
20 Barrack Street, Cork CityT12Y9T2
€175,000
2 Bed~1 Bath~65 m²~BER C3
What you'll like:
- Prime central location: Positioned on the city centre end of Barrack Street, offering ultimate convenience within a five-minute walk of the core retail districts.
- No rent cap applicable: Historically exempt from standard rent restriction zones, providing maximum rental income potential for future landlord investors.
- Recent roof replacement: The roof was completely replaced in 2015, removing a major structural capital expenditure item for the incoming buyer.
- Attractive asking price: Listed at €175,000, representing an affordable entry point into the competitive Cork city residential property market.
- Proximity to university: Located within very easy reach of University College Cork, making it an exceptionally strong prospect for student accommodation demand.
- Research institute proximity: Situated close to the Tyndall National Institute, driving steady rental demand from academic professionals and visiting researchers.
- Healthcare hub access: Within walking distance of the Bons Secour Hospital, appealing strongly to medical staff seeking short commutes.
- Government tax incentives: Located within the Living City Initiative boundary, potentially unlocking valuable tax relief for qualifying building refurbishment works.
- Grant eligibility potential: May qualify for vacant home refurbishment grants and SEAI energy upgrade grants to significantly offset modernization costs.
- Added attic space: Features a spacious second-floor attic room with dual-aspect windows, creating functional extra space beyond the baseline footprint.
- Compact manageable footprint: Spans approximately 65 square meters, ensuring heating and general maintenance expenses remain relatively low and controlled.
- Enclosed rear yard: Includes a private walled rear yard space, offering secure outdoor storage and an area for potted plants or bin placement.
- Solid C3 energy rating: Achieves a respectable C3 building energy rating, indicating that thermal performance is already past the baseline of older stock.
- Established local amenities: Surrounded by a vibrant mix of traditional shops, lively cafés, and popular restaurants right on the historic streetscape.
- Recreational space nearby: Close proximity to The Lough provides residents with scenic lakeside walks and a peaceful green environment close to town.
- Strong rental yields: Positioned in an area historically favored by investors looking to capitalize on high rental demand and low vacancy rates.
- Blank canvas renovation: Offers a completely clear slate for a buyer to configure finishes, layouts, and style to exact personal specifications.
- Independent front access: Direct street entrance provides privacy and avoids complex management structures or apartment-style service charges.
- Established neighbourhood fabric: Situated in a historic, densely populated part of the city with reliable municipal infrastructure and public transport links.
- Strong resale upside: Transforming a dated shell into a modern city home typically yields strong capital appreciation given the central address.
But keep in mind:
- Extensive renovation required: The property is explicitly sold in need of major modernization, meaning substantial capital must be spent post-purchase.
- Sub-standard bathroom size: The ground floor bathroom measures only about 2.11m by 1.11m, which severely limits space and layout options.
- Sparse electrical outlets: Rooms feature very low power point counts, such as only two sockets in the attic and bedrooms, requiring costly rewiring.
- Restricted kitchen space: The kitchen and dining zone measures under two meters wide in parts, creating a tight working corridor for daily cooking.
- Challenging room layouts: Stepping down directly from the living room into the narrow kitchen requires careful navigation and limits open-plan flow.
- Historic damp risks: Older terraced city dwellings often suffer from rising damp or penetrating moisture, which requires a rigorous pre-purchase survey.
- Restricted parking options: Inner-city locations on Barrack Street generally lack dedicated off-street parking, relying heavily on controlled permit zones.
- Urban noise exposure: Front-facing rooms on a busy thoroughfare may experience elevated ambient traffic, pedestrian, and late-night social noise levels.
- Unclear attic compliance: Buyers must verify if the spacious attic room meets all current building regulations for habitable use, fire safety, and ceiling heights.
- Potential boundary issues: Historic terraced properties frequently feature overlapping party walls and complex boundary lines that need legal verification.
- Outdated heating setup: The presence of individual small heaters and older configuration points suggests the central heating system needs a complete overhaul.
- Lack of garden green space: The enclosed rear yard is fully paved or walled without a traditional lawn, offering zero soft landscaping features.
- Ventilation constraints: Certain inner zones like the rear hall rely solely on skylights or small windows, which could lead to stagnant air if unmanaged.
- Drainage inspection needed: Older urban drainage and sewage lines running beneath the property should be CCTV surveyed to prevent hidden burst risks.
- Asbestos material presence: Given the age of the structure, buyers should test for hazardous materials like asbestos in old insulation or tile adhesives.
