Trading up: Ballinlough, Cork €295,000

Homes around Cork’s Ballinlough suburb have made a strong price recovery in the past several years.

They suit buyers looking to move to the older suburban estates, within a walk of the city centre, parks, sports amenities and of Douglas village as well.

Many need refurbs, and/or extension as sizes in some of these grids of parks can dip below 1,000 sq ft, but the selling agents of 17 South Lodge, Ballinlough, reckon there’s 1,250 sq ft in this older-era three-bed semi-d.

South Lodge runs parallel to the main Ballinlough Road, above perpendicular parks like Browningstown, and No 17 has the same super-handy location, plus a south-facing back garden into the bargain.

Some similar era semis nearby have now been priced over the €300k mark, having dipped well below €200k in some cases during the slump, and now agent Stephen Clarke of REA O’Donoghue Clarke guides No 17 South lodge at €295,000: at that, he can expect to be busy with viewings, from a wide cross-section.

Needing some upgrading now, it has two reception rooms, three bedrooms (two with fireplaces) and main bathroom with shower.

Basics like double glazing and gas central heating have been taken care of, though.

VERDICT: Near schools and services, the area’s houses and neighbourhoods are currently undergoing renewal.