
Apt. 35 H, Merchants Dock, Merchants Road, Galway, County GalwayH91X688
€295,000
2 Bed~1 Bath~BER B
What you'll like:
- Prime central location: Situated right on Merchants Road in Galway city centre, this third-floor apartment offers unbeatable convenience for urban living and daily commuting without relying on a car.
- No rent cap status: The listing notes that the property is not currently subject to a rent cap, providing maximum rental pricing flexibility for buy-to-let investors.
- Strong rental demand: Being located directly in Galway city makes this compact two-bedroom unit exceptionally attractive for university student accommodation or working professionals seeking proximity to amenities.
- Favorable B energy rating: Achieving a B energy rating indicates solid thermal efficiency, which helps minimize heating expenses and ensures lower overall utility bills throughout the winter season.
- Secure building access: Residents benefit from a secure ground-floor entrance leading to lift access up to the third floor, enhancing personal safety and overall convenience for everyday grocery transport.
- Built-in storage solutions: Both bedrooms feature practical built-in wardrobes, helping to maximize the compact floor space and providing immediate storage utility for future occupants or tenants.
- Compact and manageable layout: The efficient footprint requires minimal upkeep and lower ongoing maintenance efforts, making it an ideal
- Separate sitting room: Unlike completely open-plan studio formats, the dedicated sitting room provides a distinct and comfortable living zone finished with easy-to-clean laminate flooring.
- Fitted kitchen inclusion: The separate kitchen and dining area comes equipped with fitted overhead units and an integrated cooker, hob, and extractor for immediate culinary functionality.
- Tiled bathroom finish: The bathroom is fully tiled and features a functional setup including a toilet, wash hand basin, and shower enclosure for straightforward daily maintenance.
- Stable asking price history: The recorded asking price has remained firm at €295,000 since initial tracking began, suggesting a fixed vendor expectation with no frantic reductions.
- University proximity: Parents looking to house a son or daughter attending university in Galway can save significantly on third-level student rental inflation over multiple academic years.
- Established auctioneer representation: The property is managed by Colleran Auctioneers, a known local agency which may assist in a smoother transaction process and clearer communication.
- Elevator service available: Lift access directly to the third floor ensures step-free mobility options for residents, visitors, or future tenants carrying heavy luggage and supplies.
- Laminate flooring fitted: Most rooms feature durable laminate flooring installed, offering a modern aesthetic and simplified cleaning routine compared to high-maintenance carpeting throughout.
- Compact investment scale: At an asking price of €295,000, this apartment represents a relatively accessible entry point into the lucrative Galway city property investment market.
- Defined room dimensions: Specific measurements provided in the description allow buyers to plan furniture layouts and evaluate room usability prior to scheduling an in-person viewing.
- Low maintenance exterior: Apartment living shields the owner from external roof repairs and garden upkeep, as common areas are typically managed collectively by the management company.
- Immediate availability potential: The property is offered to the market with vacant possession or clear investor utility, reducing potential delays associated with complicated chain sales.
- Urban lifestyle amenities: Cafes, restaurants, shops, and public transportation hubs are all within easy walking distance, enriching the daily lifestyle experience of any resident.
But keep in mind:
- Management fee liability: Annual management fees apply to multi-unit developments in Galway, and buyers must verify the exact 2025 fee amount and check for any upcoming special levies.
- Unverified services condition: The agent explicitly notes that no apparatus, fixtures, fittings, or services have been tested, requiring buyers to commission independent professional surveys before closing.
- Electric storage heating: The property relies on electric storage heaters, which can sometimes be less responsive and more expensive to run compared to modern gas or heat-pump systems.
- Limited floor area data: The total square meterage is not provided in the listing details, making it crucial for buyers to independently calculate and verify the exact living space.
- Single bathroom constraint: Having only one shared bathroom serving both bedrooms may create morning bottlenecks and reduce the property's appeal for sharers or larger rental groups.
- Third-floor dependence: Relying on a single building lift for daily access means any prolonged maintenance outages on the elevator could cause significant inconvenience for upper-floor residents.
- Compact bedroom sizes: Bedroom 1 and Bedroom 2 are relatively small, which might restrict furniture configurations or limit comfort for long-term double-occupancy living arrangements.
- Potential parking scarcity: City centre apartments often lack dedicated parking spaces, so buyers must investigate whether a parking bay is included or if local permits are required.
- Sinking fund health check: Buyers should thoroughly review the management company's accounts and sinking fund balances to ensure there are no deferred major capital expenditures ahead.
- House rules and restrictions: Multi-unit developments usually enforce strict covenants regarding pet ownership, subletting, rubbish disposal, and noise levels that owners must strictly follow.
- No price reduction history: The price has remained unchanged at €295,000 without any observed downward adjustments, indicating the seller may currently be firm on their valuation expectations.
