Buying in Comber

What you'll find

Older houses around the town square, mid-century estates, several large new-build developments on the edges of the town, and rural and lough-shore homes out towards Killinchy and the western side of Strangford Lough.

Who buys here

Families moving out from East Belfast and Dundonald, first-time buyers buying new, and people who want the lough and the countryside without giving up an easy run into the city.

Getting about

There's no railway, so most people drive into Belfast through Dundonald. The Comber Greenway, a traffic-free path along the old railway line, runs all the way into East Belfast for cyclists.

Mortgage points to note

• Stamp duty. Comber prices generally sit above Newtownards. Many family homes cross the £300,000 first-time buyer threshold, and movers buying a bigger home will often pay 5% on part of the price. Check the number.
• New-build valuations. Lenders sometimes value a new home below the asking price when incentives are included, which can leave a gap to cover. A broker who knows which lenders use which valuers can help you avoid that.
• Lough-shore and rural homes. Private drainage, private water and flood designations near the shore are common. Ask early.
• Farming and self-employed income. Much of the area around Comber is farmland. Lenders read farm accounts in different ways, so it pays to go through a broker who arranges these regularly.

Nearby

See also Dundonald, Newtownards, East Belfast and Downpatrick.