Starter homes: Clonakilty, West Cork Price: €180,000

Size: Sq m 93 (1,000 sq ft)

Clonakilty auctioneer Martin Kelleher says he sold six houses in the past year in the town’s award-winning Glebe Gardens niche development — and most, if not all, were to cash buyers for their own use and pleasure rather than as investments.

Reason? The setting, just off the recently enhanced Emmet Square and behind the original corner. Glebe Gardens is special, and the townhouses here in the former orchard grounds are extremely well-built and specified.