Written by FairTradeWorks Advisor Conor Doyle
As many of you may know, prior to my life as a FairTradeWorks advisor, I lived tucked away in the sunny south east of Ireland! They call it the sunny south east because a few years back a few people actually claimed to have seen it. It was later proven to have been the light from a low flying aircraft seen through the cloud and haze but the name had already stuck.
Having spent most of my life in Ireland I of course like to keep abreast of the goings on in the construction and real estate market even now I’m across the pond. Living in downtown Vancouver I’m constantly and consistently shocked at the cavernous abyss between an affordable, typical Vancouver property and what’s on the market in post recession (read recession) Ireland.
So to highlight the value available in my beautiful homeland I plan on occasionally giving you a “Four For” which compares some Irish property to that of a certain Vancouver property. This week I am taking a pretty typical 1 bed downtown condo price of $380,000 which equates to 275,000 Euro.
The first property I chose is in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Located in Galway city between the city centre and the famous Galway prom, a stroll from the beach and the stores this 3 bed, 2 bath townhome, over 2 floors, is a great starter home. The house could do with a small bit of modernisation but at $295,000 there’s plenty left in the budget. 
The second property takes us to the heart of Dublin City. Located in the IFSC, (Irish Financial Services Centre,) which overlooks the canal that divides Dublin this apartment is in one of the most modern and sought after Dublin centre location. At $400,000 it is a little over budget but this large 2 bed, almost 1000 sqft, has all the style and substance to meet any downtown lifestyle.
The third property I looked at is in my home town of Waterford. Famous for Waterford crystal this property is located 50 feet from the brand new downtown showroom, yards from the famous Viking building of Reginald’s Tower which is the oldest urban civic building in Ireland. How would you like a 2 bed apt in this 1000 year old, walled city? Well how about three 2 bed apts and an 1100 sq ft retail space. This 3300 sq ft investment listed at $375,000 could provide a great return on investment with potential to open the space up to a huge live work city centre space.
The final property I looked at is in one of the most affluent suburbs of Cork Irelands 2nd city. Douglas is one of the addresses to have when residing in Cork and this Maryborough Woods location fits the bill perfectly for the young professional. This beautifully appointed 4 bed, 3 bath, luxury home with large rear garden is on the market for $355,000. 
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