
Derelict Residence On Approx. 3.1 Acres, Balbriggan, County DublinK32FY86
€150,000
BER C
What you'll like:
- Generous Land Holding: The property includes approximately 3.1 acres of land, offering buyers ample space for gardening, hobby farming, or equestrian activities right on the edge of town.
- Strategic M1 Proximity: Situated just one kilometer from the M1 motorway, commuters will enjoy exceptionally fast access to Dublin Airport, the M50, and the wider capital region.
- Town Convenience Nearby: Balbriggan is located only two kilometers away, ensuring future residents can easily access local shopping, schools, medical services, and daily conveniences without lengthy commutes.
- Railway Transport Access: The nearby Balbriggan train station connects commuters directly to Dublin and Belfast lines, providing a reliable alternative to driving during peak rush hours.
- Town Regeneration Benefits: The active local regeneration initiative is reshaping the nearby town centre and harbour, which could positively enhance long-term regional amenities and overall community appeal.
- Significant Road Frontage: The land boasts considerable road frontage, which may improve accessibility and potentially simplify future site development or agricultural machinery access.
- Attractive Entry Price: With an accessible asking price of €150,000, this holding provides a low-cost entry point for buyers looking to undertake a custom renovation or self-build project.
- Rural Lifestyle Setting: Surrounded by quality farmland and established one-off housing, the setting combines peaceful countryside ambiance with the security of a settled neighborhood.
- Equestrian Potential: The acreage is well-suited for keeping horses or livestock, making it an appealing prospect for buyers seeking a small hobby farm or equestrian retreat.
- Expansion Opportunities: Subject to obtaining the necessary planning permissions, the existing footprint offers buyers a blank canvas to construct a bespoke modern residence tailored to their exact tastes.
- Airport Proximity: Dublin Airport is roughly a twenty-two-minute drive away, proving highly convenient for frequent flyers, business travelers, or aviation industry employees.
- Established Commuter Hub: Balbriggan has grown steadily with strong residential development, indicating a vibrant local property market with sustained long-term demand for housing.
- Bus Route Availability: Regular bus services connecting to Dublin city and surrounding areas offer additional flexibility for households relying on public transportation networks.
- Flexible Development Options: The substantial plot size and location accommodate diverse future uses ranging from horticulture to residential enhancement, subject to statutory approvals.
- Independent Renovation Control: Purchasing a derelict structure allows buyers to bypass paying a premium for someone else's finishes and design choices during the improvement process.
- Clear Asking Price: The established €150,000 figure provides a transparent benchmark for interested parties to begin financial planning and formulate initial bidding strategies.
- Private Rural Privacy: Despite close proximity to urban amenities, the sizeable acreage ensures a healthy buffer and privacy from neighboring properties.
- Agricultural Surroundings: The locale is characterized by productive farmland, contributing to pleasant rural views and an authentic countryside atmosphere.
- Auction Purchase Framework: Buying via an online auction process can provide a transparent and time-bound transaction structure for prepared cash buyers or funded purchasers.
- Investment Upside: Successfully restoring the derelict dwelling and maximizing the land potential could yield substantial capital appreciation upon completion.
But keep in mind:
- Derelict Condition Present: The existing residence is described as derelict, meaning buyers must budget for a complete structural overhaul or potential demolition before it becomes habitable.
- Planning Permission Uncertainty: Transforming or rebuilding on the site is strictly subject to planning permission, creating regulatory risk regarding what local authorities will ultimately permit.
- Untested Services Warning: The selling agents explicitly note that no apparatus, fixtures, fittings, or services have been tested, requiring buyers to independently verify the status of water, electricity, and sewage.
- Uncertain Floor Area: The listing does not provide the total floor area, making it difficult to estimate baseline construction costs or project budgets accurately without an on-site survey.
- Unknown Room Counts: The absence of bedroom and bathroom counts means buyers have very limited interior data prior to organizing a physical site inspection.
- Renovation Financing Challenges: Lenders often restrict mortgages on derelict properties without specialist renovation loans, so buyers should verify their funding eligibility early in the process.
- Hidden Structural Defects: Derelict buildings frequently harbor severe issues such as dry rot, damp, subsidence, or failing roofs that can escalate repair costs dramatically.
- Compliance and Legal Checks: Buyers must thoroughly investigate local zoning laws, right-of-way access, and title boundaries across the 3.1-acre holding with their legal representatives.
- Demolition Cost Exposure: If the current structure is beyond saving, demolition and debris removal expenses will add significant upfront costs before any new building work begins.
- Environmental Assessments: Given the rural and agricultural context, purchasers may need to check for soil contamination, drainage issues, or local environmental constraints on the land.
- Utility Connection Fees: Bringing modern electricity, broadband, and water supplies to a derelict rural footprint can incur substantial connection charges from utility providers.
- Local Housing Restrictions: North County Dublin planning guidelines can be stringent regarding one-off rural housing and local needs criteria, which might impact building prospects.
- Auction Speed Pressures: Purchasing through an online auction format requires unconditional commitment and finalized financing on auction day without standard cooling-off periods.
- Traffic and Infrastructure: While close to the M1, local approach roads may experience peak congestion as the commuter town continues its steady regional population growth.
- Unverified Boundaries: The exact perimeter and fencing condition of the 3.1 acres should be verified on the ground by a professional surveyor against the official folio map.
- Lack of Historical Pricing Context: The listing transitioned from an unavailable numeric figure to €150,000, leaving limited historical market data to gauge long-term seller pricing flexibility.
