Photograph 1 of 17 of 12 Frankfield Villas Windmill Road, City Centre Sth, Cork City — 1 / 17

12 Frankfield Villas Windmill Road, City Centre Sth, Cork CityT12H2D2

€295,000

3 Bed~2 Bath~BER G

What you'll like:

Prime central city location: The property is located literally within walking distance of Cork city centre, offering immense convenience for urban commuters and lifestyle buyers.
Proximity to major hospitals: Being close to St Finbarrs Hospital and the South Infirmary Hospital makes this location exceptionally attractive for medical professionals and healthcare workers.
Attractive asking price: Priced at €295,000, the dwelling offers a realistic entry point for buyers looking to secure a city property with significant upside potential.
Eligible for refurbishment grants: The house qualifies for the vacant homes grant providing up to €50,000, which significantly offsets initial modernization and renovation expenses.
Additional grant availability: Further substantial grants may be available depending on the applicant, helping to ease the financial burden of deep retrofitting works.

South facing rear garden: The sunny orientation of the enclosed rear garden and patio area maximizes natural light and outdoor living potential during summer months.
Private walled outdoor space: Both front and rear gardens are fully walled in all round, providing secure boundaries and privacy for residents and pets.
Not overlooked externally: The property enjoys an open aspect as it is not overlooked either at the front or the rear, enhancing daily privacy.
Freehold title advantage: The listing notes a freehold title, meaning ownership is absolute and avoids the complexities or ground rent fees associated with leaseholds.
Immediate vacant possession: Offering vacant possession means buyers can complete the purchase and commence upgrade works without waiting for tenants to vacate.
Traditional layout structure: The interior features a practical layout including a reception hall, living room, family room, and kitchen extension downstairs.
Generous living accommodation: The ground floor provides distinct living and dining areas, allowing for flexible furniture arrangements and comfortable family daily routines.
Existing kitchen extension: An established kitchen extension is already in place, providing functional oak units and essential plumbing connections for appliances.
Ground floor bathroom convenience: The inclusion of a downstairs bathroom featuring a walk-in shower cubicle with an electric shower adds practicality for aging occupants.
Three bedrooms upstairs: The upper floor comprises three bedrooms, offering versatile options for children, guest rooms, or a dedicated home office setup.
Built-in wardrobe storage: Bedrooms one and two feature full width built-in wardrobes, helping to maximize floor space and provide immediate storage solutions.
Stira attic access: A pull-down stira stairs on the landing provides easy and safe access to the attic space for additional storage or future conversion.
Gas central heating installed: The presence of gas central heating provides an existing network of radiators, though the boiler and system will likely require inspection.
Low maintenance exterior elements: The rear features PVC soffits and facias, reducing the immediate requirement for external woodwork maintenance in those areas.
Convenient outdoor water tap: An outside tap is already installed in the rear garden, providing practical convenience for gardening, car washing, and outdoor cleaning.

But keep in mind:

Extensive total refurbishment required: The property requires total refurbishment inside and out, meaning buyers must budget significant time and capital beyond the purchase price.
Unfavourable BER rating: The dwelling holds a G energy rating, indicating extremely poor thermal performance and necessitating a complete energy overhaul to achieve modern comfort levels.
Substantial structural work needed: The listing explicitly notes that structural work is required, meaning buyers should commission a thorough structural survey before finalizing bids.
Single glazed windows present: The windows are single glazed, contributing to heat loss and draughts, and will need immediate replacement with double or triple-glazed alternatives.
Severe insulation deficits: Due to the poor energy rating, extensive internal or external wall insulation and attic insulation upgrades will be strictly mandatory.

Outdated open fireplaces: The living room and family room feature traditional tiled open fireplaces, which are thermally inefficient and may require blocking or stove installation.
Potential outdated wiring: Given the need for total internal refurbishment, the electrical wiring system should be thoroughly tested as it may not meet current safety standards.
Plumbing system verification needed: The plumbing and heating infrastructure should be professionally inspected to ensure the gas boiler and pipework are safe and functional.
Potential dampness issues: Properties requiring total refurbishment and carrying a G energy rating frequently suffer from rising or penetrating damp that requires remediation.
Hot press immersion dependence: The hot press contains a dual immersion, suggesting older hot water heating methods that should be modernized for energy efficiency.
Compact third bedroom size: Bedroom number three measures just 7ft.8 by 6ft.3, limiting its utility to a very small child room, nursery, or tight home office.
Split upper level facilities: The main bathroom is downstairs, while upstairs only features a toilet and wash hand basin, creating inconvenience for nighttime bathroom trips.
Grant approval uncertainty: Qualification for renovation grants is subject to strict criteria and application success, so buyers should not treat grant funding as guaranteed.
Renovation project management risk: Undertaking a deep renovation project requires managing contractors, building supplies, and potential hidden defects that frequently exceed initial budgets.
Disruption during construction: Living in or preparing a heavily distressed property for habitation involves prolonged periods of construction noise, dust, and general inconvenience.
Parking provision ambiguity: The listing does not mention dedicated off-street parking, so buyers should verify whether parking permits or driveway options are available.
Potential asbestos presence: Older homes undergoing total refurbishment may contain hazardous materials like asbestos in textured coatings or old insulation that require safe removal.
Boundary wall condition check: While walled in, the structural integrity of the boundary walls should be verified to ensure no leaning, cracking, or shared ownership disputes exist.
Drainage inspection necessity: The underground drainage system should be camera-surveyed to check for root ingress, blockages, or damaged pipes typical of older urban dwellings.
Planning permission compliance: Buyers must check whether any historical modifications, such as the kitchen extension, obtained proper local authority planning and building control sign-off.

