Category: News

Franklins showcases Donegal to attract ‘movers’

Posted on December 15, 2017 by - News

Franklins Estate Agents has launched a series of new area guides showcasing why Donegal is a perfect spot to call home.

The online area guides are accompanied by stunning video footage of the county dubbed the ‘Coolest Place on the Planet’ by National Geographic and detail some of the top activities and places of interest.

The Letterkenny-based estate agency has taken the unusual step in an effort promote the county as a great place to move to as well as visit.

Things to to in Donegal

With the help of Letterkenny videographer Brian McVeigh, the company has compiled four guides offering a snapshot of beauty spots, attractions and things to do in Inishowen, Fanad, Rosguill and Letterkenny.

Paul Franklin, Managing Director of Franklin Estate Agents, said: “We all know what a fantastic place Donegal is to call home. The idea behind these guides is to showcase to others how wonderful a place our county is to live, work and play in.

“Each guide consists of a short video and a written description of the area’s highlights – what to do and see, where to shop and eat, and much more.

“The videos show some of the lesser spotted natural beauty of Donegal, with wonderful drone footage showcasing many of the iconic landmarks.

Moving to Donegal

“I hope that people from outside the county see these videos and decide to come and join us. Donegal is definitely Ireland’s most picturesque place to live and when it comes people realising that, the more the merrier,” said Mr Franklin.

The area guides are available on the Franklins Estate Agents website at:  franklins.ie/guides

Donegal paradise for the price of a tiny Dublin or London home

Posted on October 16, 2017 by - News

We’ve written previously about how moving to Donegal is now a realistic option for many young families looking to relocate from London or Dublin because of improvements in technology.

The option to work remotely is one being taken up by scores of young professionals these days. They are eager to maintain their careers but better balance work and quality of life by setting up home in Donegal.

In the past we have touched briefly on the very real value for money in the Donegal market and for many the bang you get for your buck is the most important factor when buying a new home.

Average price of a Dublin home

The average price of a three bed semi-detached home in Dublin is now €299,000, according to the MyHome.ie Quarter 3 2017 Property Report, while the average price of a four bed semi is currently €430,000.

The report further suggests the average price for a home in Dublin has increased by €40,000 over the last 12 months.

Average price of a London home

Across the Irish Sea, the average price of a home in London currently stands at £471,761 – or €530,000 – according to latest figures from the Nationwide building society.

So with those figures in mind, we thought it pertinent to ask: What would the average house price in Dublin or London (or much less than) buy you in Donegal? Let’s take a look. Here are five properties that are great examples of the value in the Donegal market right now.

And of course the quality of life in stunning Donegal is unsurpassed anywhere on these islands.

What you can buy in Donegal for the price of a Dublin or London home

Kristenwood, Knockbrack, Letterkenny

Video – https://franklins.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Kristenwood-FB-1.mp4?_=1

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Few properties define countryside luxury quite like this five bedroom home just a short 12 minute drive from Letterkenny – the county’s largest town, Donegal’s commercial and retail centre, and a place renowned for its thriving social scene and night time economy. From the state-of-the-art kitchen and porcelain floor tiles to the oak joinery, elegant bathrooms and carefully planned living space, Kristenwood is a rural haven that would make a superb Donegal country home. The asking price is €385,000.

Forquar, Milford

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This delightful six bedroom Milford family home oozes class, character and charm. Set in an acre of magnificent, mature grounds, and boasting far reaching countryside views, this stunning Donegal property was built in 1948 and has been substantially upgraded in recent years. The town of Milford is a five minute walk away and picturesque Ramelton is just a five minute drive. Letterkenny is around a 20 minute drive and the popular coastal areas of Portsalon, Dunfanaghy and Rathmullan are all accessible in 15 to 20 minutes. The asking price is €335,000.

Ballyargus, Redcastle

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With a luxury kitchen any cook would love, a bathroom that includes a jacuzzi bath and a real attention to detail throughout, this quietly sophisticated Redcastle family home is a great example of the value in the Donegal property market. Constructed in 2005, this four bedroom chalet bungalow extends to some 2000 sq ft. Located in a quiet rural setting, but is just 20 minutes from Derry, the fourth largest city in Ireland. The asking price is €159,950.

