Suburban homes are poised to set benchmark prices for trader-uppers

WITH prices in Bishopstown kick-starting the spring market, two detached properties on the western side of this Cork city suburb should set a benchmark for future sales.

Because of the Green Belt policy, this suburb of Cork city has seen little development since its first spurt of growth in the seventies.

First-time buyers from Bishopstown, who wish to remain in the general area have no choice but to buy in Ballincollig.

The demand in Bishopstown, whose demographics show an older and more mature population than the booming, Douglas/Rochestown axis, will be tested with two, detached house sales.

The first property is part of the Firgrove development on the Curraheen road, almost cheek by jowl with ‘old Dunnes’ and a mere walk to a range of local amenities.

St Pius is priced at €500,000 and is being sold by Paul Reid of Sherry FitzGerald. He describes it as a fine, four-bedroomed house that’s been extended and well-maintained over the years and comes with a floor area of 1,500 square feet.

On a site of over a third of an acre, this house offers plenty of space, both inside and out he says. Rooms are generously proportioned, with an extra-large lounge, a family room and kitchen with utility on the ground floor. The upper floor has three double bedrooms, a single bedroom and a good bathroom.

The same story is being told by Nicola Murray of Frank V Murphy and Co, who’s selling a four-bed detached house, this time in Kenley Circle, off the Model Farm Road.

Here offers in excess of €295,000 are being invited by Ms Murray for the four-bedroomed, detached house, which has a private position off the main road.

Good gardens, (this is a corner site) provide plenty of privacy and the house is very well maintained, she says.

The ground floor has a decent living room, a generous kitchen/dining room with patio doors and a separate utility room. The garage has been partially converted and could provide a study, playroom or extra bedroom.

The first floor has four bedrooms, again, with three doubles and a single and a main bathroom.

The gardens come with a shed and heating is by gas.