Spring stirs holiday buys

IT’S spring, and holiday home fever is in full seasonal flight.

Despite the bad press rained down on tax-driven holiday and second home schemes, not all deserved to be so-tarred. And, the imminent demise of many tax breaks will place a premium on the better remaining developments.

Up at the top end of the scale, in a premium Ring of Kerry location, is the Waterville Spunkane scheme being completed by interior architect Michael Price of Caprice Developments. Among his previous ‘works’ is a collection of contemporary stone houses on Lamb’s Head near super-scenic Derrynane.

Now, he has just three of 19 houses left to sell at Spunkane on the edge of Waterville, and they come with a Bord Failte four-star fit-out and with Section 23-type reliefs for investors.

So, the location is physically attractive, while the finance is fiscally so. Sizes are about 1,400 sq ft and all are four beds with three bathrooms (two ensuites). There’s one detached at €290,000 plus VAT, and two semis at €270,000 plus VAT.

Caprice has also started work on 11 detached houses, the curiously titled Klondyke Close, where 1,550 sq ft detached houses (two styles) are priced at €360,000/€375,000, plus VAT.

The company is also in the planning process for a development of over 20 large 2,000 sq ft houses on a six acre site, with a number of pro-wildlife habitat proposals, ponds and other features. See www.capricedevelopmentsltd.com.

Meanwhile, a scheme of 30 holiday homes with Section 23-type reliefs and Bord Failte registration is on offer in on offer in Kenmare, Co Kerry.

Forelands, within a short walk of the town centre at Dromneavane, is a mix of holiday rental units aimed at investors and includes semis of 1,242 sq ft and marginally larger three bed townhouses.

Prices range from €299,000/€305,00 to €316,000, including quality fit out and VAT. Show units are open afternoons this weekend. Selling agents are Dublin-based LPC. See www.lpcproperty.com.

Back in Waterville, the converted former 1880s transatlantic cable station now in refurbished apartments has 11 holiday units, priced between €185,000 and €225,000 by agents Davis Hunter in Cork city. Check www.davishunter.com, or davcondevelopments.com.