Price positioning

This comparison depends on limited public and listing evidence, which may be incomplete, outdated or not directly comparable. The score is not a percentage, professional valuation or guaranteed estimate. Ask an independent qualified valuer before relying on a property value.

UnderpricedOverpriced

The asking price looks mildly undervalued compared with the available evidence.

The asking price of 295000 euros appears attractive because the property requires total internal and external refurbishment, including necessary structural work and a very poor energy rating.
Valuation signals are heavily influenced by the eligibility for substantial vacant homes grants, which offset high renovation costs and make the initial purchasing figure economically viable for investors.
Potential factors that could undermine this pricing strategy include unforeseen structural defects discovered during repairs or escalating construction costs that exceed estimated rehabilitation budgets.
Relevant factors supporting the valuation include its exceptional inner-urban location near major hospitals and amenities, combined with a desirable south-facing rear garden and freehold title.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

The property is explicitly stated to be in need of total refurbishment inside and out, including required structural work.
The BER rating is G, indicating very poor energy efficiency, likely featuring single-glazed windows and an absence of modern insulation.
A buyer should investigate the extent and cost of the required structural repairs, as well as the condition of the roof, damp-proofing, and plumbing systems.
The listing notes the property qualifies for the vacant homes grant (up to €50,000) and potentially other grants, which a buyer should verify regarding eligibility requirements and drawdown conditions.

Retrofit Cost^*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

Given the G BER rating, single-glazed windows, and the need for total internal and external refurbishment including structural work, a comprehensive deep retrofit is essential.
Estimated costs for bringing a G-rated property of this type to a high BER standard (such as B2 or higher) typically range from €50,000 to €80,000 or more, depending on the extent of wall insulation, window replacements, heating system upgrades (such as heat pumps), and ventilation improvements required.

Heating cost^*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

Estimated annual heating cost is high, roughly 2,000 euro to 2,800 euro.
This high estimate reflects the G energy rating, single-glazed windows, and the extensive refurbishment required to improve energy efficiency.

Pollution Safe

8/10

Environmental situation to investigate

The location is within an established urban residential setting with no major heavy industrial facilities or active large-scale incinerators immediately adjacent.
Any historical urban industrial uses or legacy concerns in the wider city centre area should be independently verified by the buyer during structural surveys.

Flood Safe

7/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

The property is situated within Cork City Centre South, an area that has experienced localized surface water or tidal flooding risks in certain low-lying zones near waterways during extreme weather events.
Buyers should check local Office of Public Works (OPW) flood maps and make specific inquiries regarding the property's exact elevation relative to any historical flood events in the vicinity.

Recent Local Sales

Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years

Sales on the same street or estate

TOWN LODGE, 4 FRANKFIELD VILLAS, WINDMILL RD
Sale date
30/07/2025
Declared sale price
€416,000.00
TOWN LODGE, 4 FRANKFIELD VILLAS, WINDMILL RD
Sale date
27/01/2022
Declared sale price
€315,000.00

Recent sales in the wider City Centre Sth area

No verified results were found for this group in the previous five years.

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

Solicitor legal fees: approximately 1,500 euro to 3,000 euro plus VAT and outlays.
Land registration fees: approximately 400 euro to 800 euro depending on the property value.
Property valuation fees: approximately 150 euro to 300 euro.
Surveyor fees: approximately 500 euro to 1,200 euro, particularly recommended for this property due to the stated need for total refurbishment and structural work.
Annual home insurance: approximately 350 euro to 700 euro depending on the level of coverage.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

Residents in the City Centre South area frequently discuss the convenience of walking to major hospitals such as St Finbarr's and the South Infirmary.
Local forums often highlight the potential and demand for properties eligible for the vacant homes grant in established Cork neighbourhoods.
Discussions in regional groups note that older urban areas near Windmill Road benefit from strong central locations but often require significant infrastructure and energy upgrades.
Community boards frequently share contractor recommendations and experiences regarding total residential refurbishments and structural repairs in older Cork housing stock.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas

