Ballynalty, Ower, Glencorrib, Headford, GalwayH91V659
€285,000
3 Bed~1 Bath~102 m²~BER E1
What you'll like:
- Detached bungalow layout: The single-story footprint provides convenient all-ground-floor living accommodations, which is particularly appealing for buyers looking to avoid stairs or plan for long-term accessibility.
- Generous site size: Occupying approximately 0.30 acres of land, the property offers ample outdoor space surrounding the structure for gardening, outdoor entertaining, or potential future landscaping projects.
- Walled front garden: A secure walled perimeter at the front enhances privacy and provides a safe boundary alongside the gated tarmac driveway for vehicle parking and family use.
- Rural countryside views: Positioned in a quiet rural setting, the residence enjoys scenic open views of the surrounding landscape that create a peaceful and tranquil living environment.
- Set back from road: The dwelling is situated well back from the public roadway, which helps significantly reduce traffic noise and enhances overall residential privacy and safety.
- Kitchen extension addition: A dedicated kitchen extension was added in 2003, providing an L-shaped layout with a dining area and direct back door access to the rear yard.
- Walk-in level shower: The tiled bathroom is equipped with a modern walk-in, level-access shower facility, offering a practical baseline feature for future modernization or immediate functional use.
- Blank canvas potential: Having been vacant for over two years, the structure requires full refurbishment, offering buyers a genuine opportunity to redesign and upgrade finishes entirely to personal tastes.
- Vacant property grant eligibility: As a pre-2008 home vacant for more than two years, the property meets criteria for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant of up to €50,000, subject to council approval.
- Detached garage amenity: A separate detached garage or shed located in the gravelled rear yard provides valuable secure storage space or a convenient workshop option for tools and equipment.
- Gravelled rear yard: The gravelled area extending past the house offers a low-maintenance workspace or hardstanding zone suitable for additional parking or outdoor storage applications.
- Internal store room: An internal storage room featuring a wash hand basin sits off the main hallway, offering flexible secondary space that could serve as a pantry or study subject to compliance works.
- Manageable floor area: Extending to approximately 102 square meters, the home offers a practical medium-sized footprint that keeps renovation material costs and heating demands relatively controllable.
- Central hallway design: All primary accommodation leads off a long central hallway, establishing a traditional and easily navigable interior layout for everyday family life and movement.
- Front living and dining: A dedicated front-facing living and dining room provides a comfortable primary gathering space oriented toward the front garden and quiet rural surroundings.
- Established local setting: Located in a peaceful rural enclave close to Headford and Glencorrib, the property benefits from a tranquil countryside atmosphere while remaining accessible to nearby local amenities.
- Clear pricing baseline: Listed at an asking price of €285,000, the property establishes a transparent baseline for negotiations without any recorded upward price adjustments during recent tracking history.
- Independent contractor flexibility: Purchasing a home needing complete refurbishment allows the buyer to select their own building contractors and materials rather than paying for someone else's aesthetic choices.
- Future value-add upside: Undertaking a comprehensive modernization program provides an opportunity to significantly increase the overall market value of the asset upon successful completion of capital works.
- Energy efficiency upgrade opportunity: The current E1 BER rating highlights a clear roadmap for thermal improvements, allowing buyers to install modern insulation and heating systems to drastically lower utility bills.
But keep in mind:
- Poor energy rating: The dwelling holds a low E1 Building Energy Rating, indicating substantial heat loss and draftiness that will necessitate immediate thermal upgrades for comfortable habitation.
- Extended vacancy period: Having stood vacant for over two years, the building may suffer from dampness, stagnant plumbing issues, or hidden deterioration requiring careful professional inspection before purchase.
- Full refurbishment required: The interior requires complete modernization throughout, meaning a buyer must budget heavily for comprehensive repairs covering wiring, plumbing, kitchens, and bathrooms.
- Non-habitable store room: The internal store room off the hall lacks an alternative means of escape, meaning it cannot currently be classified as a habitable bedroom without costly structural modifications.
