Photograph 1 of 10 of 20 Congress Place, Waterford City, Waterford
1 / 10

20 Congress Place, Waterford City, WaterfordX91DDK3

€165,000

2 Bed~2 Bath~55 m²~BER E

What you'll like:

  • Affordable Entry Point: The competitive asking price of €165,000 provides an accessible entry point for first-time buyers and property investors entering the local market.
  • Central Location Proximity: Situated just a 15-minute walk from Waterford City Centre, residents will enjoy effortless access to urban amenities, shopping, and entertainment options.
  • Convenient Local Shopping: Being within a 10-minute walk of both SuperValu and the Hyper Centre makes daily grocery shopping and errands exceptionally convenient without needing a car.
  • Public Transport Access: A regular daily bus service operating nearby ensures straightforward commuting and connectivity throughout the wider Waterford area for non-drivers.
  • Valuable Off-Street Parking: The front driveway provides crucial off-street parking, a significant premium and convenience for a mature residential neighborhood close to the city.
  • Generous Rear Garden: The spacious rear garden laid out in lawn offers excellent outdoor space for relaxation, gardening, or potential future landscaping projects.
  • Functional Two-Bed Layout: The accommodation efficiently includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms across a manageable 55 square metres, ideal for low-maintenance living.
  • Ground Floor WC: The inclusion of a convenient guest WC on the ground floor enhances daily functionality and is particularly practical when entertaining visitors.
  • Fitted Bedroom Storage: Bedroom one features fitted wardrobes, providing useful integrated storage solutions that help maximize usable floor space in the room.
  • Electric Shower Installed: The upstairs shower room already features an electric shower, ensuring reliable hot water independence for the new occupants during renovations.
  • Grant Eligibility Potential: Having been vacant for approximately five years, the property may qualify for the lucrative Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant under the Croí Cónaithe scheme.
  • Blank Canvas Opportunity: The required refurbishment provides an exciting opportunity for purchasers to completely modernize the interior finishes and put their personal stamp on the home.
  • Mature Residential Setting: Located in the established and sought-after residential area of Congress Place, offering a stable community atmosphere close to established conveniences.
  • Clear Pricing History: The recorded asking price has remained stable at €165,000, indicating straightforward pricing transparency from the vendor without erratic adjustments.
  • Compact Floor Area: The 55 m² footprint limits the scale of necessary building materials, which can help control overall budgeting during the upcoming renovation works.
  • Existing Porch Entrance: The entrance porch provides a practical weather buffer before entering the main living room, helping to retain indoor heat and block drafts.
  • Under Stairs Storage: The living room benefits from built-in under-stairs storage, making clever use of dead space to keep household clutter out of sight.
  • Laminate Flooring Installed: Both bedrooms feature existing laminate flooring, which may only require minor refreshing rather than a complete overhaul in those spaces.
  • Tiled Kitchen Flooring: The kitchen area is fitted with tiled flooring, offering a durable and easy-to-clean surface suitable for high-traffic culinary preparation zones.
  • Defined Back Hallway: A separate back hall connecting the kitchen and WC creates a sensible spatial transition away from primary food preparation areas.

But keep in mind:

