Starter home: Wilton, Cork €275,000

There’s more than what first greets the eye for buyers, or viewers, at 154 Eagle Valley, in Cork’s suburban Wilton.

Sq m 93 (1,000 sq ft) X2

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2

BER: C2

Best Feature: Site on the side

Here, there is full planning in place for another three-bedroomed house to be built on the side of this existing four-bed 1990s home, each ending up at c 1,000 sq ft.

The existing house, plus the prospect of another one on the side garden, has cropped up with estate agent Garry O’Donnell of ERA Downey McCarthy, who guides at €275,000 all-in.

All a new owner has to do is build 154 A, as per planning - and give the City Council €3,500 in development contributions.

The new approved plans are for a three-bed end-terrace house, with each of its three beds en suite.

Given Wilton’s enduring appeal as a rental as well as a permanent residential location (due in the main to the proximity of the CUH as well as UCC and CIT,) there’s certainly going to be investor interest.

But, don’t rule out its appeal to a private buyer, or a first-time buyer, someone who might be a bit handy, be in the building trades, who can oversee the new house delivery, and then rent out one house, the other, or both.

ERA’s Mr O’Donnell reckons that the completed three-bed could rent for €900 a month, or the two combined at €2,000/€2,500 per month.

Over the past year, four-beds in Wilton’s Eagle Valley have sold for just under, and over, the €250,000 level.

VERDICT: Chance to add value, or income, to a purchase.