14 Gillabbey Terrace,Gillabbey Street, Cork City, CorkT12D8CY
€295,000
4 Bed~1 Bath~74 m²~BER D
What you'll like:
- Prime academic proximity: Positioned right next to University College Cork, ensuring exceptionally high ongoing tenant demand if you decide to rent it out.
- No rent cap status: The property is not currently restricted by rent pressure zone caps, giving investors full market freedom on rental income levels.
- Quiet cul-de-sac: Situated in a peaceful cul-de-sac setting off College Road, which shields residents from heavy through traffic and street noise.
- Walking distance to core: Located within comfortable walking distance of Cork city centre shops, cafes, and essential public transport links for convenience.
- Four bedroom layout: Unusually configured with four bedrooms across a compact footprint, maximizing potential sleeping capacity for students or sharers.
- Charming mid-terrace: Features a classic mid-terrace character with traditional fireplaces in several rooms, adding aesthetic appeal and period charm.
- Well-proportioned sitting room: The main living space includes laminate flooring and an under-stairs storage nook, creating a practical area for daily relaxation.
- Separate kitchen setup: Includes a dedicated kitchen space equipped with a fridge, cooker, and washing machine to handle essential household chores efficiently.
- Ground floor convenience: Features a ground-floor hallway leading directly to a backyard space, making outdoor access straightforward from interior rooms.
- Established residential enclave: Located in an established, tightly held terrace where properties rarely become available, signaling a stable and desirable neighbourhood.
- Stable asking price: The €295,000 asking price has remained unchanged since initial tracking, indicating a transparent and firm vendor pricing strategy without sudden hikes.
- First-time buyer potential: Represents an accessible stepping stone for owner-occupiers looking to break into a central urban location near major amenities.
- Rental yield opportunity: High student concentration nearby supports strong gross rental yields, making it an attractive asset for portfolio-building investors.
- Compact maintenance footprint: With a floor area of 74 square meters, exterior and interior upkeep requirements remain manageable for busy working professionals.
- Natural light distribution: Multiple bedrooms feature functional windows and original fireplaces, helping to break up the compact layout with natural focal points.
- Gas heating installed: Equipped with a gas boiler system located conveniently under the stairs, providing responsive central heating throughout the dwelling.
- Electric shower fitted: The bathroom includes an electric shower unit, ensuring independent hot water availability separate from the main central heating cycle.
- Tiled wet areas: Hallway and kitchen areas feature durable tiled flooring, simplifying clean-up after wet weather or heavy everyday foot traffic.
- Laminate upstairs flooring: Upper-level rooms utilize clean laminate flooring which is easy to maintain and suitable for high-turnover tenant accommodation.
- Direct auctioneer representation: Marketed by a well-known local firm, providing buyers with professional guidance and straightforward communication channels during purchase.
But keep in mind:
- Subpar energy rating: Rated D on the BER scale, which indicates poor thermal efficiency and suggests that heating bills will likely be elevated.
- Compact floor area: Total floor space measures only 74 square meters, making the four-bedroom configuration exceptionally tight for modern family living standards.
- Single bathroom constraint: Servicing four separate bedrooms with only one bathroom will create morning bottlenecks and limit overall daily household convenience.
- Extremely small bathroom: The main bathroom measures just 2.19m by 0.89m, leaving very little maneuvering space around the three-piece suite and electric shower.
- Tiny second bedroom: Bedroom 2 measures a cramped 3.41m by 1.82m, heavily restricting furniture placement and suitability for anything beyond a single bed.
- Upstairs bedroom sizing: Several upper-level rooms have restricted dimensions that may struggle to accommodate standard double beds alongside necessary wardrobes.
- Narrow kitchen dimensions: The kitchen measures 2.15m by 3.92m, forming a narrow galley space that limits simultaneous cooking by multiple people.
- Upgrading required: The property will likely require significant capital expenditure to modernise finishes, improve insulation, and upgrade the D-rated energy systems.
- Insulation deficiencies: Buyers should investigate whether wall and attic insulation meets contemporary standards, as the D BER rating points to likely heat loss.
- Ventilation concerns: Compact older terraces with tiled and laminate flooring can suffer from condensation buildup if adequate passive or mechanical ventilation is lacking.
- Parking availability uncertainty: Buyers should verify what parking permits or spaces exist on Gillabbey Terrace, as central student areas often feature severe parking restrictions.
- Structural survey advisable: Given the age typical of this terrace style, a thorough structural survey should be commissioned to check for dampness, roof integrity, or timber rot.
- High wear and tear risk: Heavy student occupancy patterns historically accelerate wear on fixtures, requiring more frequent maintenance and component replacements for landlords.
