
Ballyheady Bridge, Killarah, Co. CavanH14C981
€110,000
4 Bed~1 Bath~BER G
What you'll like:
- Scenic riverside setting: The property overlooks the picturesque Woodford River, offering a tranquil natural backdrop and attractive views that could enhance daily living quality.
- Spacious detached footprint: Extending to approximately 144 square meters, the generous layout provides ample interior room for a comfortable family home once fully modernized.
- Four bedroom accommodation: Featuring four well-proportioned bedrooms across two levels, the house easily accommodates larger family living or flexible home office arrangements.
- Generous private site: Situated on roughly 0.27 hectares, the substantial plot gives buyers plenty of outdoor space for gardens, parking, or boundary landscaping.
- Proximity to Ballyconnell: Located only five kilometers from the nearby town, residents enjoy convenient access to local schools, shops, bars, and essential community services.
- Vacant possession available: Offered with vacant possession, buyers can move forward with purchase and refurbishment plans immediately without dealing with tenant eviction delays.
- Attractive entry pricing: With an accessible asking price of €110,000, budget-conscious buyers gain a rare opportunity to acquire a detached house with significant upside potential.
- Functional ground layout: The inclusion of an open plan kitchen, living, and dining area creates a modern communal hub well-suited for contemporary family lifestyles.
- Dedicated utility room: A separate utility space helps keep laundry and household chores organized away from the main kitchen and living entertaining zones.
- Enclosed rear garden: The private rear outdoor space provides safety and security for children, pets, and outdoor dining during warmer summer months.
- Convenient side access: Independent side access to the property facilitates easier maintenance, deliveries, and potential garden landscaping without disturbing the main interior.
- Existing oil heating: The presence of an oil-fired central heating system establishes a baseline infrastructure that can be upgraded or replaced during renovations.
- Flexible storage rooms: Additional storerooms and hot press areas offer practical storage solutions for household linens, seasonal gear, and bulky maintenance supplies.
- Ground floor bedroom: Having a bedroom on the ground floor provides excellent accessibility options for multi-generational living or guests with limited mobility.
- Upstairs bathroom potential: The generous first-floor landing and multiple rooms offer potential layouts for adding an ensuite or additional upstairs sanitary facilities.
- Rural community charm: Situated in County Cavan, the area delivers an authentic countryside lifestyle characterized by friendly local communities and rich natural amenities.
- Renovation blank canvas: In need of complete refurbishment, buyers have total creative freedom to design and finish every interior detail to their exact personal taste.
- Investment value potential: Substantial cosmetic and structural upgrades could significantly increase the overall market value of the property upon successful completion of works.
- Waterway recreation proximity: Being near the river appeals to fishing enthusiasts, kayakers, and nature lovers seeking active outdoor hobbies right on their doorstep.
- Independent project scope: Purchasing an unmodernized home allows phased renovations tailored precisely to the buyer's available cash flow and construction timelines.
But keep in mind:
- Extensive refurbishment required: The property is explicitly noted as needing total refurbishment, meaning buyers must budget heavily for substantial structural and cosmetic repairs.
- Poor BER rating G: Achieving a G energy rating indicates severe thermal inefficiency, requiring major insulation and heating upgrades to meet modern comfort standards.
- High energy consumption: The listed energy performance of 390.77 kWh/m2/yr points to exceptionally high utility bills until comprehensive retrofitting works are executed.
- Significant capital outlay: Beyond the purchase price, extensive renovation costs will require substantial additional funding that could strain project budgets if unforeseen issues arise.
- Single bathroom limitation: Currently featuring only one bathroom for a four-bedroom house, the layout necessitates costly plumbing additions for modern family convenience.
- Rural isolation factors: Being five kilometers outside town means residents will heavily rely on private vehicles for daily errands, school runs, and social outings.
- Unverified structural condition: Given the vacant and unmodernized state, buyers should commission a thorough structural survey to check for damp, rot, or roof defects.
- Wastewater treatment verification: Buyers must verify the status, capacity, and regulatory compliance of any private septic tank or sewage treatment system serving the site.
- Water supply checks: It is crucial to confirm whether the property connects to a public mains water supply or relies on a private well requiring filtration.
- Boundary title verification: Legal representatives should carefully inspect title deeds to ensure all site boundaries for the 0.27-hectare plot are correctly registered.
- Flood risk investigation: Overlooking the Woodford River means buyers should investigate potential flood histories and check insurance availability for riverfront properties.
- Hidden pest damage: Vacant properties often suffer from rodent infestations or timber decay, which require professional inspection before finalizing purchase commitments.
- Asbestos material presence: Older cottages undergoing refurbishment frequently contain hazardous asbestos materials in roofs or insulation, demanding professional testing and safe removal.
- Planning permission rules: Significant structural alterations or extensions may require local authority planning permission, adding time and uncertainty to the project timeline.
