21 Lacken Drive, Kilkenny, KilkennyR95X3KF
€370,000
3 Bed~1 Bath~BER E2
What you'll like:
- Generous floor area: Measuring approximately 1,371 square feet, this spacious semi-detached bungalow offers exceptional room proportions and a flexible single-storey layout that easily accommodates modern family living requirements.
- Grant eligibility potential: The listing notes that the property would be eligible for the Vacant Property Grant, providing a valuable financial incentive for buyers planning extensive renovations and energy upgrades.
- Established residential location: Situated in a mature and settled neighbourhood where many original owners still reside, offering a stable community atmosphere and lasting neighborhood appeal for future occupants.
- City proximity: Positioned within easy reach of Kilkenny City Centre and its wide array of schools, shops, and everyday services, ensuring high convenience for daily commuting and lifestyle activities.
- Commuter accessibility: Conveniently close to Kilkenny's Ring Road and the M9 motorway, making regional travel and longer-distance commuting straightforward for working professionals and growing families.
- Bright sitting room: Features a generously proportioned front reception room with a large picture window and a natural stone fireplace, creating an inviting focal point with abundant natural daylight.
- Spacious kitchen diner: Provides a large kitchen space equipped with traditional timber units and ample room for family dining, representing an ideal foundation for a future open-plan culinary redesign.
- Flexible bedroom layout: Comprises three well-proportioned bedrooms that offer versatile accommodation options for family members, guests, or a dedicated home office to suit changing remote work needs.
- Attached garage storage: Includes a practical attached garage that delivers excellent secure storage capacity and shields everyday items from weather elements while housing essential household equipment securely.
- Garage conversion potential: Offers exciting architectural possibilities to convert the attached garage into additional living space, subject to securing the necessary local planning permissions and regulatory approvals.
- Enclosed front garden: Features a private lawned front garden defined by a low boundary wall, creating a neat aesthetic approach and a pleasant visual buffer from the adjacent roadway.
- Private rear garden: Benefits from an enclosed rear outdoor space featuring paved surfaces and mature boundary walls, providing a secure environment for children to play and adults to relax safely.
- Existing garden shed: Includes a functional garden shed in the rear yard, supplying immediate storage solutions for gardening tools, outdoor furniture, and recreational equipment without extra initial expenditure.
- Rear utility room: Features a long, enclosed utility area along the back of the bungalow with extensive glazing, tiled flooring, and a timber-panelled ceiling, functioning as a versatile extra zone.
- Natural light infusion: Oversized windows throughout the traditional bungalow design allow daylight to flood interior spaces, enhancing the overall sense of volume and warmth across the living areas.
- Undisturbed neighborhood: The mature character of Lacken Drive ensures low neighborhood turnover and a quiet living environment, safeguarding long-term residential satisfaction and peace of mind.
- Single-storey convenience: The layout provides single-level accessibility, which is highly advantageous for downsizers, mobility-impaired residents, or families with young children avoiding stairs entirely.
- Blank canvas opportunity: Presents an ideal purchasing scenario for buyers eager to implement their own design tastes, modernize finishes, and create a bespoke contemporary family home from scratch.
- Stable asking price: The recorded asking-price history shows a steady hold at €370,000 with zero price reductions, suggesting a firm vendor stance and stable initial market valuation positioning.
- Hobby and landscaping potential: The rear garden and utility spaces hold immense potential for landscaping redesign and hobby use, allowing creative buyers to craft tailored outdoor entertainment zones.
But keep in mind:
- Poor energy rating: The property carries an E2 BER rating, indicating significant thermal inefficiency that will require substantial insulation and heating upgrades to achieve modern comfort standards.
- Renovation cost burden: While grant-eligible, extensive modernization is required throughout the interior and exterior to bring finishes up to current buyer expectations, necessitating a healthy contingency budget.
- Outdated kitchen fixtures: The kitchen features traditional timber units and older finishes that will likely require complete replacement to satisfy contemporary aesthetic and functional culinary demands.
- Dated bathroom facilities: The shower room relies on older fixtures and an electric shower unit, indicating that a full sanitaryware and tiling overhaul is necessary for modern daily convenience.
- Single bathroom constraint: Having only one bathroom to service three well-proportioned bedrooms may create morning congestion for larger families, prompting potential need for an ensuite addition.
- Garage planning hurdles: Converting the attached garage into habitable space is subject to necessary planning permission, meaning buyers must verify local authority regulations before undertaking structural changes.
- Potential structural wear: As a mature bungalow requiring cosmetic upgrading, hidden defects such as outdated wiring, aging plumbing, or damp issues should be thoroughly investigated during structural surveys.
- Flat roof verification: Buyers should carefully inspect the extended rear utility room and garage roofs for signs of weathering, leaks, or insulation gaps common in older utility structures.
- Windows and glazing check: Large oversized windows, while bringing in light, may feature older glazing units that compromise thermal retention and acoustic insulation, necessitating eventual replacement.
- Heating system efficiency: The presence of a traditional fireplace and an E2 BER rating suggests the central heating boiler and radiators may be outdated and require complete modernisation.
