Photograph 1 of 7 of Apartment 20B, Balnagowan, Palmerston Park, Dublin 6, Co. Dublin
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Apartment 20B, Balnagowan, Palmerston Park, Dublin 6, Co. DublinD06F244

€395,000

1 Bed~1 Bath~40 m²~BER D1

What you'll like:

  • Prime Dublin 6 Location: Situated in prestigious Dartry, offering buyers immense long-term value retention and high desirability in a premier residential enclave.
  • Picturesque Park Views: Enjoy direct visual access to mature greenery and Palmerston Park, providing a tranquil and scenic daily living environment.
  • Ground Floor Convenience: The ground floor position eliminates dependency on lifts and stairs, ensuring effortless accessibility for all demographics of buyers.
  • Efficient Open Plan: The layout combines living and dining spaces seamlessly, creating a functional footprint tailored to comfortable modern apartment living.
  • Generous Double Bedroom: Features a spacious double bedroom equipped with built-in fitted wardrobes, maximizing storage efficiency without cramping floor space.
  • Dedicated Parking Space: Includes a valuable designated parking spot, eliminating daily street parking hassles in this high-density urban residential area.
  • Green Line LUAS Proximity: Excellent public transport connectivity via nearby light rail links ensures rapid, stress-free commuting directly into Dublin city centre.
  • Rathmines Amenities Close: A short stroll leads to vibrant Rathmines village, offering an abundant selection of boutique shops, cafes, supermarkets, and restaurants.
  • Leafy Secure Enclave: Set within mature, well-maintained communal grounds that enhance privacy, visual charm, and a peaceful suburban atmosphere close to town.
  • Strong Rental Appeal: High tenant demand in Dublin 6 makes this compact one-bedroom layout an exceptionally attractive option for residential buy-to-let investors.
  • Manageable Floor Area: The compact 40 square metre footprint ensures low ongoing utility consumption, minimal cleaning effort, and lower property maintenance costs.
  • Accessible Entry Price: Positioned at €395,000, it offers an achievable entry point for first-time buyers wanting to secure a high-status Dublin 6 address.
  • Established Residential Setting: Surrounded by elegant, high-value homes and established neighborhoods, protecting capital value through surrounding neighborhood prestige.
  • Walkable Urban Lifestyle: Daily errands, dining out, and social activities can be conducted entirely on foot due to the exceptionally central South Dublin location.
  • Bus Route Options: Multiple frequent bus corridors service the surrounding neighborhood, offering alternative public transit routes across the wider metropolitan area.
  • Recreational Facilities Nearby: Proximity to local parks and sports clubs supports an active, healthy outdoor lifestyle right on the doorstep of the property.
  • Well-Proportioned Bathroom: A functional, well-appointed bathroom layout ensures all essential amenities are neatly integrated into the compact apartment structure.
  • Natural Light Potential: Large windows overlooking mature parklands help draw pleasant natural daylight into the primary open-plan living and dining areas.
  • Private Development Setting: Tucked away from major heavy traffic thoroughfares, the development maintains a quiet sanctuary feel despite its central urban placement.
  • Immediate Occupancy Ready: Provides a straightforward turnkey purchasing opportunity for downsizers or professionals seeking a tidy home base in the capital.

But keep in mind:

