four-bed semi recently sold for Euro625,000. Other popular locations include areas of the main road, such as along the Dublin Road, where you find a good choice of detached and semidetached bungalows on large gardens from around Euro700,000 to Euro800,000.

Longlands, a tree-lined avenue, is also in demand."

Transport A good range of buses to the city centre with a QBC. Good bus links to Malahide, Skerries and the airport. Malahide Dart station is about 15 minutes drive away.

Amenities Pavilions shopping centre, Alfa sports centre and Jackie Skelly Fitness, several GAA clubs and a choice of pubs, as well as restaurants.

Schools Holy Family Junior NS, Scoil Naomh Cholmille, St Cronan, Brackenstown, Swords Educate Together NS, St Finians Community College.

Future development plans Proposed Metro stop at Lisson Hall. The Pavilions is set to expand by 50% and the restoration of Swords Castle will further increase the attractiveness of the village.

On the market No 60 Brookdale Lawns, Rivervalley, Swords, Co. Dublin Price: Euro480, 000 Bedrooms: three Details: This modern detached family home provides easy access to the M1 and M50 and is 10 minutes' from Dublin Airport. The property spans over 120sq m (1,290sq ft) and is within walking distance of many local amenties. Set in a quiet cul de sac, No 60 is a corner property with a west-facing garden. Its spacious interior includes a living room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast area, TV room, bathroom and three bedrooms, with the master en-suite.

Agent: Gunne Residential & Mortgage Solutions, 01-807 9700