- Ventilation and damp risk: The extensive glazing in the enclosed rear utility room requires careful inspection to ensure proper ventilation prevents condensation and damp accumulation over time.
- Garden landscaping work: The paved rear garden and established boundaries, while private, will benefit from significant landscaping updates to match modern outdoor living and dining preferences.
- Boundary wall maintenance: Low boundary walls at the front and mature walls at the rear should be inspected for structural integrity, weathering, or masonry repairs needed for secure enclosure.
- Lack of floor area verification: The precise floor area is not explicitly stated in official metrics beyond listing estimates, so buyers must commission professional measurement surveys to confirm exact dimensions.
- Unknown property construction type: The exact structural build type is omitted from listing details, requiring a surveyor to verify cavity wall insulation, foundation depth, and roof timber condition.
- Parking capacity limits: The driveway and garage layout should be checked for off-street parking capacity to ensure adequate space for multiple modern vehicles without blocking access.
- Grant compliance due diligence: Buyers relying on the Vacant Property Grant must independently verify eligibility criteria, renovation timelines, and local authority approval processes prior to closing.
- Asking price firmness: The static asking-price history at €370,000 indicates the seller may be resistant to early negotiations, requiring buyers to present well-supported offers based on renovation costs.
- Upgrading timeline disruption: Undertaking comprehensive interior remodeling will likely delay move-in readiness, requiring buyers to arrange temporary accommodation or budget for transitional living expenses.
- Sewer and drainage inspection: Given the mature age of the development, a CCTV drain survey is strongly recommended to check sewer pipe condition and prevent unexpected subterranean blockages.
Price positioning
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- The asking price appears slightly overvalued relative to recent recorded transactions on the same street, which generally traded between €315,000 and €340,000 prior to mid-2025, though a larger property recently achieved a significantly higher figure.
- Valuation signals present a mixed picture, with a low BER rating of E2 indicating that substantial investment will be required to improve energy efficiency, contrasting against the notable benefit of eligibility for the Vacant Property Grant.
- Support for this price level relies heavily on the generous floor area of approximately 1,371 square feet and the attached garage space, while potential underperformance could be triggered by high modernization costs and competitive local alternatives.
- The stable asking price history without recorded reductions indicates a confident vendor strategy, though final negotiation outcomes will likely depend on true buyer appetite for extensive refurbishment projects in established residential areas.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a detached or semi-detached bungalow measuring approximately 1,371 sq. ft. featuring a rendered exterior, pitched tiled roof, large oversized windows, and an attached garage.
- Buyers should investigate the structural condition of the attached garage and its potential for conversion or incorporation into the main living accommodation, which would be subject to necessary planning permission and compliance.
- The listing mentions an enclosed rear utility room with extensive glazing, tiled flooring, and a timber-panelled ceiling; buyers should verify the standard of construction, insulation, and weatherproofing in this extension.
- The property features a traditional layout with a separate kitchen, sitting room, and three bedrooms, offering clear potential for modernization and reconfiguration.
- The listing notes eligibility for the Vacant Property Grant, which buyers should independently verify with local authorities regarding qualification criteria and renovation requirements.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property has a poor BER rating of E2, indicating significant energy inefficiency and heat loss through walls, windows, and roof spaces.
- A comprehensive deep retrofit for a bungalow of approximately 1,371 sq. ft. to bring it up to a modern B2 BER standard typically ranges between €45,000 and €65,000.
- Estimated costs would cover external wall insulation or internal drylining, attic insulation upgrades, replacement of older windows and external doors with high-performance double or triple glazing, and potentially upgrading the heating system to a heat pump or modern condensing boiler.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €2,200 to €2,800.
- Explanation: Given the E2 BER rating, the property has poor energy efficiency and higher thermal losses, resulting in significantly increased heating demands compared to modern insulated homes.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in an established residential suburban area of Kilkenny, showing no apparent immediate proximity to heavy industrial plants, major waste incinerators, or active large-scale landfills.
- Any historical industrial uses or legacy concerns in the wider city environs should be independently verified by the purchaser through local environmental searches.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The immediate residential area around Lacken Drive is generally elevated above major river flood zones, though localized surface water accumulation during extreme weather events should be investigated.
- Prospective buyers are advised to consult local authority flood maps and environmental agency data to confirm specific flood risk factors for the site.
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
1 LACKEN DR, DUBLIN RD, KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €570,000.00
17 LACKEN DRIVE, KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €325,000.00
45 LACKEN DR, DUBLIN RD, KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €340,000.00
3 LACKEN DR, KILKENNY, KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €315,000.00
4 LACKEN DR, KILKENNY, KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €325,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Kilkenny area
4 CIRCULAR RD, KILKENNY, KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €390,000.00
14 COLLEGE RD, KILKENNY, KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €600,000.00
5 RIOCH ST, KILKENNY, KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €255,000.00
92 UPPER PATRICK ST, KILKENNY, KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €480,000.00
17 MICHAEL ST, KILKENNY, KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €630,000.00
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: €3,700 — 1% of €370,000.
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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: €1,500 to €3,500 plus VAT and outlays.
