Starter home: Watergrasshill, Cork €250,000

Sq m 110 (1,189 sq ft)

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3

BER: A2

There’s not a plentiful supply of new three-bed semis for €250,000 in the Cork city area, but ERA Downey McCarthy is now offering four of them at a new 41 house development at Glen Dara in Watergrasshill.

“ It’s the first phase of a development which will include four-bed detached, four-bed semis as well as mid and end of terrace properties which will be slightly less expensive,’’ says auctioneer Michael Downey The first four, Nos 27 to 30, are being sold off the plans are expected to be ready for occupation within six to nine months.

Mr Downey believes the 1,190 sq ft properties have much to attract first-time buyers. 

“These are attractive architect-designed homes with a high A2 energy rating which are located within easy reach of the city,” he says adding that they also qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme for first-time buyers Accommodation at ground level includes a sitting room, a kitchen dining room as well as a small utility room and a guest WC. 

Upstairs there’s a bathroom and three bedrooms, two doubles and a single, including one en suite.

Features include a fitted kitchen, a sliderobe in the master bedroom and a fireplace with a wood burning stove. 

To achieve an A2 rating the houses are being fitted with an air to water heat pump. They will also have a paved driveway and lawned gardens.

Being built by Citidwell Homes, Glen Dara is located at Ard Cashel in Watergrasshill. 

Located within a five or ten minute walk from shops and amenities in the village, it’s approximately 15 kilometres from the Jack Lynch Tunnel.

VERDICT: affordable, new and energy efficient