
88 Ballinteer Drive, Ballinteer, Dublin 16D16DH98
€575,000
3 Bed~1 Bath~BER E
What you'll like:
- Substantial floor area: The property extends to approximately 94.7 square metres, offering well-proportioned accommodation that gives growing families plenty of everyday living space across two floors.
- Semi-detached layout: Being semi-detached provides a valuable side passage connecting the front driveway directly to the rear garden, enhancing general access for maintenance and bins.
- Off-street parking: The front driveway provides convenient off-street parking, a major practical advantage for busy households needing vehicle space directly outside the home.
- Generous rear garden: The substantial enclosed rear garden offers outstanding scope for landscaping, children's play areas, or even future ground-floor extensions subject to planning permission.
- Storage outbuildings: Existing external outbuildings provide useful additional storage space for garden tools, bicycles, and household items that might otherwise clutter the main dwelling.
- Interconnected reception rooms: Two spacious reception rooms are linked by sliding glazed doors, allowing occupants to create an open-plan entertaining space or keep rooms separate.
- Abundant natural light: Large picture windows fitted in the reception rooms flood the ground floor with natural light, creating a bright and welcoming living environment.
- Original fireplaces: Both reception rooms feature existing fireplaces that add character and provide a cozy focal point for the main living and dining zones.
- Separate kitchen layout: The kitchen is neatly separated from the main living areas, which helps contain cooking odours and noise while offering direct access to the rear porch.
- Generous double bedrooms: Two of the upstairs bedrooms are spacious doubles equipped with built-in wardrobe storage, ensuring comfortable accommodation for adults or older children.
- Flexible third bedroom: The third bedroom provides a versatile space ideally suited for use as a single child's bedroom, a nursery, or a dedicated home office.
- Family bathroom window: The upstairs bathroom includes an obscured-glass window, which provides crucial natural ventilation and daylight to help prevent moisture buildup.
- Established residential setting: Situated in a mature Ballinteer neighborhood, the property benefits from a settled community feel with established trees and long-standing local amenities.
- Proximity to Dundrum: The house is within easy reach of Dundrum Town Centre, offering vast retail, dining, and entertainment options just a short distance away.
- Recreational amenities: Marlay Park is located close by, providing exceptional outdoor amenities including walking trails, playgrounds, weekend markets, and sports facilities.
- School catchment area: The established location places the property convenient to a wide selection of local primary and secondary schools catering to families.
- Transport connectivity: The area is well served by public transport links and provides convenient access to the M50 motorway for commuting across Dublin.
- Modernisation potential: The property presents a clear canvas for purchasers to upgrade finishes, redesign layouts, and add long-term value through tailored refurbishment works.
- First-time buyer appeal: The three-bedroom format and scope for improvement make this an ideal starter home for buyers looking to put their own stamp on a property.
- Development scope: The combination of a large rear garden and a practical footprint means future owners can realistically expand the living accommodation as needs evolve.
But keep in mind:
- Poor energy rating: The property holds an E BER rating, which indicates very poor thermal efficiency and signals that the buyer should budget for extensive insulation upgrades.
- High heating costs: Due to the weak E energy rating, new owners will likely face high heating bills until significant energy efficiency improvements are completed.
- Extensive modernisation needed: The listing notes the home would benefit from upgrading, meaning buyers must factor substantial financial reserves for comprehensive renovation works into their purchase budget.
- Outdated kitchen fit-out: The current kitchen features older units and appliances that will likely need complete replacement to meet modern standards of style and functionality.
- Dated bathroom suite: The family bathroom appears functional but dated, requiring investment to modernise sanitary ware, tiling, and fixtures to contemporary tastes.
- Single-glazed or older windows: The presence of large picture windows without modern double glazing could be a major source of heat loss contributing to the low energy rating.
- Carpet flooring condition: Existing carpet flooring throughout the reception rooms and bedrooms may be worn or stained, necessitating immediate replacement before moving in.
- Outdated electrical systems: Given the age of the house, the buyer should investigate the condition of the electrical wiring and fuse board to ensure they meet current safety standards.
- Heating system efficiency: The heating infrastructure may rely on an older boiler model, and buyers should verify its age, efficiency, and remaining operational lifespan.
- Roof and insulation check: Buyers must verify the condition of the roof structure and attic insulation levels, as an E-rated home often lacks adequate loft thermal lagging.
- Plumbing infrastructure age: The older bathroom and kitchen fixtures suggest the internal plumbing pipes may require inspection and potential upgrading to prevent leaks or low pressure.
- Ventilation limitations: Older homes undergoing insulation upgrades often encounter ventilation challenges, meaning buyers should inspect for any existing dampness or condensation issues.
- Garden landscaping required: While substantial, the rear garden is predominantly laid in lawn and may require significant clearing, grading, and landscaping investment to reach its full potential.
- Outbuilding structural check: The external storage outbuildings should be inspected for damp, asbestos sheeting, or structural degradation before relying on them for secure storage.
