
12 Barry Avenue, Mervue, GalwayH91V4DC
€180,000
3 Bed~1 Bath~87 m²~BER G
What you'll like:
- Affordable entry price: Listed at a low asking price of €180,000, this property provides an accessible starting point for first-time buyers or investors seeking a budget-friendly acquisition in Galway.
- Established residential location: Situated in the popular and mature Mervue neighborhood, the home benefits from a well-connected community setting with established neighborhood characteristics.
- Complete blank canvas: Being entirely vacant and in need of total refurbishment allows new owners to design and customize the interior finishes entirely to their personal tastes and modern standards.
- Potential renovation grants: Buyers may be able to access government refurbishment grants subject to qualifying criteria and approvals, which could help offset heavy initial capital upgrade costs.
- Three-bedroom layout: The accommodation includes three bedrooms upstairs, offering a practical family-sized footprint that is rarely found at this specific price point within the city.
- Proximity to education: Families will appreciate the close walking distance to Mervue Primary School, Radharc na Mara National School, and Galway Community College for educational convenience.
- Nearby higher education: ATU Creative Arts and Media campus on Wellpark Road is located within easy reach, making the address attractive for academic staff or student rental demand.
- Employment hub proximity: The property is positioned very close to Liosbán and Mervue Industrial Estates, providing excellent local employment and commercial facilities within minutes.
- Major employer access: Galway major healthcare and medtech employers including Merlin Park Hospital, Boston Scientific, and Merit Medical are easily reachable from this central location.
- Commuter connectivity: The nearby M6 and M18 motorway networks offer swift and convenient transport links for driving connections toward Dublin, Limerick, and surrounding regional centers.
- Live stream auction format: The scheduled live stream property auction offers a transparent and direct bidding process for pre-registered participants looking to secure a quick transaction.
- Mid-terrace thermal efficiency: As a mid-terrace house, the property shares two party walls which naturally reduces heat loss compared to detached alternatives once insulation is upgraded.
- Manageable floor area: The 87 square meter floor area provides an easily manageable footprint for tradespeople and project managers estimating materials and labor costs accurately.
- Rental income potential: Once fully renovated to a high standard, the three-bedroom configuration could command strong rental yields given the persistent high demand for housing in Galway.
- Traditional neighborhood charm: Mervue is known for its strong community identity and enduring popularity, ensuring solid long-term desirability after neighborhood regeneration and modern upgrades.
- Clear project scope: Because the house has been vacant for several years, structural and cosmetic deficiencies are straightforward to identify and address during a comprehensive strip-out.
- Local amenities access: Daily shopping, retail parks, and essential services are located just a short drive away, ensuring day-to-day convenience for future occupants.
- Pre-registration transparency: The mandatory pre-registration and bidder security fee process helps filter serious participants, creating a structured and orderly auction environment.
- Investment upside: Buying a heavily discounted, vacant property offers significant potential for capital appreciation once comprehensive modernization works are successfully completed.
- Direct solicitor carriage: Legal documentation and carriage of sale are managed locally by an established solicitor firm, facilitating clear legal oversight for prospective bidders.
But keep in mind:
- Severe energy rating: The property holds a dismal BER rating of G, indicating extreme thermal inefficiency and necessitating a complete energy overhaul including insulation and heating.
- Total refurbishment required: Having been vacant for a number of years, the house demands a complete and costly gut-renovation across all rooms, wiring, plumbing, and finishes.
- Auction contract pressure: Successful bidders are contracted immediately on the drop of the hammer and must pay a non-refundable 10% balance instantly, leaving no room for post-auction renegotiation.
- Upfront security deposit: Participating in the live stream auction requires a €5,000 bidder security fee paid in advance, tying up funds temporarily for unsuccessful bidders.
- Uncertain grant approval: Government refurbishment grants are strictly subject to qualifying criteria and official approvals, meaning buyers should not rely on them without prior independent verification.
- Potential hidden defects: Prolonged vacancy often conceals severe underlying issues such as dampness, timber rot, or outdated electrical wiring that will drive up remediation expenses.
