Starter Homes: Four Cork properties on the market from €205k

First-time buyers can choose from homes across Coachford, Ballyphehane, Little Island and West Cork, writes Trish Dromey

Two-bed cottage on Clash Road in Little Island

Coachford, Co Cork
€205,000
Size	59 sq m
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1
BER	G

“It’s on a site of 1.28 acres and has raised beds, two greenhouses and some fruit trees as well as two small paddocks, a large barn and some timber sheds which in the past were used for ponies,’’ reveals Michael Foley of Killian Lynch auctioneers.

On the market with a guide of €205,000, it’s a two-bed cottage which was built in 1919 and renovated and redecorated in recent years by current owners. “They extended it, put on a new roof, and fitted double-glazed windows and new kitchen units,” says Mr Foley adding that the property has been well maintained. New owners will however want to improve energy efficiency since the BER is a G.

The 59 sq m cottage, has an open-plan kitchen dining/ living area, a breakfast counter and a fireplace. Off the kitchen, there’s a shelf-lined study/home office and at rear there are two bedrooms and a bathroom.

“It would be ideal for a hobby farmer or for someone with ponies,’’ says Mr Foley noting that it has planning permission for the addition of two extra bedrooms.

VERDICT: Perfect for a remote working gardening enthusiast.

Ballyphehane, Cork city
€265,000
Size	73 sq m ( 785 sq ft)
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1
BER	E

The large back garden at the rear of 29 Clarkes Road in Ballyphehane will allow new owners to consider extending the three-bed end of terrace house

They could also check out the possibility of using the front garden for off-street parking, as the neighbours have done. Cohalan Downing guide at €265,00: it has a modern kitchen, a living room, a ground-floor bathroom and three upstairs bedrooms.

It’s a well maintained former rental property in a very popular location close to the city centre.

VERDICT: At this price, in this location, it’s set to attract good viewings.

Little Island, Co Cork
€225,000
Size	75 sq m
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1
BER	E1

The attractiveness of this renovated semi-detached two-bed cottage on Clash Road in Little Island is enhanced by the fact it’s on a quarter of an acre site with planning for a sizable extension.

Listing Lynwood with a guide of €225,000 Ed O’Donovan of Sherry FitzGerald O’Donovan says it’s proving attractive to both downsizers and first-time buyers.

“It was built in the 1930s and has been renovated in the last three years — the owners put in new flooring, double-glazed windows, upgraded bathroom, new kitchen units and also insulated the attic,” he reveals.

Accommodation in the 75 sq m property includes a living room with an insert electric fire, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen with cream units. “There’s full planning for a 97 sq m extension which would increase the size of the kitchen and add on two bedrooms and a bathroom,” says Mr O’Donovan.

The back garden offers ample space for this, offering both a lawned area with a patio and a separate unused area which has been fenced off.

New owners may consider some energy upgrades as well as an extension since the BER is an E1.

The property is located within 2km of Eastgate Retail Park and the Little Island train station. Mr O’Donovan says the interest level has been high due to its affordability, condition, and garden size.

VERDICT: Small but affordable and well modernised.

Drinagh, West Cork
€295,000
Size	161 sq m
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	1
BER	G

Blossomville at Maulagow near Drinagh is a substantial West Cork offering for its €295,000 guide:  it has  been immaculately maintained and cherished, but next lucky occupants might choose to do decorative upgrades, says selling agent Maeve McCarthy of McCarthy auctioneers.

Accommodation in the comfortable 161 sq m, four-bed house includes porch, three reception rooms, a kitchen/diner, a utility room, a bathroom, and four bedrooms.

On mature grounds of half an acre, it’s set 2km from Drinagh and 15km from Skibbereen.

VERDICT: May appeal to locals, a range of  first-time buyers and relocators and already has over 1,730 sq ft ft, so no need for extensions.