12 St. Joseph's Terrace, Gould Street, Cork City, CorkT12K7PX
€265,000
2 Bed~1 Bath~83 m²~BER G
What you'll like:
- Prime city location: Positioned within Cork City, this home places a wide range of shops, cafés, and transport links conveniently within walking distance for daily ease.
- Generous floor area: Spanning approximately 83 square meters, the well-proportioned mid-terrace footprint offers significantly more interior space than typical older urban cottages.
- Charming period character: Dating from circa 1900, the property retains delightful architectural details like decorative ceiling coving and authentic room layouts that provide unique aesthetic appeal.
- Exceptional outdoor space: The unusually large rear garden provides a rare sanctuary of greenery within an urban setting, complete with manicured lawns and mature trees.
- Westerly garden orientation: Benefiting from a favorable west-facing aspect, the extensive backyard captures wonderful afternoon and evening sunlight for outdoor relaxation and entertaining.
- Upgraded modern kitchen: The fully fitted kitchen features contemporary floor and eye-level units, a stylish subway tile backsplash, integrated appliances, and a convenient breakfast bar.
- Well maintained condition: The residence has been exceptionally well maintained throughout its lifetime, presenting in wonderful overall condition for any incoming occupier to enjoy immediately.
- Comfortable gas heating: Equipped with gas-fired central heating, the home delivers reliable warmth and temperature control during colder winter months across all main living spaces.
- Dual living rooms: Featuring both a front-facing formal living room and an additional rear family room with fireplaces, the layout offers flexible zones for relaxing and socializing.
- Built-in bedroom storage: The primary double bedroom includes practical floor-to-ceiling built-in wardrobes, maximizing floor space and providing effortless organization for clothing and personal items.
- Private front courtyard: A dedicated front courtyard provides a welcoming threshold and a pleasant buffer between the pedestrian pathway and the main entrance door.
- Handy garden shed: An existing timber garden shed in the expansive backyard supplies useful outdoor storage space for bicycles, tools, and recreational equipment.
- Electric shower fitted: The fully tiled bathroom features a convenient three-piece suite complete with a reliable electric shower unit for instant hot water delivery.
- All mains services: The property is connected to essential municipal infrastructure including mains water, electricity, and drainage for hassle-free urban utility management.
- Strong future potential: The combination of a large plot and a desirable city address offers creative buyers wonderful scope for future extension or personalized modernization projects.
- Warm entrance hallway: A welcoming entrance hall provides clear and direct access to all ground floor accommodation, creating a functional flow through the home.
- Inviting double bedrooms: Both upstairs bedrooms easily accommodate double beds, making the home well-suited for couples, small families, or professionals needing a home office.
- Peaceful setting: Mature trees within the substantial rear garden create a remarkably private and tranquil outdoor environment despite the central city location.
- Attractive asking price: Priced at €265,000, the property represents an accessible entry point into the Cork City residential market for first-time buyers or investors.
- Ready-to-move-in appeal: Because the interior presents in excellent order with thoughtful modern updates, new owners can settle in comfortably without undertaking immediate emergency renovations.
But keep in mind:
- Extremely poor BER rating: The property holds a G energy rating, which indicates severe thermal inefficiency and will likely necessitate extensive, costly upgrades to improve comfort.
- Substantial insulation costs: Achieving a modern energy standard will require significant investment in roof, wall, and window insulation to reduce high ongoing heating bills.
- Single-pane windows risk: Older period houses with G ratings frequently feature drafty single-glazed windows that demand immediate replacement to prevent heat loss and moisture buildup.
- Potential heating upgrades: The current gas heating system should be professionally inspected to determine if the boiler efficiency is adequate for a G-rated home.
- Historical damp concerns: Older mid-terrace structures from 1900 are prone to rising or penetrating damp, requiring a thorough pre-purchase survey to check wall conditions.
- Ventilation limitations: G-rated properties often suffer from inadequate ventilation, which can lead to condensation and mold growth if trickle vents or extractor fans are missing.
- Uninsulated attic space: The roof void should be carefully checked by an expert to verify if adequate fiberglass or spray foam insulation has ever been installed.
- Electrical system review: Given the home's circa 1900 origins, buyers must budget for a comprehensive electrical survey to ensure the wiring meets contemporary safety standards.
- Plumbing infrastructure age: Older galvanized or copper pipes hidden within the walls may require preventive replacement to avoid unexpected leaks or low water pressure.
- Roof condition check: The age and integrity of the main roof slates, flashing, and timbers should be professionally evaluated to guard against hidden structural water damage.
- Party wall obligations: Being a mid-terrace house, any future remodeling or insulation works will require careful coordination with adjacent neighbors regarding party wall agreements.