Screen, Kilmacrennan

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This beautiful cottage in a fabulous Lough side setting, is a truly unique property that blends old world charm with modern finishes. The property’s boundary touches the shore of Lough Keel and it has its own jetty and fishing rights to the Lough. Kilmacrennan is less than 15 minutes away from Letterkenny by car. The asking price is €275,000.

Briar Cliff, Fahan

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This four bedroom Fahan property maintains many of its period features and so much of its charm. Set in a stunning location, this home overlooks Lough Swilly and Fahan Marina from its elevated site. There is also a self-contained 2 bed apartment on the property’s lower ground floor, and while some redecoration work is now needed, this is a truly special property with a great asking price of €165,000.

Looking for your ideal Donegal home? View all our residential properties now

If you are looking to marry quality of life with real value for money by relocating to Donegal, talk to our team of experts today. Tel: +353 74 91 88000 or email info@franklins.ie

Buying a Donegal home: What to ask the agent

Posted on October 16, 2017 by - News

Buying a home in Donegal can be an overwhelming experience and many people can be filled with trepidation when viewing a property.

There is research to suggest that house hunters spend as little as 25 minutes viewing a property before they decide whether or not to buy – so it’s vital you make the most of the time you have in the company of the estate agent.

2Oak Park - Entrance

Donegal’s trusted estate agent

Here at Franklins, we believe in straightforward, honest and clear communication – it’s a core part of the professional and personal service clients have come to expect from Franklins.

When we accompany you on house viewings in Donegal, we give you the freedom to ask the right questions and we do our utmost to answer them effectively.

This is after all the best time to explore any concerns you might have and to glean all the information you want.

So with that in mind, the Franklins team has put together a quick checklist of the questions to ask at a viewing that should make the process a little easier.

How long has the property been on the market?
This is probably the first question we are asked most often at viewings and we can understand why. You will want to get an indication of how sought after the property is. If the property has been on the market for a time period longer than other properties in the area, it’s a chance to ask why the agent thinks the house hasn’t sold yet.

Why is the property being sold?
There may be any number of reasons why the property is being sold but as a potential buyer you’ll want to find out if it’s for any reason that could impact on you and the decisions you need to make.

How long has the seller owned the property?
Always a good question to ask as if the house has changed many hands in a short time, you’ll want to know the reasons why.

What’s included in the sale?
Knowing exactly what you’re getting for your money is of paramount importance – ask about the fixtures and fittings, white goods, garden furniture, where the boundary lies etc

Is there a chain?
If the seller has already found their next home chances are any potential sale could go through much quicker. Likewise, if you as the potential buyer does not have a property to sell, it is worth mentioning this to the agent – shorter chains mean quicker sales.

Has there been any major work on the building?
It is always worth finding out about any renovation work carried out on the property. You’ll want to know how the work has changed the property and if it was done with planning permission.

It’s important that you are very clear about what information will help you make an informed property choice and you may have a very defined set of questions of your own.

It’s a good idea to think about what is most important to you before the viewing.

To view our latest residential and commercial property opportunities click here or get in touch with us today by calling +353 74 91 88000 or info@franklins.ie

Remote working makes Donegal ideal for ambitious professionals

Posted on August 14, 2017 by - News

Working remotely in Donegal while still pursuing a career is a choice being made by a whole generation of professionals thanks to high speed internet.

At Franklins, we have been buoyed by the ever-increasing numbers of young professionals choosing to settle here, or return to their native Donegal from Dublin, Belfast or London.

Increased remote working in Donegal is a pattern that has gone hand in glove with increased and improved broadband coverage in the county.

Working remotely in Donegal

Working remotely in Donegal

Donegal high speed broadband

And with further improvements planned to the tech infrastructure here – a huge rollout of 1Gbps fibre broadband is planned over the next year – there will be little to differentiate connectivity in Donegal from the country’s more urbanised centres.

These advancements are enabling IT savvy, ambitious professionals to experience the joys of life in Donegal without compromising their career.

That’s great news for anyone wanting to enjoy the Wild Atlantic Way of life, the rugged landscape, the spectacular beaches, lakes and mountains while keeping their career ambitions high.

It all makes Donegal a very attractive option for professionals, especially those wanting to raise a family away from the humdrum of city life.

That’s not to mention the very real value for money in the Donegal property market. Donegal house prices remain well below the national average. There’s no doubting the fantastic value available right across the county.

Low childcare costs in Donegal

Then there’s Donegal childcare costs, commute-times and crime rates – all among the lowest in the country.