- Grant condition hurdles: Government refurbishment grants carry strict residency or rental criteria and strict milestone timelines that must be meticulously met.
- Tight structural access: Transporting heavy construction materials into a narrow terraced street property can increase builder labor and logistics quotes.
- External masonry weathering: The exterior brick or render facade may require significant repointing, weatherproofing, or chemical cleaning to arrest degradation.
- No floor plan flexibility: Solid party walls restrict major structural reconfigurations, limiting how much the core layout can be opened up.
- Future local development: Surrounding urban regeneration projects might cause long-term construction disruption or alter local parking and traffic patterns.
Price positioning
?
Not enough reliable market evidence is available to position this asking price.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a terraced house requiring renovation, which means a buyer should investigate the overall structural integrity, dampness levels, and the condition of internal finishes.
- The listing notes that the roof was replaced in 2015, which is a positive aspect, but a structural survey should still verify the standard of the roof installation and insulation.
- The layout includes a converted attic room on the second floor; a buyer should investigate whether proper planning permission, building regulations compliance, and fire safety measures were met for this habitable space.
- Given its city-centre location and age profile typical of such terraced housing, a buyer should check for potential issues related to party walls, plumbing, and electrical wiring updates.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: Approximately €800 to €1,200.
- Short explanation: Given the property's modest floor area of 65 m² and a BER rating of C3, energy efficiency is moderate. Actual heating expenses will heavily depend on occupant lifestyle, fuel choice (such as gas, electricity, or solid fuel), and local weather conditions, which the buyer should verify given the home's renovation needs.
Pollution Safe
8/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is situated in an established urban environment with no major heavy industrial complexes or active large-scale incinerators immediately adjacent.
- As an older inner-city location, prospective buyers should investigate potential localized issues such as legacy urban ground conditions, lead plumbing, or historical commercial uses typical of historic city centers.
Flood Safe
7/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- While elevated above some lower-lying quayside parts of Cork city that historically experience tidal or fluvial pressure, lower sections and surrounding drainage networks should be checked against local authority flood maps.
- Buyers are advised to review official Office of Public Works (OPW) flood risk maps and consult a structural surveyor to verify site-specific surface water drainage or pluvial flood vulnerabilities.
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
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
- Stamp duty: Approximately €1,750, calculated as 1% of the €175,000 asking price for residential property.
- Solicitor legal fees: Generally range from €1,500 to €3,000 (plus 23% VAT and outlays/search fees), depending on the practice chosen.
- Land registration fees: Typically around €400 to €800 for registering ownership and property deeds.
- Property valuation fees: Usually between €150 and €300 if required by a mortgage lender.
- Surveyor fees: Generally range from €350 to €600 or more depending on whether a standard valuation report or a detailed structural survey is commissioned.
- Annual home insurance: Roughly €300 to €700 per year depending on the policy coverage, property size, and location risk profile.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Residents and local forums frequently discuss the ongoing urban regeneration along Barrack Street and the wider Cork city centre area.
- Proximity to University College Cork (UCC) and the Tyndall National Institute makes the location a popular topic for discussions surrounding student accommodation and rental demand.
- Community groups often highlight the area's vibrant walkability, noting its close access to local cafes, pubs, and essential amenities within a five-minute walk.
- Discussions regarding older terraced housing stock in this historic part of Cork commonly focus on typical renovation challenges, damp mitigation, and energy efficiency upgrades.
- Local commentary frequently points out initiatives like the Living City Initiative, noting its potential tax incentives for buyers looking to restore historic properties.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children4/10
The property is a terraced house on a busy city street requiring complete renovation, which may present safety and practical challenges for families with young children.
- Teenagers6/10
The central location provides great proximity to city amenities and educational institutions, though the compact size of 65 m² offers limited personal space for growing teenagers.
- Multi-generational Living2/10
With only 65 m² of floor area, two bedrooms plus an attic room, and a single bathroom, the layout is far too small to comfortably accommodate multiple generations.
- Single Buyers9/10
An exceptional entry-level or investment opportunity for a single buyer looking to personalize a compact property within a five-minute walk of Cork city centre.
- Couples8/10
Well-suited for a couple wanting a city-centre project, offering two double bedrooms and an additional attic room, though renovation work will be required.
- Empty Nesters6/10
The low-maintenance footprint and proximity to city facilities appeal to empty nesters, but multi-level living with stairs may become less practical over time.
