
Belview, Ballinlough, Kells, County Meath
€150,000
3 Bed~62 m²~BER G
What you'll like:
- Active planning permission: The property features a recent grant of full planning permission for renovation and extension under reference 2660586, which significantly reduces the administrative hurdle of obtaining initial approvals.
- No local needs restriction: Crucially, the existing planning permission does not have local needs clauses attached, allowing any prospective buyer to develop the site without residency limitations.
- Substantial land holding: The generous site area of approximately 1.71 acres provides ample space for a large garden, outbuildings, or smallholder agricultural pursuits.
- Appealing scenic location: Situated in the foothills of the scenic Loughcrew Hills, the property offers a picturesque backdrop and attractive countryside views for residents.
- Potential renovation grants: Buyers may be able to leverage the Croí Cónaithe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and various SEAI schemes to offset some of the substantial rebuilding costs.
- Smallholder potential: The sizable plot is well suited for aspiring hobby farmers looking to keep animals like chickens, goats, or sheep alongside polytunnels.
- Rural lifestyle appeal: This setting delivers a genuine opportunity to escape to the country while remaining connected to nature and outdoor recreational pursuits.
- Proximity to historic towns: Both Kells and Oldcastle are located a short drive away, ensuring convenient access to everyday shopping, schools, and business needs.
- Access to local education: A local primary school is situated nearby in Ballinlough village, which is particularly convenient for families with young children.
- Outdoor recreation paradise: The surrounding area is rich in natural amenities, including lakes for water sports, forests for walking, and significant archaeological landscapes.
- Quiet country road frontage: The residence fronts a peaceful country lane and is set back nicely from the main R154 road, reducing passing traffic noise.
- Stable asking price: The asking price has remained firm at €150,000 during the tracking period, indicating a straightforward pricing strategy without recent erratic hikes.
- Flexible development options: Beyond the current approved plans, buyers retain the freedom to pursue entirely custom architectural designs tailored precisely to their personal tastes.
- Commuter road access: The location offers convenient driving connections to the N3 and M3 road routes via Drumbarragh for journeys toward major employment centers.
- Proportionate entry price: At €150,000, the initial acquisition cost leaves financial headroom for the extensive construction work required to bring the dwelling up to modern standards.
- Thriving local community: The nearby villages of Ballinlough and Crossakiel offer local conveniences, public houses, and community sports clubs to help integrate newcomers.
- Proximity to natural attractions: Landmarks like Loughcrew Estate Gardens and Mullaghmeen Forest are located within easy reach, enhancing the weekend lifestyle appeal.
- Sporting and social clubs: The locality is well supported by local Gaelic football clubs and rugby associations, fostering a strong sense of community involvement.
- Independent utility setup: Rural properties of this nature allow owners to design modern, efficient heating and waste systems tailored to current green technologies.
- Unique market opportunity: Properties with large plots, pre-approved permissions, and no restrictive occupancy clauses rarely come to market at this price level.
But keep in mind:
- Extremely poor energy rating: The dwelling currently holds a G energy rating with a very high energy performance indicator, necessitating a complete thermal overhaul.
- Heavy refurbishment required: The existing single-storey structure is heavily degraded and requires a comprehensive, costly renovation project before it becomes habitable.
- Unverified structural condition: The physical integrity of the existing cottage walls and roof must be professionally inspected to determine if any parts can be salvaged.
- Unknown bathroom facilities: Bathroom arrangements are not provided in the listing details, suggesting that modern plumbing and sanitation infrastructure must be installed entirely from scratch.
- Compact initial floor area: The current floor area stands at a modest 62.48 square meters, meaning living quarters will remain cramped until the approved extension is completed.
- Substantial construction costs: Buyers must budget significantly beyond the purchase price to execute the renovation and extension works permitted by the local authority.
- Grant eligibility uncertainty: Government grants and retrofit supports are subject to strict qualification criteria and availability, meaning buyers should not rely on them as guaranteed funds.