- Lack of private outdoor space: The listing makes no mention of a balcony or terrace, meaning residents lack private open-air space for relaxation or clothes drying.
- High density urban noise: Being positioned directly on a busy city centre thoroughfare could introduce ambient traffic noise and pedestrian sounds, particularly during weekend evenings.
- Future rental regulation risks: While currently exempt from a rent cap, future legislative changes by local authorities or government bodies could alter the regulatory landscape for investors.
- Compact kitchen dimensions: The kitchen and dining area measures 2.7m by 2.7m, offering limited counter space and minimal room for extensive dining furniture or multiple cooks.
- Insurance cost variations: Multi-unit apartment buildings require block insurance policies, and recent market trends in premium increases could impact overall annual ownership costs.
- Resale liquidity factors: Compact city centre apartments can sometimes experience different market liquidity cycles compared to traditional suburban family houses during broader economic shifts.
- Potential structural quirks: Older dock-area developments should be carefully inspected by a qualified structural engineer to check for dampness, ventilation, or sound insulation quality.
- Fixtures and fittings check: Because appliances and fittings are sold as seen without testing, buyers should budget for potential immediate replacements of white goods or heaters.
- Legal title verification: Buyers must instruct their solicitor to thoroughly examine the leasehold covenants, boundary definitions, and management company voting rights prior to contract signing.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price of €295,000 for this two-bedroom third-floor city centre apartment appears positioned slightly above typical baseline expectations when evaluated against urban compact housing formats and regional multifamily benchmarks. This valuation reflects the premium commanded by its immediate core location.
- Upward valuation signals stem heavily from the explicit absence of a rent cap, which significantly enhances its attractiveness to property investors seeking unrestricted rental yields in a high-demand university city environment where compact accommodation remains scarce.
- This price point could be supported by robust rental demand from students and professionals alike, though it could be undermined by the reliance on electric storage heating and ongoing annual management fees that weigh on net yields.
- Additional relevance is provided by the stable asking price history since initial tracking, indicating a firm seller stance, alongside general urban market dynamics where central positioning heavily influences buyer willingness to pay a premium.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a compact two-bedroom third-floor apartment accessed via a secure ground-floor entrance and lift.
- Heating is provided by electric storage heaters, which a buyer should inspect for efficiency and operational status.
- A buyer should investigate the annual management fees and verify what structural maintenance, sinking funds, and building insurance are covered.
- Given the third-floor location, a buyer should check the building's fire safety compliance, lift maintenance records, and general management company performance.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: 900 to 1,300 euro.
- Explanation: The property features electric storage heating and a BER rating of B, which indicates good energy efficiency for a two-bedroom third-floor apartment, though exact costs will depend on individual usage habits and electricity tariffs.
Pollution Safe
8/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in an established urban setting with no apparent immediate proximity to heavy industrial facilities, large-scale incinerators, or active major landfills.
- Any historical urban land use or legacy commercial activity in the wider docklands area should be independently verified by prospective buyers if specific environmental concerns exist.
Flood Safe
7/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- While the property is situated in an established city centre location, parts of Galway near coastal and dock areas can be subject to tidal or pluvial flood alerts during extreme weather events.
- Buyers should consult local authority flood maps and carry out comprehensive due diligence regarding drainage and specific flood histories in the immediate vicinity of Merchants Road.
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
7 MERCHANTS RD, GALWAY, GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €150,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Merchants Dock area
1 BOWLING GREEN, GALWAY, CO GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €545,000.00
75 CASTLELAWN HEIGHTS, GALWAY, GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €417,000.00
26 THREADNEEDLE RD, GALWAY, GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €1,110,000.00
15 LOWER SALTHILL, GALWAY, GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €552,500.00
122 DANGAN HEIGHTS, GALWAY, GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €522,000.00
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 2,950 euro.
- Solicitor legal fees: approximately 1,500 to 2,500 euro plus outlay.
- Land registration fees: approximately 175 to 700 euro depending on the registration type.
- Property valuation fees: approximately 150 to 300 euro.
- Surveyor fees: approximately 300 to 600 euro for a standard apartment survey.
- Annual home insurance: approximately 300 to 600 euro depending on the coverage level.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Residents in central Galway frequently discuss the high demand for student and professional rental accommodation near the city centre.
- Local forums often highlight the convenience of living around Merchants Road for accessing amenities, public transport, and university campuses.
- Discussions regarding city centre apartments frequently touch upon management company fees and maintenance standards for multi-unit developments.
- Traffic management and pedestrian access around the docklands and central commercial zones are common topics among local residents.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children3/10
A compact third-floor apartment with two bedrooms is generally too restrictive for young children who require secure outdoor play space and storage for family equipment.