- Limited street parking: City center locations often lack dedicated off-street parking, so buyers should investigate local permit availability and vehicle storage options.
- Boundary line verification: The exact legal boundaries of the unusually large rear garden should be confirmed by your solicitor against the official land registry maps.
- Potential planning restrictions: If the property or its immediate terrace holds any local architectural protections, future rear extensions might face strict planning oversight.
- High retrofit costs: Bringing a G-rated home up to a modern B2 BER standard can involve significant capital expenditure that should be factored into your purchasing budget.
- Drainage inspection needed: Older urban drainage lines can be susceptible to root infiltration or cracking, making a CCTV drain survey a wise due-diligence precaution.
- Chimney structural check: The operational safety of the living room and family room fireplaces should be certified by a chimney sweep before burning any solid fuels.
- Basement or sub-floor damp: Check the ground-level timber flooring structures for any signs of dry rot or inadequate sub-floor ventilation common in period properties.
- Future energy regulations: Stricter environmental standards for rental properties could limit letting potential without costly energy efficiency improvements.
- Resale value impact: A G energy rating can occasionally deter future buyers or prolong selling times until thermal upgrades are successfully completed and documented.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price of €265,000 appears balanced or slightly elevated when considering the poor energy efficiency rating, given that a G-rated property from circa 1900 will require significant immediate capital expenditure to upgrade thermal performance and modern standards.
- Undervaluation signals are absent because the general city context and the impressive scale of the westerly rear garden provide substantial lifestyle and space advantages that command competitive market interest within the urban residential segment.
- Factors that could heavily undermine such a price include hidden structural defects typical of older period dwellings or prohibitive insulation retrofit costs required to bring the dwelling into compliance with current environmental expectations.
- Additional support for this valuation comes from well-proportioned internal accommodation spanning eighty-three square metres, a recently upgraded modern kitchen, and convenient proximity to central amenities which heavily attracts first-time buyers.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property dates from circa 1900, meaning it is of traditional solid wall construction which typically lacks internal or external wall insulation, contributing to the G energy rating.
- Buyers should investigate the condition of the roof, original timber structures, and damp-proofing measures common in homes of this era.
- The presence of a recently upgraded kitchen and gas-fired central heating indicates some modernization has taken place, but a comprehensive structural survey is recommended to check for electrical and plumbing updates.
- The exceptionally large west-facing rear garden offers future potential for extensions, subject to obtaining the necessary planning permissions.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- Given the G BER rating and a floor area of approximately 83 square metres, a deep retrofit to bring the property to a B2 standard is estimated to cost between 45,000 and 65,000 euros.
- The required works would likely include external wall insulation or internal drylining, attic insulation, window and door replacements with high-performance double or triple glazing, and potentially the installation of a heat pump or heating system upgrade.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: 2,000 to 2,500 euro.
- Explanation: Given the G energy rating, poor thermal efficiency is likely, leading to significantly higher gas-fired central heating consumption compared to more modern homes.
Pollution Safe
8/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in an established urban setting with mains services and no immediate proximity to heavy industrial facilities or active large-scale landfills.
- Any historical urban land uses or legacy concerns should be independently verified by the prospective buyer as part of routine due diligence.
Flood Safe
7/10Water overflow reports to follow up
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
No verified results were found for this group in the previous five years.
Recent sales in the wider Cork City area
148 LOWER GLANMIRE RD, CORK CITY, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €363,000.00
27 LOWER OLIVER PLUNKETT STREET, CORK CITY, CO. CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €230,000.00
111 LOWER GLANMIRE ROAD, CORK CITY, CO CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €730,000.00
268 BLARNEY ST, CORK CITY, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €260,000.00
81 BANDON RD, CORK CITY, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €210,000.00
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: 2,650 euro based on 1 percent of the asking price of 265,000 euro.
- Solicitor legal fees: Approximately 1,500 to 2,500 euro plus outlay and VAT.
- Land registration fees: Approximately 600 to 800 euro depending on property deeds and registration type.
- Property valuation fees: Approximately 150 to 300 euro for a standard mortgage valuation.
- Surveyor fees: Approximately 500 to 1,000 euro depending on the level of detail required for an older c. 1900 home.
- Annual home insurance: Approximately 400 to 700 euro depending on the policy and level of coverage.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Residents in Cork City frequently discuss the charm and character of period properties located close to the city centre.
- Local forums often highlight the desirability of having large westerly-facing gardens in central urban settings.
- Discussions in the area commonly focus on the convenience of walking to nearby cafés, shops, and transport links.
- Community groups note ongoing initiatives to improve energy efficiency in older housing stock throughout the city.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children6/10
The home offers two bedrooms and an exceptionally large rear garden, providing great outdoor space for young children to play. However, buyers should verify the safety and suitability of the layout and stairs given the period nature of the property.
