Starter Homes: Four Cork properties on the market from €195k

First-time buyers can choose from homes across Bantry, Douglas, Tivoli and Lee Road, writes Trish Dromey

Thu, 28 Dec, 2023 - 17:45

Trish Dromey

Bantry, Co. Cork
€195,000
Size	60 sq m (645 sq ft)
Bedrooms	1
Bathrooms	1
BER	C3

The pretty pink doors of this terraced Bantry house were painted long before this year’s Barbie movie caused a global shortage of pink paint.

That’s according to Denis Harrington of Harrington Auctioneers who says this very cute one-bed property was renovated by its owner who bought and upgraded it around three years ago, painting both the hall door and the garden door pink in the process “ It’s bright, cosy and well presented,’’ he says, quoting a guide €195,000 for the 60 sq m property which is located within a short walk from shops in Bantry Square.

Originally built in the 1890s, the mid-terrace house now has an open-plan kitchen living room with timber flooring, a stove and some white kitchen units. A small set of steps in the kitchen lead to a utility area at the rear while a staircase leads up to the first floor which has a timber-floored bedroom with a sloping ceiling as well as a bathroom.

There’s a walled patio area with pot plants at the front and a yard at the rear which has an old set of steps leading up to a sloping garden area at a higher level.

“During renovations the owner put in modern electric heating and brought the BER up to a C3,’’ reveals Mr Harrington.

Given that it’s centrally located and affordable he thinks it might suit a young couple, a single person or possibly a retiree.

VERDICT: The pink doors make it stand out.

Douglas, Co. Cork
€280,000
Size	74 sq m ( 800 sq ft)
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2
BER	B3

The expectation is that, despite the advent of Christmas, this two-bed apartment at No 6 The Oaks, in Maryborough Ridge in Douglas is going to get good attention via Barry Auctioneers.

Built in 2005, it’s a well-maintained ground-floor property with a B3 BER and a guide of €280,000.

It has an open-plan oak-floored living area which has a tiled kitchenette with fitted units in the corner and also has a bathroom and two bedrooms, one en suite.

VERDICT: Modern and affordable it will appeal to both investors and young couples.

Tivoli, Cork city
€330,000
Size	112 sq m ( 1,212 sq ft)
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	3
BER	C3

Larger than the average three-bed semi, No 30 Ashmount in Silversprings is a modern 112 sq metre property with a guide of €330,000.

“It’s a well-maintained owner occupied home which would be perfect for a young couple," says Glenn O’Connor of DNG Creedon Finn O’Connor adding that it was built in 2002 and has a C1 BER.

Accommodation on offer includes a front living with a timber fireplace and a bay window and, at the rear, a laminate floored family room/ dining room with patio doors to the garden. The ground floor level also has a guest WC, a small utility room and a kitchen/diner with fitted units.

Upstairs the property has a bathroom and three bedrooms, two doubles and a single. The largest bedroom is carpeted and has an en suite bathroom.

Out front it has a driveway with space for two cars and, at the rear, a good-sized south-facing lawned garden with a shed.

Located around 4.5 km from the city centre, it’s within easy reach of schools and amenities. “It’s on a bus route to the city centre and is just a 21-minute drive from Cork airport,’’ reveals Mr O’Connor.

Recent sales in Ashmount include that of No 87, a similar three-bed semi which came on the market in the summer with a guide of €325,000 and sold for €375,000 last month In October, a nearby mid terrace house at No 30 Ashmount Court went for €318,000, exceeding its guide by €23,000.

VERDICT: Given the demand for modern three-bed houses in this price range, this one may well go above its price guide too.