Talked to B of I last week about a mortgage. They're willing to give me the funds but at a high price. I'm 51, with a state job. The longest term they'll consider is 15 years, although they might go to 17 years. For a €200,000 mortgage I would have to pay €1300–€1500 per month (exclusive of insurance and other costs). That's more than half my monthly income. After other living expenses were taken out, I'd have very little to live on.
The other choice is to go for an apartment, something which I vowed I'd never do. While they're a good deal cheaper than some houses, I have this image of them as being small and pokey, badly built and with no sound proofing (but maybe that's just the modern ones!). I play a musical instrument, so not annoying the neighbours would be a big consideration.
My question is this: is it possible to buy an apartment in Dublin that's relatively spacious and comfortable, well built and properly sound-proofed and insulated? Would a duplex be different again? I'd like to stay on the south side of the city, within easy reach of the city centre. Price range €150,000 or less.
The other choice is to go for an apartment, something which I vowed I'd never do. While they're a good deal cheaper than some houses, I have this image of them as being small and pokey, badly built and with no sound proofing (but maybe that's just the modern ones!). I play a musical instrument, so not annoying the neighbours would be a big consideration.
My question is this: is it possible to buy an apartment in Dublin that's relatively spacious and comfortable, well built and properly sound-proofed and insulated? Would a duplex be different again? I'd like to stay on the south side of the city, within easy reach of the city centre. Price range €150,000 or less.