Trading Up: Douglas Road, Cork €285,000

Size: 110 sqm (1,190 sq ft)

Like waiting for the No 7 bus, then two arrive close together. That’s the case with two houses on the No 7 bus route, along the main Douglas Road.

Within a few days of one another, two similar semi-ds hit the market, just on the eastern/Douglas side of the Cross Douglas Road, opposite Knockrea Park, with south-facing back gardens,each guided at €285,000.

Estate agent Kevin Barry is selling a right-hand-side semi-d, called Dunedin, with attached garage and it’s in good condition, with two reception rooms with old-style fireplaces, and a great back garden aspect, but it has not been extended or altered.

A few doors away, on this row of nine homes, by Baltimore Lawn, a left-hand-side semi-d, called Villa Antoine, has its side garage space and rear converted/extended, and has a more modern decor. It’s also had work done to its south-aspected back garden, note agents Murray Browne.

The front-gate pillars at Villa Antoine have been widened for easier access and egress. Other homes on this highly accessible stretch (it’s an easy walk to the city centre) have modern extensions, or converted attics.

VERDICT: Good setting (but onto the road) with private, sunny back gardens. You’ll have to look at both before bidding on either.