Alcantra, 84 Balkill Park, Howth, County DublinD13W500
€650,000
4 Bed~2 Bath~121 m²~BER E
What you'll like:
- Elevated coastal setting: The property sits on a favoured elevated site above Howth Village, offering gorgeous views towards Howth Harbour and Ireland's Eye from the rear garden.
- Desirable coastal location: Howth Village and Harbour are quite literally on your doorstep, providing a premier coastal lifestyle with abundant scenic walks and relaxing parkland nearby.
- Convenient pedestrian access: A handy local laneway provides quick pedestrian access straight down into the bustling village or upwards towards the scenic Summit.
- Excellent transport links: The local DART station is just a short walk away, offering hassle-free commuting directly into Dublin city centre for working professionals.
- Nearby local schooling: Scoil Mhuire National School is within comfortable walking distance, making this a highly practical and convenient address for growing families.
- Generous floor area: The home extends to approximately 121.4 square metres, providing a spacious and versatile layout that is well-suited for modern family living arrangements.
- Long-term family ownership: The property has been cherished by the same family since it was originally built in the early 1970s, indicating a stable and well-maintained neighbourhood.
- Multiple reception rooms: The accommodation includes a comfortable front living room and a spacious rear dining room, providing great separation for everyday family relaxation.
- Bright sunroom addition: A delightful sunroom sits just off the dining room, creating an extra light-filled space to unwind while overlooking the back garden.
- Extended multi-purpose room: The kitchen is complemented by an extended multi-purpose room, offering fantastic flexibility for a home office, playroom, or hobby space.
- Dedicated storage shed: A separate storage shed provides practical outdoor utility space for bicycles, garden tools, and general household items.
- South-facing orientation: The wonderful mature rear garden benefits from a prized south-facing aspect, ensuring maximum sunshine throughout the day for outdoor entertaining.
- Private driveway parking: The front garden features a private driveway alongside mature flowerbeds, ensuring off-street parking convenience in this established suburban park.
- Established neighbourhood charm: Balkill Park is a mature, quiet, and highly regarded residential development of semi-detached family homes known for strong community appeal.
- Upvc double glazing: The property is fitted with double-glazed uPVC windows, helping to reduce outside noise and improve baseline thermal insulation.
- Oil-fired central heating: The house is equipped with an oil-fired central heating system, providing a traditional and controllable method of home heating.
- Upstairs bedroom views: Front bedrooms on the upper floor also enjoy lovely elevated outlooks, enhancing the everyday living experience inside private quarters.
- Enclosed private boundaries: The rear garden is fully enclosed by walls and hedging, providing a safe and secure outdoor environment for children and pets.
- Renovation potential: The generous footprint and detached-feel semi-detached structure offer buyers a brilliant canvas to modernize and add significant future property value.
- Stable asking price: The recorded asking price has remained stable at €650,000 without erratic fluctuations, suggesting a motivated seller with realistic market expectations.
But keep in mind:
- Poor energy rating: The property holds a weak BER rating of E, which indicates inefficient thermal performance and likely high heating costs unless upgraded.
- Substantial upgrade costs: Due to the E energy rating, buyers should budget for extensive fabric insulation, heating system replacement, and window efficiency improvements.
- Original 1970s finishes: Having been held by the same family since construction, much of the interior decor and fixtures will likely require comprehensive modernization.
- Potential electrical obsolescence: Given the age of the property, the wiring system should be thoroughly inspected by a certified electrician for safety compliance.
- Plumbing modernization needs: Original pipework and bathroom fixtures from the 1970s may require complete overhauls to prevent leaks and meet modern pressure expectations.
- Asbestos risk assessment: Buyers should commission a professional survey to check for older asbestos-containing materials in insulation, floor tiles, or artex ceilings.
- Flat roof longevity: The extended multi-purpose room and sunroom may feature flat roofs that require careful inspection for waterproof integrity and insulation levels.
- Upstairs bathroom layout: The home features only two bathrooms for four bedrooms, meaning future owners might wish to add an ensuite or reconfigure the upstairs layout.
- Sloping site drainage: The elevated site and steps leading to the entrance porch should be inspected to ensure proper surface water drainage away from foundations.
- Garden retaining walls: Buyers should verify the structural condition of any garden retaining walls or boundary structures enclosing the sloping south-facing site.
- High upfront capital: At an asking price of €650,000 combined with a low BER rating, the total capital outlay needed to buy and upgrade could be substantial.
- Parking limitations: The front driveway provides limited parking spaces compared to newer developments, which could restrict multi-car households.
- Missing property type: The official property type classification is omitted in basic records, requiring confirmation on title deeds regarding freehold or leasehold status.
- Traffic and commuter pressure: Proximity to Howth Village and the DART can introduce seasonal tourist traffic, weekend congestion, and commuter parking strains nearby.
- Boiler efficiency concerns: The oil-fired central heating system may be outdated, requiring a replacement high-efficiency condensing boiler to lower running costs.