- Boundary wall condition: Buyers should inspect the boundary walls enclosing the substantial rear garden to confirm their structural integrity and clarify shared maintenance responsibilities.
- Traffic and parking constraints: Being located in an established residential area, prospective buyers should observe local parking dynamics during peak hours to assess congestion levels.
- Renovation disruption: Undertaking the necessary modernisation to bring the property up to a comfortable standard will require temporary disruption or the need to live elsewhere during works.
- Planning restrictions: Any ambitious plans to extend the property significantly will be subject to local planning guidelines, which buyers must research carefully before committing funds.
- Asbestos presence check: Given the era of construction, buyers should investigate the potential presence of legacy materials such as artex ceilings or older floor tiles containing asbestos.
- Sewer and drainage survey: A comprehensive CCTV drain survey is strongly recommended to check the underground drainage pipes for root ingress, cracking, or blockages common in mature estates.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price appears undervalued relative to recent verified sales on the same road, where comparable semi-detached properties have achieved significantly higher figures between six hundred thousand and over seven hundred thousand euros recently.
- Valuation signals are heavily influenced by the poor energy efficiency rating, as the property carries a weak E rating which will inevitably require substantial capital expenditure by the purchaser to upgrade insulation and heating systems.
- The asking price could be strongly supported by its highly sought-after established residential location close to major amenities and its generous floor area with excellent potential for modernisation and extension over time.
- Market dynamics in this established suburban area generally command robust buyer competition for fixer-upper opportunities, suggesting the initial quoted price may be a deliberate strategy to attract multiple bidders.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a three-bedroom semi-detached family home extending to approximately 94.7 sq. m. (1,019 sq. ft.) of traditional construction typical of its era.
- Given the BER rating of E, the building likely lacks adequate thermal insulation in the walls, roof space, and potentially has older single or poorly performing double-glazed windows, which a buyer should investigate.
- The presence of fireplaces in both reception rooms indicates traditional open flues that can be a source of heat loss and draughts and should be inspected for proper sealing or venting.
- The description notes excellent potential for modernisation, suggesting that internal layouts, wiring, plumbing, and heating systems may require significant upgrading or replacement.
- A structural survey is recommended to assess the overall condition of the roof, boundary walls, and outbuildings, as well as to check for any signs of dampness or structural movement common in properties of this vintage.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- Estimated deep-retrofit cost is between 45,000 and 65,000 euro.
- Reasoning: The property has an E BER rating, indicating poor energy efficiency. Bringing the home up to a modern B2 or A BER standard would typically require external wall insulation or internal drylining, attic insulation upgrades, window and door replacements, installation of a heat pump or modern efficient heating system, and airtightness improvements.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: approximately 2,200 euro to 2,800 euro.
- Explanation: Given the poor BER rating of E and an approximate floor area of 94.7 square metres, the property will likely suffer from high heat loss, requiring significantly more energy to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures compared to more energy-efficient homes.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in an established suburban residential area with no apparent heavy industrial facilities, major waste incinerators, or active landfills in immediate proximity.
- Any historical or legacy industrial pollution risks should be independently verified by the purchaser through local environmental searches.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The general Ballinteer and Dublin 16 area is elevated relative to coastal flood zones, and the property does not appear to be directly adjacent to major flood-prone watercourses based on standard topographical indicators.
- Buyers should consult official local authority flood maps and carry out comprehensive environmental due diligence to confirm localized surface water drainage conditions.
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
94 BALLINTEER DR, BALLINTEER, DUBLIN 16
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €710,000.00
56 BALLINTEER DR, BALLINTEER, DUBLIN 16
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €690,000.00
39 BALLINTEER DR, BALLINTEER, DUBLIN 16
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €600,000.00
11 BALLINTEER DR, BALLINTEER, DUBLIN 16
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €715,000.00
13 BALLINTEER DRIVE, BALLINTEER, DUBLIN 16
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €655,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Ballinteer area
20 WHITECHURCH HILL, BALLYBODEN, DUBLIN 16
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €501,000.00
5 ELKWOOD, BALLYROAN, RATHFARNHAM DUBLIN 16
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €760,000.00
1A HEATHER PARK, RATHFARNHAM, DUBLIN 16
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €750,000.00
33 BALLINTYRE DOWNS, BALLINTEER, DUBLIN 16
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €699,999.00
56 ORLAGH PARK, KNOCKLYON, DUBLIN 16
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €630,000.00
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 to 2 percent of the purchase price, translating to roughly 5,750 euro to 11,500 euro for a 575,000 euro property.
- Solicitor legal fees: approximately 1,500 euro to 3,000 euro excluding VAT and outlays.
- Land registration fees: approximately 600 euro to 800 euro for registry of deeds and mapping fees.
- Property valuation fees: approximately 150 euro to 250 euro for a standard mortgage valuation.
- Surveyor fees: approximately 500 euro to 1,000 euro depending on the level of detail required for a structural survey.