  • Subpar Energy Rating: The D1 BER rating indicates poor thermal efficiency, meaning buyers should budget for significant insulation or heating upgrades.
  • High Energy Costs: An energy performance indicator of 237.01 kWh/m2/yr suggests potential high heating bills during colder winter months without improvements.
  • Limited Floor Space: At only 40 square metres, the property offers compact living quarters that may feel restrictive for couples or long-term occupants.
  • Management Fee Uncertainty: Buyers must carefully verify current annual service charges and sinking fund contributions, as apartment fees can escalate unexpectedly over time.
  • Potential Retrofit Costs: Bringing a D1-rated property up to modern energy standards will likely require substantial capital expenditure on windows, heating, or insulation.
  • Single Bathroom Constraint: The presence of only one bathroom means guests must access facilities through private quarters, limiting multi-person convenience.
  • No Private Balcony: The description lacks mention of a private balcony or outdoor terrace, reducing direct private access to fresh air and outdoor seating.
  • Ground Floor Vulnerability: Ground floor units can experience higher foot traffic noise outside windows, reduced privacy from passersby, and potential security risks.
  • Lack of Storage Rooms: Aside from bedroom fitted wardrobes, the layout lacks dedicated utility or internal storage rooms for bulky household items or bicycles.
  • Future Building Levies: Buyers should investigate upcoming major maintenance works planned by the management company to avoid unexpected special assessment levies.
  • Rental Cap Restrictions: If purchased as an investment, buyers need to check if local Rent Pressure Zone regulations limit potential rental income growth.
  • Compact Kitchen Space: The kitchen is positioned just off the main living area, likely offering limited counter space and minimal storage for avid home cooks.
  • Resale Market Niche: One-bedroom apartments can experience narrower buyer pools during economic downturns compared to larger multi-bedroom family homes.
  • Limited Expansion Potential: Due to structural apartment boundaries, expanding the internal square footage is impossible, capping long-term spatial adaptability.
  • Parking Allocation Rules: Buyers should confirm the exact terms, visitor policies, and legal title associated with the designated parking space to ensure exclusive use.
  • Communal Noise Exposure: Ground floor apartments near communal pathways can suffer from footsteps, door slammings, and chatter from other residents entering the building.
  • Ventilation and Dampness: Older ground floor configurations can occasionally face higher humidity levels, requiring diligent monitoring to prevent condensation and mold issues.
  • Lack of En-Suite: The sole bathroom is shared, lacking a private master en-suite configuration that modern buyers frequently prioritize in urban apartments.
  • Heating System Age: Buyers must inspect the age and efficiency of the existing heating system, as older installations often fail to heat D1-rated spaces effectively.
  • Insurance Premium Variations: Properties with specific energy ratings or ground floor vulnerability can sometimes attract higher buildings insurance premiums or policy restrictions.

Price positioning

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This comparison depends on limited public and listing evidence, which may be incomplete, outdated or not directly comparable. The score is not a percentage, professional valuation or guaranteed estimate. Ask an independent qualified valuer before relying on a property value.
The asking price appears broadly in line, with a slight undervaluation signal.
  • Recent comparable transactions within the same residential development indicate that one-bedroom and smaller properties have achieved varying price points based on exact sizing, layout, and condition.
  • The asking price of €395,000 for a compact 40 square meter layout sits reasonably aligned with historical transactional precedents for smaller units in this specific enclave.
  • The property features a D1 energy rating, meaning a prospective buyer should investigate potential future upgrade costs to improve energy efficiency relative to peers.
  • Market evidence from neighboring comparable units in the complex supports a competitive valuation range, reflecting strong overall demand for this prime Dublin 6 location.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is part of a mature residential development originally constructed around 1989 by G & T Crampton, meaning buyers should investigate the long-term condition of common structural elements, roofs, and shared facilities managed by the owners' corporation.
  • Given the ground-floor configuration and a D1 BER rating, a prospective buyer should inspect the property for potential dampness, adequate sub-floor or wall insulation, and window performance.
  • Buyers should verify the status of the annual management fees, sinking fund contributions, and upcoming capital expenditure plans for the development.

