Starter Homes: Four Cork properties on the market from €245k

First-time buyers can choose from homes across Midleton, Cobh, Blackrock and Blarney Street

43 Ard na Corann in Midleton

Midleton, Co Cork
€315,000
Size	93 sq m (1,001 sq ft)
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2
BER	B3

The upgrades carried out on this three-bed property at 43 Ard na Corann in Midleton will be appreciated by buyers looking for an affordable, ready to move into home.

Listed with a guide of €315,000, the 2004-built, owner-occupied, end-of-terrace property was modernised and redecorated in 2018 and now has an improved B3 BER rating.

“The owners reordered the ground floor layout to create a long open plan kitchen/ dining/ living room and also installed a new combi gas boiler, fitted new radiators and insulated the attic,’’ reveals Kyle Kennedy of Hegarty Property who describes the décor as being chic and tasteful.

The long kitchen/dining/living room has contemporary white handleless kitchen units, laminate flooring, a stove and alcove storage for logs. Under the stairs, there’s a guest WC and the upstairs has a bathroom and three bedrooms – including one with a walk-in wardrobe and one which has been turned into a home office.

The owners have put effort into making their garden into an attractive space for relaxation. It has two patios, one outside the kitchen with an awning and another by the bottom wall where the owners like to do their Barbequing and outdoor dining.

Ard na Corann is a mixed development located around one km from shops in the town centre and within a ten-minute walk from the train station.

The B3 BER makes it eligible for a Green Mortgage, which Mr Kennedy says adds to its appeal.

VERDICT: A ready-to-go three-bed home with a B3 BER – it won’t lack viewers.

Cobh, Co Cork
€245,000
Size	71 sq m (765 sq ft)
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2
BER

New to the market with an affordable €245,000 guide price, No 24 Riverside Avenue, Rushbrook Links in Cobh is a well-maintained modern three-bed property.

Paul Fenton of Sherry FitzGerald Cork says the owner-occupied, 2004-mid-terrace house is now set to attract interest from both investors and young couples.

It has 71 sq metres of living space which includes a timber floored living room, a guest WC and a kitchen /diner with modern units as well as three bedrooms and a bathroom.

Located a little over three km from Cobh train station and shops in the town centre, it has a driveway the front and a south-facing back garden.

VERDICT: Affordable enough to attract a Cork city buyer.

Blackrock, Cork city
€325,000
Size	109 sq m ( 1,173 sq ft)
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	3
BER	B3

Because of its Blackrock location and because it’s a larger-than-average duplex, No 14 Blackrock Grove in Eden is likely to attract very good interest.

"It’s an owner-occupied, well-maintained modern three-bed property with 109 sq metres of living space,’’ reveals Garry O’Donnell of ERA Downey McCarthy quoting a guide of €325,000.

Accommodation on the lower level includes a spacious L-shaped living/dining/kitchen with modern cream kitchen units, a large window and a door leading out to a good-sized balcony covered with artificial grass. Off the hallway, there’s a small utility room and also a guest WC.

The upper floor has a bathroom and three laminate floored bedrooms with built-in wardrobes including one with an en suite shower room.

Overlooking a communal green area at the rear, the duplex has one designated parking space at the front.

"The location is excellent – it’s within walking distance of amenities in Blackrock village and also Mahon Point Shopping Centre,’’ says Mr O’Donnell noting that Aldi and the Blackrock Hall Medical Centre are close by.

He says first-time buyers will be pleased with its B3 BER rating which makes it eligible for a Green mortgage. "It will also appeal to investors since it doesn’t have a rent cap and could potentially earn a rental income of €2,500 a month," he adds.

There don’t seem to have been any very recent sales of a three-bed duplex in Blackrock Grove although no 63 a two-bed duplex sold for €253, 000 in March. Back in April 2023 No 26 a three-bed duplex sold for €310,000.

VERDICT: Eden’s always been a popular spot.

Blarney St, Cork city
€260,000
Size	88 sq m ( 950 sq ft)
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1
BER	C2

This mid-terrace two-bed house at 236 Blarney Street has more space than you might expect from its modest façade.

Built in the 1900s it’s been extended and modernised and now has 88 sq metres of accommodation and a C2 BER. Seeking offers of €260,000, Hugh McPhillips of Marsh’s says it’s ideal as a starter home or an investment.

Accommodation includes a living room, a kitchen/diner with modern units, a utility room, a bathroom and two bedrooms. Outside it has a two-tiered garden.

VERDICT: Conveniently located – it’s within 2km from the city centre.