Starter Homes: Four Munster properties on the market from €285k

First-time buyers can choose from homes across Kenmare, Douglas, Ballincollig and Banduff, writes Trish Dromey

Sat, 06 Apr, 2024 - 04:46

Trish Dromey

Kenmare, Kerry
€355,000
Size	94 sq m (1,015 sq ft)
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	3
BER	C2

Although its €335,000 guide is typical of what you might expect for a starter property or holiday home in Kenmare, the views from the back garden at 28 Sheen Woods are of the type that people are often willing to pay high prices for.

“You are looking out on to the estuary and Kenmare bridge and you can see across to woodland and mountains,” reveals Suzanne Teahan of Sherry FitzGerald Daly, noting that the arched bridge is a much photographed feature.

Situated in a development of 30 houses built in 2000, No 28 is a mid-terrace, three-bed with a pretty pale pink exterior and a bright yellow door. “It’s been a family-owned holiday home since it was built and has never been rented,” says Ms Teahan adding that the owners are including the contents in the sale.

There’s 94 sq m of accommodation which includes a guest WC and an open-plan kitchen/dining/living space with patio doors opening into the garden.

Upstairs there’s a bathroom and three bedrooms, including one en suit.

The Sheen Woods development is located around 1.5km from shops and restaurants in Kenmare and 1km from Sheen Falls Lodge Hotel.

VERDICT: A Kenmare property with waterfront views and a guide of €335,000 could appeal to several different types of buyers.

Douglas West, Cork
€285,000
Size	77 sq m (828 sq ft)
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1
BER	C2

The convenience of its Douglas village location along with its affordable €285,000 guide will make 10 Westbrook Gardens very attractive to both downsizers and young couples.

Situated in an enclave of 12 townhouses, it’s a three-bed, mid-terrace house listed with Cohalan Downing auctioneers.

The 77 sq m property has a kitchen/diner, a living room, a bathroom, and three bedrooms, as well as a back garden with parking.

A former rental property, it’s well kept, has upgraded windows and a C2 energy rating.

VERDICT: Affordable and convenient to Douglas.

Banduff, Cork city
€285,000
Size	115 sq m (1,273 sq ft)
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2
BER	C2

The replacement of redbrick frontage with stone cladding was one of a great many changes carried out by the owners of 12 Barnavara Crescent in Banduff over the last 30 years.

“In 2014 they built on a modern kitchen/dining room extension at the rear and they have also converted the attic, redecorated, paved both gardens and fitted secure gates at the front,” says Michael Downey of ERA Downey McCarthy, quoting a guide of €285,000 for the three-bed, mid-terrace house.

Built in the 1970s, it now has an increased floor area of 115 sq m (including attic) and a C2 energy rating.

At the front, the house has a long laminate floored living room with a contemporary wall-hung electric fire and a set of glass-panelled double doors. The rear extension houses a shower room and a modern kitchen/diner which has a vaulted ceiling with rooflights and a fan.

Upstairs the property has an upgraded bathroom and three bedrooms — two doubles and a single. A second stairs leads to the attic room which has a sloping ceiling with a Velux window and is used as a gym.

Out front, the house has a paved parking area with gates and, at the back, a low maintenance patio garden with a shed.

Located at the edge of the city close to countryside, the property is around 4km from the city centre.

VERDICT: An affordable, modern home which has been significantly upgraded.

Ballincollig, Cork city
€285,000
Size	68 sq m (730 sq ft)
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	3
BER	C1

Open viewings are scheduled on April 8 and 11 at 10 Caisleán Close in Ballincollig, a well-maintained, modern two-bed mid-terrace, guided at €285,000 with Linda O’Donovan of Sherry FitzGerald Cork.