- Retirees5/10
Proximity to hospitals and city amenities is ideal, but buyers should investigate the vertical layout across multiple floors and the extent of renovation needed for long-term comfort.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working6/10
The attic room provides a flexible space that could be used as a home office, though buyers should verify broadband connectivity and insulation standards.
- Hybrid Commuting9/10
Superb central location with excellent access to public transport links and major city employers, making hybrid commuting very convenient.
- Retired7/10
Ideal for active retirees who want to walk to shops, healthcare facilities, and social spots, though stairs should be taken into account.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place4/10
The multi-story layout featuring narrow stairs and upper-level sleeping quarters makes long-term ageing in place challenging without modification.
- Low Maintenance3/10
The property is explicitly noted as being in need of complete renovation, meaning substantial ongoing maintenance and initial repair works are required.
- Secure Gated Entry2/10
It is a standard street-front terraced property directly opening onto Barrack Street with no gated or private community entrance.
- Minimalist Design5/10
The compact footprint allows for a minimalist lifestyle layout, though a full structural renovation gives a blank canvas to design interiors from scratch.
- Flexible Floor Plans5/10
Comprises a living room, kitchen, bathroom, two bedrooms, and an attic room across multiple levels, offering modest flexibility given the small 65 m² footprint.
- Heritage Home7/10
Located in a historic inner-city area and potentially eligible for the Living City Initiative, giving it strong character appeal for heritage enthusiasts.
- Ecological Setup4/10
The property carries a C3 BER rating and requires upgrading, though buyers can investigate SEAI grants to improve energy efficiency during renovations.
- Outdoor areas3/10
Outdoor space is restricted to a small enclosed rear yard, sufficient for bin storage or a small seating area but lacking substantial green space.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening2/10
The outdoor space is limited to a small, enclosed rear yard, offering minimal scope for traditional gardening aside from container plants.
- Walking9/10
Fantastic location for urban walking enthusiasts, with Cork city centre, The Lough, and local historic amenities just a short stroll away.
- Gym8/10
The central city location provides close proximity to numerous commercial fitness centres and gym facilities.
- Cycling7/10
Flat terrain into the city centre makes cycling a viable transport option, though inner-city traffic requires careful navigation.
- Golf4/10
Requires travelling outside the immediate city centre core to reach local golf clubs and courses.
- Fishing3/10
While the River Lee is nearby, the property is deep in the urban centre, offering limited direct access to prime fishing spots without travel.
- Horse Riding1/10
An inner-city terraced home with no equestrian facilities or nearby stables.
- Water Sports3/10
Proximity to the River Lee allows for some water activities further out, but coastal or major water sports require significant travel.
- Entertaining5/10
The open-plan living and kitchen areas offer a cozy setup, though the overall 65 m² floor area restricts large indoor gatherings.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living3/10
Situated on Barrack Street close to the heart of Cork city centre, this location experiences urban bustle and traffic noise rather than peaceful seclusion.
- Rural Living1/10
This is an urban core terraced property with an enclosed rear yard, offering no rural characteristics whatsoever.
- Village Living4/10
While Barrack Street has a strong community feel with local shops and cafés, it is fundamentally an inner-city urban environment rather than a country village.
- Coastal Living1/10
Located in Cork city centre inland, with no proximity or direct access to coastal amenities.
- Urban Living10/10
Positioned right on the city centre end of Barrack Street, placing shops, restaurants, UCC, and corporate hubs within an easy five-minute walk.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement7/10
Barrack Street has an active local community and historical identity with neighborhood initiatives and local businesses.
- Café Culture9/10
Being a five-minute walk from Cork city centre puts a vast array of independent cafés, bakeries, and eateries right on the doorstep.
- Nightlife9/10
Unmatched access to Cork's vibrant pubs, live music venues, bars, and restaurants within a very short walking distance.
- Health/Wellness groups8/10
Close proximity to various wellness centers, gyms, and local community health classes in the city center.
- Networking Opportunities8/10
Proximity to major institutions like University College Cork and the Tyndall National Institute fosters strong professional and academic networking.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity8/10
Excellent proximity to educational and tech-adjacent research hubs like Tyndall National Institute, ideal for tech professionals working locally.
Listing information
- Agent
- Agent details not available.
- Published on HouseDelve
- 2 September 2026
- Correction
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HD-49C417HouseDelve · Republic of Ireland* Estimate — not advice. Actual costs and outcomes can vary materially. Obtain current quotations and professional advice before making financial or property decisions.