Starter Homes: Four Cork properties on the market starting at €215,000

First-time buyers house hunting in the run-up to winter could be happy to discover that this three-bed semi-d at 10 The Cedars, Classes Lake in Ovens has had its BER upgraded to a B2.

“Since buying it eight years ago the owners have put in high-efficiency radiators and a modern electric fire,” says Olivia Roycroft of O’Mahony Walsh. Other upgrades include new laminate flooring and bathroom fittings as well as a cleverly designed utility cupboard in the kitchen.

Listing the 2002-built property with a guide of €345,000, she says the owners, who are returning home to Portugal, are including the majority of the contents including furniture and appliances (except the TV) in the sale.

Ground-level accommodation includes a long L-shaped open-plan kitchen/dining/living room with a contemporary wall-mounted electric fire in the living area and white modern handleless units and a utility cupboard in the kitchen.

Under the stairs, there’s a guest WC and upstairs there is a bathroom and three bedrooms, one with an en suite.

At the front the property has parking and at the rear, a low-maintenance garden with a patio, sheds and garden furniture which isn’t being taken back to Portugal.

Located around 2.5km from Ballincollig, the house is within a few minutes drive from Dell Technologies in Ovens.

VERDICT: Attractive and modern with an upgraded BER and furniture included, it could make some buyer’s Christmas happy.

Unusual in being a detached house which overlooks a field within a 15-minute walk from the city centre, 17 Tonyville on High Street is new to the market with a guide of €275,000.

Small, at 59 sq m, the 2006-built two-bed property backs on to the playing fields of Coláiste Chríost Rí.

Judy O’Brien of ERA Downey McCarthy says it’s well maintained and would be ideal for an investor or a young buyer.“It hasn’t been rented so doesn’t have a rent cap,’’ she reveals.

VERDICT: Small, central, and affordable

Viewers coming to look at this three-bed semi at 32 Highbury, Waterpark in Carrigaline this week have been eyeing the attached garage and wondering about converting it as many of neighbours have done.

That’s according to John Corbett of Cohalan Downing who says that a good number of young couples have already shown an interest in the 1990s-built house which is on the market with a guide of €295,000.

“It’s a former rental property which needs some love and upgrading but is well located within walking distance of amenities, has good space and excellent potential.” There are two connected reception rooms with tiled flooring at ground level — including one at the front with a fireplace and one at the rear has a patio door. There’s a kitchen with fitted units and a door opening into the garage.

Upstairs there’s a bathroom and three bedrooms with varnished floorboards. The house has a driveway and south-facing back garden.

“New owners could look for planning permission to turn the attached garage into a family room or a home office,” suggests Mr Corbett.

Located around 1km from shops in Carrigaline, Highbury is a 10-minute drive from multinational pharmaceutical companies in Ringaskiddy and 9km from Douglas.

Not many of the 40 houses in Highbury seem to have sold in recent times. The only sale this year was of No 26, which went for €307,000 last month.

VERDICT: Needs redecoration and updating but has an affordable guide and a garage ripe for conversion.

Small but located within walking distance of the city centre, 58 Evergreen Road in Cork city’s Turners Cross has an affordable guide of €215,000.It’s a well-maintained, two-bed mid-terrace house.

Alice Hodder of Jeremy Murphy Auctioneers says the majority of interest is coming from first-time buyers.

Accommodation includes a living room, a kitchen, a guest WC, a bathroom, and two bedrooms.

VERDICT: Located less than two km from UCC, it might be bought by the parents of college students.