Starter homes: Bishopstown Cork €240,000

Size: 130 sq m (1,400 sq ft)

The selling agent of 40 Halldene Grove calls the setting of this Bishopstown semi-d “a hidden gem.” The mid 1970s-era home reflects its vintage on the inside but decor changes will make the house a bit more gem also readily enough, she adds.

The asking price of this three-bed, 1,400 sq ft home off the Curraheen Road in the western fringes is €240,000, via Clare O’Sullivan of Savills. It gets its extra floor area by dint of a set-back side conversion/extension, as well as a modest sun room added to the back. The changes mean that it’s got a very useful ground floor, as its main room runs 24’ front to back, though it narrows from its widest 14’ width at the front to something closer to 10’ at the back. And, another long space is the 17’ by 8’ side family room (typical garage width) and it has a guest WC to the rear, reached off the kitchen.

Right now, No 40’s only a three bed, and one of its upstairs bedrooms has an en suite, so for families needing more space, the options are either first floor extension, or adapting the family room.

The rear has a southerly aspect with mature gardens and the sun room off the dining section is 10’ by 8’.

VERDICT: Any first time buyer could be quite happy here for decades, upgrading as they go along.

Note: a report last week gave an erroneous address for a four-bed, 1,400 detached nearby in Bishopstown. No 19 Chestnut Grove carries an asking price of €347,000, via Casey and Kingston.