
25 McGrath Park, Church Road, Blackrock, CorkT12RH3K
€125,000
4 Bed~2 Bath~93 m²~BER D
What you'll like:
- Established residential location: Situated in the mature neighbourhood of McGrath Park off Church Road in Blackrock, offering strong long-term neighbourhood appeal once reconstructed.
- Planning permission secured: Full planning permission under reference 22/41279 has already been granted for the reconstruction of a two-storey dwelling, saving months of administrative delay.
- Bypassing planning uncertainty: Having pre-approved planning for a two-storey unit removes a major development risk for builders or private purchasers looking to undertake a project.
- Compact floor footprint: The original 93 square metre floor area provides a manageable scale for rebuilding costs compared to much larger detached footprint projects.
- Attractive entry price: The asking price of €125,000 reflects the distressed condition, providing an exceptionally low capital entry point for a Cork residential site.
- Stable asking price: Recorded asking price history shows no increases or decreases since tracking began, suggesting the seller has set a firm and realistic initial expectation.
- Builder opportunity: The property offers an ideal turnkey-style project for experienced contractors or developers seeking a residential infill assignment in a desirable suburb.
- Reconstruction potential: Allows a buyer to design and finish a brand-new interior layout tailored completely to modern living standards behind a traditional footprint.
- Desirable Cork suburb: Blackrock is traditionally one of Cork City's most sought-after residential districts, supporting strong eventual resale values after successful project completion.
- Clear project scope: The listing transparently outlines the exact nature of the damage and requirements, enabling buyers to scope reconstruction budgets immediately.
- Pre-existing utility connections: Being located within an established housing estate implies that mains water, electricity, and sewage connections are already adjacent to the site.
- No upward price pressure: The static price history indicates a lack of competitive bidding wars thus far, potentially allowing cash-ready buyers to negotiate directly.
- Defined property parameters: Four bedrooms and two bathrooms are accounted for in the existing design envelope, giving a clear blueprint for rebuilding accommodation sizes.
- Direct agent representation: Marketed by a known local firm, facilitating straightforward communication regarding maps, floor plans, and planning reference documents.
- Site footprint retention: Rebuilding on an existing urban plot avoids greenfield acquisition hurdles and integrates smoothly into the existing streetscape of McGrath Park.
- Capital efficiency: Spending a modest sum on acquisition leaves a higher proportion of total budget available for quality construction and structural remediation works.
- Future energy rating: Reconstructing the dwelling from the ground up provides an opportunity to easily achieve a modern A-rated BER compared to the current D rating.
- Autonomous project management: Empowers self-builders and developers to manage their own contractors and materials procurement without relying on developer spec standards.
- Clear selling terms: Explicitly marketed for cash buyers only, which filters out chain-related delays and speeds up the eventual acquisition timeline for qualified purchasers.
- Investment upside: The margin between the low purchase price and potential finished market value in Blackrock offers a strong commercial incentive for developers.
But keep in mind:
- Severe structural damage: The property suffered significant structural defects caused by a burst water main and resulting sinkhole, necessitating a complete rebuild.
- Cash buyers strictly required: Bank financing will most likely be unavailable due to the current compromised condition, requiring the buyer to have substantial liquid funds.
- Zero internal access: It is impossible to gain internal access to view the property prior to offering, forcing buyers to bid blindly without inspecting interior conditions.
- Hidden ground instability: The presence of a historic sinkhole raises serious concerns regarding subterranean soil stability, requiring thorough geotechnical investigation before committing.
- Demolition and clearance costs: A complete reconstruction project will incur massive preliminary costs for site clearance, debris removal, and making safe damaged foundations.
- Unforeseen engineering expenses: Foundation stabilization and civil engineering works to remediate the sinkhole damage could drastically exceed initial construction budget estimates.
- Strict planning conditions: Buyers must carefully review and comply with all specific terms and conditions attached to planning permission reference 22/41279.
- Extended project timelines: Obtaining permits, managing contractors, and executing a full structural rebuild will take many months, during which capital remains tied up.
- Rental income impossibility: The property is completely uninhabitable in its current state, meaning zero rental return can be generated during the long reconstruction phase.
- Builder availability constraints: Securing reliable, skilled contractors for residential reconstruction work in the current Cork construction market can prove exceptionally difficult and costly.
- Party wall considerations: Being part of an established residential area means reconstruction work must carefully manage party wall implications and neighbour disruption.
- Current D rating irrelevance: The listed BER rating of D applies to the damaged structure and will become entirely superseded by modern building regulations upon rebuilding.
- Absence of physical surveys: Without internal viewing or vendor disclosures beyond the basic listing, buyers take on substantial unquantified risks regarding hidden rot or mold.
- Insurance complications: Obtaining site insurance during a major reconstruction project on a compromised sinkhole site may prove complex and expensive.
- Utility disconnection risks: Services may be severed or damaged due to the burst water main and sinkhole, requiring costly reconnection and safety sign-offs.
