43 Rowan House, Mespil Estate, Sussex Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4D04W6H6
€320,000
1 Bed~1 Bath~33 m²~BER C
What you'll like:
- Prime Dublin 4 Address: Situated in a prestigious and highly sought-after neighbourhood within walking distance of St Stephen's Green, offering exceptional convenience for city professionals and lifestyle buyers.
- South West Aspect: Enjoys a desirable sunny orientation that floods the interior living spaces with natural light throughout the afternoon and evening hours.
- Charming Development Grounds: Overlooks the beautifully landscaped central gardens of the estate, providing a tranquil green outlook rarely found in such central urban locations.
- Clever Spatial Reconfiguration: The interior layout has been thoughtfully adapted to maximize the available thirty-three square meters, creating distinct living, dining, and sleeping zones.
- Abundant Natural Light: Features an expansive floor-to-ceiling window in the open-plan living area that enhances the sense of space and brightens the entire apartment.
- Separate Double Bedroom: Benefits from a dedicated private bedroom complete with built-in wardrobes, avoiding the cramped feel of a pure studio setup.
- Galley Kitchen Layout: Compact yet well-organized kitchen area positioned efficiently off the main living space with adequate storage for daily culinary needs.
- Extra Storage Press: Includes a useful designated storage press in the entrance hall to help keep the compact living quarters uncluttered and organized.
- On-Site Swimming Pool: Residents have access to an exclusive 20-meter swimming pool, sauna, and steam room facility located directly within the development grounds.
- Secure Bicycle Parking: Provides dedicated and secure storage facilities for bicycles, appealing to urban cyclists and reducing alternative transport storage hassles.
- No Rental Cap Status: Mentioned as having no rent cap, presenting an attractive opportunity for property investors seeking unrestricted rental income potential in a prime location.
- Central Business Proximity: Within comfortable walking distance of Dublin's primary financial and commercial districts, significantly reducing daily commuting times and transport costs.
- Excellent Public Transport: Situated close to regular bus routes, light rail services, and heavy rail networks, ensuring seamless connectivity across the wider metropolitan area.
- Vibrant Neighbourhood Amenities: Surrounded by an abundance of upscale restaurants, coffee shops, theatres, and museums in Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, and Ranelagh.
- Double Glazed Windows: Fitted with PVC double-glazed windows which help maintain interior thermal comfort and reduce unwanted external city noise infiltration.
- Manageable Floor Area: Small square footage translates into lower overall cleaning maintenance and more affordable utility overheads for the prospective owner.
- Stable Asking Price: The recorded asking price history shows no downward adjustments during monitoring, suggesting firm initial pricing confidence from the selling agent.
- Established Residential Community: Located in a long-standing and mature residential estate known for its strong management and desirable community atmosphere over many decades.
- Tiled Bathroom Facility: Features a functional tiled bathroom equipped with a standard bath, overhead shower, wash hand basin, and toilet for daily convenience.
- Strong Rental Demand: The combination of compact size and elite location traditionally ensures high tenant demand from young professionals working in the nearby tech and financial hubs.
But keep in mind:
- Compact Floor Area: Measuring only thirty-three square meters, the property is very small and may feel cramped for buyers accustomed to more spacious living arrangements.
- Moderate BER Rating: Holds a C energy rating, which means thermal efficiency is only average and heating bills could be higher compared to modern energy-efficient builds.
- Electric Heating System: Relies on electric heating, which can be relatively expensive to run and lacks the responsive warmth of central gas radiator systems.
- Service Charge Outlay: Requires an annual service charge of €1,499 to cover common areas and estate upkeep, which represents a notable recurring cost relative to the apartment size.
- Facility Usage Fees: Access to the on-site swimming pool and wellness amenities is noted as being subject to additional charges for residents and members.
- Permit Parking Limitations: Vehicle accommodation relies on permit parking rather than a dedicated deeded parking space, potentially leading to availability issues or extra costs.
- Potential Management Levies: Buyers should investigate the reserve fund status and verify whether upcoming capital works could trigger special assessments by Petra Management.
- Limited Kitchen Worktop: The galley kitchen dimensions are tight, offering very restricted counter space for food preparation and large modern kitchen appliances.
- Fifth Floor Reliance: Situated on the fifth floor, making daily access entirely dependent on the operational reliability of the building elevators during moves or outages.
- Financing Space Restrictions: Mortgage lenders sometimes apply stricter lending criteria or lower loan-to-value limits on properties falling below standard minimum square footage thresholds.
- Resale Market Niche: The compact one-bedroom configuration appeals primarily to singles or investors, potentially resulting in a narrower pool of future resale buyers.
- Lack of Private Balcony: The description does not mention an outdoor balcony, meaning residents rely entirely on communal grounds for fresh air and outdoor leisure.
- Elevator Maintenance Costs: High-rise living within the estate involves shared lift maintenance overheads that are typically factored into ongoing service charge escalations.