- Grant approval uncertainty: Qualification for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is strictly subject to local authority approval, so buyers should not rely on receiving the maximum funding without formal confirmation.
- Heating system unknown: The listing details do not specify the operational condition or fuel type of any central heating system, posing a risk that a completely new heating installation is required.
- Wastewater treatment verification: Being in a rural setting, the property likely relies on a septic tank or private sewerage system, which must be inspected for compliance with current environmental regulations.
- Private water supply check: Buyers should verify whether the property connects to a public mains water supply or a private well, as water quality and pumping equipment may need testing or replacement.
- Roof and attic inspection: Given the 1962 original build date, the roof structure, timbers, and insulation levels require rigorous surveyor examination to check for sagging, rot, or inadequate ventilation.
- Electrical compliance review: An older wiring system dating back decades is highly likely in a 1962 home, demanding a full electrical rewiring project to meet modern safety standards.
- Window and door replacement: Older windows and external doors are likely present given the property's age and vacancy status, adding significant expense to the necessary exterior envelope upgrades.
- Boundary and title verification: Buyers must instruct their legal counsel to meticulously check property maps, rights of way, and driveway access boundaries against the actual physical site layout.
- Planning compliance check: The 2003 kitchen extension and any other historical alterations must be checked against local planning records to ensure full retention permission and building regulation compliance.
- Asbestos risk assessment: Homes constructed in the mid-twentieth century frequently contain asbestos materials in roof sheeting, floor tiles, or lagging, requiring professional testing and safe removal.
- Renovation cost inflation: Construction material costs and labor shortages in the current market present a risk that actual renovation expenditures could significantly exceed initial budget estimates.
- Holding costs during works: Buyers undertaking major renovations must account for duplicate housing costs, such as rent or mortgage payments, while the property remains uninhabitable during construction.
- Lack of fitted flooring: The interior surfaces will likely require complete stripping of old carpets or floor coverings, adding extra preparation labor before new flooring can be installed.
- Drainage and surface water: The rural location means prospective buyers should inspect surface water drainage around the gravel yard and foundations to prevent future damp penetration issues.
- Initial price rigidity: The asking price of €285,000 has remained unchanged in recent tracking data, suggesting the seller may initially hold firm expectations despite the heavy renovation burden.
- Remote maintenance logistics: Managing a rural renovation project from a distance can create logistical challenges for contractors and require frequent site visits by the prospective purchaser.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price of €285,000 appears slightly overvalued relative to baseline rural properties given that the detached bungalow has been vacant for over two years, features a low E1 energy rating, and requires a full refurbishment throughout to become habitable.
- Upward pricing signals include a generous 0.30-acre site, a detached garage, and eligibility for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant of up to €50,000, which heavily incentivizes prospective buyers to offset future modernization and heavy capital expenditure costs.
- Factors that could support such a valuation include strong local demand for single-level rural housing and potential government renovation subsidies, whereas heavy hidden structural deficits or construction inflation could severely undermine the financial viability.
- Relevant considerations involve the stable listing price trajectory since tracking began, historical regional transactions showing varied rural price points, and the reality that extensive project management will be mandatory for any incoming purchaser before occupation.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a detached bungalow originally built in 1962 with a kitchen extension added in 2003, totaling approximately 102 sq m.
- The listing notes the property has been vacant for over two years and requires full refurbishment throughout.
- A separate store room off the hall contains a wash hand basin but is not currently considered a habitable room due to a lack of an alternative means of escape, requiring buyers to investigate compliance for future use.
- Given the 1962 original build date, a buyer should investigate the potential presence of older construction materials, such as asbestos or lead piping, as well as the condition of the roof, wiring, and plumbing.
- The E1 BER rating indicates poor thermal performance, suggesting that modern insulation, upgraded windows, and a modernized heating system will be necessary.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property carries an E1 BER rating, placing it in the D to G range which requires a comprehensive deep-retrofit estimate.