  • Poor Energy Rating: The property carries a low BER rating of E, indicating inefficient thermal performance that will necessitate substantial upgrades to reduce heating bills.
  • Extended Vacancy Risks: Having been vacant for approximately five years, the structure may harbor hidden dampness, neglected maintenance issues, or deteriorating pipework requiring investigation.
  • Extensive Refurbishment Needed: The listing explicitly notes the property is in need of refurbishment, meaning buyers must budget significant time and capital for a full overhaul.
  • Non-Operational Heating: The mention that the property previously benefited from gas-fired central heating suggests the current system may be defunct or require total replacement.
  • Compact Living Space: With a floor area of only 55 m², the rooms are relatively small, which could feel restrictive for growing households or remote workers.
  • Limited Kitchen Dimensions: The kitchen measures a compact 1.97m by 3.27m, restricting appliance layout choices and overall storage capacity for culinary enthusiasts.
  • Narrow Second Bedroom: Bedroom two measures approximately 3.15m by 2.19m, offering tight dimensions that might struggle to comfortably fit a double bed and additional furniture.
  • Upstairs Shower Constraints: The single bathroom upstairs combines all facilities into a 2.03m by 1.97m space, which may feel cramped for a two-bedroom household.
  • Grant Condition Uncertainties: Accessing the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is subject to meeting strict eligibility criteria and local authority approval timelines.
  • Renovation Cost Inflation: Unforeseen structural, electrical, or plumbing defects often emerge during the renovation of older vacant homes, risking budget overruns for the buyer.
  • Uncertain Property Type: The property type is not formally specified in the listing data, requiring purchasers to verify title boundaries and structural party wall arrangements.
  • Carpet Condition Concerns: Carpets are present in the entrance porch and living room, which likely require immediate removal and replacement due to age and potential wear.
  • Single Living Area: The home features just one main reception room, combining lounging and living functions without a separate dining or family room.
  • Limited Natural Light: Smaller window proportions typical of mature mid-terrace houses may leave interior spaces feeling darker without deliberate lighting interventions.
  • Parking Space Limits: While a driveway is present, its exact dimensions are unspecified, meaning larger modern vehicles might struggle for adequate off-street clearance.
  • Garden Maintenance Backlog: A spacious lawn left untended during a five-year vacancy period will likely require intensive landscaping work to restore it to a usable standard.
  • Potential Insulation Deficits: Achieving an acceptable BER rating beyond an E grade will likely demand external or internal wall insulation alongside attic upgrades.
  • Upfront Capital Requirements: Beyond the €165,000 purchase price, buyers must possess substantial liquid funds to finance the mandatory improvement works before moving in.
  • Builder Availability Delays: Securing reliable contractors for comprehensive residential refurbishments in the current market can introduce frustrating project delays for new owners.
  • Regulatory Compliance Checks: Buyers should independently verify that all previous internal alterations comply fully with local planning permissions and building regulations.

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.
The asking price looks moderately undervalued compared with the available evidence.
  • The asking price of 165000 euros appears conservative and undervalued relative to recent local market transactions on the same street, where properties of similar size and layout have historically achieved notably higher figures.
  • Key valuation signals indicate that the property requires comprehensive refurbishment and carries a weak E energy rating, which directly justifies a lower initial pricing strategy to account for necessary capital expenditure.
  • Factors that could strongly support such an asking price include the potential eligibility for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, while unexpected structural hidden defects could easily undermine the projected financial returns.
  • Additional relevant observations include the steady static pricing history since tracking began, suggesting a deliberate tactic to attract competitive bidding or cash buyers looking for renovation projects.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is a two-bedroom mid-terrace house with a floor area of 55 m², situated in a mature residential area.
  • The listing notes that the property has been vacant for approximately five years and is in need of refurbishment, meaning a buyer should investigate structural integrity, dampness, roof condition, and the state of the wiring and plumbing.
  • The description mentions that the property previously benefited from gas-fired central heating, but buyers should verify the operational status and safety of the existing heating system and boiler.
  • Given the vacant status and age profile implied by a low BER rating, potential purchasers should inspect for hidden issues such as adequate sub-floor ventilation and possible pipework degradation.
  • Buyers may also want to investigate eligibility for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant under the Croí Cónaithe scheme, as mentioned in the listing.

Retrofit Cost*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

  • Estimated deep-retrofit cost: €40,000 to €55,000.
  • Reasoning: The property has a weak BER rating of E and a small floor area of 55 m², and has been vacant for five years requiring substantial refurbishment. Bringing the energy efficiency up to a modern standard will likely require external wall insulation or internal dry-lining, upgraded windows and doors, installation of a modern heat pump or efficient heating system, and adequate roof insulation, alongside addressing the underlying cosmetic and functional repairs.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Estimated annual heating cost: €1,800 to €2,300.
  • Explanation: Given the 55 square meter floor area and the E energy rating, the property has poor energy efficiency and currently requires significant heating input, compounded by the note that the gas-fired central heating system needs refurbishment.

