Starter homes: Gardiners Hill, Cork €115,000

Size: Sq m 79 (850 sq ft)

Described as a do-er upper, the mid-terraced townhouse at 4 Thornhill Terrace at the top of Cork city’s Gardiner’s Hill is going to excite interest, from handy first-time buyers, and would-be landlords who can rent for income to beat bank interest rates — once refurbished.

No 4’s a new to market offering with agent Robert O’Keeffe of Irish and European, who seeks offers around €115,000 and who adds the Gardiners Hill setting is very sought-after, just an uphill hike from the city, above St Luke’s Cross.

Thornhill Terrace is by the top of the hill, facing west across a small triangular green, and there’s on-street parking for residents, with long front lawned garden, and a rear yard.

It’s near schools, shops and services, and internally has two reception rooms, plus kitchen and downstairs bathroom, with three bedrooms upstairs. Heating is solid fuel, plain and simple, and the BER is a lowly G, so priorities for new occupants will be insulation, central heating or a stove, and kitchen, upgraded bathroom, etc.

VERDICT: The location makes the extra spending needed worthwhile.