Starter homes: Make the move to Macroom and get more for your money

Immaculate semi-detached has many attractions, writes Tommy Barker

For the sake of less than a 30-minute commute, home-hunters west of Cork city can get an immaculate three-bed semi-d at the Árd na Gréine scheme in Macroom, for the same price as a two-bed apartment in Ballincollig.

So reasons Macroom agent, Tom Heffernan, extolling the attractions of the very well-kept family home at No 46 Árd na Gréine, built by Muscrai Construction whom, he notes, are still building new homes about 800 metres away at The Lawn, Mountmassy.

Mr Heffernan says there’s great value to be had here for first-time buyers locally, or those able to do the commute back towards jobs in places like EMC in booming Ballincollig, or around the city.

No 46 is in a cul de sac in this popular development just north of the town, within a walk of shops, creche and other facilities, and has good parking, space on the side for more parking, for a garage or extension and has a west-facing and fully walled-in back garden.

Decor is bright and cheerful, with front reception with open fireplace, and rear kitchen/dining room with tiled floor.

VERDICT: Clean, bright, modern and affordable.