Ireland ripe for investment

Ireland is now in a prime position for carefully selected property investment, according to investment specialists Assetz, following a long period of over-inflated prices impacting heavily on returns.

With the focus now firmly on sustainable high income as opposed to growth, property investors with a long-term view are beginning to seek a return to the Emerald Isle, where yields have reached new heights as house prices have fallen.

Assetz is giving investors the chance to capitalise on the current market, with the launch of an exclusive development that encompasses the best that Ireland has to offer. The 17 acre Knocktopher Abbey scheme is the refurbishment and expansion of an established and successful 13th century Abbey holiday resort, offering investors a guaranteed 6% net yield for the next ten years, in addition to four weeks' personal use each year. A year ago, investors on residential schemes in Ireland were earning net yields in the region of 3%.

Stuart Law, Managing Director of Assetz comments: “Many investors are now taking a long-term view of their portfolios and are still attracted to the security of bricks and mortar. Gone are the days of making a quick profit on capital gains. The Knocktopher Abbey development offers a high net income over a long period and with the guaranteed rental income, investors can easily pay back any borrowing on the investment in order to reap the full rewards from their purchase.

“The operator, Seasons, has been running this site successfully for over 10 years and is delighted to offer a rental guarantee due to the strong and reliable tourist demand they experience on the site – with around 90% occupancy last year. Selling apartments and cottages on the site permits them to expand the resort further to meet this demand.

“Knocktopher Abbey is much more than an investment opportunity – it is also a lifestyle choice which appeals to British and American investors in particular who are keen to buy a slice of historic Ireland. There is a shortage of high quality, historic property available in Ireland, and this development offers the investor a holiday home, in addition to the opportunity to use one of the many other reciprocal properties."

Knocktopher Abbey

Knocktopher Abbey, with a history that dates back over five centuries, is a beautiful development set in 17 acres of mature gardens in County Kilkenny.

The scheme is situated near the tranquil village of Knocktopher, between Kilkenny and Waterford, on the site of a 13th century Abbey. The original building has been completely renovated, along with traditional x-bedroom cottages, converted from coach houses and stables.

The estate offers many recreational activities including hunting, fishing and golf. An additional development is also underway, with plans for a £2 million health-spa leisure facility, bar, restaurant and up to 50 new-build eco-properties.

Assetz are offering a limited number of luxurious cottages and apartments at the historic Knocktopher Abbey from €209,000 (£180,000). The investment offers:

6% net yield guaranteed for 10 years
No service charge / utilities to pay
No cleaning / maintenance costs
Hands off investment
PLUS

Up to 4 weeks of free holiday accommodation every year for ten years which can be exchanged within alternative prestigious resorts in the Seasons Holidays portfolio.