- Land registration fees: €400 to €800 depending on the property value and registration type.
- Property valuation fees: €150 to €300 for a standard mortgage valuation.
- Surveyor fees: €500 to €1,200 depending on the level of detail and type of structural survey.
- Annual home insurance: €400 to €800 depending on the level of coverage and property specifics.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Residents on local forums frequently discuss the mature and established nature of neighbourhoods around Lacken Drive in Kilkenny.
- Community discussions often highlight the strong appeal of single-storey living and bungalows close to the city centre for downsizers and families alike.
- Local groups note that properties in established areas frequently attract interest due to their proximity to local schools, sports facilities, and everyday amenities.
- Discussions regarding older housing stock in Kilkenny often mention the potential for utilizing renovation grants, such as the Vacant Property Grant, to upgrade energy efficiency and modernise layouts.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children7/10
The property features three well-proportioned bedrooms and a lawned front garden, making it suitable for young families, though the interior would benefit from modernisation.
- Teenagers6/10
Three bedrooms provide individual space, and the attached garage offers great storage or potential conversion for growing teenagers, though shared living areas are traditional.
- Multi-generational Living5/10
As a single-storey semi-detached bungalow, it offers potential for aging relatives or combined living, but the single bathroom and open layout require careful consideration.
- Single Buyers8/10
The property is ideal for single buyers looking to establish a home with a manageable footprint and potential for cosmetic upgrades.
- Couples8/10
Couples will find the single-storey layout and manageable garden appealing, with plenty of room to adapt the space over time.
- Empty Nesters9/10
The single-level bungalow design is exceptionally well-suited for downsizers seeking to eliminate stairs and ease future maintenance.
- Retirees9/10
Single-storey living makes this home very friendly for retirees looking to age in place within an established neighbourhood.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The third bedroom or attached garage can easily be adapted as a home office for remote workers.
- Hybrid Commuting7/10
Convenient access to Kilkenny's Ring Road and the M9 motorway facilitates hybrid commuting.
- Retired9/10
The single-storey bungalow layout is an ideal match for retirees.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place10/10
A single-storey three-bedroom semi-detached bungalow provides exceptional convenience for aging in place without stairs.
- Low Maintenance5/10
The property carries a BER rating of E2 and requires modernisation and cosmetic upgrading.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
The front features an open lawn enclosed by a low boundary wall rather than a secure gated entry.
- Minimalist Design4/10
Features traditional layout elements such as timber units and a natural stone fireplace, though it offers potential for a modern minimalist redesign.
- Flexible Floor Plans7/10
Versatile layout measuring approximately 1,371 sq. ft. with an attached garage and rear utility offering expansion or reconfiguration potential.
- Heritage Home4/10
A mature established bungalow rather than a period heritage home, though located in a well-established area.
- Ecological Setup3/10
The current BER is E2, meaning significant energy efficiency upgrades should be investigated by the buyer.
- Outdoor areas7/10
Includes a lawned front garden and a private enclosed rear garden with paved surfaces and a shed.
Interests
9 areas- Water Sports2/10
Not positioned near major water sports hubs.
- Gardening7/10
Features a lawned front garden and an enclosed rear garden with paved surfaces and a shed, offering good landscaping potential.
- Walking7/10
Proximity to Kilkenny City Centre makes walking to local shops, schools, and everyday services convenient.
- Gym6/10
Local sporting facilities and city amenities are within easy reach.
- Cycling6/10
The city location allows for reasonable cycling access to local amenities and the surrounding road network.
- Golf6/10
Kilkenny offers local sporting facilities, though buyers should verify specific nearby golf courses.
- Fishing4/10
While the River Nore runs through Kilkenny, the property itself is residential and urban-adjacent.
- Horse Riding3/10
Equestrian facilities would typically require travel outside the immediate urban neighbourhood.
- Entertaining7/10
Features a generous kitchen with dining space, a bright sitting room, and an enclosed rear utility room for gatherings.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living8/10
Located in a mature and established residential area described as an undisturbed neighbourhood where original owners still reside.
- Rural Living2/10
This is an urban residential setting within Kilkenny City rather than a rural environment.
- Village Living5/10
While close to city amenities, the mature neighbourhood feel offers a community-oriented atmosphere.
- Coastal Living1/10
Kilkenny is an inland city with no proximity to coastal areas.
- Urban Living8/10
Ideally positioned within easy reach of Kilkenny City Centre and its many amenities, schools, and services.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement8/10
Situated in a mature residential location known as an undisturbed neighbourhood with long-term residents.
- Café Culture7/10
Proximity to Kilkenny City Centre provides easy access to local cafes, shops, and restaurants.
- Nightlife6/10
City centre pubs and venues are within reach while maintaining a quiet residential base.
- Health/Wellness groups6/10
Local facilities and services in the city support health and wellness activities.
- Networking Opportunities5/10
Primarily a residential suburb, though close to city business and community networks.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity5/10
Buyers should verify broadband speeds and tech infrastructure for remote working requirements.
Listing information
- Agent
- Fran Grincell Properties
- Phone
- 056 - 7715000
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 25 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-6B7197HouseDelve · 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.