- Limited garden space: The listing mentions a hallway to a back yard, but buyers must verify the exact size, privacy, and usability of this outdoor area.
- No floor plan breakdown: The absence of a detailed architectural floor plan in untrusted listing data makes precise furniture layout planning difficult prior to viewing.
- Upstairs ceiling heights: Older mid-terrace dwellings sometimes feature lower ceiling heights upstairs, which can make smaller bedrooms feel even more confined.
- Staircase configuration: Compact hallways and traditional stair designs may pose challenges when moving large furniture items up to the upper three bedrooms.
- External noise exposure: Proximity to UCC and central nightlife hubs means potential weekend noise and activity that may disrupt light-sleeping residents.
- Drainage and plumbing check: Older urban plumbing networks should be professionally inspected to ensure waste and supply pipes are free of corrosion or blockages.
- Future retrofit costs: Meeting future green energy standards from a D base rating will demand substantial financial investment in heat pumps, windows, or external wrap.
Price positioning
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- The asking price of €295,000 for a four-bedroom mid-terrace house appears moderately attractive because the floor area is relatively compact at 74 square metres and the property holds a suboptimal D energy rating.
- Primary valuation signals include the highly sought-after urban location near University College Cork and city amenities, alongside the distinct advantage of lacking a rent cap for prospective residential investors.
- Factors that could support the current asking price involve intense rental demand from students and professionals, whereas required modernisations to improve energy efficiency could undermine perceived value.
- Relevant market context shows the asking price has remained stable without reductions, indicating steady initial demand and confidence from the selling agent regarding the local property fit.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a mid-terrace house with a compact floor area of approximately 74 square metres, configured to provide four bedrooms and one bathroom.
- The presence of multiple original features such as fireplaces in the bedrooms and sitting room suggests an older traditional build style, meaning a buyer should investigate potential issues related to ventilation, insulation, and dampness.
- A gas boiler is located under the stairs, and a buyer should verify its condition, servicing history, and overall compliance with current safety standards.
- Given the mid-terrace configuration, acoustic insulation between adjoining properties should be checked.
- A structural survey is recommended to assess the condition of the roof, external walls, and plumbing infrastructure typical of older urban dwellings.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property has a BER rating of D, indicating that the thermal performance is suboptimal and significant energy upgrades are required to bring it to a modern standard.
- A deep retrofit to achieve a B2 BER rating or higher would likely cost between EUR 35,000 and EUR 50,000, depending on the extent of external wall insulation, window replacements, upgrading the heating system, and installing renewable energy technologies such as heat pumps or solar panels.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: 1,600 euro to 2,200 euro.
- Explanation: With a floor area of 74 square metres and a BER rating of D, the energy efficiency is moderate to low, leading to higher heating demands during colder months.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in an established urban residential area with no apparent major industrial pollution sources, heavy manufacturing plants, or large-scale landfills in immediate proximity.
- Any historical urban land uses or legacy concerns are typical of inner-city environments and should be verified independently if specific site history is required.
Flood Safe
7/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- While parts of Cork city near the River Lee have historical susceptibility to tidal and fluvial flooding, elevated city-centre fringe locations like Gillabbey Terrace generally experience a lower direct risk.
- Buyers are advised to consult local authority flood maps and environmental reports to confirm specific drainage or flood histories for this precise terrace.
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
- Estimated stamp duty: €2,950 — 1% of €295,000.
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Based on the asking price shown on this page, using standard residential stamp-duty rates. No adjustments are made for VAT, reliefs, mixed-use property or additional land. The final purchase price and your circumstances may change the amount payable.
- 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 and registration type.
- Property valuation fees: approximately 150 euro to 300 euro for a standard mortgage valuation.
- Surveyor fees: approximately 500 euro to 1,000 euro depending on the level of detail required for a structural survey.
- Annual home insurance: approximately 350 euro to 700 euro depending on the level of contents and buildings cover.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals on community forums frequently discuss the high rental demand in the Gillabbey Terrace and College Road areas due to its proximity to University College Cork.
- Residents note that Gillabbey Terrace benefits from a quiet cul-de-sac setting while remaining within very close walking distance of Cork city centre.
- Discussion on local groups often highlights traffic management and parking congestion around the College Road district during the academic term.
- Property commentators and neighborhood forums point out that homes in this pocket maintain strong appeal for investors because they are free from standard rent pressure zone caps where applicable exemptions apply.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children5/10
The mid-terrace property features four bedrooms, offering adequate sleeping space, but the compact 74 m² floor area and lack of a large dedicated garden limit safe play space for very young children.
- Teenagers6/10
Four bedrooms provide individual personal space for teenagers, and the close proximity to Cork city centre and educational facilities is highly convenient.
