Carmen Lawn, Belmont, Rochestown, Cork

Who's the builder here again?

Do you know if they have any other developments ongoing? If so, how are they going? - This would be a good measure I think, if they have some other ghost town development thats in real bad shape then I'd be wary. If not, I guess it would be unlikely they would be in too much trouble.

I guess, on the other hand, the roads etc. are down (in most of the estate anyway). So even if they did go bust, the main essential services are there.
 
I know who the builder is alright and he lives locally in that area - (Actually on the road into the estate) - I also know that one of his sons has a house in the development and also that the architects son has a house in the development - I think this says a lot for the development. Pricewise I think they were competatively priced as was - big difference between them and similar developments close by - even though these houses seem to be in a superior and more sought after area. I know that of this section 10 out of 12 houses are already sold. Cant guarantee my sources but do trust them -

Thursday will tell us a lot methinks - if he can instill confidence in the September date and cover costs we have incurred as a result of the delay (10k) we will consider holding on.

If not my next posting will be
"Anyone know any good priced developments where the builders are looking for a fast sale - " or "how long to wait before buying - when will prices flatten out!"
 
Pull out straight away. It's not worth the hassle. If you are having trouble now, could you imagine the messing you're going to have when it comes time to do a snag list or when there is a flaw somewhere in a year or two's time ? You can forget about Homebond. It's not worth a damn if the builder is nowhere to be seen or bankrupt !
 
Pricewise I think they were competatively priced as was - big difference between them and similar developments close by - even though these houses seem to be in a superior and more sought after area. I know that of this section 10 out of 12 houses are already sold.

Do be aware that some of the other developers have been slashing prices around the area, but not openly advertising so. Eg. The word (from a number of reliable sources) is that prices for some detached houses in nearby Clarkes Wood have been slashed, eg. 4 bed detached that were advertised at well in excess of 700K are being sold "off the record" for close to 600K.

I think the recent rise in interest rates also has yet to filter through.
 
We met the builder on site yesterday. He walked us through what has yest to be done. Basically an electricity connection needs to be made at the pumping station. The ESB were out on site on Wednsday but there was a broken main which had flooded an area close to the connection. (The connection is for the pump house for the estate) For that reason they refused to connect at that point and it is now scheduled for 2 weeks time. The builder has assured me that that will go ahead. His timescale is for paper signing start of September and to be in the house by the end of September - he gave that as a worst case scenario. In fairness to the builder he seemed genuine and honest. He answered any questions we put to him showing us what had been done and what had been causing the delays - he left me his mobile number to contact him at any stage and took my phone number to update me as needs be. He has agreed that there have been communication problems with the Solicitors and that we should communicate for updates with him at any time.

For the moment we will give him the time he requires - will be ringing him regularly for progress though and this is the last chance.

Our booking deposit is with the Estate agent - from that aspect we are not worried - if they plan on selling houses in the future they cant afford to mess people around.

5 weeks isn't a long time to wait - so I'll update then.
 
Wondering if anyone has any up to date info on this development.
Drive by there recently and looks like a complete ghost town. There seems to be hardly anyone moved in there since it was built, which is about a year or two ago. Looks like a real sign of the times. There's also a broken down wall at the entrance which has been lying there for months, looking very poor. I noticed that prices have dropped a little, but clearly not significantly enough to get any activity. Me thinks there's quite a bit left for prices to drop yet.
 
We pulled our bid on one - however as far as i know they are ready at contract stage. We were told that they expect to be moving people in at the end of November - as far a s I know all the vertical line is gone but that the horizontal lane at a right angle to this is available. We re-inquired and there isnt too much movement on the new asking price - a bit of wiggle room but nothing phenominal. But i suppose at least they actually have an end point in mind now that the contracts issue is resolved. Not sure if i'd take it on again though.
 
Interesting, - I'll believe it when I see some people moved in. I reckon most people would do as you have done, and pull out with such protracted delays if they are not contracted in, so I wonder how many are still hanging in there. I think I may keep an eye on the development and keep saving in the meantime, if prices come to a reasonable level level we might consider an offer. I notice that other developments in the area have also been cutting their prices significantly, eg. Monfield and Mt. Oval.
Curiously, some second hand houses in the area, many needing work are still asking very unrealistic prices.
 
I was interested in this development so I am very interested to know if there has been any movement on these since last year?
 
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