And it’s not just in tech that our connectivity has improved.

The county is well served by an improved road network and the Dublin to Donegal commute time is now just a little over three hours.

Donegal Airport also connects us to Dublin while nearby City of Derry airport affords an ease of access to the UK and beyond.

If you are a professional looking to marry quality of life with career by working remotely talk to our team of experts today. Tel: +353 74 91 88000 or email info@franklins.ie

Donegal’s ‘cool’ living – the secret’s out

Posted on August 14, 2017 by - News

Living in Donegal

Those of us lucky enough to call Donegal home know just how fantastic it is to spend time there – but now the secret’s out thanks the National Geographic Traveller Magazine.

 

Donegal’s ‘Coolest Place on Planet’ tag came as no surprise to us but will have grabbed the attention of potential visitors who may never have even entertained the notion heading our way for a holiday.

 

Having beaten off stiff competition from far flung destinations to top the magazine’s ‘Cool List’ last December, Donegal is now to the forefront – not only for traveller’s but also for those seeking to buy a house in Ireland.

Living in Donegal

Living in Donegal is bliss.

Buying a home in Donegal

 

From Donegal Wild Atlantic Way cottages to Donegal village homes with all the necessities needed for modern living, enquiries about buying a home Donegal may well rise as a result of the new found fame.

 

Now it’s been revealed that next month’s UK edition of the publication will feature a 20-page glossy supplement all about our wonderful part of the world.

 

The coverage will provide the readership of around 43,000 people with some of the reasons why ‘up here is different’ and why so many people who have visited have fallen in love with Donegal.

 

Many have come and many have stayed over the years, bowled over by lure of the rugged coastline, historic monuments, friendly people and even the illuminated night skies thanks to the Aurora Borealis.

 

For those who took the plunge into buying a house in Donegal for a little place to call home, these attractions were made all the more appealing by practicalities such as the lower cost of living, the escape from daily traffic jams and the great value for money in the Donegal property market.

 

When selecting Donegal at the top of its ‘Cool List’ last December, the National Geographic Traveller Magazine cited our “weather-nibbled coast spotted with sea stacks, Blue Flag beaches and offshore islands” as some of the best attributes. It described the county as “a land that feels undiscovered” – an observation that will no doubt serve as a beacon to many seeking a holiday home in Ireland or a remote country escape.

 

We wholeheartedly agree with Tourism Ireland, which describes the latest supplement as “truly invaluable publicity – showcasing the spectacular Donegal landscape to thousands of potential British holidaymakers and positioning Donegal as a highly desirable place to visit.”

 

But it’s not only visitors who will take heed. We’d be surprised if a number of those who hear the call of Donegal don’t decide to make a corner of our wee county home when they fall in love with all the wonderful aspects which we might sometimes be guilty of taking for granted.

 

Get in touch today to discover your Donegal home.

 

BUYING THROUGH FRANKLINS / the big difference

Posted on January 24, 2017 by - News

Unlike most firms of estate agents in the county Franklins rarely ‘hold’ offers on properties. We operate a much more transparent and fairer system. If we receive offers below an acceptable level to our clients we endeavour to negotiate with prospective buyers to a price agreeable to the seller / vendor. If this does not materialise we consider the property to be fully and freely available to subsequent viewers. We do not therefore in most cases revert to previous viewers / bidders. In our view they had their opportunity.

So if you are looking to buy, most of Franklins properties are freely available and open to offer / negotiation. We will not be reverting to previous viewers and you will not therefore be entering into an auction type scenario.

Honest, simple and straightforward. You know where you stand with Franklins.

Looking to rent your house?

Posted on January 24, 2017 by - News

2016 saw increases of 12 – 15% in residential rents, especially in the Letterkenny area. We go out of our way to provide high quality tenants, with references and regularly inspect our properties under management, ensuring they are being well maintained. We achieve optimum rents swiftly.

Call Raymond or Sharon 074 91 88000

Selling an investment property in ’17’?

Posted on January 24, 2017 by - News

Despite an overall reduction of 4% in property values (in Co. Donegal) last year, the market for semi-detached houses and apartments witnessed a significant 20 – 25% increase. Investors in most cases are able to achieve an impressive 8 – 9% yield – well above average. We fully anticipate another strong year in this sector and predict an annual increase in values of c. 10%.

Call Paul or Brendan if you want to sell 074 91 88000