What you'll find
Terraces and older houses around the town centre and the marina, family estates on the higher ground behind the town, larger homes in Greenisland closer to Belfast, and seafront and village properties out towards Whitehead.
Who buys here
First-time buyers and young families who want the sea for less than Bangor or Holywood prices, commuters using the train, and downsizers wanting a seafront flat or a smaller house near the promenade.
Getting about
Carrickfergus, Clipperstown, Downshire, Greenisland and Whitehead all have stations on the Larne line into Belfast. By road, the shore road links to the M2 and M5.
Mortgage points to note
- Value for money. A lot of Carrickfergus sits under the £300,000 first-time buyer threshold, so many first-time buyers pay no stamp duty at all. Check your figure.
- Seafront flats. Leases, service charges and the condition of the block all get checked. Lenders also look at exposure to the sea: older blocks with flat roofs or failing windows can bring valuation conditions.
- Older homes near the castle. The town centre has a conservation area and some listed buildings. Alterations need consent, and older fabric can attract a retention or a specialist survey.
- Downsizing later in life. If you'll still have a mortgage past retirement, lenders look closely at your pension income. Some offer retirement interest-only loans. A broker will set out which suits.
Nearby
See also Newtownabbey, Ballyclare and North Belfast.
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