Photograph 1 of 5 of Derelict Residence On Approx. 3.1 Acres, Balbriggan, County Dublin
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Derelict Residence On Approx. 3.1 Acres, Balbriggan, County DublinK32FY86

Price on application

BER C

What you'll like:

  • Substantial land holding: The property includes approximately 3.1 acres of land, offering buyers ample space for gardening, hobby farming, or equestrian activities in a desirable location.
  • Strategic regional location: Situated southwest of Balbriggan, the holding places residents within convenient reach of the M1 motorway for efficient commuting.
  • Proximity to M50 motorway: The location provides an approximate fifteen-minute drive to the M50, ensuring seamless connectivity to the broader Dublin road network.
  • Excellent transport links: Balbriggan features a well-served train station on the Belfast-Dublin line and regular bus services, ideal for daily commuters.
  • Significant road frontage: The substantial road frontage enhances accessibility and may offer future design flexibility or ease of access for agricultural vehicles.
  • Town amenity proximity: Being just two kilometers from Balbriggan town ensures effortless access to local shops, schools, healthcare services, and recreational facilities.
  • Airport accessibility: Dublin Airport is located approximately twenty-two kilometers away, making international travel exceptionally convenient for frequent flyers.
  • Regeneration benefits: The ongoing Our Balbriggan regeneration initiative is actively reshaping the town center and harbor area, potentially boosting long-term community value.
  • Agricultural potential: The surrounding area is known for quality farmland, making this acreage highly suitable for various agricultural or hobby farming pursuits.
  • Equestrian possibilities: The generous parcel size and rural setting provide a great foundation for keeping horses or establishing private stabling facilities.
  • Residential development potential: The existing derelict residence offers a footprint with potential to create a superb modern home, subject to acquiring necessary planning permissions.
  • Commuter town growth: Balbriggan has experienced steady residential and commercial development recently, indicating a thriving and dynamic local real estate environment.
  • Auction purchase opportunity: Buying via public auction provides a transparent and definite transaction timeline for serious cash or pre-approved buyers.
  • Established local community: The property sits in an area characterized by attractive one-off housing and well-established rural residential neighbors.
  • Coastal access: Balbriggan offers a harbor area and coastal amenities, providing residents with pleasant seaside walks and maritime recreational opportunities.
  • Independent customization: Purchasing a derelict structure allows the buyer to design and renovate a custom residence entirely tailored to their personal lifestyle preferences.
  • No upper chain: Buying a derelict property via auction typically involves fewer complications from upward chains, streamlining the acquisition process for bidders.
  • Expansion capacity: The generous acreage provides plenty of physical separation from neighbors, ensuring a high degree of privacy and peaceful country living.
  • Investment upside: Successfully securing planning permission and renovating the derelict dwelling could unlock significant capital appreciation in a growing commuter belt.
  • Professional auction management: The sale is managed by established agents, providing structured access to legal packets and viewing arrangements for interested parties.

But keep in mind:

  • Derelict property condition: The existing residence is described as derelict and will require a comprehensive, costly rebuild or extensive structural renovations before it is habitable.
  • Planning permission uncertainty: Creating a superb residential holding depends entirely on securing successful planning permission from the local authority, which is never guaranteed.
  • Untested services: The selling agents explicitly note that no apparatus, fixtures, fittings, or services have been tested, requiring thorough professional evaluation by the buyer.
  • Auction deposit pressure: Public auction purchases typically require an immediate, non-refundable deposit on the day of sale, demanding absolute financial readiness from bidders.
  • Unspecified floor area: The listing does not provide floor area measurements, making initial cost estimations for renovation more difficult without direct on-site measuring.
  • Unknown bedroom count: The absence of bedroom and bathroom counts in the listing details requires buyers to independently verify the exact scale of the structure.
  • Hidden structural defects: Derelict buildings often harbor severe issues such as damp, timber rot, or compromised foundations that will inflate repair budgets significantly.
  • Utility connection costs: Bringing electricity, water, and waste management services up to modern standards for a derelict dwelling can involve substantial connection expenses.
  • Strict auction contract terms: Buying at auction usually means entering an unconditional contract with no cooling-off period, leaving little recourse if hidden issues emerge.
  • Local occupancy restrictions: Local planning authorities in rural County Dublin often enforce strict restrictive clauses on who can obtain permission to build or renovate.
  • Environmental assessments required: Buyers should investigate potential ground conditions, drainage, or septic tank requirements to ensure compliance with modern environmental regulations.
  • Agricultural access coordination: Significant road frontage is positive, but buyers must verify sightlines and entrance safety compliance with local road authorities.
  • Securing mortgage finance: Derelict properties often fail to qualify for standard residential mortgages, meaning buyers may need specialized renovation loans or cash funds.
  • Demolition considerations: Depending on structural integrity, the cost of demolishing the existing ruin and starting fresh might exceed the cost of a standard renovation.
  • Boundaries verification: Buyers must carefully review land registry maps with their solicitor to confirm exact acreage boundaries and fence line alignments.
  • Access and right-of-way checks: Legal due diligence must confirm that all access routes from the public road to the acreage are legally secure and unencumbered.
  • Lack of immediate habitability: The property cannot be lived in during renovations, necessitating ongoing temporary accommodation costs for the buyer throughout the project.
  • Potential heritage or zoning constraints: Local county development plans might impose design guidelines or restrictions due to the rural zoning context of the lands.
  • Contingency budget necessity: Renovation projects of this scale frequently encounter unexpected cost overruns, requiring buyers to maintain a robust financial buffer.
  • Competitive auction environment: Public auctions can lead to emotional bidding and inflated prices if multiple interested parties compete for the same land parcel.

