Trading up: BALLINLOUGH, CORK €240,000

THERE’S quite a selection of older-style three-bed semis up for sale in the enclaves and estates of houses around Ballinlough, reflecting the ageing of the population and the natural life-cycle of housing developments.

No 43 Somerton Park is relatively untouched, requiring a total makeover, but despite that, it’s not the cheapest offering in the vicinity. But what it does have in its favour is its corner site and full planning permission for extension near the main Ballinlough Road, right by the Orchard Bar. Also nearby are great schools, O’Driscolls’ supermarket, a community centre, tennis courts, public parks, swimming pool and playing fields — all the benefits of a long-established suburb.