- A full deep retrofit for a 102 sq m detached bungalow of this vintage typically ranges from €50,000 to €80,000 or more, depending on the extent of works needed for external wall insulation, window replacements, heating system upgrades (such as a heat pump), and ventilation.
- However, the listing notes the property has been vacant for over two years, making eligible purchasers potentially positionable for up to €50,000 through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, subject to local authority approval, which could significantly offset out-of-pocket renovation expenses.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €2,200 to €2,800.
- Explanation: With a poor E1 BER rating and a floor area of 102 m² built in 1962, the property suffers from low energy efficiency and likely requires substantial upgrades to heating and insulation to reduce annual consumption.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in a predominantly rural agricultural setting away from heavy industrial zones, major waste facilities, or known active landfills.
- Any historical or localized environmental risks are minimal, though buyers should verify local agricultural runoff or private well water quality if applicable.
Flood Safe
7/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The setting is rural and generally elevated away from major coastal flood zones, though regional winter groundwater levels or proximity to local watercourses in parts of Galway should be investigated.
- Buyers are advised to check local drainage records and request a formal flood risk assessment to confirm the vulnerability of the immediate site.
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
CARNAKIB, OWER, HEADFORD
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €319,000.00
GORTHBRACK, OWER, HEADFORD
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €257,500.00
WALLPARK, OWER, HEADFORD
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €390,000.00
CURRAGHMORE, OWER, HEADFORD
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €275,000.00
CURRAGHMORE, OWER, HEADFORD
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €140,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Glencorrib area
BALLYHALE, HEADFORD, GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €160,000.00
42 EALLAGH, HEADFORD, CO GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €445,000.00
MOUNTROSS, HEADFORD, GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €70,000.00
CLOONEEN, HEADFORD, GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €380,000.00
GALWAY ROAD, HEADFORD, CO. GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €150,000.00
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, equating to €2,850 for a property asking €285,000.
- Solicitor legal fees: estimated between €1,500 and €3,000 plus VAT and outlays.
- Land registration fees: roughly €600 to €800 depending on the registry type.
- Property valuation fees: around €150 to €300 for mortgage or internal assessment.
- Surveyor fees: approximately €600 to €1,200 to thoroughly assess the condition of the 1962 structure and 2003 extension.
- Annual home insurance: estimated between €500 and €900 depending on coverage and the rural location.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Local community discussions highlight the quiet rural atmosphere of the Glencorrib and Headford areas.
- Residents often discuss the appeal of countryside living while remaining within commuting distance of Galway city.
- Community forums frequently mention the availability and process for applying for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant for older rural homes.
- Local interest groups often share tips and contractor recommendations for deep retrofitting properties with lower BER ratings such as E1.
- Discussions in the wider Galway region emphasize steady demand for fixer-upper properties that offer potential buyers a blank canvas.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children5/10
The property offers a secure, enclosed 0.30-acre site with outdoor space for play, though the house requires full internal refurbishment before it is suitable for children.
- Teenagers4/10
While the 0.30-acre plot provides independent outdoor space, the rural location with three double bedrooms and a single bathroom offers limited indoor separation or privacy for older teens.
- Multi-generational Living3/10
The single-level 102 sq m layout is accessible, but with only three double bedrooms and one bathroom, space is restricted for extended family groups.
- Single Buyers6/10
At an asking price of €285,000 and eligible for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant subject to approval, it offers an affordable project for single buyers willing to undertake extensive renovations.
- Couples7/10
A detached bungalow with three double bedrooms on a 0.30-acre site provides an ideal blank canvas for couples looking to renovate and customize their first home together.
- Empty Nesters7/10
Single-level living and a walk-in, level-access shower make this layout suitable for downsizers, though the extensive refurbishment required should be carefully factored in.
- Retirees7/10
All accommodation is on one level off a central hallway with step-free shower access, making it practical for retirement living once modernization works are completed.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working6/10
A separate store room offers potential for a study subject to planning and works, though broadband speeds in this rural area should be verified by the buyer.