- Outdated plumbing and wiring: The existing services are likely obsolete and will need complete replacement to meet current safety standards and building regulations.
- Single bathroom limitation: The home features only one bathroom, which may feel restrictive for modern family living unless a layout reconfiguration or extension is explored.
- Approximate floor plans: The marketing floor plans and measurements are explicitly provided for illustrative purposes only, meaning buyers must verify all dimensions independently.
- Missing property type classification: Official listing details omit the specific legal tenure and property classification, requiring thorough due diligence by your legal representative regarding freehold or leasehold status.
- Strict auction terms: The particulars state that sales materials do not form part of a formal contract, placing the full onus of physical and legal inspection on the purchaser.
- Renovation cost inflation: Unexpected construction delays, material price increases, and labor shortages could significantly exceed initial renovation budgets for an unlivable home.
- Lack of functional kitchen: The current kitchen and laundry facilities require complete rip-out and replacement, rendering the property completely uninhabitable during the works period.
- Potential structural wear: Decades-old structures subjected to multi-year vacancy may require professional structural engineer assessments to check roof integrity and wall stability.
- Parking and access limits: On-street parking or restricted estate access common in older mid-terrace developments may complicate material deliveries during heavy construction phases.
- No immediate occupancy: Due to the uninhabitable condition, buyers must budget for alternative accommodation costs while extensive renovation works are being carried out.
- Complex legal packets: Legal legals may not be fully available until close to the auction date, compressing the timeframe for your solicitor to review title deeds and covenants.
- Disposal constraints: Selling or renting the property immediately is impossible without substantial capital investment and time dedicated to bringing the fabric up to code.
- Heating system absence: A G-rated vacant house often lacks a functional, modern central heating system, requiring an entirely new boiler, radiators, and pipework installation.
- High market risk: Taking on a heavy project carries inherent financial risks if renovation costs spiral beyond the eventual market value ceiling of the Mervue area.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price appears significantly undervalued relative to typical neighborhood benchmarks because the property is offered via an online auction requiring an extensive and costly full structural renovation project.
- Valuation signals of underpricing are driven by the severely degraded condition, a poor G energy rating, and vacant status for several years requiring heavy capital investment before occupancy.
- This low asking price could be supported by high construction inflation and uncertain timelines, while it might be undermined by competitive bidding wars common in live stream auctions for well-located Galway homes.
- Relevant market context indicates that nearby comparable houses in the same immediate area have achieved considerably higher figures, highlighting that the reserve or starting price is intentionally set low to generate auction interest.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property was built in the early 1960s and has been vacant for a number of years, indicating that it will require a comprehensive and complete refurbishment.
- A buyer should investigate the structural integrity, dampness levels, plumbing, electrical wiring, and roof condition, as a dwelling of this age left vacant for an extended period typically requires extensive modernization.
- Potential buyers should verify compliance with local planning regulations if any structural alterations or extensions are planned to maximize the 87 square metre floor area.
- Investigation into vacant property refurbishment grants should be carried out to determine eligibility for financial assistance toward upgrade works.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- Given the G BER rating and the fact that the property requires a complete refurbishment, a deep retrofit is essential.
- Bringing a vacant 1960s mid-terrace house of 87 square metres up to a modern energy efficiency standard typically requires substantial investment in external wall insulation, upgraded windows and doors, attic insulation, a modern heating system, and renewable energy technologies such as a heat pump or solar panels.
- Estimated costs for a comprehensive deep retrofit on a property of this size with a G rating generally range between 50,000 and 80,000 euros or more, depending on the extent of structural repairs and contractor pricing.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- €2,500 to €3,500 per year.
- Given the poor G energy rating and the requirement for a complete refurbishment, the property currently lacks efficient thermal insulation and heating systems, leading to very high estimated annual energy consumption until major upgrades are completed.