- Annual home insurance: approximately 400 euro to 700 euro depending on the property size and coverage level.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Residents in the Ballinteer area frequently discuss the convenience of local amenities, highlighting proximity to Marlay Park and Dundrum Town Centre as major positives.
- Traffic congestion during peak commuting hours around the local feeder roads and access points to the M50 is a common topic of conversation among local homeowners.
- Community forums often note the strong demand for family homes in established residential pockets like Ballinteer due to the maturity of the neighbourhood and local school options.
- Discussions regarding property improvements in the area frequently focus on energy retrofitting and modernising older semi-detached homes to improve BER ratings.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children7/10
The property features three bedrooms and a substantial enclosed rear garden, making it very suitable for young children, though buyers should budget for modernisation.
- Teenagers6/10
Three bedrooms and two reception rooms provide reasonable space for a growing family with teenagers, though one bathroom may create bottlenecks.
- Multi-generational Living4/10
The semi-detached layout of approximately 94.7 sq. m. offers limited space for multi-generational living without significant extension work.
- Single Buyers7/10
An achievable entry point for a three-bedroom home with scope to add value over time, though upgrading works will be required.
- Couples8/10
Provides generous accommodation for couples looking to settle in an established area with potential to renovate to their own taste.
- Empty Nesters6/10
Manageable size with a substantial garden, though stairs and potential maintenance needs should be considered for long-term living.
- Retirees5/10
The property requires modernisation and features a two-story layout with stairs, which may be less ideal for retirees looking for single-level living.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The third bedroom can easily function as a dedicated home office for remote working.
- Hybrid Commuting7/10
Convenient access to the M50 and wider Dublin road network supports hybrid commuting patterns.
- Retired5/10
While suitable for retirement in terms of location, the property requires upgrading and has a two-story layout.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place4/10
Two-story configuration and the need for modernisation make aging in place less straightforward without modifications.
- Low Maintenance4/10
The property requires modernisation and refurbishment, meaning higher maintenance requirements initially.
- Secure Gated Entry2/10
Features open off-street parking to the front without gated security entry.
- Minimalist Design3/10
Traditional semi-detached layout with separate rooms and traditional features rather than minimalist open-plan design.
- Flexible Floor Plans7/10
Interconnected reception rooms via sliding glazed doors offer flexibility in how the living spaces are used.
- Heritage Home3/10
An established mid-20th-century family home rather than a protected historic heritage property.
- Ecological Setup3/10
Reflected by a BER rating of E, indicating that energy efficiency upgrades will be required to improve ecological performance.
- Outdoor areas8/10
Benefits from a substantial enclosed rear garden with outbuildings and off-street parking to the front.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening8/10
Features a substantial rear garden predominantly laid in lawn, offering excellent scope for landscaping and planting.
- Walking8/10
Proximity to Marlay Park provides fantastic opportunities for recreational walking and outdoor activities.
- Gym6/10
General fitness options are available in the wider Ballinteer and Dundrum areas, though a specific gym is not on the doorstep.
- Cycling6/10
Access to local roads and the wider Dublin network supports cycling, though dedicated infrastructure varies.
- Golf6/10
Several golf clubs are located within the wider South Dublin area, making it reasonably convenient for players.
- Fishing2/10
Inland or marine fishing opportunities are not a prominent feature of this suburban residential location.
- Horse Riding4/10
Stables and equestrian facilities can be found in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains nearby, but require travel.
- Water Sports2/10
Water sports facilities are not immediately local given the inland suburban setting.
- Entertaining7/10
Interconnected reception rooms and a substantial rear garden provide good spaces for hosting family and friends after modernisation.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living7/10
Situated in an established residential area of Ballinteer, offering a relatively quiet neighbourhood setting.
- Rural Living2/10
Located in a suburban setting close to major amenities and road networks, offering very little rural feel.
- Village Living7/10
Within easy reach of surrounding villages like Dundrum and Rathfarnham, offering local shops and community amenities.
- Coastal Living1/10
The location is suburban Dublin and is not situated near the coast.
- Urban Living6/10
Provides convenient access to Dublin road networks, public transport, and nearby Dundrum Town Centre.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement7/10
An established residential neighborhood with active local communities, schools, and recreational facilities.
- Café Culture6/10
Nearby Dundrum and surrounding villages offer a good selection of cafes and dining options.
- Nightlife5/10
Local nightlife is somewhat limited, though nearby Dundrum and central Dublin offer extensive options.
- Health/Wellness groups6/10
Proximity to Marlay Park and local community facilities supports health and wellness activities.
- Networking Opportunities5/10
Standard suburban setting with typical local networking potential, though closer to tech hubs in Sandyford.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity7/10
Convenient access to the Sandyford business region and broader Dublin tech employment centres.
Listing information
- Agent
- Vincent Finnegan
- Phone
- 01 298 4695
- Published on HouseDelve
- 27 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-109A9AHouseDelve · 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.