Pollution Safe

8/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The property is located in an established urban residential setting with no immediate proximity to heavy industrial plants or active municipal landfills.
  • Buyers should verify local environmental records regarding any historical industrial land use or legacy waste sites in the broader Waterford City environs.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The property is located in Waterford City in a residential area that generally benefits from reasonable separation from major tidal and river floodplains.
  • Available mapping shows no specific nearby flood risk zones, indicating a relatively low apparent exposure to fluvial or coastal flooding.
  • While local drainage or surface water pooling during intense rainfall can affect urban streets anywhere, the setting lacks obvious major topographical risk factors for severe flooding.
Supporting evidence: Low

Recent Local Sales

Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years

Sales on the same street or estate

  • 22 CONGRESS PLACE, WATERFORD CITY, WATERFORD

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €210,000.00
  • 15 CONGRESS PLACE, WATERFORD

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €218,000.00
  • 28 CONGRESS PLACE, WATERFORD

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €235,000.00
  • 14 CONGRESS PLACE, WATERFORD

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €150,000.00
  • 36 CONGRESS PLACE, WATERFORD

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €140,000.00

Recent sales in the wider Waterford City area

  • 52 LOWER YELLOW ROAD, WATERFORD CITY, WATERFORD

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €192,000.00
  • 95 CANNON STREET, WATERFORD CITY, WATERFORD

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €250,000.00
  • 10 MORGAN ST, WATERFORD CITY, WATERFORD

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €159,000.00
  • 10 RICE PARK, WATERFORD CITY, WATERFORD

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €259,000.00
  • 11 MARINE COURT, WATERFORD CITY, CO WATERFORD

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €195,000.00

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: €1,650 — 1% of €165,000.
    ?
    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: €1,500 to €3,000 excluding VAT and outlays.
  • Land registration fees: €175 to €800 depending on the property value and registration type.
  • Property valuation fees: €150 to €300 for mortgage or lending purposes.
  • Surveyor fees: €300 to €600 depending on the level of detail required for the property condition.
  • Annual home insurance: €350 to €700 depending on the coverage and rebuild cost.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Residents in the Congress Place and wider mature areas of Waterford frequently discuss ongoing local authority regeneration initiatives and community-led tidy town efforts.
  • Local forums often highlight the convenience of living within walking distance of Waterford City Centre and nearby retail hubs like the Hyper Centre.
  • Discussions in local groups frequently focus on the availability and criteria for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant for older housing stock in the city.
  • Traffic calming measures and parking availability on residential streets are common topics of conversation among neighbourhood residents.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The property features two bedrooms and a spacious rear garden, which is suitable for young children once refurbished. However, the home has been vacant for five years and requires significant work before it is ready for occupancy.

    5/10
  • Teenagers

    With only 55 square metres of floor area and two bedrooms, space is quite limited for teenagers. Storage and privacy could become challenging as they grow older.

    4/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    The compact 55 square metre footprint makes multi-generational living impractical due to the lack of independent living zones and limited bedroom count.

    2/10
  • Single Buyers

    As an affordable starter home asking €165,000, this property presents an excellent entry-level opportunity for a single buyer willing to undertake renovation work.

    8/10
  • Couples

    The two-bedroom layout is well-suited for a couple starting out, especially given its proximity to Waterford City Centre and local shopping facilities.

    7/10
  • Empty Nesters

    The manageable size and single-floor living potential on the ground level might appeal to empty nesters, though stairs are required to access the bedrooms and shower room.

    6/10
  • Retirees

    While close to local amenities and offering off-street parking, the property requires substantial refurbishment, which may deter retirees looking for a turnkey home.

    5/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    The second bedroom can easily serve as a home office, though buyers should verify broadband speeds and connectivity during refurbishment.

    6/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    A regular daily bus service operates nearby and the city centre is easily reachable, supporting hybrid commuting needs.

