Near Macroom for €255,000.

FIRST-TIME buyers who can access finance and a mortgage are able to leapfrog over buyers of the past decade, almost, in terms of what they can afford to buy. Five years ago, a doer-up cottage, a two-bed apartment or a three-bed semi-d, miles out of town, might have been the options. Now, how about something like this?

Carrying a €255,000 asking price is number five, An Gleann, just out on the Killarney road in Macroom, a new year listing with agent Killain Lynch, who has the four-bed detached house under early offer at €237,000.

It is a just a 10-minute walk back into Macroom, has gardens front and back, stone boundary wall and front facade, oil heating, two reception rooms, kitchen/diner, guest WC, main bathroom and one of the four bedroms is en suite. Decor, finish and garden landscaping levels are all high.