
3 Laurel Drive, Esker Hills, Portlaoise, Co. LaoisR32C822
€199,000
2 Bed~2 Bath~BER B
What you'll like:
- Energy efficient rating: The property boasts a strong B energy rating, which should translate into lower utility bills and improved year-round thermal comfort for the occupant.
- Upgraded heating system: A brand-new Worcester gas boiler has been recently fitted, reducing the immediate risk of costly heating replacements after moving in.
- Dual aspect living area: The kitchen and living space features a dual aspect layout, allowing abundant natural light to flood the main interior zone throughout the day.
- Master en-suite bathroom: The master bedroom includes a private en-suite bathroom, offering added convenience and privacy compared to sharing a single household facility.
- Built-in wardrobe storage: Both decently sized bedrooms come equipped with feature built-in wardrobes, maximizing floor space and saving the buyer immediate furniture acquisition costs.
- Integrated kitchen appliances: The fully equipped kitchen includes an integrated dishwasher, fridge-freezer, washing machine, and stainless-steel oven, ensuring a smooth move-in transition.
- Scenic lake views: A generous balcony space positioned off the kitchen features picturesque views directly overlooking the Esker Hills lake, enhancing the daily living experience.
- Front development location: Situated right at the front of the Esker Hills development, the property provides easier access and a prominent position within the estate.
- Town centre proximity: Located right in the heart of Portlaoise town, residents enjoy excellent walkability to local shops, amenities, and essential services.
- High-speed broadband availability: The property offers the option to connect to high-speed broadband, making it highly suitable for remote workers requiring reliable internet.
- Sleek electric fireplace: The living area includes a fully floored setup complemented by a sleek integrated electric fire, creating a cozy focal point for the room.
- Generous hosting space: The open-plan kitchen and living area provides exceptional room for entertaining guests, addressing a common layout constraint found in smaller properties.
- Established construction era: First occupied in 2008, the building benefits from modern construction standards while avoiding the teething troubles of brand-new developments.
- Stable asking price: The asking price has remained completely unchanged at €199,000 since tracking began, suggesting a firm pricing strategy from the vendor.
- Abundant power points: The living zone features multiple power points throughout, offering flexible furniture placement and minimizing the need for unsightly extension cords.
- Balcony outdoor space: The inclusion of a dedicated balcony provides private outdoor space to enjoy fresh air without the extensive maintenance demands of a private garden.
- Professional agent representation: The property is managed by an established agency, which typically ensures a structured and professional purchasing process for interested buyers.
- Manageable bedroom count: As a two-bedroom home, it represents an ideal size for first-time buyers, downsizers, or investors seeking strong rental demand.
- Bright interior ambiance: Large patio doors leading to the balcony combined with dual-aspect windows ensure the apartment enjoys a bright and inviting atmosphere.
- Clear BER documentation: The Ber number and energy performance indicator are fully disclosed, giving buyers transparent data to review before committing to a viewing.
But keep in mind:
- Annual management fees: The property incurs a recurring management fee of €1,436.54 yearly, which must be factored into your long-term monthly housing budget.
- Missing floor area: The listing fails to provide the total floor area in square meters, making it difficult to assess value per square meter without a physical viewing.
- Undeclared property type: The exact property classification is omitted from the details, requiring buyers to verify whether it is an apartment, duplex, or townhouse.
- Management company oversight: Buyers should investigate the financial health, sinking fund status, and maintenance history of the management company overseeing the estate.
- Balcony maintenance liability: Ownership of a balcony means potential future repair costs for exterior decking and railings may be levied via the management company.
- No recorded price movement: The price has remained static at €199,000 without reduction, indicating the seller may currently hold firm expectations with limited room for negotiation.
- Missing square footage metrics: Without official floor dimensions, comparing the property's pricing accurately against recent market comparables in the local area is challenging.
- Gas boiler warranty check: While a new Worcester boiler is fitted, the buyer should verify whether a manufacturer warranty is transferable and if servicing records exist.
- Service charge increases: Management fees can rise annually; buyers should check historical fee trends in Esker Hills to anticipate future cost escalations.
- Town centre noise levels: Being located right in the heart of the town and near the front of the development may expose the home to higher levels of passing traffic noise.
- Parking allocation uncertainty: The listing does not specify if a designated parking space is included, which is a crucial detail for residents in central developments.
- Communal area upkeep: Buyers must rely on the management agent to maintain common grounds, hallways, and lake views to a high standard consistently.
- Lack of private garden: The absence of a private ground-level garden means outdoor space is restricted solely to the balcony overlooking the lake.