- Future Retrofitting Expenses: Upgrading the C-rated energy performance to higher tiers may require substantial capital investment in insulation or heating system replacements.
- Unyielding Asking Price: The flat asking price trajectory throughout the tracking period indicates the seller may be inflexible during initial price negotiations.
- Urban Noise Exposure: Central location near major thoroughfares like Sussex Road could result in ambient traffic noise levels for windows facing outward.
- Storage Limitations: Beyond the built-in bedroom wardrobes and hall press, overall storage capacity is severely restricted by the compact footprint of the apartment.
- Management Company Oversight: Buyers must carefully review historical management company accounts and AGM minutes to check for any ongoing disputes or insurance premium hikes.
- High Density Living: The large scale of the estate means sharing communal facilities and entrances with a high volume of neighboring residents.
- Future Regulatory Risks: Potential changes in housing regulations or local planning guidelines could impact the future viability of using such compact units as short-term or long-term rentals.
Price positioning
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- The asking price of three hundred twenty thousand euros appears slightly above typical historical benchmarks for similar compact units within this specific Dublin development, suggesting an ambitious initial marketing strategy by the vendor.
- Valuation signals present a mixed picture where prime Ballsbridge location and lack of rent caps provide upward pressure, balanced against a modest thirty-three square meter floor area and a C energy rating.
- Strong rental demand and lifestyle appeal could support this price point among investors or first-time buyers, though potential buyers might be deterred by rising interest rates and ongoing annual management fees.
- The stable asking-price history without recorded reductions indicates firm seller resolve, implying that significant negotiation room may be limited unless the property experiences prolonged time on the open market.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a fifth-floor studio apartment located within the established Mespil Estate development on Sussex Road, benefiting from a south-west-facing aspect and a floor-to-ceiling window in the living area.
- Buyers should investigate the specific construction type and insulation levels of Rowan House, as well as the management company's sinking fund status, ongoing maintenance plans, and upcoming capital expenditures for the wider development.
- The heating system is electric, and buyers should verify the efficiency and running costs of the current heating setup alongside the PVC double-glazed windows.
- Given that it is an apartment within a managed estate, purchasers should review the service charge levels (noted around €1,499), inclusions such as access to the on-site swimming pool, and any house rules or restrictions regarding leasing.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- €600 to €900 per year.
- Estimated for a 33 m² apartment with a C energy rating and electric heating, assuming typical usage patterns for a single-occupancy or couple's city residence.
Pollution Safe
8/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The area is primarily residential and commercial, with no major heavy industrial zones, active heavy manufacturing plants, or large-scale waste incinerators in immediate proximity.
- Any historical urban or dockland industrial influences nearby are well-removed from this specific pocket of Ballsbridge, though buyers should verify local environmental records for complete peace of mind.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property is located in Ballsbridge within the Dublin urban area, where regional river and tidal dynamics require general awareness.
- As a fifth-floor apartment, the primary living spaces are elevated well above ground level, substantially reducing direct exposure to surface water accumulation.
- Map coverage for this specific location is currently unavailable, meaning local drainage and surrounding topography must be considered carefully without relying on mapped boundaries.
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
19 ROWAN HOUSE, MESPIL ESTATE, SUSSEX RD DUBLIN 4
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €392,000.00
12 ROWAN HOUSE, MESPIL ESTATE, DUBLIN 4
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €285,000.00
14 ROWAN HOUSE, MESPIL ESTATE, DUBLIN 4
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €305,000.00
18 ROWAN HOUSE, MESPIL EST, DUBLIN 4
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €295,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Ballsbridge area
7 THORNFIELD, STILLORGAN RD, DUBLIN 4
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €1,600,000.00
22 GRAND CANAL WHARF, SOUTH DOCK ST, DUBLIN 4
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €549,000.00
60 SHELBOURNE PARK, SOUTH LOTTS RD, DUBLIN 4
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €517,000.00
41 SERPENTINE AVE, BALLSBRIDGE, DUBLIN 4
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €1,100,000.00
90 BALLSBRIDGE WOOD, SHELBOURNE RD, BALLSBRIDGE DUBLIN 4
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €860,000.00
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: €3,200 — 1% of €320,000.
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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 €3,000 plus VAT and outlays.
- Land registration fees: €400 to €800 depending on the property value.
- Property valuation fees: €150 to €300 for mortgage purposes.
- Surveyor fees: €300 to €600 depending on the level of inspection.
- Annual home insurance: €300 to €600 depending on the policy coverage.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Residents frequently discuss the convenience of living in the Mespil Estate due to its central location near Baggot Street and the Grand Canal.
- Local forums often highlight the appeal of the development's on-site amenities, particularly the swimming pool and landscaped grounds.
- Discussions regarding transport in the Ballsbridge area commonly note the excellent walkability to St. Stephen's Green and access to nearby DART and bus routes.
- Community commentary sometimes touches on service charge management and maintenance updates within the estate.
