Double investment opportunities on St Finbarr’s Street

Two identical properties have come to the market, writes Trish Dromey.

LOOKING at the brochures for No 5 and No 7 St Finbarr’s Street in Cork, house hunters might be forgiven for thinking that they are seeing double.

Identically-sized properties with identical Victorian red brick facades, separated by just one other identical mid terraced house, they both carry an identical asking price of €130,000.

Situated within a stone’s throw of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and within a short walk from the city centre, the two properties are located right in the middle of an area that’s very popular with renters who want properties that are compact, central and affordable.

Selling agent Michael McKenna is expecting good interest from investment buyers and says there’s even a possibility that one individual could buy both houses.

In each of the properties there is 744 sq ft of space which at ground level includes an 11 ft square living room and a kitchen/dining /living area at the back. On the upstairs floor each house has three small bedrooms and a bathroom.

Despite the similarities, the houses have not been decorated identically. No 7 which has a name plate reading Convent View has white units in the kitchen, while No 5 is Called Drom Aidhne and has timber kitchen units.

Mr McKenna describes the houses as being in reasonable condition and says they both have gas heating and an E2 energy rating. Kitchen extensions have used up much of the space at the rear, so both houses have tiny yards.

He says the demand for rental properties in the area is strong, because of the proximity of the city centre and also of UCC, which is within a short walking distance.

VERDICT: A double investment opportunity.

St Finbarr’s Street, Cork

€130,000 X 2

Size: 69 sq m (744 sq ft)

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 1

BER: E2