Cheap homes ripe for transformation

WHEN the market is at rock bottom, is it time to speculate?

Those with a penchant for taking a punt might be interested in two cheap properties in Blarney and Clonakilty.

This first is a one-up, one-down cottage at 20 Muskerry Tce in Blarney. Built for mill workers, the property is on the market at €90,000 through Vincent Clinch of Clinch Young and Groeger, but a lesser figure may buy it.

It’s a builder’s or handyman’s buy and quite habitable as is. However, in the right hands, it could be a very attractive pied a terre. The only snag is it has title problems, but the vendor’s solicitor is prepared to indemnify buyers while a new deed is sorted.

In Clonakilty, Fiona Hourihan of SWS Services is selling an end of terrace townhouse at 38 Strand Road for offers in the region of €160,000.

Again, this is good for one of the most popular areas of West Cork and the town centre location could yield a good rental income in summer and the holiday season. It’s a two-bed property in need of work, but again, there’s scope to transform this Cinderella of a house.