- Potential council levies: Local authority development contributions or connection fees may apply under the new planning permission, adding to total project overheads.
- Resale liquidity lag: Until the project is fully completed and certified, the asset remains highly illiquid and impossible to mortgage or sell quickly.
- Inflationary construction risks: Building material and labour cost fluctuations over the course of the multi-month reconstruction project could severely impact project profitability.
- Neighborhood disruption exposure: Rebuilding a damaged property within a settled residential cul-de-sac may lead to friction with neighbours regarding construction noise and access.
- Complete capital loss risk: Underestimating the total cost to rectify subterranean sinkhole damage could result in a heavily over-budget project that erodes all anticipated profit margins.
Price positioning
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- The asking price appears attractively valued when compared to standard residential norms in the immediate vicinity, directly reflecting the severe structural damage and the reality that the dwelling requires a complete rebuild from the ground up.
- Strong under-valuation signals are present due to the necessity for cash buyers only, the inability to secure standard bank financing in its current derelict state, and the complete lack of internal viewing access for interested prospective purchasers.
- Such a low guide price could be strongly supported by significant hidden reconstruction costs, unknown geotechnical remediation requirements following the sinkhole incident, and strict local planning conditions that might inflate overall project expenditure considerably.
- Relevant market dynamics indicate that while the nominal entry figure is exceptionally low, the total capital outlay required to deliver a finished modern home will likely align the final investment closer to standard neighbourhood values.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property has suffered significant structural damage caused by a burst water main adjacent to the site, resulting in a sinkhole and associated defects.
- Full planning permission (ref. 22/41279) has been granted to reconstruct a two-storey dwelling, presenting a reconstruction opportunity rather than a standard renovation.
- Internal viewings are not possible due to the current condition, meaning buyers must rely heavily on professional structural, geotechnical, and legal due diligence.
- Bank financing is unlikely to be available in the property's current state, restricting purchases to cash buyers.
- Buyers should thoroughly investigate the stability of the ground, drainage infrastructure, and any ongoing remediation or liability regarding the adjacent water main issue.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- Estimated deep-retrofit cost is approximately 75000 to 100000 euro.
- The BER rating is D and the property requires complete reconstruction following structural damage.
- Since the project involves rebuilding a two-storey dwelling under current planning permission, incorporating modern high-efficiency insulation, heating systems, and airtightness measures will be essential to achieve a modern A-rating, though much of this work will be integrated into the primary construction budget.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: 0 euro currently, as the property requires complete reconstruction and is uninhabitable in its present damaged state.
- Explanation: With a BER rating of D and significant structural damage preventing habitation, there are no active heating systems operating. Once reconstructed in accordance with current planning permission, heating costs will depend on the chosen build specifications and energy efficiency upgrades.
Pollution Safe
8/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The location is situated in an established residential neighbourhood with no apparent immediate proximity to major heavy industrial plants, active large-scale landfills, or waste incinerators.
- Buyers should verify local environmental records and historical land uses for any legacy concerns typical of older urban residential zones.
Flood Safe
6/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property is located in Blackrock, Cork, a residential area near the River Lee estuary where lower-lying pockets can be vulnerable to tidal and fluvial influences during extreme weather events.
- Although official map evidence for this specific location is currently unavailable, the site's proximity to estuarine waters means regional drainage and high-tide conditions warrant careful local checks.
- The existing structure requires total reconstruction due to severe ground and foundation damage caused by a localized burst water main and sinkhole rather than river or coastal flooding.
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
12A MCGRATH PARK, CHURCH RD, BLACKROCK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €425,000.00
44 MCGRATH PARK, CHURCH ROAD, BLACKROCK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €488,000.00
36A MCGRATH PARK, CHURCH RD, BLACKROCK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €370,000.00
49 MCGRATH PARK, BLACKROCK, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €340,000.00
36 MCGRATH PARK, CHURCH RD, BLACKROCK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €344,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Blackrock area
77 SKEHARD RD, BLACKROCK, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €465,000.00
2 SUNNYSIDE, BARRINGTONS AVENUE, BLACKROCK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €350,000.00
13 LAKELANDS AVE, MAHON, BLACKROCK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €370,000.00
7 CLOVER LAWN, SKEHARD RD, BLACKROCK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €477,000.00
552 THE HERON, JACOB'S ISLAND, BLACKROCK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €575,000.00
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
25 MCGRATH PARK, BLACKROCK, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €250,000.00
Buyer fees*
Associated expenses guide
- Estimated stamp duty: €1,250 — 1% of €125,000.
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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 to 3,000 euro plus VAT and outlays.
- Land registration fees: approximately 400 to 800 euro depending on the property value and registration type.
- Property valuation fees: approximately 150 to 300 euro for a standard mortgage or independent valuation report.
- Surveyor fees: approximately 500 to 1,200 euro, with specialized structural engineering assessments recommended given the property condition.
