517 River Towers, Lee Road, Sunday's Well, CorkT23PC98
€225,000
2 Bed~2 Bath~66 m²~BER C3
What you'll like:
- No rent cap status: This property was previously owner-occupied and currently carries no rent cap, offering investors complete flexibility to set market-rate rental income without statutory restrictions.
- Lucrative rental potential: The estimated monthly rental potential reaches up to two thousand euros, making this apartment an attractive high-yield investment opportunity for residential landlords.
- Generous floor area: Spanning approximately sixty-six square meters, this top floor apartment provides comfortable proportions for daily living compared to smaller compact units in the same development.
- Two spacious bedrooms: Both double bedrooms feature built-in wardrobe storage and timber flooring, ensuring ample accommodation for tenants, professional sharers, or a small growing family.
- Private en suite bathroom: The main bedroom benefits from a dedicated en suite bathroom equipped with an electric shower, adding privacy and convenience for the occupants.
- Top floor privacy: Being situated on the top floor eliminates overhead foot traffic noise and enhances overall privacy and peace for residents living in the building.
- Floored attic space: The fully floored attic area accessed via a Stira staircase offers valuable extra storage capacity that is rarely found in standard apartment developments.
- Designated parking space: Apartment 517 includes designated parking space number 517, ensuring guaranteed off-street vehicle accommodation in a development where parking is highly prized.
- Convenient university proximity: Located just a twenty-minute walk from University College Cork, the property commands exceptionally strong ongoing rental demand from students and academic staff.
- Accessible city centre: Cork city centre is reachable within a ten-minute drive, allowing residents to easily access major employment hubs, dining, shopping, and entertainment venues.
- Favorable road connectivity: The apartment provides easy physical access to the N22 road network, facilitating efficient commuting out of the city toward regional employment centers.
- Bright interior spaces: Dual windows within the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area allow extensive natural light to flood the main communal zone throughout the day.
- Modern open-plan layout: The integrated kitchen, dining, and living configuration creates a sociable, contemporary environment that maximizes the utility of the available square footage.
- Solid fitted kitchen: The kitchen comes equipped with solid eye and floor level units, extensive worktop counters, tile splashbacks, and fully integrated cooking appliances ready for use.
- Natural light throughout: The inclusion of frosted windows in bathroom spaces and side-facing windows in bedrooms ensures good natural ventilation and daylight penetration across all rooms.
- Built-in storage solutions: In addition to attic access, the hallway features a dedicated press area for housing the water tank and household items, keeping living areas uncluttered.
- Established construction year: Built in the year 2000, the development benefits from modern cavity construction standards rather than older structural challenges common in historical conversions.
- Neutral interior decor: The property features neutral decorative finishes and timber flooring throughout, allowing a new owner or tenant to move in immediately without redecorating.
- Manageable entry price: With an asking price of two hundred twenty-five thousand euros, this residence offers an affordable entry point for first-time buyers seeking a city-adjacent home.
- Scenic surrounding area: Positioned along the Lee Road in Sunday's Well, residents can enjoy a pleasant neighborhood setting close to riverside walks and natural green surroundings.
But keep in mind:
- Electric heating system: The property relies entirely on electric radiators rather than gas or heat pumps, which can result in higher utility bills during winter months.
- Moderate energy rating: The C3 BER rating indicates that thermal insulation and energy efficiency are average and could potentially benefit from future upgrades to reduce running costs.
- Annual management fees: Ongoing management fees of one thousand six hundred euros per year apply to maintain communal areas, which buyers must factor into their annual holding costs.
- Top floor stair access: Being a top floor apartment without elevator mention requires daily stair climbing, which may present accessibility challenges for individuals with limited mobility.
- Electric shower reliance: The en suite bathroom relies on an electric shower unit, meaning water pressure and instantaneous heating depend entirely on the electrical heating capacity.
- Compact main bathroom: The main bathroom measures less than four square meters, offering limited physical space and standard fixtures without luxury additions like a bathtub.
- Potential roof maintenance: As a top-floor unit situated directly beneath the roof structure, the buyer should investigate the condition of the roof and potential leak liabilities.
- Management company review: Buyers must thoroughly examine the management company's accounts, sinking fund reserves, and upcoming capital expenditure plans to avoid unexpected special levies.
- Parking space enforcement: The buyer's solicitor should verify that designated parking space number 517 is legally secure and clearly demarcated within the title deeds.
- Attic insulation verification: The buyer should inspect the floored attic space to confirm that adequate roof insulation is installed and that flooring has not compromised thermal performance.
