Where is it?

Approximately one mile from the city centre. Sandymount's borders are roughtly between Bath Avenue and Londonbridge Road to the north, the Dart line/ Merrrion Road to the west, the Merrion Gates and Mount Merrion to the south. To the east is Strand Road, and beyond, the vast expanse of Dublin Bay.

Average house prices:

"Anything from 700,000 and beyond, " says agent Felicity Fox, who sells prime homes in the area. The popularity of Sandymount is reflected in the prices sought, she adds, with affordability more likely on roads such as Malone Gardens or Margaret Place. A three- or four-bed terrace on Londonbridge Road runs from 800,000 up to well beyond the 1m mark, depending on the condition. A semi-d on Serpentine Avenue averages around 1.3m, Strand Road with sea views anything around 2m and beyond. It's possible to snap up a one-bed apartment, but at a price: one in Sydney Parade is currently seeking 490,000 on myhome. ie.

Type of houses:

The area displays the architectural heritage of the city, from fine, late Georgian/early Victorian villas, to pre-war/ post-war, typically suburban homes with big gardens, and right up to small developments of more modern apartments . . . Gilford Road exemplifiies many of these evolving styles.

Rental market:

Sandymount attracts diverse rental tenants. With neighbouring Ballsbridge's embassy belt a short stroll away, diplomats as well as corporate clientele seek sizeable houses to rent here.

Depending on the size and character of the property, rental for a three-bed house could run from 2,000 to between 4,500 . . . 5,000 a month. A two-bed apartment here could reach up to 2,000 per month.

Best streets to live in:

Every road here, is the short answer, as the area has so much going for it. The big name-drop ones include Park Avenue, Claremont Road, Sandymount Road and Avenue, Gilford Road, St John's Road and Strand Road.

Transport:

Walking distance from the city centre and Sandymount Dart station. Bus routes include Nos 2 and 4.

Amenities:

Lively village with good choice of shops, a very busy Spar and nice restaurants.

Schools:

Several primary schools in the area and in neighbouring Ballsbridge include Canon O Hanlon Memorial School and Ioclainn na Pailirise. Second level convents and colleges easily accessed include Blackrock College and Loreto on the Green.

Future development plans:

Nothing much is happening to spoil the view in Sandymount, but nearby Jurys Hotel and Landsdowne Road rugby stadium are being redeveloped soon.

On the market 17 Strand Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4 Price: AMV 2m; auction 3 May Bedrooms: Four Details: Buyers looking for a spacious family home in a good location will not be disappointed with No 17 Strand Road. In fact there's so much space here, you might not know what to do with it. This double fronted villa style home offers 180sq m (1935sq ft) of living accommodation with a 37sq m (400sq ft) converted basement and sizeable L-shaped, light-"lled garage to the rear which has been used as an artists' studio for a number of years.

It also has full planning permission for an extension to the side of the property. Inside, accommodation includes living room, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, breakfast room, utility, shower room, four bedrooms and main bathroom.

Agent: Sherry FitzGerald 01-237 6300