Pollution Safe
8/10Environmental situation to investigate
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
19 BARRY AVE, MERVUE, GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €305,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Mervue area
7 CLARKE AVE, MERVUE, GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €402,500.00
42 ST JAMES CRESCENT, MERVUE, GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €204,750.00
UNIT 175 GLASAN STUDENT VILLAGE, BALLYBANE RD, MERVUE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €190,000.00
UNIT 173 GLASAN STUDENT VILLAGE, BALLYBANE RD, MERVUE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €190,000.00
UNIT 170 GLASAN STUDENT VILLAGE, BALLYBANE RD, MERVUE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €190,000.00
Source: Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA), Residential Property Price Register (PPR). Matching uses address information published by the PPR rather than measured map distance. It may omit nearby properties on differently named streets.
Last Sale
A confidently matched previous PPR transaction for this property
No confidently matched previous sale was found in the Property Price Register.
Buyer fees*
Associated expenses guide
- Stamp duty: €1,800 based on 1% of the asking price of €180,000 for residential property under €1 million.
- Solicitor legal fees: Approximately €1,500 to €3,000 excluding outlay and VAT.
- Land registration fees: Approximately €175 to €700 depending on property mapping and registry type.
- Property valuation fees: Approximately €150 to €300.
- Surveyor fees: Approximately €500 to €1,200 depending on the level of detailed inspection required.
- Annual home insurance: Approximately €350 to €700 depending on the policy level, though comprehensive coverage should be verified given the property condition.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Residents frequently discuss the established nature of the Mervue area, highlighting its strong community feel and convenience for families.
- Local forums often mention the close proximity to major employment hubs like Liosbán and Mervue Industrial Estates as a key draw for working professionals.
- Discussions regarding older housing stock in the neighbourhood often touch upon the availability of vacant property refurbishment grants for upgrading BER ratings.
- Commuters in local community groups frequently share insights on accessing the nearby M6 and M18 motorways during peak travel times.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children5/10
The property is located close to local schools like Mervue Primary School and Radharc na Mara National School, making school runs convenient. However, the house is in need of a complete, vacant refurbishment project, so it is not immediately habitable for young children without significant upfront renovation works.
- Teenagers5/10
With three bedrooms and proximity to educational facilities like Galway Community College and ATU's Creative Arts and Media campus, the location is practical for families with teenagers. The necessary major renovation means living conditions would be disruptive initially.
- Multi-generational Living3/10
The floor area is 87 square metres with a standard mid-terrace layout consisting of three bedrooms and one bathroom, offering limited space and privacy for multi-generational living without substantial reconfiguration and extension.
- Single Buyers7/10
Priced at an accessible €180,000, this 3-bedroom home presents an exciting opportunity for single buyers looking to take on a full renovation project to create a bespoke property. Buyers should verify the extent of the structural work required and potential renovation grants.
- Couples7/10
Couples with a vision for home improvement will find this a compelling project. The property offers the chance to tailor a house to personal tastes, though significant time, budget, and project management will be required due to its vacant state and G BER rating.
- Empty Nesters4/10
While the single-storey ground floor elements and manageable footprint could eventually suit empty nesters looking to downsize, the immediate requirement for a comprehensive refurbishment makes this a challenging undertaking.
- Retirees4/10
The property requires extensive upgrading and has been vacant for a number of years. Retirees looking for a low-maintenance home would need to factor in major contractor work and associated stress, though the neighborhood amenities are accessible.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working5/10
A full renovation allows remote workers to dedicate space for a home office, but buyers must investigate the quality of local broadband infrastructure and contend with major construction work initially.
- Hybrid Commuting8/10
Exceptional location for commuters with easy access to the M6 and M18 motorway networks, providing strong connections to Galway, Dublin, Limerick, and surrounding regions.
- Retired4/10
The property requires extensive modernization from its current G-rated, vacant state, which may not suit retirees unless they hire project management to handle the refurbishment.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place3/10
A standard two-story mid-terrace house with bedrooms upstairs and a G energy rating is poorly suited for ageing in place without significant adaptation, insulation upgrades, and potentially the addition of ground-floor facilities.
- Low Maintenance1/10
The property has been vacant for a number of years, holds a G BER rating, and requires a full, comprehensive refurbishment project to address structural and cosmetic wear.