- BER verification needed: The stated B energy rating should be independently verified against the official Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland database during conveyancing.
- Broadband provider verification: While high-speed broadband is noted as an option, buyers should confirm which specific operators currently service the exact address.
- Development rules and covenants: Living in a managed development involves adhering to estate rules regarding pets, subletting, and exterior alterations, which should be reviewed.
- Future development potential: Buyers should check local planning registers to see if nearby vacant land in Portlaoise could see future construction impacting views or traffic.
- Storage limitation checks: Aside from built-in wardrobes, the listing does not detail attic or external storage lockers, which are important for apartment-style living.
- En-suite ventilation inspection: Buyers should inspect the en-suite bathroom for adequate mechanical extraction to prevent moisture buildup and potential mold issues.
- Legal title clarification: Conveyancing solicitors must carefully review the leasehold or freehold structure, service charge covenants, and apportionment of common area charges.
Price positioning
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- The asking price appears undervalued relative to typical market expectations for a two-bedroom apartment, creating an immediate perception of affordability that contrasts sharply with broader regional transactions and suggests potential aggressive pricing strategy.
- Valuation signals such as an efficient B energy rating and integrated modern appliances strongly support the property's intrinsic quality, indicating that the baseline listing figure is conservative given current housing market demands.
- Factors that could support such a competitive price include management fees and localized supply dynamics, whereas strong internal features like dual-aspect living spaces might easily undermine the initial impression of lower worth.
- Additional relevant observations encompass the strategic positioning at the development's front alongside lake views, which typically command higher premiums and suggest the property could easily attract intense competitive interest from prospective buyers.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment or townhouse built around 2008 in a popular development located in the heart of Portlaoise.
- First occupied in 2008, the property has been upgraded with a brand-new Worcester gas boiler, which should enhance heating efficiency.
- Features a dual-aspect kitchen and living area, integrated appliances, built-in wardrobes, an en-suite master bedroom, and a balcony with views of the Esker Hills lake.
- High-speed broadband is available, and the property has an annual management fee of approximately 1,436.54 euros, which a buyer should investigate to understand what services and maintenance are covered.
- A buyer should verify all structural, fire safety, and management company compliance documentation through their legal representative.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €800 - €1,200
- Given the B energy rating and the new Worcester gas boiler installed, the property should benefit from good energy efficiency, keeping annual heating and hot water costs relatively moderate for a two-bedroom home.
Pollution Safe
8/10Environmental situation to investigate
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
39 LAUREL DR, ESKER HILLS, PORTLAOISE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €269,000.00
54 LAUREL DR, ESKER HILLS, PORTLAOISE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €341,000.00
87 LAUREL DR, ESKER HILLS, PORTLAOISE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €298,500.00
58 LAUREL DR, ESKER HILLS, PORTLAOISE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €370,000.00
48 LAUREL DRIVE, ESKERS HILLS, PORTLAOISE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €276,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Esker Hills area
39 CARMODY WAY, THE VILLAGE, PORTLAOISE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €250,000.00
127 ROSSVALE, PORTLAOISE, LAOIS
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €296,000.00
24 ASHEWOOD WALK, SUMMERHILL LANE, PORTLAOISE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €280,000.00
3 FIELBROOK, DUBLIN ROAD, PORTLAOISE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €300,000.00
THE GLEBE, CLONASLEE, PORTLAOISE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €307,000.00
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: €1,990 — 1% of €199,000.
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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 - €3,000
- Land registration fees: €400 - €800
- Property valuation fees: €150 - €300
- Surveyor fees: €400 - €800
- Annual home insurance: €350 - €600
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Residents in the Esker Hills development frequently discuss community maintenance and management fees, which currently stand around 1436.54 yearly for the property.
- Local forums highlight the convenience of the development's central Portlaoise location, noting easy access to town amenities and transport links.
- Discussions on local platforms often mention the scenic appeal of features within the estate, such as the Esker Hills lake.
- Homeowners in the area frequently share insights on broadband availability and connectivity options for remote working.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children5/10
The property offers two bedrooms and an open-plan kitchen and living area, making it manageable for a small family, though the lack of a private enclosed garden means outdoor play options are limited compared to a traditional house.
- Teenagers5/10
Two bedrooms provide adequate space for younger children or a single teenager, but privacy and independent living areas are somewhat constrained in this apartment-style setting.
- Multi-generational Living2/10
With only two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan layout, the property lacks the spatial separation and capacity required for multi-generational living.
