Starter homes: The Lough, Cork €260,000

Size: Sq m 110 (1,185 sq ft)

It looks new, inside and out, but No 3A Lough View in Cork is a renovation and extension job, at the end of a well-established inner suburban terrace, according to auctioneer Johnny O’Flynn of Sherry FitzGerald. He seeks €260,000 for what’s quite a rare offer, a four-bed detached in as-new condition, above the amenity area, popular walking spot and bird-landing waters/wildfowl sanctuary that is the Lough.

“Location is the key,” he says of the 1,185 sq ft house near UCC, the Bon Secours hospital and a short stroll to the city centre via Barrack Street.