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Moving House in Northern Ireland: Ballymena

Posted on: Thursday, April 18, 2024

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Ballymena is a town located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, situated approximately 30 miles north-west of Belfast. Historically, Ballymena has been a significant hub for agriculture and manufacturing, particularly in textiles and linen production. It's often referred to as the "Ballymena Braid" due to its rich linen-making heritage. Rich in its history, diverse in its economy, and with a vibrant cultural scene, Ballymena is a fantastic place to relocate to.

 

Convenience in abundance

Ballymena is one of the best shopping towns in Northern Ireland with a mix of high street names and independent retailers. Local craft shops sell everything from contemporary gold and silver jewellery to bespoke painted gifts and teddy bears. The area also makes the most of its local farms’ fresh vegetables, fish and meat and these are used to exquisite effect in its restaurants and cafes. The Ballymena area has a host of attractive attributes to bring people to the town. There are three highly regarded Grammar Schools and a host of reputable primary schools and secondary schools in the town and surrounding villages. The local area really does have everything to offer family buyers. There are several large factories and firms in the area and employment levels are at an all-time high. If health and fitness is your thing, Ballymena and the surrounding villages offer some of the best gym facilities in the County Antrim area. There are two golf courses; one of which Is on the edge of the award-winning village of Broughshane. Ballymena's excellent geographical setting means that the town is the perfect place to call home for those who work in the city yet enjoy the peace and tranquility of the coast and local beaches. With the advantage of a close-knit community, Ballymena is perfect for families seeking the bustle of a busy town, with close proximity to rural areas. 

 

Scenic beauty

Ballymena has much to offer visitors and residents, there is a beautiful waterfall walkway that is often described as a mini-Switzerland as well as a 12th century castle to explore. You can also admire the Georgian architecture and stroll along the banks of the River Braid. Ballymena is ideal for exploring on foot as everything is within easy walking distance. The beautiful countryside around Ballymena is perfect for outdoor pursuits, such as horse riding, cycling, fishing and walking. The town’s two marinas attract yachtsmen from all over the world and golf fans are spoilt for choice by the number of great quality courses nearby. The traditional Gaelic sport of hurling continues to attract large numbers of spectators and Ballymena is a perfect place for you to enjoy this ancient fast-paced sport from. Ballymena is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Northern Ireland, on the coastal route that leads up to the Giant’s Causeway and inland there are forests, rivers and unspoilt countryside surrounding the town.

 

Local property market

Homes Independent Ltd is a residential estate agency based in the large town of Ballymena, County Antrim. Commenting on the current market, Fiona Cupples, Managing Director at Homes Independent Ltd, says, "The local property market has remained fairly buoyant over the winter months, however coming into the spring months we have seen a surge of new residential properties coming to the market. The market in the greater Ballymena area is not dominated by one particular demographic; first-time buyers, down-sizers, investors and home movers are all in the market. At Homes Independent, we pride ourselves in being a traditional estate agency with a forward-thinking and straight-talking attitude. For over three decades, Homes Independent has been more than just an estate agency. Our unwavering dedication to building trust, knowledge and genuine connections has set us apart. Our brand purpose is deeply rooted in our history and values and it is our enduring commitment to guiding real estate excellence that defines who we are. Our mission is to empower our clients’ property dreams. We offer unmatched knowledge, building trust through integrity and forging personal connections. We advocate for regulated practices and delivering excellence through our commitment to making buying property more than a transaction.

"This is a fantastic time for buyers at the beginning of their house-hunting journey as the spring/summer months of April, May and June tend to be when most properties are listed for sale. This is typically the best time to move for many family buyers as it usually means that buyers will be settled into their new home for the September term start for School. In the Ballymena area, there is a shortage of good quality bungalows for sale. This lack of supply coupled with high demand for bungalows has ensured that this property type has retained its value well. Down-sizers are a popular type of home mover in this area and for this reason, bungalows tend to have a shorter length of time on the market. The best advice I could give anyone in the market for a bungalow is to ensure you have your own property listed for sale. This means you will be in a fantastic position when it comes to offering on a property as you will be a step ahead of those buyers who do not have their house on the market. 

"Our office, which is based in the town Centre of Ballymena, has a bustling and energetic environment. Over the past four weeks, we have 42 properties under offer and in the same period, have agreed 25 properties for sale. On average, property will take two months to sell; a rental property will take one week to let. During these Spring months, this is our busiest time in terms of viewers, offers and new listings. There is an abundance of first-time buyers in the Ballymena area. A great tip for first-time buyers is to ensure that they have their decision in principle in place prior to viewing properties. Qualified first-time buyers will always be an attractive purchaser for any client, so being in a pre-qualified position is key to success in securing your first home."

 

Contact us

If you want to know more about property in Northern Ireland or are seeking further insight, our experienced teams can support you on the next steps of your property journey.

Search for properties in Ballymena or get in touch with Homes Independent Ltd.