€575,000 Ballinlough home is a classic suburban semi with an above-average size garden

No 42 Beechwood Park needs modernising

default

Ballinlough, Cork
€575,000
Size	112 sq m (1205 sq ft)
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1
BER	E2

PROPERTY values in the Beaumont/Ballinlough/Ballintemple nexus are generating considerable heat right now, with prices surpassing anything seen pre-2008. For vendors, it couldn't be better, but pity those trying to buy. The price of a modest three-bed semi is nowhere near modest in any of these three adjoining suburbs.

The chief attraction for house hunters is the terrific cityside location - near the Marina, Pairc Uí Chaoimh, schools, city centre, Douglas, Blackrock - which naturally attracts a premium. Good garden size is a bonus too, with the option to expand. Garage conversions/two-storey/single-storey wraparounds are everywhere in evidence, as a second generation of owners expands and upgrades.

Into this hotting-up market comes three-bed 112 sq m semi-d, 42 Beechwood Park, Ballinlough, a home very much true to its original form, albeit a small sun-room was added to the rear, overlooking the west-facing back garden. Otherwise, it's as it was built in the 1950s, as is the garden, which stretches way back "approximately 100 ft in length" says selling agent Garry O'Donnell of ERA Downey McCarthy.

Mr O'Donnell, who also sold the house next door a few years ago (it's a cracking example of a two-storey wraparound extension) says No 42 will be bought by someone who wants a forever home.

"They'll be in it for another 30 or 40 years," he says. Ever before the house went live online, they had five requests for viewings "based on the For Sale sign alone, which is pretty much unheard of", Mr O'Donnell said.

 He's already had an offer of €590,000, starting from a guide of €575,000. New owners can expect to update and improve the E2 energy rating.

VERDICT: As it's home-for-life material, expect very competitive bidding.