Photograph 1 of 10 of 3 Saint Marys Avenue, Dillons Cross, Cork City, Cork
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3 Saint Marys Avenue, Dillons Cross, Cork City, CorkT23C2D8

€175,000

2 Bed~1 Bath~56 m²~BER F

What you'll like:

  • Affordable Entry Point: Priced at one hundred seventy-five thousand euros, this property provides an exceptionally accessible entry price for buyers entering the city residential market.
  • Central Location: Situated in Dillons Cross, the home places residents within convenient reach of Cork city centre amenities, employment hubs, and public transport networks.
  • Refurbishment Opportunity: The layout offers a blank canvas for buyers wishing to undertake a complete modernization project and tailor the finishes entirely to personal tastes.
  • Compact Floor Area: Measuring approximately fifty-six square metres, the residence requires manageable renovation budgets and lower ongoing maintenance expenditures compared to larger, sprawling family houses.
  • Freehold Tenure: The property is offered on a freehold basis, granting the buyer unencumbered ownership rights without leasehold complications or ground rent liabilities to manage.
  • Gas Fired Heating: Equipped with a gas-fired radiator central heating system, the dwelling features a standard heating infrastructure that simplifies future upgrading and improvement works.
  • Double Glazed Windows: Fitted with PVC double-glazed windows throughout, the home already benefits from baseline exterior insulation and noise reduction measures before major renovations begin.
  • Private Rear Yard: The enclosed outdoor space at the back of the house offers a secure private area with potential for landscaping or small extension projects.
  • Integrated Garage: The inclusion of a roller shutter garage provides valuable off-street storage space or secure parking, which is a rare commodity in established urban neighborhoods.
  • Established Neighborhood: Located in a sought-after residential enclave, the property benefits from a settled community atmosphere and long-term neighborhood stability.
  • Main Services Connected: The dwelling is already linked to all main municipal services, avoiding the complex costs and delays associated with installing new utility connections.
  • Kitchen Units Fitted: Existing floor and eye-level kitchen units provide a functional temporary workspace while the new owner plans a comprehensive culinary upgrade.
  • Functional Shower Room: The ground floor shower room features a standard three-piece suite and an electric shower, offering basic immediate utility during early renovation phases.
  • Tiled Fireplace Feature: The living room retains a traditional tiled fireplace, providing a charming focal point that can be restored as part of a character-led interior redesign.
  • Manageable Footprint: Two well-proportioned bedrooms on the first floor make the layout efficient and easy to heat once proper insulation standards are eventually installed.
  • First Time Buyer Appeal: The combination of low asking price and renovation potential makes this an ideal target for ambitious first-time buyers looking to build equity.
  • Investor Potential: High rental demand in Cork city center fringes creates strong prospects for landlords seeking a profitable fix-and-flip or buy-to-let rental investment.
  • Stable Asking Price: The recorded tracking history shows a firm asking price of one hundred seventy-five thousand euros with no erratic fluctuations, signaling a straightforward seller stance.
  • No Upward Chain: The marketing presentation suggests a vacant or straightforward project property, which typically allows for a smoother, faster legal acquisition process.
  • Compact Exterior Maintenance: Smaller mid-terrace footprints limit the extent of exterior roof and wall upkeep required compared to detached country homes or large period houses.

But keep in mind:

