Make it a hoe, hoe, hoe Christmas at Sandown and turn it into a cracker

Alright, alright, not the prettiest in pictures right now, and even the concrete back yard hosts weeds and more weeds, and grass between the paving slabs, but in a way the photograph is honest — the place needs work.

And, you probably get what you pay for: the chance to do the house up to a better-looking prospect is made all the easier by the asking price, a quoted €125,000 via Michael O’Donoghue of REA O’Donoghue Clarke.

The house is 30, Sandown Crescent in Doughcloyne, Togher, close to the south ring road and Wilton Shopping Centre, as well as CUH, with schools and shops all around, and two third-level colleges a mile or two away also.

So, location is in its favour, for a range of workers, students or even for investors, though what it really needs is a proud new owner with a weeding hoe, rubber gloves and a bit of determination.

The inside needs some TLC too, and while the agents manage to say it’s well-maintained, they add that it needs redecoration.

But, it’s all grist to the mill of the more willing buyer, most likely a first time buyer, who’s prepared to sacrifice a few weekends’ work and graft for a possible saving of thousand of euros.

No 30 is an 870 sq ft three-bed with basic layout, front reception or 14’ by 10, L-shaped kitchen-diner, with fireplace, oil heating, and overhead are three modest sized bedrooms, plus bathroom. It currently has timber, single-glazed windows.

VERDICT: There’s potential here.