- Unverified service connections: Essential services such as water, electricity, and sewage connections need thorough investigation by specialists to confirm their capacity and condition.
- Lack of fixture testing: The selling agents explicitly note that no apparatus, fixtures, or fittings have been tested, placing the full due-diligence burden on the purchaser.
- Private vehicle dependency: The rural setting lacks immediate public transport links, making daily reliance on a car essential for commuting, schooling, and shopping.
- Planning compliance risks: Buyers must carefully verify that any proposed construction strictly adheres to the conditions and expiration timelines stipulated in planning reference 2660586.
- Agricultural boundary maintenance: Managing a 1.7-acre plot requires ongoing labor and financial investment for boundary fencing, hedge maintenance, and general land upkeep.
- Potential septic tank installation: Rural locations often require the installation of a compliant wastewater treatment system, which can involve complex percolation tests and added expense.
- Weather exposure on site: The elevated rural setting near the hills may expose the property to harsher weather conditions, requiring robust roofing and insulation materials.
- Construction project management: Overseeing a major rural build requires significant time, patience, and management skills to deal with contractors, delays, and unexpected site issues.
- Limited local employment: Immediate employment opportunities are scarce in the immediate townland, requiring commutes to larger nearby towns or cities for professional work.
- Single-source heating reliance: The property will require the installation of an entirely new heating system, as older cottage configurations lack modern energy-efficient boilers.
- Financing complexities: Securing a standard residential mortgage for a heavily derelict property with a G rating can be challenging, potentially requiring specialized renovation loan products.
- Isolation during winter: Rural country roads can occasionally become challenging to navigate during severe winter weather events, requiring preparedness for temporary isolation.
- Undeveloped outdoor grounds: The large site is currently undeveloped pasture land, meaning substantial earthworks and landscaping are required to create usable gardens or paddocks.
Price positioning
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- The asking price of one hundred fifty thousand euros appears notably conservative and below general market expectations, largely because the property features a G energy rating and a single-storey cottage residence requiring substantial refurbishment.
- Valuation signals are heavily influenced by the inclusion of a relatively large 1.7-acre site accompanied by a recent grant of full planning permission for renovation and extension without local needs restrictions.
- Support for this price point rests on the availability of various government refurbishment grants that can offset heavy capital expenditure, though unexpected construction inflation could quickly undermine these financial advantages.
- Additional relevant factors include the picturesque rural setting in the foothills of the Loughcrew Hills and historical precedent on the same road, indicating considerable hidden value for buyers willing to undertake extensive building works.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property features an existing single-storey cottage residence that requires substantial refurbishment, accompanied by a relatively large site of approximately 1.7 acres.
- A recent grant of full planning permission has been secured under planning reference 2660586 from Meath County Council, which permits the renovation and extension of the existing structure, and the listing notes that no local needs restrictions apply to this permission.
- A buyer should independently verify the exact conditions and expiry dates attached to the planning permission, as well as the structural integrity of the existing cottage before commencing any building works.
- Given the G BER rating, the building envelope will require comprehensive insulation, window replacements, and heating system installations to meet modern habitation standards.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- Estimated deep-retrofit cost: €60,000 to €90,000+
- Reasoning: The property holds a G BER rating with a very high energy performance indicator of 943.96 kWh/m2/yr, indicating that the existing cottage lacks proper insulation, efficient heating, and modern glazing. Because the structure requires a complete renovation and extension under the granted planning permission, bringing it to a modern B2 or A rating will necessitate extensive works including external wall insulation, roof insulation, high-performance windows and doors, and the installation of a renewable heating system such as a heat pump. While vacant property and energy upgrade grants may offset a portion of these expenses subject to qualification, the baseline capital required to achieve deep energy efficiency on a derelict or poorly performing rural cottage is substantial.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €2,500 to €3,500. Explanation: Given the G energy rating, small floor area of approximately 62.48 square metres, and the property requiring substantial refurbishment, the heating efficiency is currently very poor, resulting in high potential energy consumption until planned renovations and energy upgrades are completed.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in a tranquil rural setting surrounded by agricultural land and the Loughcrew Hills, appearing largely free from major industrial pollution concerns.