- Secure Gated Entry1/10
This is a standard mid-terrace open street-front property without gated community entry.
- Minimalist Design4/10
While a blank canvas allows a buyer to impose a minimalist interior design during the renovation, the current state is dated and far from minimalist.
- Flexible Floor Plans5/10
The 87 square metre layout provides a basic structure (hall, living room, bathroom, kitchen/dining, laundry, and three upstairs bedrooms) that can potentially be reconfigured during the renovation project.
- Heritage Home2/10
Built in the early 1960s, the property falls into a mid-century category rather than a traditional historical heritage home.
- Ecological Setup1/10
With a G BER rating and vacant status for several years, the property currently lacks modern eco-friendly systems and will require substantial energy efficiency retrofits.
- Outdoor areas4/10
Features typical mid-terrace outdoor space which will require landscaping and upgrading alongside the internal house renovation.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening4/10
A mid-terrace property typically features a modest rear outdoor area, offering limited scope for extensive gardening enthusiasts compared to detached rural or suburban homes.
- Walking6/10
The established suburban location allows for local walking, with schools, industrial estates, and local conveniences within reach on foot.
- Gym5/10
General fitness facilities in Galway are accessible via short drives or transport links, though none are immediately highlighted directly adjacent to the street.
- Cycling6/10
The relatively flat suburban terrain of Mervue provides reasonable cycling access toward Galway city and local employment centers.
- Golf5/10
Golf enthusiasts can access courses in the wider Galway region, though players should verify the exact drive times to the nearest clubs.
- Fishing4/10
While Galway offers notable angling opportunities in the surrounding region, this particular urban location is removed from immediate waterfront fishing spots.
- Horse Riding3/10
Equestrian facilities are typically located further out in the rural outskirts of Galway rather than in the immediate Mervue residential area.
- Water Sports3/10
Water sports require travel toward the coast or Lough Corrib, as the immediate property setting is entirely suburban.
- Entertaining4/10
The current layout requires complete renovation before it can comfortably host guests, though a redesigned kitchen/dining and living space could improve entertaining potential in the future.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living6/10
Situated in a well-established residential area in Mervue, the location generally offers a neighborhood feel, though buyers should investigate local traffic and neighborhood noise levels.
- Rural Living1/10
This is firmly an urban/suburban residential location within Galway rather than a rural setting.
- Village Living5/10
Mervue functions as a distinct community area with local schools and amenities nearby, providing a neighborhood-centric feel within reach of Galway city.
- Coastal Living2/10
The property is inland within Galway and does not offer coastal proximity or direct sea views.
- Urban Living7/10
Conveniently positioned close to Galway city, major employment hubs like Liosbán and Mervue Industrial Estate, and local hospitals, offering strong urban connectivity.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
Mervue is a well-established and mature community with local schools, organizations, and residential networks fostering neighborhood engagement.
- Café Culture5/10
While local convenience amenities exist, proper café culture and dining hotspots will generally require travel closer to Galway city center.
- Nightlife4/10
The immediate residential surrounds are quiet, meaning residents seeking vibrant nightlife will need to head into central Galway.
- Health/Wellness groups5/10
Proximity to major healthcare facilities like Merlin Park Hospital, Bon Secours Private Hospital, and Galway Clinic places wellness and medical infrastructure nearby.
- Networking Opportunities6/10
Close proximity to commercial hubs, industrial estates, and medtech employers provides good professional networking potential for working buyers.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity6/10
Galway hosts numerous tech and medtech employers, making this location convenient for industry professionals, subject to verifying local fibre broadband availability.
Listing information
- Agent
- O'Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers Ltd
- Phone
- 091 564 212
- Published on HouseDelve
- 30 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-694E70HouseDelve · Republic of IrelandReport checks
Sources used: Public marketplace, Property Price Register, and grounded web research where available.
Automated quality checks: Passed
* Estimate — not advice. Actual costs and outcomes can vary materially. Obtain current quotations and professional advice before making financial or property decisions.