“PEOPLE CAN BE very fixed on postcodes,” says Mark Stafford of DNG estate agents.

He advises potential home buyers to think in terms of their particular needs, rather than being fixated on a particular neighbourhood.

“Figure out what your big draw is. Is it the coast, or the city centre? Look at the areas close by that you haven’t thought about.”

For anyone wondering about the right place to buy, he also suggests getting out there and viewing as many properties as possible in person, to get a real sense of the market. “That way you’ll discover new areas.”

You should always look at places on the fringes of where you like. And don’t rule out one side of the city, whether it’s north or south.”

Mark Stafford is just one of the speakers at the Home Experience Event with Daft.ie and KBC Bank, which takes place next Thursday November 2 at the CHQ Building in Dublin.

Tickets to the Home Experience Event are completely free. All you have to do is register by sending an email with your name and contact details to events@thejournal.ie with the subject line ‘Home Experience Event’.

At the event, alongside tips from estate agents you’ll get insights on the best value neighbourhoods in the country right now, based on exclusive Daft.ie data and market analysis. There will also be advice on how new tech can help you choose a neighbourhood and a home. (Plus, wine and snacks.)

Attendees will also have the chance to try out the groundbreaking VR technology being used to explore properties as part of the Experience Your World partnership with KBC and TheJournal.ie.

The speakers on the night will be:

• Ronan Lyons, chief economist at Daft.ie, on how to find the right neighbourhood right now – using exclusive insights from Daft.ie data
• Andy O’Donoghue, tech journalist, on how virtual reality is giving buyers new ways to explore homes and neighbourhoods
• Mark Stafford, DNG estate agents, on how to stay one step ahead in the Dublin market
• Conor McGowan, head of mortgages at KBC Bank, taking you step by step through the mortgage process

When the speakers have finished, attendees can enjoy some food and drink and try out a full VR experience. Mortgage experts, and a team from Daft.ie will also be on hand to answer any further questions.

The Home Experience Event with Daft.ie and KBC Bank is happening at 6pm on Thursday, November 2 at the CHQ Building in Dublin. Tickets are free. To register, simply send your name, email and phone number to events@thejournal.ie with the subject line ‘Home Experience Event’.