- Multi-generational Living3/10
With only one bathroom and a relatively compact floor area of 74 m², multi-generational living would be severely cramped and impractical.
- Single Buyers9/10
This property represents an excellent opportunity for single buyers entering the market, especially given its strong rental appeal and central location near UCC.
- Couples8/10
Couples will appreciate the four-bedroom layout which allows for home offices or guest rooms, combined with a central location close to city amenities.
- Empty Nesters6/10
The low-maintenance mid-terrace layout suits empty nesters looking to downsize to the city, though stairs and a single bathroom may become less manageable over time.
- Retirees5/10
While the urban location close to shops and amenities suits retirees, the layout across multiple floors with a single bathroom and a D BER rating requires careful consideration for long-term comfort.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
Having four bedrooms means at least one room can easily be designated as a dedicated home office for remote working.
- Hybrid Commuting9/10
The property is exceptionally well-located for hybrid workers, offering close proximity to public transport links and Cork city centre.
- Retired6/10
The retirement lifestyle is supported by accessible urban amenities, though the home's multi-level layout and D BER rating should be evaluated for long-term comfort.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place4/10
The multi-level layout, single upstairs bathroom, and D BER energy rating mean the property is less than ideal for ageing in place without significant adaptation.
- Low Maintenance7/10
As a compact mid-terrace house with a back yard, the property requires relatively low ongoing exterior maintenance.
- Secure Gated Entry2/10
The property is situated in an open cul-de-sac without secure gated entry or private gated community features.
- Minimalist Design6/10
The traditional layout and separate rooms are functional rather than strictly minimalist, though spaces can be styled accordingly.
- Flexible Floor Plans6/10
Four bedrooms offer flexibility to use rooms as bedrooms, home offices, or studies, though the overall footprint of 74 m² is fixed.
- Heritage Home7/10
The property features a charming character typical of established residential areas near the university, though buyers should verify its exact age and construction history.
- Ecological Setup3/10
With a BER rating of D, the energy efficiency is modest, suggesting that a buyer may need to invest in upgrades for a better ecological setup.
- Outdoor areas4/10
Outdoor space is limited to a back yard, offering minimal room for extensive outdoor living or landscaping.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening2/10
The property features a back yard rather than a substantial garden, offering very limited scope for serious gardening enthusiasts.
- Walking9/10
The walking distance to Cork city centre, local shops, and university grounds makes this an ideal location for walking enthusiasts.
- Gym8/10
Being close to the city centre provides easy access to numerous commercial fitness and wellness facilities nearby.
- Cycling7/10
The central location allows for straightforward cycling commutes around the city and university areas, though city traffic requires vigilance.
- Golf5/10
While there are golf courses accessible within the broader Cork region, they require transport and are not immediately on the doorstep.
- Fishing2/10
Inland city living offers minimal direct access to fishing spots without traveling further afield to rivers or coastal areas.
- Horse Riding1/10
An urban mid-terrace setting is entirely unsuitable for horse riding interests.
- Water Sports3/10
Proximity to the River Lee exists, but dedicated water sports facilities require travel towards Cork harbour or coastal areas.
- Entertaining6/10
The well-proportioned sitting room provides a cosy space for entertaining, though the overall floor area of 74 m² is relatively compact for large gatherings.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living7/10
The property is superbly positioned in a quiet cul-de-sac setting off College Road, offering a peaceful retreat despite its central urban location.
- Rural Living1/10
This is a distinctly urban setting located in Cork City, completely removed from any rural environment.
- Village Living6/10
The location offers a neighborhood feel with local amenities and walking distance to the city centre, providing a community-focused village ambiance.
- Coastal Living1/10
The property is situated in an inland city location with no coastal proximity.
- Urban Living10/10
Located in Cork City within walking distance of the city centre, shops, cafes, public transport, and University College Cork, this is prime urban living.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement7/10
The established cul-de-sac setting and proximity to the university community offer good opportunities for local engagement and community involvement.
- Café Culture9/10
Being situated just off College Road and close to Cork city centre places numerous cafes and dining options within easy walking distance.
- Nightlife8/10
The central location ensures fantastic access to Cork's vibrant nightlife, pubs, and entertainment venues.
- Health/Wellness groups8/10
The urban setting provides convenient access to various local health, wellness, and pilates & stretching groups.
- Networking Opportunities8/10
Proximity to University College Cork and the city centre creates strong networking opportunities for professionals and investors alike.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity8/10
Cork city provides strong tech-hub connectivity and employment opportunities accessible easily from this central address.
Listing information
- Agent
- Barry Auctioneers & Valuers
- Phone
- 021 427 9677
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 14 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-A64B71HouseDelve · 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.