Starter home: 2 Cahergal Lawn €190,000

Sq m 109 (1,171ft)

HIGH above the city, but with fast access to the centre, this Cahergal, Cork home is a sound semi built at a time when room and site sizes were generous.

One of a small number of houses in a quiet enclave off the Ballyhooly Road and within a minute’s walk of Dillon’s Cross, this house is an ideal family home but it is dated and will need a bit of a makeover.

However, for the investment buyers get a well-maintained house with three bedrooms, bahtroom, garage that could convert to second living room or play room, as well as a separate living and dining room. The kitchen also stands alone.

Because of the topography of the site, there’s a basement area to the rear of the property and if Cork were ever to follow the lead of London (perish the thought), a basement games room could be considered — never mind the swimming pool.

However, the property does ooze character, according to Jeremy Murphy of Jeremy Murphy and Associates who adds that it has the potential to make a “beautiful family home”.

Standout elements include parking for three cars to the front and a very private garden to the rear with patio area accessed from the kitchen - the basement storage is accessed from here too.

VERDICT: Fine decent house for a family in a good area.