Starter Homes

DONERAILE, CORK €70,000

Sq m: 74, sq ft 800)

Bedrooms: 3

BER rating: D2

Broadband: Yes

There’s lots of colour and pots and ornaments in the back garden of 12 Oliver Plunkett Terrace — and not a blade of grass. The end-terrace Doneraile north Cork three-bed home has parking to the side, and a tarmac yard with sheds, so the green-fingered will be confined to container gardening — but there is a green area opposite to look out on.

Selling agents Sherry FitzGerald O’Donovan in Mallow seek €70,000 for the Doneraile property, within a walk of all amenities.

VERDICT: Convenient local setting.

BALLINLOUGH, CORK €145,000

Sq m: 78 (850 sq ft) ft)

Bedrooms: 2

BER rating: Pending

Broadband: Yes

A terraced house on Cork City’s Ballinlough Road, with its long south-facing back garden (pictured), could be bought for doing up as a home, a business, or both. There’s a handful of neighbourhood services and sports facilities right around this spot near Cork Constitution. A previous ‘sale agreed’ saw No 3 Laurelville Cottages set to sell for around €270,000, now it carries a more modest €145k AMV with Joe Gavin of James G Coughlan Auctioneers.

Planning was previously granted for alterations, including a higher roof, and it’s very well sited for surgery, clinic, etc.

VERDICT: The locality has lots of amenities to hand.