- Ventilation and damp checks: Mature properties with older heating systems should be checked carefully for hidden condensation, damp spots, or inadequate roof ventilation.
- Boundary fence disputes: Buyers' legal representatives should meticulously review title maps to ensure all garden boundaries match the official registry documents.
- Extension planning compliance: Buyers must verify that past extensions, such as the multi-purpose room and sunroom, received proper local planning permission and building control sign-off.
- Limited structural data: Untrustlied listing facts provide minimal technical insight into roof timber condition or foundation integrity, demanding a rigorous independent structural survey.
- Negotiation leverage limits: The stable price history indicates the seller may hold firm on the €650,000 asking price, potentially limiting aggressive initial discount offers.
Price positioning
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- The asking price of sixty-five thousand euros appears notably conservative when benchmarked against recent verified sales on the exact same residential development, where comparable properties achieved significantly higher figures.
- Under-valuation signals are evident from the asking figure lagging behind recent local transaction history, suggesting the marketing strategy prioritises generating competitive bidding rather than achieving an immediate peak price.
- Factors that could support or justify this attractive entry price include the poor energy rating and the requirement for substantial modernisation work, which prospective buyers will factor into their renovation budgets.
- Overall, the property appears competitively positioned to stimulate strong market interest, though the eventual transaction total will likely exceed the initial asking figure due to anticipated competitive pressure.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a semi-detached family home built in the early 1970s, extending to approximately 121 sq. m., featuring traditional masonry construction typical of that era.
- The house includes a sunroom addition and an extended multi-purpose room at the rear, meaning a buyer should investigate whether proper planning permission and building control compliance were obtained for these extensions.
- The home features double-glazed uPVC windows and oil-fired central heating (OFCH), but given its age and lower energy rating, a thorough inspection of the heating system, electrical wiring, and overall insulation levels is recommended.
- Potential dampness or structural movement should be checked, particularly around the ground floor extensions, flat roof sections if any, and areas exposed to coastal weather elements in an elevated coastal setting.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property has a poor BER rating of E, indicating a high demand for energy upgrades to achieve a modern standard of comfort and efficiency.
- A comprehensive deep retrofit for a 121 sq. m. 1970s semi-detached home typically costs between €50,000 and €75,000, depending on the extent of external wall insulation, upgraded attic insulation, window replacements, installation of a modern heat pump, and necessary ventilation improvements.
- A buyer should budget for these substantial capital works to significantly improve the energy performance certificate rating and reduce ongoing heating costs.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: 2,200 to 2,800 euro.
- Explanation: Given the floor area of 121.4 square metres and an inefficient BER rating of E, the property is likely to experience higher thermal heat loss, resulting in elevated oil-fired central heating expenses compared to more energy-efficient modern homes.
Environmental checks
Area-level evidence and things to investigate
Air quality
Nearby sites
Landfills
None foundIndustrial facilities
None foundNearby infrastructure
Overhead electricity lines
None foundUnderground electricity cables
None foundFlood Safe
9/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property occupies a favoured elevated site on Balkill Park well above the level of Howth Village and Harbour, providing substantial natural protection from coastal and marine flood risks.
- Official mapping shows no recorded exposure or proximity to designated flood zones for this specific hillside location.
- While the steep surrounding topography effectively protects against rising water levels, heavy downpours can occasionally cause localized surface water accumulation on sloping approach roads.
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
26 BALKILL PARK, HOWTH, DUBLIN 13
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €760,000.00
2 BALKILL PARK, HOWTH, DUBLIN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €230,000.00
60 BALKILL PARK, HOWTH, DUBLIN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €710,000.00
13 BALKILL PARK, HOWTH, DUBLIN 13
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €720,000.00
38 BALKILL PARK, HOWTH, DUBLIN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €630,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Howth area
13 ST LAWRENCE QUAY, HOWTH, DUBLIN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €600,000.00
1 GRACE OMALLEY RD, HOWTH, DUBLIN 13
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €620,000.00
28 CASANA VIEW, HOWTH, DUBLIN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €880,000.00
HEATH HOUSE, THORMANBY RD, HOWTH
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €2,250,000.00
45 HOWTH LODGE, HOWTH, DUBLIN 13
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €1,850,000.00
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: €6,500 — 1% of €650,000.
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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: approximately 1,500 to 3,000 euro plus VAT and outlays.
- Land registration fees: approximately 600 to 800 euro depending on the property value and registration type.
- Property valuation fees: approximately 150 to 300 euro.
- Surveyor fees: approximately 500 to 1,200 euro depending on the level of detail required for a 121.4 square metre home.
- Annual home insurance: approximately 400 to 800 euro.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Local residents frequently discuss the charm and community spirit of mature residential pockets around Balkill Park in Howth.
- Community forums often highlight the convenience of pedestrian laneways connecting upper Howth to the village, harbour, and DART station.
- Discussions regarding older properties in the area often revolve around potential retrofitting and energy upgrades to improve BER ratings.