- Teenagers5/10
While the two-bedroom layout provides a manageable space, teenagers might find room sizes limited, and having only one bathroom could create bottlenecks in a busy household.
- Multi-generational Living3/10
With a floor area of 83 sq. m., two bedrooms, and a single bathroom, the property lacks the space and separation typically required for comfortable multi-generational living.
- Single Buyers9/10
An ideal setup for a single buyer looking for a manageable, character-filled home in Cork City with a modern kitchen and an expansive garden.
- Couples9/10
Perfect for a couple seeking a city-centre base with period charm, two bedrooms, and a wonderful westerly garden for entertaining or relaxing.
- Empty Nesters8/10
The property offers a manageable footprint and single-level convenience on the ground floor, though buyers should note that bedroom accommodation is upstairs and the BER rating is G.
- Retirees7/10
Conveniently located within Cork City close to amenities, though retirees should consider the maintenance requirements of the large garden and the stairs to the bedrooms.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The two-bedroom layout provides flexibility to set up a home office, though buyers should verify broadband speeds and connectivity.
- Hybrid Commuting9/10
The central Cork City location provides excellent proximity to local transport links, making hybrid commuting very convenient.
- Retired8/10
The property's proximity to city amenities makes day-to-day retirement living straightforward and accessible.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place5/10
While the ground floor offers functional living spaces, the bedroom and bathroom split across levels and the G BER rating mean modifications or upgrades would need to be investigated for long-term ageing in place.
- Low Maintenance6/10
The interior presents in excellent condition with modern updates, but the exceptionally large rear garden and the period nature of a c. 1900 home will require ongoing upkeep.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
The property features a private front courtyard rather than a secure gated community entrance.
- Minimalist Design5/10
The home retains distinct period charm and character from circa 1900 rather than a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.
- Flexible Floor Plans6/10
The well-proportioned rooms include a living room, family room, and two bedrooms, offering reasonable flexibility for a small home.
- Heritage Home9/10
Dating from circa 1900, the property retains wonderful period character, decorative ceiling coving, and traditional charm.
- Ecological Setup2/10
The property has a G BER rating, indicating that energy efficiency and ecological installations are areas requiring substantial future improvement.
- Outdoor areas10/10
Features a private front courtyard and a rare, exceptionally large west-facing rear garden with a manicured lawn, mature trees, and a storage shed.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening8/10
A standout feature is the exceptionally large west-facing rear garden laid in manicured lawn with mature trees, offering fantastic potential for gardening enthusiasts.
- Walking9/10
The central city location makes it exceptionally easy to explore Cork City on foot, with local amenities and attractions nearby.
- Gym7/10
Being in a city location, access to commercial gyms and fitness centres is generally convenient.
- Cycling7/10
City living allows for good cycle connectivity, though urban traffic conditions should be navigated with care.
- Golf5/10
While golf courses can be reached within the wider Cork area, there are none immediately adjacent to this city-centre address.
- Fishing3/10
The urban setting is not tailored towards fishing interests, though the River Lee is within the wider city bounds.
- Horse Riding2/10
Equestrian facilities are not available in this dense urban environment.
- Water Sports3/10
Water sports facilities are limited directly around the city centre, requiring travel towards coastal or river outlets.
- Entertaining8/10
The exceptionally large west-facing rear garden provides a superb, private outdoor setting for hosting guests and social gatherings.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living6/10
Positioned within Cork City, the property offers a peaceful private rear garden, but city-centre surroundings inherently bring some urban ambient noise.
- Rural Living1/10
This is strictly an urban property located within Cork City, offering none of the characteristics of rural living.
- Village Living4/10
While it is a terrace home with a community feel, it is situated in a city setting rather than a traditional village.
- Coastal Living2/10
The property is located in Cork City and does not offer coastal proximity or views.
- Urban Living10/10
Ideally placed within Cork City with a wide range of amenities, shops, cafés, and restaurants all within easy reach.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement7/10
Terraced city living fosters a close connection with immediate neighbours and local community networks.
- Café Culture10/10
Situated in Cork City with a wide range of cafés and restaurants all within easy reach.
- Nightlife9/10
The city-centre position places a vibrant selection of pubs, venues, and nightlife options right on the doorstep.
- Health/Wellness groups8/10
Proximity to the city centre ensures good access to local health and wellness classes, gyms, and community groups.
- Networking Opportunities8/10
Urban connectivity provides ample opportunities for professional and social networking within the city.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity7/10
Cork City hosts various tech and corporate employers, though buyers should verify specific local infrastructure.
Listing information
- Agent
- Bowe Property Ballincollig
- Phone
- 021 487 9007
- Published on HouseDelve
- 30 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-D7309EHouseDelve · 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.