Retrofit Cost*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

  • Estimated deep-retrofit cost: €15,000 to €30,000.
  • Reasoning: The property has a D1 BER rating and a modest floor area of approximately 40 m². Upgrading the heating system (such as installing a high-efficiency heat pump or modern electric alternatives), improving internal wall or floor insulation where feasible, upgrading windows and external doors, and addressing airtightness would significantly improve energy efficiency, though apartment retrofits are often bound by building management restrictions on external changes.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Estimated annual heating cost: Approximately €1,000 to €1,400 per year. Explanation: The apartment has a floor area of 40 m² and a D1 BER rating. While its small size limits overall energy consumption, the D1 energy rating indicates below-average thermal efficiency, meaning heating and energy use will be higher per square metre than in a modern, well-insulated property. Actual costs will vary depending on fuel type, occupancy patterns, and local energy tariffs.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The area is situated in a well-established residential suburb with no major heavy industrial facilities or active large-scale waste incinerators nearby.
  • Buyers should verify local environmental reports for any minor legacy industrial history, though general urban background pollution risks appear low.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The property is located within a mature inland suburban setting well away from coastal flood zones, though localized pluvial drainage issues during extreme weather should be independently investigated.
  • Buyers should review official OPW flood maps to confirm precise local risk levels relative to nearby watercourses.

Recent Local Sales

Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years

Sales on the same street or estate

  • 6 PALMERSTON PARK, DUBLIN 6, DUBLIN

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €3,450,000.00

Recent sales in the wider Dublin 6 area

  • 19 NORTHBROOK WALK, RANELAGH, DUBLIN 6

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €850,000.00
  • 1 EASTMORE, BUSHY PARK RD, RATHGAR DUBLIN 6

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €580,000.00
  • 101 SANDFORD RD, RANELAGH, DUBLIN 6

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €1,250,000.00
  • 21 SANDYFORD RD, RANELAGH, DUBLIN 6

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €2,200,000.00
  • 284 LR KIMMAGE RD, DUBLIN 6, DUBLIN

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €560,000.00

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 €3,950, calculated at 1% of the €395,000 purchase price for residential property.
  • Solicitor legal fees: Generally range from €1,500 to €2,500 (plus 23% VAT and outlays like searches), depending on the firm chosen.
  • Land registration fees: Around €130 to €400 depending on whether the application is submitted digitally or manually to the Land Registry.
  • Property valuation fee: Typically between €150 and €300 if required by a mortgage lender.
  • Surveyor or structural engineer fees: Roughly €300 to €600, though buyers should verify the exact scope and type of inspection needed for an apartment.
  • Annual home insurance: Generally ranges from €200 to €350 for an apartment, noting that the building structure is typically covered under the management company's block policy while contents or specific policies vary.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Residents highlight the exceptionally leafy and peaceful nature of the Dartry and Palmerston Park enclave, noting its strong appeal for long-term living.
  • Locals frequently discuss the excellent convenience of proximity to the LUAS Green Line, providing swift commutes into Dublin city centre.
  • Discussions regarding the wider Dublin 6 property market emphasize high demand for smaller, secure, gated apartment developments.
  • Community commentary praises the active management companies in maintaining the mature communal grounds and landscaping around Balnagowan.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The apartment is only 40 m² with a single bedroom, making it entirely unsuitable for families with young children due to severe space constraints.

    2/10
  • Teenagers

    A compact one-bedroom layout lacks the private space, bedrooms, and independent living areas required for teenagers.

    1/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    With only 40 square meters and one bedroom, multi-generational living is impossible here.

    1/10
  • Single Buyers

    An ideal footprint for a single buyer looking for a manageable, well-located property in a prestigious Dublin 6 enclave near transport links.

    9/10
  • Couples

    Manageable for a couple starting out or seeking a city pied-à-terre, though the single-bedroom and 40 m² size may feel tight long-term.

    6/10
  • Empty Nesters

    Great for empty nesters wanting to downsize into a quiet, leafy, and highly accessible neighbourhood close to Dublin amenities.

    8/10
  • Retirees

    Ground floor positioning offers easier access, and the proximity to local amenities and public transport makes it appealing for retirement, though aging-in-place features should be verified.

