Dundrum Named NI’s Best Place to Live 2025

Dundrum Crowned Best Place to Live in Northern Ireland for 2025.The charming coastal village of Dundrum, Co Down, has been named the Best Place to Live in Northern Ireland for 2025 by the prestigious Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide. The accolade places Dundrum at the very top of the regional list, ahead of strong contenders like Holywood and Portstewart.This annual guide celebrates communities across the UK that offer the best quality of life, based on a wide range of factors including schools, transport, broadband speeds, culture, green spaces and community spirit.Dundrum’s win is a testament to its stunning natural surroundings, thriving local food scene and growing popularity among homebuyers seeking a mix of coastal charm and accessibility.&nbsp;Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2025 &nbsp;<blockquote>Dundrum offers a perfect balance of seaside tranquility and village vibrancy, with unbeatable views of the Mourne Mountains and easy access to outdoor adventures in nearby Tollymore Forest Park and Murlough Nature Reserve.</blockquote>

Discover why Dundrum, Co Down, was named Northern Ireland’s Best Place to Live 2025, praised for its coastal charm, community spirit and stunning scenery.

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Interest Rates Cut to 4.25%

The Bank of England has cut interest rates for the second time this year, lowering the base rate to 4.25% in a move welcomed by the housing industry.This is good news for homebuyers and is expected to provide a boost to market sentiment. The cut is likely to lead to lower mortgage rates over time, offering some relief for existing borrowers and improving affordability for first-time buyers.&nbsp;<blockquote>In a statement, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said:Inflationary pressures have continued to ease so we’ve been able to cut rates again today. The past few weeks have shown how unpredictable the global economy can be. That’s why we need to stick to a gradual and careful approach to further rate cuts. Ensuring low and stable inflation is our top priority.</blockquote>

The Bank of England has cut interest rates for the second time this year, lowering the base rate to 4.25% in a move welcomed by the housing industry.

£153m funding for Co-Ownership

<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Minister announces £153m funding programme for Co-Ownership, and raises the property value limit to £210,000.</h2>Housing Minister Gordon Lyons has announced that £153m of Financial Transactions Capital funding is to be provided to Co-Ownership to help 4,000 households buy their own home over the next four years. 1,200 of these will be new build.The Minister has also announced an increase in the Co-Ownership property value limit from £195,000 to £210,000, effective from 1 April 2025.Minister Lyons said; &nbsp;<blockquote>As I outlined in the Housing Supply Strategy, I am committed to helping more people and families get their foot on the property ladder. Co-Ownership is a key part of this, with over 10,500 homes in Northern Ireland currently supported by the scheme.This £153m programme will ensure that Co-Ownership can continue to provide an affordable route into home ownership for those who would otherwise be unable to purchase their own home, enabling 4,000 households to realise this dream over the next four years.We need to find new and innovative ways to deliver the additional homes we need. This funding will leverage £543m of investment from private and mortgage finance.This is a significant investment both in overall housing supply and the wider strategic and economic benefits of supporting home ownership. But the real impact here is on the individuals and families who will pick up their keys and unlock the door to their new and affordable home.As I outlined in the Housing Supply Strategy, I am committed to helping more people and families get their foot on the property ladder. Co-Ownership is a key part of this, with over 10,500 homes in Northern Ireland currently supported by the scheme.This £153m programme will ensure that Co-Ownership can continue to provide an affordable route into home ownership for those who would otherwise be unable to purchase their own home, enabling 4,000 households to realise this dream over the next four years.We need to find new and innovative ways to deliver the additional homes we need. This funding will leverage £543m of investment from private and mortgage finance.This is a significant investment both in overall housing supply and the wider strategic and economic benefits of supporting home ownership. But the real impact here is on the individuals and families who will pick up their keys and unlock the door to their new and affordable home.</blockquote>&nbsp;Raising the Co-Ownership limit from £195,000 to £210,000 will provide prospective Co-Ownership customers with access to a wider range of properties across Northern Ireland. The property value limit is the cap on the value of a property that can be purchased through Co-Ownership, and applies to their Co-Own, Rent to Own and Co-Own for Over 55s.The Minister added;&nbsp; &nbsp;<blockquote>The property value limit increase will ensure Co-Ownership products keep pace with house prices, meaning more people can find a home to suit their needs. It should also provide further confidence to the construction sector as it continues to develop new housing, providing a much-needed increase to overall supply.</blockquote> Mark Graham, Chief Executive of Co-Ownership said; &nbsp;<blockquote>The approved Programme for Government acknowledges that good housing is essential to our health and wellbeing. It positions shared ownership as a solution to help people access affordable, sustainable, and quality housing that meets their needs. Today’s announcement further strengthens the Department’s commitment to Co-Ownership, with our organisation set to deliver at least 847 homes for people this year, and up to 4,000 over the coming four years.Ensuring our model responds to rising property prices is crucial to the success of shared ownership in Northern Ireland, however, the supply of homes remains an issue. This needs to be a priority if we are to build vibrant and sustainable communities that serve people in the long-term. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Department, and collaborating with wider sectoral stakeholders, to help as many people as we can in Northern Ireland to own their own home.</blockquote><hr>Anyone interested in finding out more about Co-Ownership and the products it offers should visit the website: <a href="http://www.co-ownership.org/">www.co-ownership.org</a>Alternatively, you can find properties suitable for Co-Ownership via the PropertyPal website, click below to find out more.

£153m funding for Co-Ownership announced to help 4,000 households buy homes. Property value cap also raised to £210k from April 2025.

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Dundrum Named NI’s Best Place to Live 2025
Published 21 Mar 2025

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Interest Rates Cut to 4.25%

£153m funding for Co-Ownership

Landlord Registration: Key Updates & Changes

Interested in more?

Dundrum Named NI’s Best Place to Live 2025Published 21 Mar 2025

Interested in more articles like this?

Relevant Articles & Guides

Interest Rates Cut to 4.25%

£153m funding for Co-Ownership

Landlord Registration: Key Updates & Changes

Dundrum Named NI’s Best Place to Live 2025
Published 21 Mar 2025