- Property discussions in this Dublin 4 pocket often center on strong rental demand and proximity to the Central Business District.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children1/10
This property is a compact 33 m² studio apartment with one bedroom, making it entirely unsuitable for families with young children.
- Teenagers1/10
The limited floor area of 33 m² lacks the independent living space and privacy required for teenagers.
- Multi-generational Living1/10
A single-bedroom studio layout cannot accommodate multi-generational living arrangements.
- Single Buyers9/10
The apartment is ideally sized for a single buyer seeking a central, highly convenient city-centre residence with great amenities.
- Couples6/10
While couples can fit into a one-bedroom apartment, the 33 m² size is quite compact for two people long-term.
- Empty Nesters7/10
Empty nesters looking to downsize to a low-maintenance city pad close to St Stephen's Green will find this appealing, provided they do not mind apartment living.
- Retirees7/10
The fifth-floor location has elevator access, and the development features an on-site swimming pool, sauna, and steam room, though retirees should verify lift reliability.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The bright open-plan living area works well for remote working, though buyers should consider the single-room layout for workspace separation.
- Hybrid Commuting10/10
Unbeatable location within walking distance of Dublin's Central Business District and excellent access to bus services, LUAS, and DART.
- Retired7/10
Convenient access to city amenities and healthcare facilities makes this practical for retirees seeking low-maintenance urban living.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place6/10
The fifth-floor location benefits from lift access, but buyers should verify lift service reliability and future accessibility needs.
- Low Maintenance9/10
At 33 m² with managed common areas and grounds, upkeep is minimal. The annual service charge is €1,499.
- Secure Gated Entry7/10
Located within the managed Mespil Estate development with permit parking and secure bicycle storage.
- Minimalist Design9/10
The clever reconfiguration makes efficient use of space, suiting a minimalist lifestyle.
- Flexible Floor Plans3/10
With a fixed 33 m² footprint, the layout offers very little flexibility for structural changes or expansion.
- Heritage Home2/10
This is a purpose-built mid-century apartment development rather than a period heritage home.
- Ecological Setup5/10
The property carries a C BER rating, meaning energy efficiency could potentially be upgraded by future owners.
- Outdoor areas4/10
There is no private balcony, but residents enjoy a desirable south-west-facing aspect overlooking beautifully landscaped central grounds.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening2/10
As a fifth-floor studio apartment with no private garden, opportunities are limited to indoor plants or window boxes, despite the landscaped central grounds.
- Walking9/10
Exceptional walkability to the city centre, Grand Canal, St Stephen's Green, and surrounding upscale Dublin 4 neighbourhoods.
- Gym8/10
The development includes an on-site swimming pool, sauna, and steam room, and numerous commercial gyms are located nearby.
- Cycling8/10
Secure bicycle storage is provided on-site, and the flat topography makes cycling into the city centre very accessible.
- Golf5/10
Several golf clubs in the wider Dublin area are accessible by car or public transport, though none are directly on the doorstep.
- Fishing2/10
Urban setting with no immediate freshwater fishing spots nearby, though the Grand Canal offers casual amenity value.
- Horse Riding1/10
Equestrian facilities are not available within the immediate urban environs of Ballsbridge.
- Water Sports4/10
While the development features an on-site 20m swimming pool, broader water sports require traveling towards Dublin Bay.
- Entertaining4/10
The open-plan living and dining area is stylish, but at 33 m² total floor area, entertaining large groups will be constrained.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living4/10
Located in Ballsbridge close to central Dublin, residents will experience urban ambient noise rather than countryside peace.
- Rural Living1/10
The property is situated in an intensely urban and built-up area of Dublin 4 with zero rural characteristics.
- Village Living6/10
Proximity to Baggot Street, Ranelagh, and Donnybrook provides a village-like community feel with local cafes and shops within walking distance.
- Coastal Living3/10
While Dublin is a coastal city, this specific location is inland and does not offer direct coastal views or immediate beach access.
- Urban Living10/10
This is a prime urban location within minutes of St Stephen's Green, Fitzwilliam Square, and Dublin's Central Business District.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement5/10
Mespil Estate has an established community, but urban apartment living typically offers a different style of engagement than suburban neighbourhoods.
- Café Culture10/10
Surrounded by an abundance of coffee shops and restaurants in Ballsbridge, Baggot Street, and Ranelagh.
- Nightlife9/10
Extensive nightlife options are within walking distance or a short taxi ride into Dublin city centre.
- Health/Wellness groups8/10
The development boasts an on-site 20m pool, sauna, and steam room, complemented by numerous local fitness and wellness studios.
- Networking Opportunities9/10
Proximity to the CBD, Fitzwilliam Square, and tech hubs offers strong professional networking potential.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity9/10
Easily accessible to Dublin's major tech employer quarters across the south docklands and city centre.
Listing information
- Agent
- Eoin O'Neill Property Advisers
- Phone
- 01 660 0333
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 4 November 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-9F8368HouseDelve · 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.