Starter homes: Grattan Hill, Cork €165,000

Size: Sq m184 (2,000 sq ft)

Views to take the breath away in front; gardens steep enough behind to literally do the same thing (a goat wouldn’t go astray here) — and, in between, a Georgian era townhouse needing TLC. Welcome to 31 Grattan Hill.

This 1830s terraced period home, just above and beyond the city’s rail station, is in a sunny, south-facing terrace on the steep bluff hill between the Lower and Middle Glanmire Roads, within a hike of the city centre. Needing work to get to some semblance of former and future glories, it’s for sale with agent Andrew Moore, who guides the four-bed at €165,000 and who has it under offer from keen viewers ready and willing for a challenge.

However, while the price makes it possible for first-time buyers to consider taking it on as a project, he advises “this may not suit the first-time buyer, with the difficulties banks seem to have with period houses.”

He reckons a new owner could spend between €25,000-100,000 getting it back to rights, depending on the level of finish and specification. Mr Moore adds “be assured that whoever restores this property will benefit either by residing therein or by securing a strong, well-located asset with capital growth potential”.

The 2,000 sq ft house (there’s 400 sq ft up at attic level, under a recently-done new roof) has some nice internal touches to rehabilitate, with a feature tall arched window on the stair return looking out on the back garden.

VERDICT: Great river views to the south.