BY AMY ROSE HARTE

DEMAND for detached properties in Donegal's urban centres is dwindling, according to figures obtained by the Donegal News. Meanwhile, sales of semi-detached properties are soaring and the first time buyers market is bouyant with many people prepared to pay significant premiums for a new property.

Two new developments in Letterkenny, 'Cluain Ard' and 'Glenn Rua' in Glencar, witnessed low sales of their detached properties last year. However, the first phase of three-bed semis at Cluain Ard sold out at E198K, while there was huge demand for a fully-furnished four-bed semi in Glenn Rua at E210K.

Resale property figures also show that the market is favouring semi-detached properties. Numerous semis at Ashfield in Letterkenny last year sold circa E185K, and a four-bed semi in Foxhills sold for the same price. In comparison, numerous resales of detached properties in the Solomon's Court area in Letterkenny for E250K witnessed little demand. A four-bed detached property in Termon which has been on the market for for over six months has had no offers.

The industry figures show that the detached market and market for properties in excess of E250K is less bouyant than the first time buyer market in Donegal, in particular for resale properties. This is due to the stamp duty which would not be payable on a new property should a second time buyer be 'moving up'.

Paul Franklin, Managing Director of Franklin's Estate Agents in Letterkenny and Buncrana, says that the biggest growth areas last year were semi-detached properties and coastal properties.

"We are now finding more good quality three-bed semis

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