5 Nelsons Terrace, Lower Glanmire Road, Co. CorkT23E674
€120,000
2 Bed~BER E2
What you'll like:
- City Centre Proximity: Located within easy walking distance of Cork City centre, ensuring high tenant demand and strong long-term capital appreciation potential for savvy investors.
- River Lee Views: Benefiting from picturesque views of the River Lee, this feature enhances the overall lifestyle appeal and potential resale value significantly.
- Compact Size: Extending to approximately 70 square meters, the manageable footprint keeps initial renovation expenses and ongoing maintenance costs reasonably contained.
- Public Transport Access: The surrounding area is exceptionally well serviced by various public transport links, providing effortless commuting options throughout the wider urban region.
- End Terrace Layout: Positioned as an end of terrace structure, the house potentially offers extra natural light and improved side access compared to mid-terrace alternatives.
- Affordable Entry Point: With an asking price of just €120000, this asset represents an accessible investment milestone for buyers looking to enter the urban market.
- Rental Income Potential: Two bedroom configurations in central locations consistently attract strong rental interest from working professionals seeking proximity to local employers.
- Established Neighborhood: Situated in a mature and sought after residential enclave, residents benefit from proximity to long-standing community amenities and local conveniences.
- Pitched Roof Design: The building features a traditional pitched roof structure, which generally offers better water runoff and durability than flat roof configurations.
- Renovation Opportunity: The property provides a blank canvas for comprehensive modernization, allowing an incoming purchaser to tailor finishes completely to their personal taste.
- Compact Footprint: The modest 753 square foot layout minimizes property tax burdens and simplifies energy management once insulation upgrades are successfully completed.
- Urban Lifestyle: Residents can enjoy a vibrant city lifestyle with cafes, restaurants, and cultural venues situated just a short stroll from the front door.
- Investment Yields: Low acquisition costs combined with solid urban rental rates could generate attractive rental yields following a strategic refurbishment program.
- Streetscape Character: The historic terrace setting contributes to a charming neighborhood aesthetic that appeals strongly to tenants and future owner-occupiers alike.
- Strategic Location: Positioned along the Lower Glanmire Road corridor, the house offers convenient connectivity heading into and out of the primary commercial core.
- Development Upside: Buyers with vision can unlock hidden value through creative interior reconfiguration and modern space-saving architectural interventions within the existing envelope.
- Compact Garden Space: City properties with manageable footprints typically require minimal outdoor upkeep, appealing directly to busy tenants who prefer low-maintenance living.
- Proximity to Employment: Short travel times to major city employers make this location perpetually attractive for working tenants seeking reduced commute durations.
- Independent Access: Being an end of terrace dwelling offers a greater sense of privacy and separation from neighboring properties than tightly packed apartment complexes.
- Auction Opportunity: Purchasing via an online auction platform allows for a transparent, fast-paced transaction process without protracted traditional chain delays.
But keep in mind:
- Unknown Occupancy Terms: The property is currently occupied under terms completely unknown, which means the buyer may face complex and costly legal eviction proceedings.
- No Internal Inspection: The interior was not inspected or measured prior to sale, creating massive uncertainty regarding hidden structural defects and repair costs.
- Poor BER Rating: The energy rating sits at a weak E2 level, indicating significant thermal inefficiency that will require substantial financial investment to rectify.
- High Energy Consumption: Operating at 313.04 kWh per square meter annually, heating bills will remain excessive until comprehensive insulation upgrades are fully implemented.
- Legal Title Risks: Acquiring an occupied asset with unknown tenancy agreements exposes the purchaser to significant legal risks and potential regulatory compliance hurdles.
- Potential Squatter Presence: Unknown occupancy status raises the serious possibility of unauthorized occupants, requiring immediate legal action upon closing to secure the building.
- Eviction Delays: Navigating local tenancy legislation to gain vacant possession could take many months, delaying any planned renovation or resale timelines considerably.
- Unverified Floor Area: The stated 70 square meter size is unverified by physical measurement, meaning actual usable space might differ significantly from vendor estimates.
- Hidden Interior Damage: Without prior internal viewing, buyers cannot assess dampness, mold, outdated wiring, or plumbing failures that could inflate rehabilitation budgets.
- Renovation Cost Uncertainty: Estimating refurbishment expenses is extremely difficult without internal access, risking severe budget overruns for an unsuspecting investor.
- Financing Difficulties: Mortgage lenders typically refuse financing for properties with unknown occupancies or poor energy ratings, likely requiring a cash-only purchase approach.
- Structural Defect Risk: Older terrace houses in established urban zones frequently conceal aging roof timbers, degraded foundations, or outdated structural support systems.
- Parking Limitations: Central terrace locations often lack dedicated parking spaces, forcing residents to rely on restricted on-street parking or paid facilities.