  • Poor Energy Rating: Holding a weak BER rating of F, the property requires substantial energy efficiency upgrades including wall insulation and heating modernization to reduce utility bills.
  • Extensive Modernization Needed: The interior requires complete refurbishment throughout, meaning buyers must budget significantly above the purchase price to achieve habitable modern standards.
  • Compact Living Space: At only fifty-six square metres, the living accommodation is quite restricted, offering limited room for expanding families or home-working setups.
  • Single Bathroom Configuration: Having only one bathroom located on the ground floor may prove inconvenient for occupants using the two first-floor bedrooms overnight.
  • Potential Hidden Defects: Older vacant properties often conceal structural dampness, outdated electrical wiring, or plumbing issues that require thorough pre-purchase engineering surveys to uncover.
  • Upgrading Costs Uncertainty: Rising construction and material costs mean that estimated renovation budgets could easily exceed initial financial projections during the construction phase.
  • Garage Access Limits: Buyers should verify whether the roller shutter garage offers sufficient clearance and vehicular access width for modern standard passenger cars.
  • Ventilation and Damp Risks: Properties requiring heavy refurbishment frequently suffer from trapped moisture, necessitating careful checks for rising or penetrating dampness in external walls.
  • Outdated Electricals: Given the age and condition of the dwelling, the electrical wiring system likely requires a complete safety overhaul to meet current regulatory standards.
  • Roof and Insulation Check: Prospective purchasers must inspect the attic and roof timbers for signs of leaks, sagging, or inadequate insulation before committing to a purchase.
  • Limited Parking Availability: Aside from the garage, street parking in dense urban Victorian areas can be highly competitive and may require resident parking permits.
  • Party Wall Considerations: Being a mid-terrace structure, any major structural alterations or soundproofing improvements will require careful coordination with adjacent neighbor properties.
  • Plumbing System Age: The existing plumbing and radiator network should be professionally pressure-tested, as older systems often fail shortly after being brought back into heavy daily use.
  • Ventilation Shortfalls: Kitchen and bathroom extractor setups should be evaluated to ensure adequate moisture control and prevent mold growth in the smaller rooms.
  • Boundary Verification: Buyers should ensure their legal representatives carefully examine the title maps to confirm the exact boundaries of the private rear yard and garage.
  • Planning Permission Limits: Any ambitious plans to extend the property further will need to respect local planning constraints and the limited footprint of the rear yard.
  • Refurbishment Disruption: Living on-site during renovations is practically impossible, meaning buyers may need to shoulder the double burden of rent and mortgage payments.
  • Low Energy Comfort: Until deep retrofitting works are completed, the home will likely remain cold and draughty during winter months due to the F energy rating.
  • Resale Value Ceiling: Buyers should investigate local ceiling prices in Saint Marys Avenue to ensure that heavy renovation expenditures can be fully recouped upon future resale.
  • Strict Mortgage Criteria: Lenders may be reluctant to approve standard residential mortgages on properties requiring such extensive structural and cosmetic modernization without retention clauses.

Price positioning

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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 mildly undervalued compared with the available evidence.
  • The asking price appears attractively positioned relative to general urban housing values, primarily because the property requires substantial modernization and extensive refurbishment throughout to bring habitable spaces up to modern standards and energy efficiency expectations.
  • Valuation signals are heavily influenced by the poor BER rating of F and the compact fifty-six square meter floor area, which together indicate that significant capital expenditure will be necessary before the dwelling becomes fully comfortable.
  • Potential factors supporting this accessible pricing strategy include competitive bidding common for fixer-upper opportunities in established city locations, whereas factors that could undermine value include unforeseen structural defects discovered during a comprehensive engineering survey.
  • The stable asking-price history observed since initial listing suggests a realistic vendor approach, aligning closely with typical strategies employed for properties requiring complete renovation while maintaining strong appeal for investors and first-time buyers.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is a two-bedroom mid-terrace house with a floor area of approximately 56 to 60 square meters, featuring a private rear yard and a garage with a roller shutter door.
  • The listing explicitly notes that the property requires modernisation and refurbishment throughout, presenting it as a project.
  • The building features PVC double-glazed windows and gas-fired central heating, though the overall fabric of the house likely requires significant upgrading given its poor energy rating.
  • A buyer should investigate the structural integrity, damp levels, insulation status, and the condition of the roof and electrical systems, as these are common areas requiring extensive work in older mid-terrace refurbishment projects.