- Development maintenance checks: Inspection of common hallways, exterior cladding, and communal grounds is advised to ensure the management company maintains high property standards.
- Sound insulation assessment: Prospective buyers should check the acoustic insulation between apartments to ensure adequate privacy from neighboring units on lower floors.
- Window glazing inspection: The age and thermal efficiency of the windows should be verified during survey to check for seal failures or drafts in the bedrooms and living areas.
- Water pressure check: The functionality and pressure of the water supply should be tested, particularly regarding the water tank storage located within the hallway press.
- Ventilation adequacy: The buyer should verify that mechanical extractor fans in the bathrooms and kitchen are fully functional to prevent condensation and moisture buildup.
- Fire safety compliance: The building's fire escape routes, compartmentalization, and overall adherence to current fire safety standards should be confirmed by a professional surveyor.
- Insurance cost variability: Buildings insurance premiums managed through the management company can fluctuate, impacting the overall cost of ownership for apartment owners.
- Future retrofit costs: Upgrading the C3 energy rating to a higher standard might involve significant capital outlay, particularly regarding heating system replacements and window upgrades.
- Rental legislation compliance: While currently not rent capped, investors must remain vigilant regarding any potential future designation changes or national rental sector regulatory updates.
- Resale liquidity factors: Top floor apartments without elevators can sometimes experience narrower buyer demand upon eventual resale compared to ground floor or lift-serviced properties.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price appears slightly undervalued when compared against historical market transactions for apartments of similar size and accommodation within the wider urban neighbourhood, suggesting favourable entry pricing for potential buyers.
- Strong valuation signals include the absence of a rental cap and the property being previously owner-occupied, which heavily enhances its overall investment appeal compared to standard restricted rental units in the immediate area.
- Such a competitive price could be supported by ongoing demand from first-time buyers and investors seeking proximity to the university, though potential management fees and electric heating systems might temper aggressive capital growth.
- Additional market relevance is provided by the balanced floor area and functional layout, which together offer reliable long-term rental yield potential despite broader economic fluctuations affecting regional multi-unit developments.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a top-floor apartment built around the year 2000 with a floor area of approximately 66 square metres.
- Features include electric heating, a floored attic space accessed via a hatch and Stira stairs, and a designated parking space.
- Buyers should investigate the management company structure, annual service charges of €1,600, sinking fund provisions, and any planned building or roof maintenance.
- As a top-floor unit, buyers should verify the insulation levels in the attic and check for any history of roof leaks or dampness.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: 900 to 1200 euro.
- Explanation: The property has a C3 energy rating and relies on electric heating for its 66 square metre floor area. Heating costs will depend on individual usage habits and electricity tariff rates.
Pollution Safe
8/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in a predominantly residential and scenic setting along the Lee Road, generally free from heavy industrial plants or major incinerator concerns.
- Buyers should verify local environmental records for any legacy industrial uses or minor historical landfill sites in the wider district.
Flood Safe
7/10Water overflow reports to follow up
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
No verified results were found for this group in the previous five years.
Recent sales in the wider Sunday S Well area
13 SALMON VIEW TERRACE, SUNDAY'S WELL AVENUE, SUNDAY'S WELL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €335,000.00
21 WINTER'S HILL, SUNDAY'S WELL, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €120,000.00
12 WINTER'S HILL, SUNDAY'S WELL, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €245,000.00
21 WINTER'S HILL, SUNDAY'S WELL, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €115,000.00
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
- Stamp duty: approximately 1 percent of the purchase price, amounting to 2250 euro for a 225000 euro property.
- Solicitor legal fees: generally range from 1500 to 2500 euro plus outlay and VAT.
- Land registration fees: approximately 600 to 800 euro depending on property value and registration type.
- Property valuation fees: typically between 150 and 300 euro.
- Surveyor fees: generally range from 300 to 600 euro for an apartment-level inspection.
- Annual home insurance: approximately 300 to 500 euro for contents and buildings cover.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals note that the Lee Road area offers convenient access to both University College Cork and Cork city centre.
- Residents frequently discuss traffic management and pedestrian safety measures along the Lee Road corridors.
- Community forums highlight the scenic walks and recreational amenities available along the River Lee nearby.
- Discussions often focus on the ongoing demand for rental properties and general apartment living in the Sunday's Well area.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children4/10
A top-floor apartment with two bedrooms offers limited indoor play space and lacks a private garden, which can make daily life with young children challenging.
- Teenagers5/10
Two bedrooms provide adequate sharing or individual arrangements, and the proximity to the city offers independence, though space is still compact for growing teenagers.
