Trading up: Ballinlough, Cork €275,000

Set just before where the Ballinlough Road narrows considerably at its city end before the cafe Joup is the semi-detached home Priordale, built 70 years ago but upgraded and renewed since, in fits and starts.

Weighing in at just over 1,100 sq ft and by the junction with Bernadette Way, there are easy walking options back to the city centre for occupants, either via Southern Road, or Boreenmanna Road. And, along with the main house, there are some very handy outhouses/garage to upgrade, off-street parking, and a decent length of back garden too.

Internally, some lovely old 1940s features are kept, such as the hall tiles, and old red tiles in the kitchen, though the kitchen units are newish, done around 2009 along with ground and first floor bathroom improvements.

A new heating system with efficient condenser gas boiler kitchen was also fitted in 2009, as well as new rads and immersion. Windows downstairs were replaced, but not upstairs, and the drains were also replaced. So, a lot done, and little enough left to do.

Estate agent Mark Rose of Rose Properties guides Priordale at €275,000 and says it’s perfect for first-time buyers, or families wanting to be near schools and services, in a well-established setting so close to the city centre.

VERDICT: Suburban convenience, and some interior charm.