Couples sleep in cars to buy new homes in Limerick village 'off plans'

A NUMBER of couples slept in their cars to ensure they would be at the top of the queue to purchase a house in a new development in County Limerick, Limerick Live has learned.

When contacted, GVM new homes director, Paul Crosse, confirmed the drastic steps taken by some to secure their dream home - in scenes reminiscent of Celtic Tiger times.

Mr Crosse launched the first phase of Camoge Park, Croom - being built by Clancy Homes - on Saturday morning, November 25.

“One couple started queuing at 3am and more joined at around 4am and 5am. There were six cars pulled up when I arrived at 8am. I was very surprised there was someone there from 3am and six cars at 8am. That took everybody by surprise. It just shows the demand for good housing in good locations,” said Mr Crosse.

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The auctioneer added: “We had a selection of everything but one or two people had their eye on a corner site or a property that ticked every box for them and they didn’t want to leave it to chance. We weren’t going to be turning people away but one or two had units in mind, wanted to beat the rush and guarantee the ones they wanted.”

Eighteen properties - a mix of four-bedroom semi-detached and three-bedroom mid and end-of-terrace - were launched in the first phase of Camoge Park.

The six people waiting were quickly followed by many more. Mr Crosse sold 14 of the 18 homes off the plans, completing sales totalling €4.5m in a couple of hours. The houses bought are expected to be completed in June / July 2024.

The homes in Croom are competitively priced compared to similar properties being built on the outskirts of Limerick city. The three-bedroom mid-terrace houses start at €299,000; the three-bedroom end-of-terrace are €330,000 / €340,000 and the four-bedroom semi-detached are €368,500.

There is planning permission for 56 houses in total with phase two of Camoge Park expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2024.

Mr Crosse said the vast majority of purchasers are young couples. “A lot are renting and want to buy their own house and Clancy Homes are well-known and well-established. There was a good amount of interest locally and people looking to move out of the city for more affordable housing. Croom ticks all the boxes - you are 15 minutes from the city on the motorway, schools, hospital, shops, pubs, restaurants, amenities and is ideal for people working in Raheen Business Park.”