Blog

Moving House in Northern Ireland: Lurgan and Craigavon

Posted on: Tuesday, December 19, 2023

According to Julie McCrory, Director at Kingham Property Specialists, now is a good time to consider buying a property in Lurgan and Craigavon. Firstly, the current real estate market conditions favour buyers, with competitive prices throughout Lurgan & Craigavon offering better value for money. Secondly, Lurgan and Craigavon have seen recent growth and development, making it an attractive area to live in. With improved infrastructure, amenities, and transportation links, the area is becoming increasingly desirable for both residents and investors.

Additionally, the leisure and recreational facilities in the area are fantastic, between natural award-winning beauty locations such as Lurgan Park, Craigavon lakes and Oxford Island just to name a few as well as Northern Irelands newest leisure centre at South Lake offering sports inside and outside, something to suits everyone’s needs. Lastly, when purchasing a home, buyers should want to take advantage of the of familiarity and community spirit that surrounds the towns and villages making the transition into a new home smoother and provide a sense of belonging.

Lurgan and Craigavon

Lurgan is a town in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, near the southern shore of Lough Neagh. Lurgan is about 18 miles south-west of Belfast and is linked to the city by both the M1 motorway and the Belfast–Dublin railway line. Lurgan Park is Northern Ireland's largest urban park, the second largest public park in Ireland after Phoenix Park in Dublin. Located around an expansive man made lake, it has 5 km of pathways through mature woodland and open grassland.  The Park was once part of the Brownlow estate and is still overlooked by Brownlow Castle today. The Park is over 250 acres in size and boosts many paths for walking, a super play area and large green spaces. The majestic Coalbrookdale Fountain takes pride of place at the top of the main avenue in the park and is always a focal point for young and old. Made of cast iron this fountain is one of the remaining four of its type left in the world.

Oxford Island is a designated National Nature Reserve situated on the peninsula in the southern shores of Lough Neagh.  From four miles of absorbing woodland trails to bird watching hides, unique boglands, rich wildflower strewn meadows and wildlife ponds, become immersed in the panoramic views of this stunning setting. Learn fascinating facts about the protection and enhancement of the natural environment, including local history and heritage. With an educational Discovery Centre featuring a delightful restaurant and artisan craft shop, this tranquil paradise is truly inspirational.

Tannaghmore Gardens is one of the major attractions of Craigavon City Park is Tannaghmore Gardens, centred on ‘Fairview House’, a listed Georgian Farmhouse dating from the late 18th Century.  The gardens are a popular venue for outings and family visits. The animal farm offers close encounters with many animals traditionally found on farms in Ulster 100 years ago. Many of these breeds are now rare and close to extinction; they include Irish Moiled Cattle, Dexter Cattle, Galway Sheep, Saddleback Pigs and a wide range of Poultry. Guided farm tours are a speciality. Within the gardens there are 17 different styles of traditional gates, named after local townlands.

Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre is set in beautiful wooded surroundings near the shores of Lough Neagh. It boasts a premier outdoor 300ft dendex artificial ski slope, pona tow lift on the main slope, beginners nursery slope area and snowtubing slope. Suitable for both beginners, advanced skiers and snow boarders, the centre offers lessons, coaching, equipment hire and children’s parties. Get some pre-ski season practice and brush up on your skills on these year-round slopes.

Lurgan and Craigavon Property Market

Kingham Property Specialists, an esteemed estate agency established in 1984, and taking over by Julie McCrory in 2006 stands as a beacon of trust and reliability in the local real estate market of Lurgan and Craigavon. With an unparalleled reputation for exceptional customer service and an extensive knowledge of the area, this independent firm has been the go-to choice for those seeking assistance with buying, selling, letting, or renting properties.

Julie McCrory comments, "One of the key highlights for our office recently is the agency's recent successful launch of the third phase in a new housing development. This event took place at the end of September, and it created quite a buzz. An impressive 95% of the properties in this development were snapped up within the first week, indicating a robust demand for well-priced, quality homes. This achievement is a testament to the local market's resilience, despite media reports that might suggest otherwise. As a team we were ecstatic to bring home our fifth ESTAS Award for Northern Ireland from the London award ceremony, this was our defining moment of 2023 for our small team of ladies. 

While it's true throughout 2023 the number of buyers in the market may not have been as abundant as in previous years, the tide seems to have turned with high number of viewings and offers coming in over the past few weeks, and us achieving record number of sale agreed for December and we are only half way through the month. We are still finding that clients desire the dream of living in detached homes in the countryside, which first made high demand during the Covid era, and buyers are still placing a greater emphasis on location and property quality.

Encouragingly, the local market is experiencing a boost in confidence among first-time buyers. The stabilisation of mortgage rates with lenders starting to compete with offering better deals has contributed to this positive trend. This bodes well for the long-term health of the property market, as it suggests a renewed interest in homeownership, which is often seen as a significant milestone in people's lives. In the current market climate, the agency reports an average time on sale or let of approximately four weeks. This relatively short duration signifies a dynamic and responsive market. The average residential rental price stands at £650, while the average commercial rental price is £1,000, demonstrating the diversity of the local property landscape.

Over the past four weeks, the agency has successfully moved 27 clients into their new homes, with 18 properties achieving sales agreements, with an additional 6 residential lettings and 3 commercial lettings. These numbers reflect a steady level of activity and point to a market that remains engaged and vibrant, despite the evolving challenges. We envisage low stock levels to be a re-occurring issue again for 2024 for all agents in our local area, we have been sharpening up our skills and getting more creative with inhouse practices so that we are primed and ready to start the year off with enthusiasm, energy and a positive mindset.

In conclusion, Lurgan and Craigavon's property market, guided by my dedicated team at Kingham Property Specialists, exhibits resilience and adaptability. With a strong commitment to delivering top-notch service and a keen eye on market dynamics, our agency continues to thrive and support clients in achieving our property goals, even in the face of changing market conditions. Regardless of market fluctuations, there are always individuals and families seeking new homes, and it's the persistence and dedication of firms like Kingham Property Specialists that help bring these transactions to fruition."

Contact us

If you are seeking to know more about property in Northern Ireland, search for properties in Lurgan and Craigavon or get in touch with Julie McCrory at Kingham Property Specialists.