- Any potential local agricultural runoff or older septic tank arrangements should be independently verified by prospective buyers.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The site is elevated within the foothills of the Loughcrew Hills, suggesting a generally low likelihood of river or coastal flooding based on regional topography.
- Buyers should verify local surface water drainage capacity during heavy rainfall events, particularly given the large surrounding pasture lands.
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
PATRICKSTOWN, BALLINLOUGH, KELLS
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €445,000.00
BELVIEW, BALLINLOUGH, KELLS
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €225,000.00
BALLINLOUGH LITTLE, BALLINLOUGH, KELLS
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €517,500.00
Recent sales in the wider Kells area
133 THE GLEBE, KELLS, MEATH
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €265,000.00
BALRATHBOYNE, CORTOWN, KELLS
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €316,000.00
15 THE VILLAGE GREEN, CARLANSTOWN, KELLS
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €274,000.00
29 BLACKTHORN CLOSE, KELLS, MEATH
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €238,000.00
BALRATHBOYNE, CORTOWN, KELLS
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €485,000.00
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
BELVIEW, BALLINLOUGH, KELLS
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €225,000.00
Buyer fees*
Associated expenses guide
- Estimated stamp duty: €1,500 — 1% of €150,000.
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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: €1,500 to €3,500 plus VAT and outlay depending on complexity.
- Land registration fees: €400 to €800 depending on the property value and registration type.
- Property valuation fees: €150 to €300 for a standard mortgage or independent valuation.
- Surveyor fees: €500 to €1,200 depending on the level of detail and type of structural survey required for a property in need of refurbishment.
- Annual home insurance: €350 to €800 depending on the rebuild value, location, and level of cover chosen.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals in the Ballinlough and Kells areas frequently discuss the appeal of rural life, highlighting proximity to natural amenities like the Loughcrew Hills and Mullaghmeen Forest.
- Community discussions often focus on rural housing grants, such as the Croí Cónaithe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, for restoring older country cottages.
- Residents note that the surrounding region offers strong community engagement through local GAA clubs like Ballinlough and Kilskyre GFC, alongside active local farming and smallholder networks.
- Traffic and road safety on rural connectors towards the N3 and M3 corridors are occasional topics of discussion among commuters and local motorists.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children3/10
The property requires extensive refurbishment, holding a G BER rating and featuring a small floor area of around 62 square meters, making it unsuitable for young children until significant construction and modernization work are completed.
- Teenagers3/10
With only 3 bedrooms and a small existing footprint requiring total renovation, space is severely limited for teenagers, though the large 1.7-acre site offers plenty of outdoor room if extended.
- Multi-generational Living2/10
The single-storey cottage is currently small at roughly 62 square meters and uninhabitable without major works, leaving no immediate multi-generational capacity unless the granted extension plans are fully realized.
- Single Buyers6/10
An asking price of 150,000 euros combined with potential government refurbishment grants offers an appealing project for adventurous single buyers seeking a rural lifestyle or smallholding.
- Couples6/10
Well suited for DIY-enthusiast couples looking to design and build their dream country home from scratch, taking advantage of the granted planning permission and large plot.
- Empty Nesters5/10
The single-level cottage layout is ideal for downsizing in terms of stairs, but the heavy renovation requirements may prove daunting for some empty nesters.
- Retirees5/10
Single-storey living appeals to retirees, but the remote rural location and the major construction project required to make the home liveable pose practical challenges.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The tranquil rural environment is ideal for remote working once a home office is established, though buyers should verify local broadband speeds and connectivity.
- Hybrid Commuting5/10
Convenient access to the M3, N3, and R154 routes facilitates hybrid commuting, though the commute to major employment hubs like Dublin will be lengthy.
- Retired8/10
An excellent setting for retirement for those seeking peace, quiet, and a gardening project, though proximity to healthcare services should be independently verified.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place6/10
The single-storey nature of the cottage is suitable for ageing in place, but extensive modifications and universal design adaptations would need to be incorporated during the renovation.