- Multi-generational Living2/10
With 66 square metres and two bathrooms, the property lacks the spatial separation and independence needed for multi-generational living.
- Single Buyers9/10
An ideal setup for a single buyer looking for a manageable first-time purchase with a spare bedroom for guests or a home office.
- Couples8/10
Provides a comfortable open-plan living environment and two double bedrooms, making it very suitable for couples starting out or investing.
- Empty Nesters7/10
Low maintenance and apartment living suit downsizers, though being on the top floor means reliance on stairs or building access.
- Retirees5/10
While low maintenance is appealing, the top-floor location without mention of a lift may pose accessibility considerations for retirees over time.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working8/10
The second bedroom or floored attic space provides functional options for a home office setup in a quiet top-floor environment.
- Hybrid Commuting8/10
Conveniently located just 10 minutes' drive from Cork city centre with easy access to the N22 road network for hybrid workers.
- Retired6/10
Suitable for active retirees who appreciate low-maintenance apartment living, subject to personal comfort with top-floor access.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place4/10
Top-floor apartment access without a confirmed elevator may make long-term ageing in place challenging.
- Low Maintenance9/10
Apartment living with managed fees of €1,600 per annum ensures external maintenance and upkeep are handled collectively.
- Secure Gated Entry6/10
Standard apartment development setup with a designated parking space (no. 517), though buyers should verify specific security gate details.
- Minimalist Design8/10
The open-plan layout, neutral decor, and laminate flooring lend themselves well to a streamlined, minimalist interior style.
- Flexible Floor Plans5/10
Standard two-bedroom apartment layout with fixed partition walls, though the floored attic space adds useful extra versatility.
- Heritage Home2/10
Built in the year 2000, this is a modern apartment development rather than a period or heritage property.
- Ecological Setup5/10
Features a C3 BER rating with electric heating; buyers looking for higher energy efficiency may wish to investigate upgrade potential.
- Outdoor areas3/10
There is no private garden or balcony mentioned in the description, relying instead on nearby public riverside walks.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening2/10
As a top-floor apartment, there is no private garden or outdoor plot, though a floored attic space is available for indoor storage.
- Walking8/10
The location along Lee Road and proximity to Sunday's Well offers great opportunities for scenic walks, and it is 20 minutes on foot to University College Cork.
- Gym6/10
Proximity to Cork city centre ensures easy access to various commercial gym and fitness facilities.
- Cycling7/10
The route into Cork city centre along the Lee Road is relatively direct, making cycling a viable commuting or recreational option.
- Golf5/10
Standard access to regional golf courses via the nearby N22 road network, though none are immediately on the doorstep.
- Fishing7/10
The property's location directly along the Lee Road places it near the River Lee, which is known for local angling opportunities.
- Horse Riding3/10
Equestrian facilities are generally located further out in the surrounding countryside rather than near this urban-edge setting.
- Water Sports4/10
The adjacent River Lee offers some potential for river-based activities, though major water sports require travel towards the coast.
- Entertaining6/10
The open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area provides a sociable space for hosting guests, though overall floor area is compact at 66 m².
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living7/10
Located in the River Towers development along Lee Road, offering a relatively peaceful setting while remaining accessible to the city.
- Rural Living3/10
This is an urban-adjacent apartment setting rather than a rural environment, though the Lee Road area features natural surroundings nearby.
- Village Living6/10
Sunday's Well provides a distinct community feel close to Cork city centre, balancing convenience with a neighborhood atmosphere.
- Coastal Living2/10
Situated inland along the River Lee rather than the coast, offering river views and walks rather than marine environments.
- Urban Living8/10
Just a 10-minute drive or convenient distance to Cork city centre, providing excellent access to urban amenities and services.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
Sunday's Well has an established local community, and apartment living offers a communal building dynamic.
- Café Culture7/10
Short distance to Cork city centre provides immediate access to a vibrant café and dining scene.
- Nightlife7/10
Being only 10 minutes from the city centre allows easy enjoyment of Cork's pubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- Health/Wellness groups6/10
Proximity to the city and local amenities makes joining wellness classes, pilates & stretching groups, and sports clubs straightforward.
- Networking Opportunities7/10
Close proximity to Cork city centre and UCC facilitates professional and social networking.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity7/10
Good positioning relative to Cork's developing business and tech nodes via nearby transport links.
Listing information
- Agent
- ERA Downey McCarthy
- Phone
- 021 490 5000
- Published on HouseDelve
- 13 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-4F7D2AHouseDelve · 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.