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.
  • Evaluating the positioning requires considering the unstated guidance price against the substantial acreage and a derelict dwelling, which usually demands heavy capital investment before any habitable standard can realistically be achieved by buyers.
  • Potential undervaluation signals stem from the derelict nature of the structure, while overvaluation risks arise from intense competition for land parcels boasting significant road frontage near major transport corridors and commuter hubs.
  • Successful planning permission for residential redevelopment would strongly support higher market valuations, whereas restrictive local zoning policies or prohibitive renovation costs could severely undermine the ultimate commercial appeal of the holding.
  • Additional market relevance is provided by the strategic positioning close to a growing commuter town and the M1 motorway, making agricultural or equestrian versatility an attractive secondary asset class for prospective purchasers.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is described as a derelict residence on approximately 3.1 acres, meaning any potential buyer should investigate the structural integrity, safety, and extent of deterioration of the existing building.
  • Since the listing notes potential to create a residential holding subject to planning permission, buyers should consult with a planning professional regarding local zoning regulations, restrictions on one-off housing in rural North County Dublin, and the feasibility of obtaining permission for renovation or replacement.
  • The land includes significant road frontage and is suitable for agricultural or equestrian purposes, which requires verification of boundary lines, access points, and title documents.
  • Given the derelict state, buyers should investigate the availability and connection status of essential services such as electricity, water, and sewage.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Estimated annual heating cost: Due to the derelict status of the residence and lack of active heating systems, specific energy costs cannot be reliably calculated at this time.
  • Explanation: Once the property is fully renovated and a functioning heating system installed, heating costs will depend heavily on the chosen energy source, insulation upgrades, and the final BER rating achieved.

Pollution Safe

8/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The property is situated in a largely rural and agricultural setting to the southwest of Balbriggan, appearing distant from major industrial pollution sources.
  • Any historical or localized agricultural waste management practices should be independently verified by prospective buyers.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The lands sit on elevated quality farmland in north County Dublin, generally indicating a lower risk of coastal or river flooding.
  • Localised surface water pooling after heavy rainfall should be investigated as part of standard pre-purchase due diligence.

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 Balbriggan area

  • 24 FANCOURT RD, BALBRIGGAN, DUBLIN

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €196,817.35
  • 49 BARONS HALL PARK, BALBRIGGAN, COUNTY DUBLIN

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €250,000.00
  • 14 BREMORE PASTURES WAY, HAMLET LANE, BALBRIGGAN

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €285,000.00
  • 127 BREMORE CASTLE, BALBRIGGAN, CO DUBLIN

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €370,000.00
  • 169 HAMPTON COVE, BALBRIGGAN, DUBLIN

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €640,000.00

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: Estimated at 1% to 7.5% of the purchase price depending on residential or non-residential classification.
  • Solicitor legal fees: Generally range from 1,500 to 3,000 euro plus VAT and outlay.
  • Land registration fees: Typically between 400 and 800 euro depending on property value and registration type.
  • Property valuation fees: Around 150 to 300 euro for mortgage or purchase valuation.
  • Surveyor fees: Approximately 500 to 1,500 euro depending on the depth of the structural survey required.
  • Annual home insurance: Roughly 400 to 1,000 euro per year depending on coverage and building condition.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Local discussion highlights the ongoing 'Our Balbriggan' regeneration initiative, aimed at reshaping the town centre and harbour area.
  • Residents frequently note the strong commuter appeal of Balbriggan due to its regular train services on the Dublin-Belfast line and bus connections.
  • Community forums often mention the convenience of the M1 motorway access via Junction 6 for commuters traveling towards Dublin.
  • The surrounding area is recognized for its blend of quality farmland, one-off rural housing, and growing suburban development.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The property features a derelict residence and requires extensive development, making it unsafe and unsuitable for young children until major renovations are completed.