- Low Maintenance1/10
With a G BER rating, a vacant cottage requiring total refurbishment, and a 1.7-acre site, maintenance and initial construction efforts will be exceptionally high.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
The property fronts a quiet country road and currently lacks any formal secure gated entry system, which would need to be installed by the buyer.
- Minimalist Design5/10
The small footprint provides a blank canvas for buyers wishing to implement a minimalist design layout during the rebuild process.
- Flexible Floor Plans8/10
Full planning permission for renovation and extension (planning ref 2660586) allows buyers to shape a custom floor plan to suit their needs.
- Heritage Home6/10
The existing single-storey structure is a traditional cottage style set in an area rich in archaeological heritage, though it requires complete modernization.
- Ecological Setup8/10
The large site, rural context, and potential for sustainable upgrades supported by SEAI grants make this a strong candidate for an eco-friendly setup.
- Outdoor areas10/10
An expansive 1.7-acre site surrounded by pasture lands and scenic hills provides unmatched outdoor space and smallholding potential.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening10/10
The large 1.7-acre site provides exceptional scope for extensive gardens, vegetable patches, and polytunnels.
- Walking9/10
Proximity to the Loughcrew Hills, local passage tombs, Girley Bog Eco Walk, and Mullaghmeen Forest makes this an outstanding location for walking enthusiasts.
- Gym3/10
There are no commercial gym facilities directly on-site or within immediate walking distance, requiring travel to nearby towns like Kells or Oldcastle.
- Cycling7/10
The quiet country roads surrounding the property offer pleasant cycling routes, though local traffic on connecting regional roads should be navigated with care.
- Golf7/10
Headfort Golf Club in nearby Kells provides accessible golfing facilities for enthusiasts in the area.
- Fishing9/10
Lough Lene, White Lake, Lough Ramor, and the Boyne, Blackwater, and Inny rivers are all nearby, offering prime fishing opportunities.
- Horse Riding9/10
The rural terrain and local hunting scene, including the Ballymacads, provide excellent conditions and opportunities for horse riding.
- Water Sports8/10
Proximity to several notable lakes and rivers provides very good access to water-based activities and water sports.
- Entertaining5/10
While the expansive outdoor site has strong potential for summer entertaining once developed, the indoor spaces currently require complete renovation before hosting guests.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living10/10
Located in a tranquil rural setting in the foothills of the Loughcrew Hills, fronting a quiet country road with beautiful countryside views and minimal disturbance.
- Rural Living10/10
The property is a classic rural escape, surrounded by lush green pastures, sitting on approximately 1.7 acres, and perfectly suited for a smallholding lifestyle.
- Village Living7/10
The local villages of Ballinlough and Crossakiel are a short distance away, offering convenient local amenities, primary schooling, convenience stores, and public houses.
- Coastal Living1/10
The location is inland in County Meath, far away from any coastal areas or beaches.
- Urban Living2/10
Situated in a deeply rural setting far from city centers, though the heritage town of Kells is roughly 15 minutes away by car for broader urban conveniences.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement7/10
Active local communities in nearby Ballinlough and Crossakiel, alongside local GFC clubs, offer good opportunities for community integration.
- Café Culture4/10
Café options are limited in the immediate rural vicinity and require a drive into nearby towns such as Kells.
- Nightlife2/10
Nightlife is minimal in this quiet countryside location, restricted mostly to local country pubs in nearby villages.
- Health/Wellness groups5/10
Local wellness and sporting activities are supported through community facilities in the broader Kells and Oldcastle areas.
- Networking Opportunities2/10
The rural location offers very few direct professional networking opportunities without traveling toward larger urban centers.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity2/10
The property is situated in a rural area far from established technology hubs, making local tech-sector networking virtually nonexistent.
Listing information
- Agent
- Quillsen (Navan)
- Phone
- 046 902 2100
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 20 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-F5651DHouseDelve · 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.