Retrofit Cost*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

  • The property has a poor BER rating of F, indicating that a comprehensive deep retrofit is required to bring the dwelling to a modern energy efficiency standard.
  • A deep retrofit for a small 56 square meter house of this type typically costs between 40,000 and 60,000 euros, depending on the extent of external wall insulation, heating system upgrades, window replacements, and ventilation improvements needed to achieve a BER rating of B2 or higher.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Estimated annual heating cost: Approximately 1,400 to 1,800 euro. Given the property has a poor BER rating of F and a floor area of 56 square metres, energy efficiency is likely low, leading to higher gas-fired central heating consumption compared to a modern insulated home.

Pollution Safe

8/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The property is located in an established urban residential setting with no major heavy industrial facilities or active landfill sites immediately adjacent.
  • Any historical urban industrial activities or legacy concerns in the wider Cork city area should be verified through local environmental searches if considered relevant.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The property is situated in the elevated Dillons Cross area of Cork City, placing it well above low-lying floodplains traditionally associated with the River Lee.
  • Official mapping does not indicate direct exposure to mapped flood areas for this specific address, suggesting a lower baseline geographic risk.
  • While general urban drainage during extreme rainfall can affect sloping streets in Cork, the local topography helps mitigate significant riverine or tidal inundation hazards.
Supporting evidence: Low

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 Dillons Cross area

  • 148 LOWER GLANMIRE RD, CORK CITY, CORK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €363,000.00
  • 9 GLENVIEW PARK, DILLONS CROSS, CORK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €347,000.00
  • 27 LOWER OLIVER PLUNKETT STREET, CORK CITY, CO. CORK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €230,000.00
  • 111 LOWER GLANMIRE ROAD, CORK CITY, CO CORK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €730,000.00
  • 268 BLARNEY ST, CORK CITY, CORK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €260,000.00

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: €1,750 — 1% of €175,000.
    ?
    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: Approximately 1,500 to 2,500 euro plus VAT and outlays.
  • Land registration fees: Approximately 400 to 800 euro depending on the property value and mapping requirements.
  • Property valuation fees: Approximately 150 to 300 euro for a standard mortgage valuation report.
  • Surveyor fees: Approximately 500 to 1,000 euro for a structural pre-purchase survey.
  • Annual home insurance: Approximately 350 to 600 euro depending on the level of cover and insurer.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Dillon's Cross is regarded as a mature and established residential neighbourhood within Cork city, offering convenient access to local amenities and the city centre.
  • Residents frequently discuss the community feel of the area, noting its proximity to local schools, shops, and traditional neighbourhood pubs.
  • Traffic management and parking availability along narrow approach roads and residential avenues are common topics of local discussion.
  • The area has seen steady interest from buyers looking for renovation projects, particularly traditional terraced homes with potential for modernisation.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The property features two bedrooms and a compact floor area of 56 m², making it tight for growing families. Additionally, the need for extensive refurbishment means safety and modern child-friendly amenities require significant investment before move-in.

    4/10
  • Teenagers

    With only 56 m² of living space and a single bathroom, privacy and individual study areas for teenagers would be extremely limited in this mid-terrace house.

    3/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    The small footprint and two-bedroom layout are completely unsuitable for multi-generational living arrangements, offering no separate living zones or adequate privacy.

    2/10
  • Single Buyers

    At an asking price of €175,000, this property presents an accessible entry point for single buyers looking to step onto the property ladder and take on a renovation project to tailor the home to their own tastes.

    8/10
  • Couples

    Well-suited for couples willing to take on a fixer-upper project together, providing an affordable way to secure a permanent residence in an established urban area.

    7/10
  • Empty Nesters

    While the single-level flow or manageable size could appeal to downsizers, the substantial renovation work required might prove daunting for some older buyers.

    5/10
  • Retirees

    The property requires modernization throughout, including potential upgrades to heating and insulation (given the F BER rating), which may not suit retirees looking for a turnkey home.

    4/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    With only two bedrooms and an open-plan kitchen/living area, finding a dedicated, quiet home office space would require creative interior planning during the refurbishment.

    5/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    The convenient location close to Cork City Centre makes this an excellent base for hybrid workers needing access to transport links and central workplaces.