- Narrow Access Constraints: Lower Glanmire Road can experience heavy traffic congestion, potentially complicating material deliveries and contractor access during renovations.
- Potential Conservation Hurdles: Depending on local planning designations, exterior alterations to historic terrace homes might be strictly regulated by local authorities.
- Insurance Surcharges: Poor energy ratings and vacant or uncertain occupancy statuses can lead to higher property insurance premiums or restricted coverage options.
- Absentee Vendor Risk: Relying entirely on vendor-provided information without independent verification leaves the buyer vulnerable to inaccurate pre-sale disclosures.
- Disposal Challenges: Unlocking value from a distressed, occupied asset requires specialized expertise, making future resale complicated if the buyer lacks project experience.
- Lack of Amenities Data: The listing fails to detail internal fixtures, kitchen conditions, or bathroom facilities, necessitating a complete modernization across all living spaces.
- Bidding Pressure: Online auction formats can encourage rushed decision-making, increasing the danger of overlooking critical due-diligence items before committing capital.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price appears significantly elevated relative to the verified past transaction price recorded for this specific asset, suggesting potential overvaluation given the lack of documented intervening capital improvements.
- Upward valuation signals are extremely limited, primarily relying on the city centre location and scenic river views, which may struggle to justify such a sharp nominal increase over the historical baseline.
- Uncertainty regarding tenancy terms and the poor energy efficiency rating could undermine this aggressive pricing strategy, as prospective buyers will likely factor in substantial remediation and legal clearance costs.
- The sub-optimal energy performance rating combined with unknown occupancy status creates considerable downside risk, reinforcing the conclusion that the asking price stands well above typical market expectations for this fit.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is an end-of-terrace two-storey house extending to approximately 70 sq. m (753 sq. ft) beneath a pitched roof, offering views of the River Lee.
- The listing indicates the property is occupied under terms unknown, meaning a buyer should investigate the legal occupancy status and implications for vacant possession.
- The interior was not inspected or measured by the selling agents, so a buyer should commission a full structural survey to assess the internal condition, fabric integrity, and potential hidden defects.
- Given the E2 BER rating, a buyer should investigate insulation levels, heating system efficiency, and overall ventilation to identify structural upgrades needed to improve thermal performance.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property has an E2 BER rating, which places it in the D to G category requiring a deep retrofit to achieve modern energy efficiency standards.
- A comprehensive deep retrofit for a 70 sq. m house typically includes external wall insulation, upgraded double or triple glazed windows, roof insulation, and the installation of a heat pump or modern efficient heating system.
- Estimated costs for a property of this size generally range between 35,000 and 55,000 euros, depending on the contractor, exact material choices, and potential SEAI grant availabilities.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €1,400 to €1,800.
- Explanation: Given the property size of approximately 70 sq. m and a poor BER rating of E2, the thermal efficiency is low, leading to higher energy consumption and increased heating costs compared to more modern homes.
Pollution Safe
8/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The location is primarily residential, appearing well-removed from major active heavy industrial plants, incinerators, or modern municipal landfills.
- Given the historical maritime and industrial heritage of Cork's docklands nearby, any potential legacy ground contamination should be independently investigated if development or major groundworks are planned.
Flood Safe
6/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property is situated within an urban area in proximity to the River Lee, which has experienced historical tidal and fluvial flooding events in lower-lying city zones.
- Buyers should verify the specific local elevation and consult official OPW flood maps to determine if the specific terrace level is vulnerable to extreme weather events.
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 local area
No verified results were found for this group in the previous five years.
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
5 NELSONS TERRACE, LOWER GLANMIRE ROAD, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €70,000.00
Buyer fees*
Associated expenses guide
- Stamp duty: approximately 1% of the purchase price, amounting to €1,200 for a property priced at €120,000.
- Solicitor legal fees: generally ranging from €1,500 to €3,000 plus VAT and outlay costs.
- Land registration fees: approximately €175 to €700 depending on the registry type and value.
- Valuation fees: typically between €150 and €300 for mortgage or property valuation purposes.
- Surveyor fees: around €500 to €1,000 depending on the level of detailed structural survey required.
- Annual home insurance: estimated between €350 and €700 per year depending on the policy coverage.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals on community forums frequently discuss the ongoing revitalisation and infrastructural improvements along the Lower Glanmire Road and Cork docklands areas.
- Residents highlight the strong convenience of living within walking distance of Cork city centre, with easy access to local amenities and public transport links.
- Traffic management and peak-hour congestion along the Lower Glanmire Road corridor are common topics of discussion among drivers and commuters.
- Community groups often share scenic appreciation for the elevated views overlooking the River Lee from residential terraces along this side of the city.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children4/10
The property offers two bedrooms and an end-terrace layout, but space may be limited for young children. Buyers should verify the availability of nearby gardens, play areas, and family-friendly amenities.
