Starter homes: Bishopstown, Cork €220,000

Size: 140 (1,500 sq ft)

St Joseph’s Park is usually one of Bishopstown’s less-trafficked addresses - but, not since No 12 St Joseph’s Lawn hit the market last week. This detached bungalow, with up to six bedrooms and three bathrooms, is at the far end of the cul-desac off Hawkes Road, which links the Bishopstown and Curraheen roads, and faces south, with off-street parking.

It’s listed with Skibbereen-based estate agent Pat Maguire, who almost feels like camping out here for the next few weekends, given the demand for viewings. Other auctioneers in the city’s western suburbs say they are swamped with demand for bungalows. Now, Mr Maguire’s getting a flavour.

He’s also getting a great mix of interest (minimal investors, mostly families and couples starting out) in No 12, which has been rented in recent years, given its proximity to CIT, CUH and even to UCC, as well as being close to Bandon Road roundabout.

It’s gone up into the attic for some of its six bedrooms, but thanks too to rear extensions, there’s seemingly any amount of space. The front reception room is a good, double-size, while the kitchen/ breakfast room is also decent, with a double aspect and patio door to the rear garden/yard.

Because of the extensions, the footprint occupies nearly all of the site, which might be a disincentive for some private buyers and, especially, younger families, so some extensions may be removed.

VERDICT: The €220,000 AMV for such a sizeable detached bungalow in Bishopstown just might swing it. An interesting one to watch.