Starter home: Mount Oval, Cork €295,000

A well-kept three-bed home, with a very long and tiered back garden at 69 Ard Keale in Cork’s Rochestown is going to appeal in particular to first-time buyers. 

Sq m 101 (1,090 sq ft)

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3

BER: C2

That’s despite a price tag of €295,000 — which is over the 90% borrowing threshold of €220,000, announced last month by the Central Bank.

“We put it out there for sale now because there’s a chance for first-time buyers who were mortgage approved before this announcement to buy this quality home” says Mark Gosling, of Behan Irwin Gosling.

But, they’d better get their skates on, as there’s only a six-month window at best from January, so deals need to be signed within a few more months. (In any case, FTBs can borrow 90% of up to €220,000, and at 80% for the remaining balance of, in this case, €75,000.)

No 69 Ard Keale is an end-of-terrace home, with side access to the double-length and stepped south-facing back garden with patios off the rear dining room.

Internally, it has two reception rooms, one with oak floor and open fire, kitchen, and guest WC, while overhead one of the three bedrooms is en suite.

The selling agent in Behan Gosling Irwin says its in very good condition in a fancied setting and address within the Mount Oval development. On a corner site, it faces a green, and is near the neighbourhood centre, as well as Garryduff Sports Centre.

VERDICT: One to view, especially if you want a decent back garden in a suburban setting.