STARTER HOMES

Wilton, Cork €125,000

Sq m: 60 (650 sq ft)

Bedrooms: 2

BER rating: C3

Bathrooms: 1

There can be a real hearth to the first floor two-bed apartment at 7 Wentworth Gardens in Cork City’s Wilton — unusually, there’s an open fireplace for creature comforts, plus electric storage heaters.

An affordable option for singles or couples in the suburb near the CUH and long-established shopping centre complex, No 7 has a 19’ by 11’ living room, two bedrooms, described by agent Johnny O’Flynn of Sherry FitzGerald as doubles, a galley kitchen, plus bathroom.

VERDICT: There’s a management fee of €900, or nearly €20 a week, but could be cosy with just an easy-light Firelog in the hearth.

Ballyvolane, Cork €169,000

Sq m: 111 (1,200 sq ft)

Bedrooms: 3

BER rating: E2

Bathrooms: 1

Thanks to side and rear extensions, there’s now 1,200 sq ft of family living space on offer at 21, Park Court, up beyond Dillons’ Cross in Cork City’s Ballyvolane.

There’s now a long, slender kitchen/dining space to the side, with overhead skylight, and linked front to back living rooms across the hall, while rooms on both sides of the house’s rear have access to the back garden.

Estate agent Michael O’Donovan of Sherry FitGerald guides it at €169,000.

VERDICT: Very good ground floor space, plus there’s Stira attic access.