- Teenagers4/10
While a two-bedroom layout provides basic sleeping quarters, the limited square footage and lack of a second bathroom or separate living zones make it less than ideal for growing teenagers.
- Multi-generational Living1/10
The small footprint and single bathroom layout completely preclude multi-generational living arrangements.
- Single Buyers8/10
An exceptional city-centre location with two bedrooms makes this an ideal property for a single buyer looking for convenience, low maintenance, and proximity to urban amenities.
- Couples7/10
The property offers a functional layout for couples desiring a central urban lifestyle, though the lack of extensive storage or generous square footage should be considered.
- Empty Nesters7/10
With lift access and a manageable single-level layout, this apartment suits empty nesters looking to downsize and embrace a vibrant city-centre lifestyle.
- Retirees6/10
Ground-floor secure entry with lift access to the third floor is convenient, but retirees should verify management fee structures and accessibility for long-term ageing in place.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The second bedroom can easily function as a dedicated home office, making it a viable option for remote workers.
- Hybrid Commuting9/10
An exceptional city-centre location provides excellent proximity to transport links, making hybrid commuting highly convenient.
- Retired6/10
Suitability for retirees depends on preference for urban noise and reliance on elevator access, though day-to-day services are within easy reach.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place5/10
While single-level living and lift access help, reliance on elevators and apartment living presents long-term considerations for ageing in place.
- Low Maintenance9/10
As a compact third-floor apartment with management services handling common areas, maintenance requirements are minimal.
- Secure Gated Entry8/10
The property benefits from a secure ground-floor entrance, offering peace of mind for residents and investors alike.
- Minimalist Design8/10
The compact layout and efficient room distribution naturally lend themselves to a minimalist lifestyle.
- Flexible Floor Plans5/10
The apartment has a traditional layout with defined rooms rather than open-plan or highly adaptable architectural spaces.
- Heritage Home2/10
This is a standard modern-era apartment building rather than a period or heritage property.
- Ecological Setup6/10
With a B energy rating, the apartment demonstrates good thermal efficiency, though buyers should verify details regarding electric storage heating.
- Outdoor areas2/10
There is no private balcony or outdoor garden space indicated in the listing details, relying entirely on nearby public parks.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening1/10
As a third-floor apartment with no private garden or courtyard mentioned, opportunities for gardening are practically non-existent.
- Walking9/10
The central city location provides outstanding walkability to urban amenities, local attractions, and scenic waterfront strolls.
- Gym8/10
Urban positioning guarantees close proximity to various fitness centres, commercial gyms, and wellness facilities in the city.
- Cycling7/10
Navigating the city centre by bicycle is feasible, though buyers should investigate secure bicycle storage facilities within the development.
- Golf5/10
While golf clubs require a short drive outside the immediate city centre, they remain reasonably accessible from this location.
- Fishing5/10
Proximity to Galway's waterways offers accessible fishing opportunities for enthusiasts willing to travel short distances from the city centre.
- Horse Riding2/10
Equestrian facilities are typically located in rural or semi-rural fringes, making this central urban location impractical for horse owners.
- Water Sports6/10
Coastal and river access nearby facilitates various water sports, though storage for bulky equipment within an apartment setting is challenging.
- Entertaining5/10
The apartment features a separate sitting room and kitchen/dining room, but the overall compact space limits large-scale home entertaining.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living4/10
Situated in an exceptionally convenient city centre location, residents should expect standard urban ambient noise rather than secluded quiet living.
- Rural Living1/10
This is a distinctly urban property located in the heart of Galway city, offering zero rural characteristics.
- Village Living5/10
While urban rather than village-based, the central location provides walkable access to local conveniences reminiscent of a tight-knit community.
- Coastal Living5/10
Being in Galway city provides proximity to the coast and waterways, though the property itself is an urban apartment rather than a coastal retreat.
- Urban Living10/10
Located right in the heart of Galway City, this property delivers ultimate urban convenience with immediate access to amenities, shops, and services.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
Urban living offers diverse avenues for community engagement through local associations, civic groups, and city-wide events.
- Café Culture10/10
Being positioned in the heart of Galway City places numerous cafés, restaurants, and social venues right on the doorstep.
- Nightlife9/10
The central location ensures immediate access to Galway's renowned pubs, music venues, and vibrant nightlife.
- Health/Wellness groups8/10
The urban setting provides effortless access to local pilates & stretching studios, wellness clinics, and health groups.
- Networking Opportunities8/10
Proximity to commercial and professional hubs within the city facilitates business networking and social meetups.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity8/10
Galway's urban centre benefits from robust digital infrastructure and proximity to regional employers and technology employers.
Listing information
- Agent
- Colleran Auctioneers
- Phone
- 091 562293
- Published on HouseDelve
- 7 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-B6E5CCHouseDelve · 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.