Posted on: Friday, January 26, 2024
Nestled in the heart of Northern Ireland, Armagh is a Northern Irish lcity with a rich history, vibrant culture, and a unique charm that captivates both locals and newcomers alike. From its historic landmarks to its welcoming community, Armagh has become an increasingly popular destination for those looking to relocate. In this blog post, we'll delve into what makes Armagh special, explore its property market, and understand why people are choosing to make this city their new home.
Armagh boasts a tapestry woven with centuries of history, and its architectural landmarks tell the story of its past. The city is renowned for its two impressive cathedrals – St. Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral and St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Cathedral – both standing as testament to Armagh's status as the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland. The city is also home to the Navan Centre & Fort, a prehistoric archaeological site that provides a glimpse into ancient Irish life. Armagh isn't just about history; it's a city that thrives on culture. The vibrant arts scene, music festivals, and community events contribute to a lively atmosphere. The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium offer stargazing opportunities, while the annual William Kennedy Piping Festival celebrates traditional Irish music, attracting enthusiasts from near and far.
Armagh offers a high quality of life, with a strong sense of community and a slower pace of living compared to larger urban areas. Not only that but the city is home to reputable schools and the prestigious St. Patrick's College, providing excellent educational options. Surrounded by lush landscapes, Armagh provides residents with the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, whether it's exploring local parks, hiking trails, or simply enjoying the scenic views. Armagh's strategic location, with convenient access to major cities like Belfast and Dublin, makes it an appealing choice for those who work in or frequently travel to these areas.
Art O'Hagan from CPS Property, a multi-branch award-winning agency trading since 1987, sheds light on the current property market in Armagh. According to him, "The property market here during 2023 has not been as buoyant as previous years, with the quantity of new listings down approximately 20%. However, the properties listed by CPS are selling well, achieving, in general, 4-7% above what they would have during 2022."
He further explains, "Due to the cost of construction increasing by circa 35% since 2020 and development land values softening, developers are parking building programs. Consequently, there are fewer first-time buyers' homes being constructed, leading to increased demand on the letting market and a 25% rise in rents over the past year."
CPS Property, a RICS chartered practice, focuses on Residential & Commercial Sales, Financial Services (Mortgages), and Management services for landlords. They also specialize in achieving HMO licenses across the branch network. Art O'Hagan notes, "We, in CPS, would have on average 8 tenant applications for every house we have available to let. The average sale in NI takes 6 weeks to achieve full market testing, and the conveyance procedure is in the region of 12 weeks thereafter. The peak busiest time of the year to close sales is April - July, then Sept - November. Being part of the Guild Network with over 800 agents has certainly helped us achieve a new style of buyer and reach a larger target audience."
Armagh stands as a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and modern living. Its property market reflects the city's growing popularity as a desirable place to call home. As more people discover the hidden treasures of Armagh, it's likely that the city's charm will continue to attract new residents eager to make it their own. As Art O'Hagan succinctly puts it, "With broadband quality being very strong throughout most of NI and the new way of working from home in a tranquil setting along with the benefit of house prices being much cheaper than anywhere else in the UK, NI is becoming a more popular and vibrant place to reside." With CPS Property releasing over 1,500 sets of keys annually, it's evident that Armagh is not just a city; it's a community where people are finding their new homes and keys to a brighter future.
If you are seeking to know more about property in Northern Ireland, search for properties in Armagh or get in touch with Art O'Hagan from CPS Property.
