Trading up: Ballinlough Road, Cork €345,000

Fresher than many of its neighbours is the mid 1900s Ballinlough Road family home called Padua - it was upgraded in the mid 2000, and the underpinning/drains work was done at the same time.

Set close to Shrewsbury, at the corner of the small cul de sac park called Laurel Court, this three-bed home is for sale with Glenn O’Connor of DNG Creedon, who guides it at €345,000, showing the steady recovery of prices in the Ballinlough area.

It’s in very good order and well decorated with neutral carpets and colours for the most part, and has a ground floor guest loo, as well as first floor family bathroom, two reception rooms, and kitchen with small breakfast seating area.

A clincher for many might be the attached garage, with front pedestrian entrance and back garden access, to a private, nicely mature rear garden.

Padua is near several sports fields, from GAA to Cork Con, as well as public parks, swimming pool in Douglas nurseries, tennis courts, squash courts at the Orchard Bar, and JJO’Driscolls deli and shop, as well as schools.

It’s on several bus routes, including the just upgraded Mahon/City Gate route.

VERDICT: Buyers can move in as it stands, and make plans for future extensions and upgrades without any rush.