- Teenagers5/10
Located within walking distance of city centre amenities and public transport links, offering good independence for teenagers, though the two-bedroom size is compact.
- Multi-generational Living2/10
With only approximately 70 sq. m of living space and two bedrooms, this property is generally unsuitable for multi-generational living arrangements.
- Single Buyers8/10
An affordable entry-level two-bedroom house in a sought-after city centre location, making it an attractive option for single buyers looking to get on the property ladder.
- Couples8/10
Provides manageable accommodation with two bedrooms close to city amenities, ideal for couples starting out or seeking a convenient urban base.
- Empty Nesters7/10
The compact layout and proximity to city centre amenities appeal to empty nesters looking to downsize, though stair access in a two-story home should be considered for the future.
- Retirees5/10
While close to urban amenities and public transport, the two-story configuration and potential maintenance needs of an E2-rated property require careful consideration for retirees.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working6/10
The two-bedroom layout allows for a dedicated home office space, though buyers should verify broadband connectivity speeds.
- Hybrid Commuting9/10
Excellent positioning in the city centre with robust public transport links makes hybrid commuting highly feasible.
- Retired6/10
Suitable for retirees who appreciate urban convenience, provided they are comfortable managing a two-story property with an E2 energy rating.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place4/10
The two-story configuration may present mobility challenges for ageing in place without potential modifications.
- Low Maintenance5/10
While a small footprint generally reduces cleaning effort, the E2 BER rating indicates that energy upgrades may be needed to reduce long-term maintenance and heating costs.
- Secure Gated Entry1/10
This is a standard end-terrace street-front property without gated security features.
- Minimalist Design6/10
The compact 70 sq. m floor area lends itself naturally to a minimalist lifestyle, though interior condition is unverified.
- Flexible Floor Plans4/10
A traditional two-bedroom end-terrace layout typically offers limited structural flexibility.
- Heritage Home5/10
Located in an established terrace setting with potential character, though buyers should verify the exact construction era.
- Ecological Setup2/10
An E2 BER rating highlights a relatively poor energy efficiency profile, meaning eco-friendly upgrades would likely be required.
- Outdoor areas2/10
End-terrace urban properties of this type frequently lack substantial private outdoor gardens; buyers should verify exact boundary details.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening2/10
As an end-terrace house with approximately 70 sq. m of floor area, private outdoor garden space appears minimal or non-existent; buyers should verify plot details.
- Walking8/10
The city centre location places numerous amenities, services, and scenic walks along the River Lee within easy walking distance.
- Gym8/10
Being located within Cork city centre provides convenient access to a variety of commercial gyms, fitness clubs, and wellness facilities.
- Cycling6/10
Urban positioning allows for cycle commuting into the city centre, though city traffic conditions should be taken into account.
- Golf5/10
Standard urban access to regional golf courses, though none are immediately on the doorstep.
- Fishing6/10
Proximity to the River Lee offers potential local angling opportunities for enthusiasts.
- Horse Riding2/10
The central urban location is unsuited for horse riding enthusiasts without traveling to the outskirts of the city.
- Water Sports4/10
Proximity to the River Lee provides limited scope for certain water activities, though major water sports require travel to coastal areas.
- Entertaining6/10
The city centre location is convenient for meeting friends at local establishments, though the indoor living space is compact at approximately 70 sq. m.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living4/10
Situated in a sought-after city centre location near the Lower Glanmire Road, buyers should anticipate typical urban noise levels and traffic.
- Rural Living1/10
This is a distinctly urban setting in Cork city centre, offering none of the characteristics of rural living.
- Village Living5/10
Proximity to local amenities and a community feel within walking distance offers some elements reminiscent of village convenience, despite its urban location.
- Coastal Living4/10
The property benefits from views of the River Lee, though it lacks direct coastal access or a traditional seaside environment.
- Urban Living9/10
Ideally positioned in Cork city centre with walking access to all amenities and well-serviced public transport links.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
City centre living offers various local community groups and civic activities within the broader Cork area.
- Café Culture9/10
Being in Cork city centre places a wide array of cafés, restaurants, and social venues within comfortable walking distance.
- Nightlife9/10
A vibrant city centre position ensures close proximity to pubs, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- Health/Wellness groups8/10
Abundant access to local pilates & stretching studios, gyms, and wellness organizations throughout the city centre.
- Networking Opportunities9/10
Central urban location provides optimal access to business hubs, networking events, and professional gatherings.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity8/10
Cork city centre serves as a major regional employment and tech hub, offering strong professional connectivity.
Listing information
- Agent
- BidX1 Ireland Ltd
- Phone
- 01 6673388
- Published on HouseDelve
- 13 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-7F2B5CHouseDelve · Republic of Ireland* Estimate — not advice. Actual costs and outcomes can vary materially. Obtain current quotations and professional advice before making financial or property decisions.