Young Children
The property requires total refurbishment and structural work, which presents significant safety hazards for young children until fully renovated.
3/10
Teenagers
Its central location close to the city is appealing, but the three-bedroom layout requires extensive modernization to be comfortable for teenagers.
5/10
Multi-generational Living
With only one main downstairs bathroom, a separate toilet upstairs, and a compact mid-terrace layout, it is poorly suited for multi-generational living.
2/10
Single Buyers
An affordable entry point into the city centre market for a single buyer willing to take on a major renovation project.
7/10
Couples
Provides an excellent project for a couple looking to shape their first home, provided they have the budget and appetite for extensive refurbishment.
7/10
Empty Nesters
While the manageable size and central location appeal to empty nesters, the two-story layout and need for total refurbishment may be less than ideal.
5/10
Retirees
Proximity to hospitals and conveniences is a plus, but the extensive structural work needed and stairs make it challenging for retirees without prior modification.
4/10

Work

3 areas

Remote Working
Can accommodate a home office setup once refurbished, though broadband infrastructure should be verified by the buyer.
6/10
Hybrid Commuting
The central city location provides excellent convenience for hybrid workers needing access to transport links.
8/10
Retired
Close proximity to healthcare facilities is ideal, but the heavy renovation required is a significant consideration.
5/10

Practical

8 areas

Ageing in Place
Features stairs, a downstairs bathroom, and requires total refurbishment, making it unsuitable for ageing in place without major adaptation.
3/10
Low Maintenance
The property requires total refurbishment inside and out, including necessary structural work.
1/10
Secure Gated Entry
Features fully walled-in front and rear gardens, but lacks secure gated vehicular entry.
2/10
Minimalist Design
Traditional mid-terrace layout with separate rooms rather than open-plan minimalist architecture, though adaptable during renovation.
4/10
Flexible Floor Plans
Contains a reception, living room, family/dining room, and kitchen extension that could be reconfigured during the substantial renovation.
5/10
Heritage Home
A traditional mid-terrace structure offering character, though buyers should verify any conservation or structural constraints.
4/10
Ecological Setup
Has a G BER rating and single-glazed windows, indicating poor energy efficiency that requires a complete overhaul to be ecological.
2/10
Outdoor areas
Benefits from fully walled-in front and rear gardens that are not overlooked, including a south-facing rear garden and patio area.
7/10

Interests

9 areas

Gardening
Includes enclosed front and rear gardens with a south-facing rear patio area, offering potential for landscaping enthusiasts once cleared.
5/10
Walking
Being literally a short walk from the city centre and major hospitals makes it exceptionally convenient for avid walkers.
9/10
Gym
The central location ensures good proximity to urban fitness facilities and amenities.
7/10
Cycling
Urban setting allows for straightforward bike commutes into the city centre, though city traffic should be navigated.
7/10
Golf
Standard urban access to surrounding golf clubs in the wider Cork area.
5/10
Fishing
No notable fishing spots are immediately adjacent to this central city property.
3/10
Horse Riding
An inner-city location is impractical for horse riding pursuits.
2/10
Water Sports
While near the river Lee depending on the exact route, water sports facilities require travel outside the immediate vicinity.
3/10
Entertaining
Features a south-facing rear garden and patio, though internal living spaces require complete modernization before hosting.
6/10

Lifestyle

5 areas

Quiet Living
Situated in a city centre location near major hospitals and amenities, meaning standard urban hustle and bustle apply.
4/10
Rural Living
This is a strictly urban setting within walking distance of the city centre.
1/10
Village Living
Offers proximity to local conveniences and community infrastructure typical of close-knit urban neighborhoods.
5/10
Coastal Living
The property is located inland in Cork city with no coastal proximity.
1/10
Urban Living
Exceptionally well-located within walking distance of Cork city centre and multiple hospitals.
9/10

6 areas

Community Involvement
Established residential area close to community amenities and hospitals.
6/10
Café Culture
Being within walking distance of Cork city centre grants immediate access to a vibrant café and restaurant scene.
8/10
Nightlife
Proximity to the city centre puts pubs, bars, and entertainment venues within easy reach.
8/10
Health/Wellness groups
Central location offers good access to local pilates & stretching studios, gyms, and wellness centers.
7/10
Networking Opportunities
Urban positioning facilitates easy attendance at city-based networking events.
7/10
Tech-Hub Connectivity
Good general connectivity due to the city centre location, though specific internet speeds should be verified.
7/10

Listing information

Agent: James G. Coughlan & Associates
Phone: 021 425 1500
Published on HouseDelve: 4 October 2026
Correction: Report an issue

Property reference: HD-DF4896HouseDelve · Republic of Ireland

Report 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.