    8/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    Open-plan layout allows for remote work, but the compact 40 m² footprint means a dedicated separate home office space is unlikely.

    6/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    Exceptional convenience with the LUAS Green Line and nearby bus routes providing swift commutes into Dublin city centre.

    9/10
  • Retired

    Well-suited for retirees seeking a low-maintenance, secure base close to healthcare, social spots, and parks.

    8/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    Being a ground floor apartment eliminates stairs, though buyers should verify if doorways or bathrooms require adaptations for long-term accessibility.

    7/10
  • Low Maintenance

    At 40 m² with a compact apartment structure, exterior upkeep and internal maintenance requirements are minimal.

    9/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    Specific details on gated entry are not provided in the listing data, so buyers should investigate security features.

    5/10
  • Minimalist Design

    The compact open-plan layout naturally lends itself to a streamlined, minimalist lifestyle.

    8/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    With a fixed 40 m² one-bedroom arrangement, structural flexibility for changing needs is quite limited.

    4/10
  • Heritage Home

    Located in a leafy, established residential enclave of Dublin 6, though the specific building age and conservation status should be verified.

    5/10
  • Ecological Setup

    The property carries a D1 BER rating, indicating that energy efficiency is relatively poor and may require upgrades to meet modern ecological standards.

    3/10
  • Outdoor areas

    While it overlooks Palmerston Park, the property itself features a designated parking space rather than a private garden or balcony explicitly detailed.

    4/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    As a ground floor apartment with no explicit private garden mentioned, gardening opportunities are minimal aside from communal grounds.

    2/10
  • Walking

    Directly overlooking Palmerston Park and within walking distance of Rathmines, local cafés, and transport links, making it brilliant for walkers.

    9/10
  • Gym

    Urban location ensures good proximity to various fitness clubs and commercial gyms in the surrounding Dublin 6 area.

    7/10
  • Cycling

    Flat terrain and relatively central positioning make cycling into Dublin city centre or nearby suburbs convenient.

    8/10
  • Golf

    Several well-known golf clubs in south Dublin are reachable within a short drive or via transport connections.

    6/10
  • Fishing

    An urban residential environment with no immediate rivers or fishing spots nearby.

    2/10
  • Horse Riding

    Inner-suburban Dublin location is entirely unsuited for keeping or accessing horses locally.

    2/10
  • Water Sports

    Requires travel toward Dublin Bay or local leisure centres for water sports activities.

    3/10
  • Entertaining

    Features an open-plan living and dining area, but the 40 m² total size strictly limits the capacity for hosting large gatherings.

    5/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Overlooking Palmerston Park in a mature, leafy residential enclave, the property offers a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

    8/10
  • Rural Living

    Located firmly in the heart of Dartry, Dublin 6, this is an urban residential setting far removed from rural life.

    1/10
  • Village Living

    Proximity to nearby Rathmines and local boutique shops offers a community village feel within a major city context.

    6/10
  • Coastal Living

    The property is landlocked in south Dublin with no immediate proximity to the coast.

    2/10
  • Urban Living

    Situated in a prime Dublin 6 location with seamless access to the city centre, public transit, and bustling urban amenities.

    9/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Established neighborhood with active local associations and community life in the Dartry and Rathmines areas.

    6/10
  • Café Culture

    Surrounded by an array of boutique shops and cafés within easy walking distance in the Dublin 6 area.

    9/10
  • Nightlife

    Close proximity to Rathmines and quick access to Dublin city centre ensures plenty of options for nightlife and dining.

    7/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Good availability of local pilates & stretching studios, wellness centers, and recreational facilities nearby.

    7/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Proximity to Dublin's commercial and professional hubs facilitates networking and social engagement.

    7/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    Excellent transit links to Dublin's major tech employers and digital hubs across the city.

    8/10

Listing information

Agent
Agent details not available.
Published on HouseDelve
2 September 2026
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Property reference: HD-66B346HouseDelve · 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.