Starter homes

We view a selection of starter homes from around the country

Bishopstown, Cork €165,000

Sq m: 82 (880 sq ft)

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 1

BER rating: D2

The address sounds a million dollars, or at least has aspirations in that direction, but No 72 Tiffany Downs is an affordable buy in most peoples’ books, Here at this Bishopstown, Cork suburban setting near the Dunnes Stores roundabout/flyover, this modest-sized three-bed townhouse has a €165,000 asking price with agent Johnny O’Flynn of Sherry FitzGerald.

He pitches the 880 sq ft home at traders down or first time buyers, primarily, and notes it has a west-facing back garden reached of the 16’ by 12’ kitchen/dining room, off-street parking, gas heating and a reasonable D2 BER rating.

VERDICT: Neat parcel in a good location.

Model Farm Road, Cork €148,000

Sq m: 69 (750 sq ft)

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

BER rating: E2

Set on the ground floor of a block of just six apartments is this Avondale two-bed unit, close to the Belfry off Cork City’s western suburban Model Farm Road.

Described as spacious by selling agent John Barry of Frank V Murphy & Co, No 6 Avondale House has a good double aspect living room with fireplace and ceiling coving, separate kitchen/dining room, master bedroom en suite, second bedroom and main bathroom. The location puts it close to CUH, UCC, churches, services, shops etc.

VERDICT: At €148,000 (it’s under offer at €130k), it’s as suitable for trader-down as starters-out, or for an investor as a long-term play with income.