    7/10
  • Retired

    The property's city-adjacent location is practical for retirees, though the extent of renovation required should be carefully factored into retirement plans.

    5/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    The two-storey layout with a first-floor shower room and bedrooms is less ideal for ageing in place without future modifications.

    4/10
  • Low Maintenance

    Having been vacant for approximately five years and carrying an E BER rating, the property currently requires substantial maintenance, repairs, and modernization.

    2/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    The property features a front driveway for off-street parking but lacks secure gated entry or a private compound.

    3/10
  • Minimalist Design

    The compact 55 square metre layout lends itself to a minimalist approach, which could be implemented during the planned refurbishment.

    5/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    With a traditional mid-terrace layout consisting of a living room, kitchen, and two bedrooms, structural flexibility is somewhat constrained.

    4/10
  • Heritage Home

    Located in a mature residential area, the property is a standard mid-terrace home rather than a protected heritage structure.

    3/10
  • Ecological Setup

    The current E BER rating and vacant status indicate that energy efficiency is low, requiring significant upgrades to achieve a modern ecological standard.

    2/10
  • Outdoor areas

    The property benefits from both a front driveway providing off-street parking and a spacious rear garden laid out in lawn.

    6/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    The property includes a spacious rear garden laid out in lawn, offering a solid blank canvas for gardening enthusiasts once cleared and landscaped.

    6/10
  • Walking

    With Waterford City Centre just a 15-minute walk away and local retail options within 10 minutes, the location is highly walkable for daily errands.

    8/10
  • Gym

    Urban positioning ensures reasonable access to local fitness facilities and community leisure centers within Waterford City.

    6/10
  • Cycling

    The short distance to the city centre makes cycling a viable transport alternative, though buyers should verify local cycling infrastructure.

    6/10
  • Golf

    Waterford offers regional golf courses, though access from this specific urban location requires a short drive.

    5/10
  • Fishing

    Proximity to the River Suir allows for regional fishing opportunities, though the property itself is set within a standard residential street.

    4/10
  • Horse Riding

    An urban residential location does not lend itself directly to equestrian pursuits without traveling to the surrounding countryside.

    2/10
  • Water Sports

    Proximity to Waterford's waterways supports river-based activities, but coastal water sports require travel further toward the estuary.

    4/10
  • Entertaining

    The living room and rear garden offer some scope for hosting guests, but the 55 square metre interior limits large gatherings.

    5/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Located in a mature residential area, the street offers a relatively settled environment, though being a 15-minute walk from the city centre brings some urban activity.

    6/10
  • Rural Living

    The property is situated in an established urban residential setting within Waterford City, offering no rural characteristics.

    1/10
  • Village Living

    It offers proximity to local conveniences like SuperValu and the Hyper Centre within a 10-minute walk, providing a somewhat community-focused suburban feel.

    4/10
  • Coastal Living

    While Waterford features river amenities, the immediate location is an inland residential area rather than a coastal setting.

    3/10
  • Urban Living

    A 15-minute walk to Waterford City Centre and close proximity to daily bus services make this a convenient location for those seeking urban accessibility.

    7/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Situated in a mature and established residential area, residents have opportunities to engage with long-standing local community networks.

    6/10
  • Café Culture

    Being close to Waterford City Centre puts a wide variety of cafes, restaurants, and social venues within easy reach.

    7/10
  • Nightlife

    The short distance to the city centre provides convenient access to pubs, entertainment, and nightlife venues.

    7/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Urban conveniences ensure that health clinics, pharmacies, and wellness classes are accessible nearby.

    6/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Proximity to the city centre facilitates access to local business networks and professional associations.

    6/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    While urban, the property's digital infrastructure depends on the specific broadband provider and upgrades undertaken during the refurbishment.

    5/10

Listing information

Agent
Barry Murphy Auctioneers Ltd
Phone
051 858 444
Current status
active
Published on HouseDelve
8 November 2026
Correction
Report an issue
Property reference: HD-224D9DHouseDelve · 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.