Starter home: Classes Lake, Ballincollig €165,000

THE EMC effect is going to determine the type of buyer for this bright, fresh and well laid out apartment at the outer edge of Ballincollig, Cork at 24, The Abbey.

Size: 62 sq m (671 sq ft)

Bathrooms: 2 

Bedrooms: 2 

BER: B2

Part of the sweeping O’Callaghan Properties scheme on the western edge of Ballincollig, and which is just off the bypass route and with fast access to the city and to the west, it’s a popular location in which to buy and rent.

The major employer in the area, EMC has a youthful workforce of techie-types in need of accommodation — and apartments like these are ripe for the renting, or the buying.

Norma Healy of Sherry FitzGerald is guiding number 24 The Abbey at an asking price of €165,000 and says it’s pristine condition and well finished — a walk-in job, basically.

Within a gated community and with secure parking, access to a local shop and Ballincollig town centre, the unit overlooks a central green area and comes with an open plan living/dining space, main bathroom and two bedrooms, one of which is en suite. Gas heating is installed.

VERDICT: High demand area