Single mid-20s - where to live in NI?

[mascaralashes]

Where would you recommend in NI to buy your first house if you were female, single and mid-20s? I have friends in Belfast, family in Carrickfergus and I'd love to be close to the sea.

Belfast. You’re young it’s a fun city.

Whats your budget? Where will you be working?

Working in Belfast city centre and budget £225k.

At that age I was with DH and we had an apartment in Belfast city centre and really liked it.

The go to places these days seem to be around the Lisburn road (recent episode of Location Location Location) and Ormeau road areas but I'm not sure about prices.

We're on the North down coast now and I love it but I doubt that's what you're looking for.

I agree stick to the city centre where 90% of your life - work & social will take place....its an easy pop out for a walk on the many beautiful beachs at on the weekends.

I’d be aiming for Holywood, BT9 (Lisburn Rd/Stranmillis, some good areas closer to Finaghy too that would be more budget friendly), Ballyhackamore or Upper Ormeau.

We live just off Lisburn Rd, I absolutely adore the area and so does DD who is planning on buying here in a few years time. It is so convenient - fantastic public transport links via bus and train, straight road into town with easy access to the outer ring + motorway. Lovely shops, cafés, bars, restaurants etc and there’s always something new popping up. Lots of young people around with a great cosmopolitan vibe. Beautiful walking spots like Lagan Meadows and Shaw’s Bridge right on your doorstep

The city centre is getting more dangerous and run down by the day, there is no way that I’d want to live there - especially as a young, single woman. DD is the same age as you, she certainly doesn’t feel safe walking alone at night in town anymore, definitely wouldn’t even think about living there either. Just a few evenings ago we were harassed, threatened and followed by a man clearly under the influence of drugs near Victoria Square. Drug fuelled crime is through the roof since Covid/cost of living crisis to the point that ordinary passers by are getting assaulted on a regular basis. It’s just not a pleasant place to be at the minute. Nightlife is dying off in Belfast and during the week it’s a lonely ghost town - the suburbs are honestly far nicer with more going on.

Earlier in the year I helped DD, the same age as you, find a house to buy. I got lots of useful help from posters here.

I don't know if the market is still as busy. It was mad then. 70 prople asked to view the house she eventually bought within a day of it being on the market. It helped to have evidence on a mortgage in principle and to be decisive. Property seemed to often be priced quite low to attract viewings, but at that time was routinely going for 10% over.

I agree with the areas suggested above. Lower Ormeau is nice, with lots of restaurants and breakfast places, but a bit overpriced. Ravenhill is an established residential area, more central, close to a good park and a bit cheaper.

Don't buy in carrick though you'll get a lot more for your money there.

Where in the city will you be working and will you be using public transport or driving?

As others have suggested Lisburn Road, stranmillis, Belmont rd, ballyhackamore, upper Newtownards rd are all lovely with great bars/ restaurants and transport links.

If you want a nice area in between carrick and Belfast with good road/ rail links then I'd look at Jordanstown/ Whiteabbey village. Lovely independent shops, bars, restaurants etc. by the sea with lovely coastal walks and parks.

DD also offered on a house in Upper Ormeau. It would have been fun, close, but not in the Holylands. Aside from the fact the agent was hopeless, Ravenhill won out because it was more residential. Neighbours were a mix of young families and older people, and she got a garden and garage. There should be a wider market when she comes to sell or rent, as well as the potential to expand by adding a double storey back extension.

Parking in Belfast can be a nightmare, including Upper Ormeau. In many ways we preferred the location, especially the immediate access to the Lagen, which is beautiful and a reasonable substitute for proximity to the sea, with quick walking/cycling access to the city centre. As well as good access to restaurants and bars close to the University.

There are already signs of developers moving in to convert HMOs in the Holylands to flats, and my guess is that there will be a transformation over the next decade with the Holylands and areas adjacent becoming increasingly attractive and popular. That said DD is already noticing signs of regeneration along the Cregagh, as people get priced out of Lower Ormeau.

Sorry. Just reread my last post. I got my Uppers and Lowers confused. I meant Lower Ormeau.

The good thing about renting is you can choose an are that suits you at the time. Buying is a longer term decision.

DD is also lucky in that as a blown-in with a Catholic sounding first name, a Protestant sounding second name and an English accent, no-one can work her out. She therefore did not need to think about the historic reputation of an area, just that she wanted to avoid flags.