Cheap HSE clinics across Cork and Kerry could be good starter homes

The nine vacant properties are to be auctioned this month

HSE health centres

Multiple former HSE health centres spread across villages and towns in Cork and Kerry are due to go under the hammer later this month as part of a property disposal sale that should raise in the region of €1m.

The nine vacant properties, some of which have been vacant for years, others more recently, were used to deliver a variety of services including GP, dental, and nursing, along with various clinical therapies.

The multi-use buildings were generally located near population centres. They included villages and towns in East Cork such as Ballymacoda, Conna, Youghal, and Cobh, as well as Ballinspittle Health Centre and Kealkill Health Centre in West Cork and two North Cork clinics, in Killavullen and Fermoy.

One Co Kerry former clinic is also set for auction: Scariff Health Centre in Waterville.

Advised market values range from €25,000 for a prefab-style clinic in Ballymacoda to €180,000 for Cobh health centre, a substantial 3000sq ft commercial property with extensive street frontage, 700m from Cobh town.

Selling agent Andy O’Donoghue of Hodnett Forde Property Services said that while all of the clinics are commercial buildings, they are suitable for conversion to homes, once the correct planning permission has been obtained.

He was previously involved in an auction of similar HSE properties in 2021, the majority of which have since been converted to residential, he said.

The buildings could represent good opportunities for first time buyers, given the price points, although some will require substantial work. For instance, a two-storey 1900sq ft premises in Killavullen is up for auction for €75,000. On 0.84 of an acre, it comes with huge potential, but needs complete refurbishment.

Some centres could appeal as holiday homes, such as the €125,000 former clinic in Waterville, Co Kerry. On 0.14 acres, it’s just 3km from the famous tourist destination and is a short walk from Ballinskelligs Beach and Waterville Links Golf Club.

In the seaside town of Youghal, a three-storey period townhouse priced at €110,000 is up for grabs.

The properties are being sold in individual lots and Mr O’Donoghue said “most are in reasonably good condition”.

He expects interest from small builders and residential home buyers who are not adverse to renovation work.

The auction takes place in person and online at noon on Thursday October 30, at the Talbot Hotel, Main St, Ballincollig, Cork. With a portfolio of around 230 vacant properties, the HSE has been disposing of premises in recent years.

DETAILS: [e-mail], 023 8833367.