- Single Buyers9/10
An asking price of €199,000 paired with a B energy rating and high-speed broadband availability makes this an exceptionally attractive, cost-effective option for single buyers entering the market.
- Couples9/10
The two-bedroom layout, modern B rating, and central location in Portlaoise provide an ideal starter home or manageable living space for couples.
- Empty Nesters8/10
The low-maintenance nature of the property, combined with modern appliances and manageable proportions, suits empty nesters looking to downsize while remaining centrally located.
- Retirees7/10
While convenient and easily maintainable, buyers should verify accessibility factors such as stair access to the apartment and balcony level.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working9/10
The listing explicitly notes the option to obtain high-speed broadband, making this property exceptionally well-suited for remote working arrangements.
- Hybrid Commuting8/10
Portlaoise's established transport links and central location support hybrid commuting schedules effectively.
- Retired7/10
Management fees of €1,436.54 yearly cover development upkeep, which supports a low-maintenance retirement lifestyle, though ongoing fees should be factored into retirement budgeting.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place5/10
While the property is manageable in size, buyers should verify whether elevator or stair access is required to reach the apartment and its balcony.
- Low Maintenance9/10
As an apartment-style property with a B energy rating, a brand-new Worcester gas boiler, and management services covering common upkeep, maintenance requirements are minimal.
- Secure Gated Entry5/10
The property benefits from a front-of-development position, but buyers should verify specific security features such as gated entry systems.
- Minimalist Design8/10
The open-plan kitchen and living area, sleek integrated electric fire, and modern finishes lend themselves naturally to a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
- Flexible Floor Plans6/10
The layout is optimized for modern open-plan living with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, though structural alterations are restricted in this property type.
- Heritage Home1/10
First occupied in 2008, this is a modern development property rather than a traditional heritage home.
- Ecological Setup8/10
The strong B energy rating and newly installed Worcester gas boiler demonstrate good energy efficiency and lower carbon output.
- Outdoor areas7/10
Features a generous balcony space equipped with breathtaking patio doors and picturesque views of the Esker Hills lake directly across.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening2/10
The property features a balcony with lake views rather than a private garden, offering very limited scope for traditional gardening.
- Walking8/10
The central town location allows for easy walking access to local shops and amenities, complemented by the scenic lake views directly across from the balcony.
- Gym7/10
Portlaoise town center location ensures straightforward access to local fitness centers and gym facilities.
- Cycling7/10
The urban-adjacent position makes cycling around Portlaoise practical, though buyers should verify secure bicycle storage options within the development.
- Golf7/10
Portlaoise and the surrounding County Laois area offer convenient access to regional golf courses.
- Fishing5/10
The development features the Esker Hills lake directly across from the property, though prospective buyers should investigate local fishing rights and permissions.
- Horse Riding4/10
While County Laois has rural pockets for equestrian activities, the immediate town center location requires travel to reach riding stables.
- Water Sports2/10
Inland Portlaoise offers limited direct opportunities for water sports aside from local leisure facilities.
- Entertaining8/10
The open-plan kitchen and living area, equipped with integrated appliances and a dual-aspect design, provides a generous and highly functional space for hosting guests.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living6/10
Situated right in the heart of Portlaoise town at the front of the development, the property benefits from pleasant views over the Esker Hills lake, though central town living inherently brings some ambient noise.
- Rural Living2/10
This is a distinctly urban and suburban development setting within the town center rather than a rural environment.
- Village Living5/10
Esker Hills offers a community-focused development feel right in Portlaoise town, balancing suburban neighborhood traits with urban convenience.
- Coastal Living1/10
The property is located inland in County Laois and has no proximity to the coast.
- Urban Living9/10
Being positioned right in the heart of Portlaoise town places local amenities, services, and transport links within very convenient reach.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement7/10
Esker Hills is a well-established and popular residential development offering good opportunities to engage with the local community.
- Café Culture8/10
Being situated right in the heart of Portlaoise town places local cafés, restaurants, and social spots within easy reach.
- Nightlife7/10
Town center positioning provides convenient access to local pubs, bars, and evening entertainment venues.
- Health/Wellness groups7/10
Proximity to Portlaoise town facilitates easy access to local wellness clubs, fitness classes, and medical services.
- Networking Opportunities6/10
Town living and robust broadband connectivity support professional networking and remote collaboration.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity8/10
The availability of high-speed broadband ensures strong digital connectivity for tech-focused professionals.
Listing information
- Agent
- Sherry FitzGerald Hyland Keating
- Phone
- 05786 20044
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 20 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-493CA9HouseDelve · 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.