Ruined houses on millionaire's row

They are worried about derelict homes in one of Northern Ireland's most affluent neighbourhoods.

One house and adjoining grounds are on the market for a combined £2.3m.

Another, in Adelaide Park, off the Malone Road is for sale at £1,950,000.

For that you get six bedrooms, three ensuite, two luxury bathrooms, four reception rooms, a hand made kitchen and modern extension.

Agent Michael Dunn said: "It is a beautiful tree-lined avenue that has not been spoilt by over-development.

"It is very important that the houses have the character of their own era, any yet the accommodation which families want as well."

There are residents though who worry that some of Malone character is in danger of being lost with houses boarded up, their future uncertain.

Alan Oliver of its Residents Association said: "What Belfast can offer the world is its wonderful and unique Edwardian and Victorian suburb which is the Malone conservation area, which we feel should be kept in perpetuity."

But even in an official conservation area, some residents claim that developers still pose a challenge to the character of Malone's tree lined avenues.

Resident Tom McNeill said: "You can see the Edwardian buildings with their pitched roofs, brick mouldings and the interest in them.

"Behind them, you have a brutalist slab of rectangles."