- Hybrid Commuting4/10
The rural location near Headford and Galway means commuting times will depend heavily on private transport links.
- Retired8/10
The single-level bungalow setup is well-suited for retirees once the vacant property is fully refurbished.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place8/10
Single-level accommodation and a level-access shower make this home practical for ageing in place, provided necessary renovations are completed.
- Low Maintenance2/10
Having been vacant for over two years with an E1 BER rating, the property requires full refurbishment and significant remedial works before maintenance levels normalize.
- Secure Gated Entry6/10
Features a walled front garden and a gated tarmac driveway enhancing boundary definition and privacy.
- Minimalist Design3/10
A traditional 1962 build with a 2003 extension that requires complete modernization to achieve a minimalist aesthetic.
- Flexible Floor Plans5/10
Includes a central hallway layout with three bedrooms and a store room that offers potential for a future study or pantry subject to works.
- Heritage Home4/10
Originally built in 1962, it represents a mid-century rural build rather than a protected heritage property.
- Ecological Setup3/10
With an E1 BER rating and vacant for over two years, comprehensive energy upgrades will be required to improve its environmental efficiency.
- Outdoor areas7/10
Sits on a c. 0.30-acre site with a walled front garden, gravelled rear yard, and a detached garage/shed providing useful outdoor utility.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening8/10
The c. 0.12-hectare site includes a walled front garden and a gravelled rear yard, offering ample scope for landscaping and keen gardeners.
- Walking7/10
The quiet rural roads surrounding Glencorrib and Headford provide scenic routes for casual walking and outdoor exercise.
- Gym3/10
Dedicated fitness facilities are located further afield in nearby towns, requiring a drive from this rural location.
- Cycling7/10
Quiet rural surroundings offer pleasant cycling conditions on local roads, though traffic speeds and distances to larger hubs should be verified.
- Golf4/10
Golf enthusiasts will need to travel to regional courses, as there are no major facilities directly in the immediate townland.
- Fishing6/10
The general region in County Galway offers access to various inland loughs and rivers popular with anglers, though specific local spots should be checked.
- Horse Riding6/10
The rural setting and quiet country lanes are well-suited for equestrian pursuits, with potential to utilize the 0.30-acre plot for related storage.
- Water Sports3/10
While located in County Galway, direct access to specialized water sports facilities requires traveling to major lakes or coastal areas.
- Entertaining5/10
Features a living/dining room and outdoor space for gatherings, but the interior layout requires updating to create a modern entertaining flow.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living9/10
Situated in a quiet rural setting in Glencorrib with open countryside views and standing well back from the road, ensuring a peaceful environment.
- Rural Living9/10
Located on a 0.30-acre site surrounded by open countryside near Headford, perfectly suited for a traditional rural lifestyle.
- Village Living6/10
Close to Headford, providing proximity to local village amenities while retaining a distinct countryside feel.
- Coastal Living2/10
The property is inland in County Galway with no coastal proximity or sea views.
- Urban Living2/10
Set in a rural countryside location far removed from city centers or urban density.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
Rural townland living encourages engagement with local community initiatives centered around nearby Headford.
- Café Culture4/10
Café options are limited in the immediate rural townland and require traveling into nearby Headford.
- Nightlife2/10
Nightlife options are minimal in this quiet rural setting, necessitating trips to larger towns or Galway city.
- Health/Wellness groups4/10
Local wellness classes or groups would typically be accessed via community centers in the wider Headford area.
- Networking Opportunities2/10
The remote rural location offers very few local professional networking opportunities.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity2/10
Distance from major urban centers means tech hubs are not locally accessible, making high-speed internet verification essential.
Listing information
- Agent
- Niall Browne & Co
- Phone
- +353 86 600 9523
- Published on HouseDelve
- 7 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-C66F4BHouseDelve · 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.