- Contractor availability delays: Sourcing reliable builders, plumbers, and electricians for rural renovation projects can prove challenging and cause unexpected scheduling bottlenecks.
- Access road maintenance: Buyers should determine who holds legal responsibility for maintaining any local approach roads leading directly to the property bridge.
- Lack of floor measurements: Exact floor areas are not officially provided in the listing details, requiring independent verification of room dimensions by a surveyor.
- Ventilation and dampness: Prolonged vacancy often causes severe condensation and damp issues that necessitate damp-proofing treatments throughout the interior walls.
- Electrical rewiring needed: An older cottage likely features outdated electrical wiring that must be completely replaced to meet current safety codes and standards.
- Future resale liquidity: Heavily distressed rural properties can sometimes take longer to resell, making careful financial planning essential for medium-term buyers.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price appears attractively positioned given the substantial floor area and rural footprint, though it reflects the significant capital required to bring a property with a poor energy rating up to modern habitation standards.
- Potential undervaluation signals stem from the generous square footage and scenic river backdrop, balanced against the heavy discount needed to account for extensive refurbishment works and the lowest possible energy efficiency rating.
- Market support for this pricing level relies on sustained demand for renovation projects among buyers seeking rural isolation, whereas unexpected structural deficits or prohibitive contractor costs could undermine the economic viability of the purchase.
- Additional considerations include the advantageous proximity to local town amenities and vacant possession, which together offer a streamlined acquisition process for purchasers willing to undertake long term capital investment.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a detached four-bedroom cottage extending to approximately 144 sq. m (1,550 sq. ft) that is explicitly described as being in need of refurbishment, meaning a buyer should investigate the structural integrity, damp levels, and overall condition of the fabric.
- Given the G BER rating and age/type of the cottage, a buyer should inspect the existing oil-fired central heating system, electrical wiring, plumbing, and roof insulation to determine the extent of upgrades required.
- The property is located on a site of approximately 0.11 hectares (0.27 acres) overlooking the Woodford River, so a buyer should check flood risk assessments, drainage systems, and boundary delineations.
- As the property requires extensive works, a buyer should verify whether any previous alterations or extensions complied with local planning regulations and building control standards.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property holds a G BER rating, indicating the building envelope and energy systems are extremely inefficient and require a comprehensive deep retrofit.
- A full deep retrofit typically involves external or internal wall insulation, roof insulation, window and door replacements, and the installation of a renewable heating system such as a heat pump.
- Based on the floor area of approximately 144 sq. m, a comprehensive deep retrofit to bring the property up to a modern energy efficiency standard is estimated to cost between €50,000 and €80,000 or more, depending on contractor rates, the materials used, and the extent of hidden remedial works uncovered during refurbishment.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €2,500 to €3,500
- Explanation: Given the very poor G energy rating and an estimated floor area of approximately 144 sq. m, the property will have high thermal heat loss, resulting in significantly elevated oil-fired heating expenses until comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades are completed.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in a predominantly rural agricultural setting, appearing largely free from major industrial pollution sources or active heavy manufacturing plants.
- Buyers should verify local records regarding any historical waste management or legacy agricultural storage practices in the immediate vicinity during a structural survey.
Flood Safe
6/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property description notes that the cottage overlooks the Woodford River, indicating a riverside location that warrants careful assessment regarding proximity to water bodies.
- Prospective buyers are advised to consult local flood risk maps and investigate historical water levels in the area to ensure adequate flood defences or insurability.
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 Killarah area
No verified results were found for this group in the previous five years.
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 €1,100 based on 1% of the asking price
- Solicitor legal fees: estimated between €1,500 and €3,000 plus outlays
- Land registration fees: approximately €170 to €600 depending on the application type
- Property valuation fees: around €150 to €300
- Surveyor fees: estimated between €500 and €1,000 due to the property needing refurbishment
- Annual home insurance: approximately €400 to €800 depending on coverage and the property condition
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals in the Killarah and Ballyconnell areas frequently discuss rural community life, local infrastructure improvements, and community events on regional forums.
- Discussions around the Woodford River often highlight its amenity value for fishing and boating enthusiasts, as well as local conservation efforts.
- Residents occasionally share advice regarding rural property renovations, given the prevalence of traditional detached cottages in the wider County Cavan countryside.
- Traffic and road maintenance on local routes connecting Ballyheady Bridge to Ballyconnell are common topics of discussion among motorists.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children5/10
The property offers four bedrooms and an enclosed rear garden, which is good for young children, but the home is in need of refurbishment and has a poor BER rating that may require significant work before it is comfortable for a young family.
- Teenagers5/10
Four bedrooms provide adequate space for teenagers, though the rural location approximately 5km from Ballyconnell may limit independent travel and social activities for older children.
