This doer-upper in Model Farm Road, Cork, is in a blessed location

This semi-d is ripe for refurbishment and should draw a crowd with its achieveable guide, writes Tommy Barker.

Model Farm Road, Cork €345,000

Size: 99 sq m (1,050 sq ft)

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

BER: G

Best Feature: Location

There’s been another, swift c €1m house sale in Cork’s western suburbs, as supply of new and second hand stock remains stubbornly low, helping to underpin values for vendors: the detached 3,400 sq ft dormer called Dunmahon on private grounds and which featured here as recently as November has had its sale agreed at over the €1m mark, via agent Sheila O’Flynn of Sherry FitzGerald.

Just in front of Dunmahon, a derelict semi-detached cottage was sold prior to that, by another estate agent Brian Olden of Cohalan Downing, for €175,000 late last year and has already been refurbished.

And, now, the same Mr Olden has a do-up opportunity in the same so-popular western suburb on the edge of Dennehys Cross. Line up, line up.

He has just listed a 1950s semi-d No 18 Woodlawn, almost in the shadow of the local Dennehys Cross church, and he guides from a very achievable €345,000.

“There’s only 24 houses here in Woodlawn, and in the past 50 years, less than 10 have ever changed hands: they’re for keeps,” states Mr Olden who has had more than a fair share of that small cluster of resales.

He says No 18 Woodlawn’s in a good, elevated setting within the cul-de-sac, has a real solid feel, and has been underpinned too.

It needs the expected upgrades and modernising for a home of its vintage; it currently has a G BER and will at a minimum need insulation attention, but it’s likely given the premium location near schools colleges, hospitals et al that new/next owners will spend more, and think larger too.

Currently its layout has a hall with guest WC, two reception rooms, kitchen, three bedrooms and a main bathroom with walk-in shower.

There’s a modest front garden and drive, a few steps up to the front door, and the back garden is west facing.

The agents Cohalan Downing can expect to be busy at 18 Woodlawn at its guide of €345,000, even though it needs further spending.

Last year, they put a larger, detached quality home called Drakesbank at the far end of the Model Farm Road for sale guiding €475,000, got over 60 viewings, and it sold for €650,000.

VERDICT: Blessed location