- Annual home insurance: approximately 400 to 900 euro, though coverage may be subject to specialized underwriting due to the current structural damage.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Local residents frequently discuss infrastructure updates and maintenance of public spaces around the Blackrock and Church Road areas.
- Community forums often highlight local development projects and planning applications handled by the local council.
- Discussions on neighbourhood platforms emphasize the strong demand for housing and reconstruction projects in established Cork suburbs.
- Residents share updates regarding local amenities, transport links, and community events in Blackrock.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children2/10
The property is currently a reconstruction project suffering from severe structural damage caused by a sinkhole, making it entirely unsafe and unsuitable for young children.
- Teenagers2/10
Due to the extensive structural damage and requirement for major reconstruction, the home is uninhabitable and unsuited for teenagers.
- Multi-generational Living1/10
With a floor area of 93 square metres and severe structural compromise requiring a complete rebuild, the property cannot accommodate multi-generational living.
- Single Buyers4/10
May appeal to experienced single builders or developers looking for a reconstruction project, though standard financing is unavailable and cash is required.
- Couples4/10
Could interest couples with significant construction experience and capital to undertake a full two-storey reconstruction project.
- Empty Nesters1/10
Empty nesters seeking a low-maintenance or ready-to-move-in home should avoid this property due to the heavy construction undertaking required.
- Retirees1/10
The property requires complete structural reconstruction following a sinkhole, making it completely unsuitable for retirees.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working3/10
Working remotely from the property is currently impossible due to the lack of habitable space and structural damage.
- Hybrid Commuting5/10
The Blackrock location offers good commuting access to Cork city, though the buyer must manage a major building project.
- Retired1/10
Unsuitable for retirees given the extensive construction and project management required.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place1/10
The property has suffered severe structural damage from a sinkhole and requires complete reconstruction under planning permission reference 22/41279.
- Low Maintenance1/10
This is the antithesis of low maintenance; it requires managing a complex structural reconstruction project from the ground up.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
Standard suburban development layout without specialized secure gated entry features.
- Minimalist Design5/10
The granted planning permission for a two-storey dwelling allows a buyer to design the interior layout to their own modern or minimalist preferences.
- Flexible Floor Plans6/10
As a blank canvas reconstruction project with full planning permission, a buyer has substantial flexibility to configure the interior floor plans.
- Heritage Home2/10
Located in an established residential park rather than being a traditional heritage home.
- Ecological Setup2/10
The site's history of a burst water main and resulting sinkhole requires careful environmental and structural investigation by the buyer.
- Outdoor areas3/10
The plot size and outdoor areas are impacted by the structural remediation and reconstruction works needed.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening3/10
Any outdoor space is likely affected by the adjacent site issues, sinkhole, and subsequent reconstruction works.
- Walking7/10
The Blackrock area offers pleasant walking routes and proximity to local amenities once living arrangements are established.
- Gym5/10
General suburban access to facilities is available, but the property itself demands full-time construction focus.
- Cycling6/10
The location allows for cycling into Cork city and surrounding suburban areas.
- Golf5/10
Proximity to local recreational facilities is typical of the Blackrock area.
- Fishing4/10
Access to nearby waterways depends on specific local spots, but property condition remains the primary hurdle.
- Horse Riding2/10
Not an appropriate location or property type for equestrian pursuits.
- Water Sports4/10
Proximity to the river and coastal areas in Blackrock offers potential, but the dwelling itself requires total rebuilding.
- Entertaining1/10
Entertaining is impossible while the property is a damaged shell awaiting a two-storey reconstruction project.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living6/10
Located in an established residential development in Blackrock, but currently subject to heavy construction activity and the remediation of previous structural issues.
- Rural Living2/10
This is an established suburban residential area in Cork rather than a rural setting.
- Village Living5/10
Situated in Blackrock, offering proximity to local suburban amenities, though the primary focus here must be on the major reconstruction required.
- Coastal Living5/10
Blackrock is a well-known location near the water in Cork, but the specific property requires a complete rebuild before it can be enjoyed.
- Urban Living6/10
Provides good access to Cork city amenities from Blackrock, suited for buyers looking for a redevelopment opportunity in an established suburb.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement5/10
Located in an established residential park, offering future potential to integrate into the local Blackrock community once rebuilt.
- Café Culture6/10
Blackrock provides access to local amenities and cafés, though the property itself is a construction site.
- Nightlife5/10
Proximity to Cork city ensures access to nightlife, though buyers will be focused on rebuilding.
- Health/Wellness groups5/10
Standard suburban access to wellness and pilates & stretching groups in the wider Blackrock and Cork area.
- Networking Opportunities4/10
Primarily offers networking potential for developers, builders, and local property professionals.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity5/10
Good general connectivity to Cork city tech employers, though the house itself has no active utilities or habitable infrastructure.
Listing information
- Agent
- Frank V Murphy & Co. Ltd
- Phone
- 021 427 4204
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 7 November 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-934D4AHouseDelve · 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.