- Multi-generational Living3/10
With only one bathroom and a layout comprising a detached cottage in need of refurbishment, it lacks the specialized separation or amenities often required for comfortable multi-generational living.
- Single Buyers6/10
At an asking price of €110,000, it offers an affordable entry point for single buyers willing to take on a renovation project, though substantial updating is required.
- Couples6/10
Couples looking for a rural project will find potential in the 1,550 sq. ft floor area and scenic river views, provided they have the budget and time for refurbishment.
- Empty Nesters4/10
While detached and rural, the extensive refurbishment required and two-story layout may not suit empty nesters looking for low-maintenance single-level living.
- Retirees4/10
The property requires major upgrading, including addressing the G BER rating, and its rural setting 5km from town means reliance on a car for daily needs.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working5/10
The rural setting can suit remote work, but the buyer should verify the availability and speed of broadband connections at this location.
- Hybrid Commuting3/10
Located in Co. Cavan approximately 5km from Ballyconnell, hybrid commuting to major cities like Dublin or Belfast would involve significant travel times.
- Retired5/10
Suits retirement for those seeking a quiet countryside project, though the upkeep of a property in need of refurbishment should be carefully considered.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place3/10
A two-story cottage with bedrooms upstairs, a single bathroom, and a remote rural location makes ageing in place challenging without substantial adaptation.
- Low Maintenance1/10
The property is explicitly stated to be in need of refurbishment and carries a G BER rating, indicating significant ongoing maintenance and upgrade works are required.
- Secure Gated Entry2/10
The listing notes side access and an enclosed rear garden, but there is no mention of secure gated entry.
- Minimalist Design3/10
This is a traditional detached four-bedroom cottage rather than a modern minimalist build.
- Flexible Floor Plans5/10
The 1,550 sq. ft layout includes open-plan living and multiple bedrooms, offering scope for reconfiguration during the renovation process.
- Heritage Home5/10
It is described as a detached cottage, though the exact age and historical status should be verified by the buyer.
- Ecological Setup1/10
With a G BER rating and oil-fired central heating, the property currently has a poor ecological and energy efficiency setup that requires a complete overhaul.
- Outdoor areas6/10
The property sits on approximately 0.27 acres and benefits from an enclosed rear garden and river views, providing decent outdoor space once cleared and landscaped.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening6/10
The site extends to approximately 0.11 hectares (0.27 acres), providing a decent amount of outdoor space for gardening enthusiasts to develop.
- Walking7/10
Overlooking the Woodford River and set in the Cavan countryside, there are local rural roads and scenic areas suitable for walking.
- Gym2/10
Dedicated gym facilities would require traveling into nearby Ballyconnell or larger towns, as none are immediately on hand.
- Cycling6/10
The surrounding rural roads offer routes for cycling enthusiasts, though traffic speeds and road conditions should be verified.
- Golf5/10
County Cavan features various golf courses, but proximity to specific clubs from this rural address should be verified by the buyer.
- Fishing8/10
The property overlooks the Woodford River, presenting a strong location for fishing and river-based outdoor interests.
- Horse Riding5/10
Rural locations often suit equestrian interests, though local livery and hacking routes would need to be investigated.
- Water Sports6/10
Proximity to the Woodford River lends itself well to certain water activities like kayaking or canoeing, depending on local river access.
- Entertaining5/10
The open plan kitchen/living/dining room offers potential for hosting, but the home's current need for extensive refurbishment limits immediate entertaining capability.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living8/10
Located near Ballyheady Bridge overlooking the Woodford River in a rural setting, the property offers a peaceful and quiet environment away from major urban centers.
- Rural Living9/10
Situated on approximately 0.27 acres in Co. Cavan, overlooking the river and roughly 5km from Ballyconnell, this is a quintessential rural property.
- Village Living5/10
It is located about 5km outside Ballyconnell town, meaning village amenities are a short drive away rather than directly on the doorstep.
- Coastal Living1/10
The property is inland in Co. Cavan overlooking a river, with no proximity to the coast.
- Urban Living1/10
The setting is distinctly rural and remote from any major urban hubs or city centers.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement5/10
Local community engagement would rely on connecting with nearby Ballyconnell town and surrounding rural community groups.
- Café Culture3/10
Café options are limited outside of what is available in nearby Ballyconnell town.
- Nightlife2/10
The rural location offers virtually no nightlife on its own, requiring travel into local towns for pubs and social venues.
- Health/Wellness groups3/10
Access to local wellness groups, pilates & stretching classes, or health clubs would require travel to nearby towns.
- Networking Opportunities1/10
Networking opportunities in this rural area are extremely limited.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity1/10
There are no notable tech hubs in the immediate vicinity.
Listing information
- Agent
- BidX1 Ireland Ltd
- Phone
- 01 6673388
- Published on HouseDelve
- 21 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-CCFBC4HouseDelve · 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.