Starter Homes: Four Cork properties on the market from €260k

Whitegate in East Cork offers house hunters a coastal lifestyle and an opportunity to find a less expensive home than those available in either Cork city or Midleton.

So says Kyle Kennedy of Hegarty Property who has just started showing No 15 Careystown Wood in Whitegate – a modern 2000 built three-bed semi with a guide of €295,00.

“It’s a very well taken care of owner-occupied property which has recently been fitted with new Palladio front door,’’ reveals Mr Kennedy noting that it has 93 sq metres of living space and a C1 BER

At the front it has a living room with herringbone flooring and a fireplace and at the rear a modern kitchen with cream units and porcelain tiled flooring. Off the hallway, there’s a guest WC while the upstairs has a bathroom and three bedrooms including an en suite.

Located within a seven-minute walk from the waterfront at Whitegate, Careystown Woods is a little over two km from the village of Agada.

“It’s also within a short drive from several beaches White Bay beach and is close to local amenities including national schools at Whitegate, Aghada and Saleen,’’ says Mr Kennedy adding that it’s 13 km from Midleton.

Recent sales in the Careystown Woods include that of No 46 which sold for €305,000 in July and No 38 which went for €330,000 in June. This house, No 15, was purchased for €191,000 in 2019.

VERDICT: A modern ready to move into three-bed semi.

The €275,000 guide price on this two-bed, end-of-terrace house at 24 The Maples, Castlejane Woods in Glanmire could make it attractive to both downsizers as well as young couples.

That’s the expectation of Kate Kearney of DNG Murphy Condon who says that properties costing less than €300,000 are increasingly difficult to find.

Downstairs it has a living room, a guest WC and a kitchen/diner with modern units and upstairs, a bathroom and two bedrooms.

VERDICT: An affordable starter home located within seven km of Cork city centre.

The owners of this three-bed mid-terrace house at 8 Glenfields Avenue in Ballyvolane have taken excellent care of it since buying it new in 2005.

So says Tirza Hourihane of Sherry FitzGerald Cork who is seeking offers of €260,000 for a property she describes as being very well presented. “It’s perfect for a young couple starting off,’’ she says, adding that it might also attract investors or downsizers.

Offering 87 sq metres of living space it has a laminate floored front living room with a fireplace and a stove, in addition to a kitchen with modern white units and tiled flooring. Off the kitchen, there’s a guest WC.

A staircase with a glass balustrade leads to the upstairs which has a bathroom and three carpeted bedrooms including a small one which is being used as an office. Fitted with double-glazed windows the property has a C1 BER rating.

In the back garden, the owners have put down a large raised decked patio with space for a shed and a lawn with a trampoline. At the front, there’s a cleverly disguised bin storage unit as well as a communal parking area

Situated mid-terrace in a row of eight, the property is in a development of 37 houses and is located a little less than two km Ballyvolane shopping centre.

Little sales activity has been recorded in Glenfields Avenue The only sale listed on the Property Price Register is of No 12 which sold for €105,000 back in 2015.

VERDICT: Affordable, modern and well cared for.

This modern three bed mid terrace house at 25 Carmen Lawn in Garryduff in Rochestown is expected to attract both young couples and investors.

Dermot Lynch of Howard auctioneers says young couples will want it because it’s a very well taken care of property in a popular south side location. And since it’s been owner occupied and doesn’t have a rent cap it will also attract investors, he adds.

VERDICT: Likely to be popular.