    8/10
  • Retired

    The extensive renovation needed might make this a stressful project for retirees unless they intend to hire contractors to handle all modernization works.

    4/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    The two-story configuration and requirement for substantial modernization mean significant adaptations would be necessary to support comfortable long-term ageing in place.

    3/10
  • Low Maintenance

    The property requires modernization and refurbishment throughout, and with a BER rating of F, major energy efficiency upgrades will be needed before it can be considered low-maintenance.

    2/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    The property is a traditional mid-terrace street-facing home with no gated entry or private community gates.

    1/10
  • Minimalist Design

    The compact 56 m² floor area naturally lends itself to minimalist living, but the current layout requires physical intervention to achieve a modern aesthetic.

    5/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    With a small footprint of 56 m², structural flexibility is inherently limited, though the ongoing renovation project gives buyers a blank canvas to reconfigure interior finishes.

    3/10
  • Heritage Home

    While situated in an established residential area, the listing does not designate it as a protected heritage structure, though it represents older housing stock.

    4/10
  • Ecological Setup

    The property has a poor BER rating of F, indicating a significant need for insulation, heating upgrades, and general thermal efficiency improvements.

    1/10
  • Outdoor areas

    Features a private rear yard providing useful outdoor space and a garage with roller shutter door, offering good enhancement potential despite its compact size.

    4/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    Outdoor space is limited to a private rear yard rather than a traditional garden, though it does offer potted plant potential or hardscaping opportunities.

    3/10
  • Walking

    The urban location close to Cork City Centre makes walking a viable and practical option for daily errands and commuting.

    7/10
  • Gym

    Proximity to the city center ensures reasonable access to urban fitness centers and gym facilities, though none are directly on the doorstep.

    6/10
  • Cycling

    City cycling is feasible given the location, though prospective buyers should investigate local cycling infrastructure and hilly terrain typical of Cork.

    5/10
  • Golf

    While golf courses exist in the wider Cork area, they require short drives from this central city neighborhood.

    4/10
  • Fishing

    The property's city-center location offers no immediate access to fishing spots without traveling toward the River Lee estuary or surrounding countryside.

    2/10
  • Horse Riding

    An urban setting with no proximity to equestrian facilities or stables.

    1/10
  • Water Sports

    Limited direct access to water sports infrastructure, requiring travel toward Cork harbor or coastal hubs.

    2/10
  • Entertaining

    The combined kitchen/living area and modest 56 m² total floor area severely restrict indoor hosting capabilities, though the private rear yard offers some overflow space in warmer weather.

    4/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Situated in an established residential area of Cork City, noise levels will typical of a neighborhood close to the city center rather than a tranquil rural setting.

    5/10
  • Rural Living

    Located centrally in Dillons Cross within Cork City, offering an entirely urban and suburban community experience rather than rural isolation.

    1/10
  • Village Living

    Dillons Cross provides a localized neighborhood feel with nearby amenities, capturing some aspects of community-focused village life within the city.

    6/10
  • Coastal Living

    The property is located inland in Cork City with no coastal proximity or sea views.

    1/10
  • Urban Living

    Conveniently located to Cork City Centre, this home is ideal for those who want to be close to urban amenities, transport links, and city services.

    8/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Located in an established residential area of Cork City, offering opportunities to integrate into local neighborhood networks.

    6/10
  • Café Culture

    Proximity to Cork City Centre provides straightforward access to a vibrant and diverse café scene.

    7/10
  • Nightlife

    Being close to the city center ensures residents are within reach of Cork's pubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

    7/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Urban positioning allows for relatively easy access to various wellness classes, medical practices, and fitness clubs across the city.

    6/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Urban connectivity supports professional networking and social engagement within the wider city economy.

    7/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    Cork City hosts various tech and corporate employers, making this central location practical for tech-sector workers.

    7/10

Listing information

Agent
Frank V Murphy & Co. Ltd
Phone
021 427 4204
Current status
active
Published on HouseDelve
8 November 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-70BA14HouseDelve · 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.