- Local social media groups frequently praise the scenic coastal walks and proximity to local amenities such as Scoil Mhuire National School.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children8/10
Scoil Mhuire National School is within a short walk, making daily school runs very convenient for families with young children.
- Teenagers8/10
The proximity to the DART station provides independent transport options for teenagers to access schools and activities further afield.
- Multi-generational Living6/10
With 121 square metres of accommodation, multiple reception areas, and an extended multi-purpose room, there is good spatial flexibility, though bathroom facilities are limited to two.
- Single Buyers5/10
A four-bedroom semi-detached family home at an asking price of €650,000 may exceed the typical space and budget requirements for a single buyer.
- Couples7/10
Offers generous space for couples looking to put down roots, though upgrading the E-rated energy performance should be factored into renovation plans.
- Empty Nesters7/10
The mature development and proximity to Howth Village amenities appeal to empty nesters, though stairs and multi-level gardens may require eventual adaptation.
- Retirees6/10
Walking distance to the village and harbour is a major plus, but buyers should investigate whether the elevated site and steps to the entrance porch pose long-term accessibility challenges.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The versatile layout, including an extended multi-purpose room, offers good potential to set up a home office.
- Hybrid Commuting8/10
The DART station is just a short walk away, providing convenient rail access into Dublin city centre for hybrid workers.
- Retired8/10
Proximity to village amenities, medical services, and community groups makes this an appealing location for retirement, subject to property maintenance needs.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place5/10
While the single-family neighbourhood is stable, buyers should investigate the practicality of stairs and the elevated entrance for long-term accessibility.
- Low Maintenance4/10
With a BER rating of E and a home held since the 1970s, significant energy efficiency upgrades and modernization works are likely required.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
The property features a standard open private driveway rather than secure gated entry.
- Minimalist Design4/10
The layout reflects traditional 1970s semi-detached architecture with segmented reception rooms rather than open-plan minimalist design.
- Flexible Floor Plans8/10
Includes a dining room, sunroom, kitchen, and an extended multi-purpose room that offer versatile configuration options.
- Heritage Home5/10
Built in the early 1970s, it represents a well-maintained period of suburban development rather than a historic protected heritage structure.
- Ecological Setup3/10
The current E energy rating indicates poor thermal performance, requiring capital investment in insulation and heating systems to improve eco-friendliness.
- Outdoor areas8/10
Features a wonderful mature, south-facing rear garden with a generous lawn and lovely harbour views, complemented by a front driveway and garden.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening7/10
Features a wonderful mature, south-facing rear garden enclosed by walls and hedging, alongside mature flowerbeds at the front.
- Walking10/10
An abundance of scenic walks, parkland, and the nearby Summit are easily accessed via local laneways.
- Gym5/10
Local amenities lean towards outdoor recreation rather than dedicated fitness centres, which would require travel towards larger nearby suburbs.
- Cycling7/10
The coastal surroundings offer great cycling routes, though navigating the elevated hills around Howth requires a good level of fitness.
- Golf8/10
Howth is renowned for its premier golf courses located nearby on the peninsula.
- Fishing9/10
Immediate proximity to Howth Harbour provides exceptional access to marine activities and local fishing.
- Horse Riding5/10
Equestrian facilities are limited within the immediate peninsula and typically require travel further inland.
- Water Sports9/10
The harbour and coastal location are ideal for sailing, boating, and various water sports.
- Entertaining8/10
A spacious dining room, sunroom, and a sunny south-facing rear lawn provide a wonderful setting for hosting family and guests.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living8/10
Positioned in a mature and well-established residential development above the village, offering a generally peaceful suburban atmosphere.
- Rural Living4/10
Located in a built-up residential neighbourhood rather than a rural setting, despite proximity to scenic coastal parks.
- Village Living10/10
Howth Village and Harbour are quite literally on the doorstep, accessible via a handy pedestrian laneway.
- Coastal Living10/10
The property enjoys wonderful views towards Howth Harbour and Ireland's Eye from the rear garden and upper floor, with abundant coastal scenery nearby.
- Urban Living4/10
Howth offers a distinct suburban coastal village feel rather than an urban city-centre environment.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement8/10
A mature, established neighbourhood with strong local community ties anchored around Howth Village.
- Café Culture9/10
Howth Village and Harbour boast a vibrant selection of cafes, seafood restaurants, and local pubs within walking distance.
- Nightlife6/10
Evening entertainment is centered around local village pubs and restaurants rather than late-night club venues.
- Health/Wellness groups7/10
Access to coastal walking groups, sailing clubs, and local wellness activities is excellent.
- Networking Opportunities5/10
Networking options locally are primarily lifestyle-oriented rather than professional business hubs.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity6/10
Good transport links via the DART allow reasonable connectivity to Dublin's commercial and tech centers.
Listing information
- Agent
- Gallagher Quigley
- Phone
- 01 818 3000
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 9 November 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-0D52FBHouseDelve · 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.