    3/10
  • Teenagers

    While the 3.1-acre site offers plenty of space, the derelict state of the dwelling means it is not currently inhabitable for teenagers.

    4/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    The generous land size provides long-term potential for multi-generational living through future planning permission, but the existing structure is unusable.

    5/10
  • Single Buyers

    A derelict residence on large acreage involves substantial capital investment and project management, which may not suit most single buyers.

    3/10
  • Couples

    Couples looking for a grand self-build or renovation project will find potential here, though the property requires total redevelopment from the ground up.

    4/10
  • Empty Nesters

    Managing a major construction project on 3.1 acres is typically less appealing for empty nesters seeking a manageable downsizing option.

    3/10
  • Retirees

    The heavy maintenance of extensive acreage and a derelict house make this a challenging prospect for retirees.

    2/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    A blank canvas allows for a bespoke home office setup, but reliable broadband infrastructure should be verified.

    5/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    Excellent location close to the M1 motorway and Balbriggan train station facilitates convenient commuting to Dublin.

    7/10
  • Retired

    The heavy workload associated with restoring a derelict property and maintaining acreage is counter to a relaxed retirement.

    3/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    A derelict house requiring complete rebuilding is fundamentally unsuitable for ageing in place without significant, accessible design interventions.

    2/10
  • Low Maintenance

    Owning 3.1 acres of land and a derelict structure demands continuous property management and high maintenance.

    1/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    While the property has significant road frontage, security measures like gated entries would need to be installed by the buyer.

    3/10
  • Minimalist Design

    Starting with a derelict structure allows a buyer to design a minimalist home from scratch, subject to planning permission.

    6/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    Total redevelopment potential provides complete freedom to create a flexible floor plan tailored to specific needs.

    7/10
  • Heritage Home

    The building is described as a derelict residence rather than a protected heritage structure, though its historical fabric should be verified.

    4/10
  • Ecological Setup

    The 3.1-acre holding offers vast scope for implementing renewable energy, sustainable gardening, and ecological projects.

    7/10
  • Outdoor areas

    Featuring approximately 3.1 acres of outdoor space with significant road frontage, offering exceptional development and recreational potential.

    9/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Water Sports

    Coastal areas near Balbriggan provide access to marine activities, though require a short drive from the property.

    5/10
  • Gardening

    The approximately 3.1 acres of land provide an exceptional canvas for extensive landscaping, vegetable gardens, or horticultural projects.

    8/10
  • Walking

    The surrounding quiet rural roads offer pleasant walking routes, though buyers should verify local pedestrian infrastructure.

    6/10
  • Gym

    There are no immediate fitness facilities on-site, requiring travel into Balbriggan for commercial gym access.

    2/10
  • Cycling

    The local rural roads accommodate cycling, though rural traffic speeds and major road proximity should be considered.

    6/10
  • Golf

    North County Dublin features various golf courses within driving distance, though none are directly adjacent to the property.

    5/10
  • Fishing

    Proximity to the coast and local waterways offers potential angling opportunities, to be verified by the interested buyer.

    5/10
  • Horse Riding

    The listing explicitly notes the land is suitable for equestrian purposes, making this a strong option for horse owners.

    8/10
  • Entertaining

    Entertaining is currently impossible given the derelict nature of the residence, though future builds could incorporate this.

    3/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Situated in an area of quality farmland and one-off housing near Balbriggan, offering a peaceful rural atmosphere despite proximity to the M1.

    7/10
  • Rural Living

    Comprising approximately 3.1 acres of land in a countryside setting, this property is ideally suited for a rural lifestyle.

    8/10
  • Village Living

    Located just 2km from Balbriggan town, providing convenient access to local amenities while maintaining a country feel.

    6/10
  • Coastal Living

    Balbriggan offers coastal elements and a harbour area, though the property itself is set slightly inland amidst farmland.

    5/10
  • Urban Living

    This is strictly a rural site with a derelict building, far removed from urban apartment or city-center living.

    3/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Proximity to Balbriggan and its ongoing regeneration initiatives offers opportunities to engage with the local community.

    6/10
  • Café Culture

    Balbriggan town center provides local dining and café options, accessible via a short drive or transport link.

    5/10
  • Nightlife

    Rural setting with limited immediate nightlife, requiring travel into Balbriggan or further toward Dublin.

    3/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Local wellness groups and classes can be found within the broader Balbriggan area rather than immediately on-site.

    4/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Networking is primarily restricted due to the uninhabited nature of the property, though its commuter location helps.

    4/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    Accessibility to Dublin supports tech employment corridors, but buyers must verify local digital connectivity.

    5/10

Listing information

Agent
Coonan Property (Maynooth)
Phone
01 628 6128
Published on HouseDelve
13 September 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-2AD0E6HouseDelve · 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.