Glasheen, Cork €280,000

You could almost date St Otteran’s on Hartlands Avenue in Glasheen from the name, since it was built in the late 1940s at a time when Irish homes typically got saints’ names.

A mature three-bed semi,called after a 6th century Ionian saint, it’s within a few minutes walk of Cork’s bird sanctuary known as “The Lough”. Guiding at €280,000 it’s being sold by Jean Shanahan of DNG Murphy Condon who says there’s not too many family properties available in this part of the city near UCC, and as a result there’s early interest.

Owned by the same family since the 1970s, it has been partially upgraded and extended but has kept much of its original character. The bay-windowed sitting room at the front of the house has timber flooring, marble fireplace and picture rails, and to rear is a family room leading into as a spacious L shaped kitchen with fitted units.

It has a much bigger site than could be found on a modern three three-bed semi, with lawn and parking for four cars at the front and a 100’ long garden at the back. It’s been well maintained, but buyers may want to banish the floral carpets and redecorate. There’s gas central heating, and single-glazed aluminium windows, with an E1 energy rating.

Given the size of the site there is scope to extend - and still have a good-sized garden.

Verdict: Lots to offer a family – they can bring small kids to The Lough and let them walk to UCC when they grow up.