- Contractor Availability: Securing reliable builders and tradespeople for rural renovation projects can be challenging and subject to long waiting lists in the current market.
- Potential Septic Tank Needs: A rural property of this type will likely require a modern, compliant wastewater treatment system, adding thousands to site development outlays.
- Insurance Difficulties: Insuring a vacant and derelict property often incurs high premiums and restrictive policy conditions until active renovation work officially commences.
- Comprehensive Survey Necessity: Buyers must commission thorough structural, engineering, and environmental reports to uncover all latent defects before finalizing their financial commitments.
Price positioning
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- The asking price of one hundred fifty thousand euros appears undervalued given the inclusion of approximately three point one acres of land and a derelict residence close to strategic transport links in north County Dublin.
- Signals pointing towards an attractive valuation include the low absolute entry price for acreage with significant road frontage, though prospective buyers must factor in substantial refurbishment or rebuilding costs to unlock potential.
- Factors that could support such an accessible guide price include the necessity for extensive capital expenditure and planning risks associated with a derelict structure, whereas strong commuter demand could undermine initial expectations.
- Additional relevance stems from the online auction marketing strategy which typically employs a lower guide price to stimulate competitive bidding among developers, agricultural buyers, and private one-off housing aspirants.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is described as a derelict residence sitting on approximately 3.1 acres, indicating that the existing structure likely requires a total rebuild or extensive structural rehabilitation.
- A buyer should investigate the structural integrity of the derelict residence, the presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos, and the status of existing connections to local services (water, electricity, sewage).
- Given that the property is sold subject to planning permission and located on agricultural/one-off housing land, a prospective buyer must verify local planning guidelines with the local authority regarding the feasibility of renovating or replacing the dwelling.
- The land features significant road frontage and is suitable for agricultural or equestrian uses, which should be surveyed to confirm boundaries and access rights.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: Difficult to calculate precisely as the property is described as a derelict residence with missing or untested services.
- Given a BER rating of C (though subject to verification given the current state of the structure), standard heating costs for a typical home of this nature would usually range between €1,200 and €1,800 annually.
- However, due to the derelict condition of the building, buyers should investigate the actual state of any heating infrastructure and factor in significant renovation costs before habitable heating expenses apply.
Pollution Safe
8/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is situated in a rural and agricultural setting to the southwest of Balbriggan, appearing well removed from major industrial pollution sources or active landfills.
- Any historical or legacy agricultural impacts should be verified independently by prospective buyers as part of their standard due diligence.
Flood Safe
7/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The land and surrounding agricultural area generally sit outside known major urban flood zones, though localized pooling during extreme weather should be investigated.
- Buyers should consult official flood maps and undertake appropriate site assessments to confirm the exact flood risk profile for the specific acreage.
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
22 WEST BROOK CLOSE, BALBRIGGAN, DUBLIN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €382,000.00
3A CARDY ROCK RD, BALBRIGGAN, DUBLIN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €230,000.00
22 WESTBROOK GROVE, BALBRIGGAN, DUBLIN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €385,000.00
17 CASTLELAND PARK PLACE, BALBRIGGAN, DUBLIN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €472,000.00
7 CHAPEL CLOSE, BALBRIGGAN, DUBLIN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €380,000.00
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
- 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: Generally range between €1,500 and €3,000 plus VAT and outlays.
- Land registration fees: Typically around €175 to €700 depending on the property value and registration type.
- Property valuation fees: Usually between €150 and €300 for mortgage or internal assessment purposes.
- Surveyor fees: Ranging from €500 to €1,500 depending on the depth of the structural survey required, especially important given the derelict nature of the residence.
- Annual home insurance: Approximately €400 to €1,000 per year depending on the rebuilding cost and policy coverage, though vacant or derelict properties may require specialized vacant property insurance at potentially higher rates.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals and residents frequently discuss the ongoing 'Our Balbriggan' regeneration initiative, noting positive impacts on the town centre and harbour area.
- Community forums highlight strong and steady population growth in Balbriggan alongside expanding commercial and residential developments.
- Commuter discussions frequently praise the excellent transport links, including the local train station on the Belfast-Dublin line and regular bus services.
- Residents often emphasize the convenience of being close to the M1 motorway, making commutes to Dublin and the airport relatively straightforward.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children2/10
The property features a derelict residence on approximately 3.1 acres, making it completely unsafe for young children without extensive renovation and modernization.
- Teenagers2/10
Due to the derelict state of the home, it is not habitable for teenagers currently, although the spacious land offers outdoor potential once fully developed.
- Multi-generational Living2/10
The current structure requires complete rebuilding or significant refurbishment to support multiple generations, though the acreage allows for future expansion subject to planning permission.
- Single Buyers3/10
Single buyers with a large renovation budget could find long-term potential here, but the immediate uninhabitability requires immense capital and project management.
- Couples3/10
Couples looking for a major rural project will find opportunity in the 3.1 acres, but the property requires substantial work before it can be lived in.
- Empty Nesters3/10
While downsizing to a rural setting appeals to some empty nesters, the heavy construction burden of a derelict home is typically less than ideal.
- Retirees2/10
The requirement for major structural renovation and lack of modern amenities make this unsuitable for retirees unless working with a dedicated development team.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working6/10
Remote workers can enjoy a quiet environment, but buyers should verify local broadband and fiber connectivity speeds before committing.
- Hybrid Commuting8/10
The property benefits from being close to the M1 motorway and Balbriggan train station, facilitating regular travel to Dublin and Belfast.
- Retired4/10
While peaceful, the extensive repair work needed makes day-to-day living challenging for retirees without substantial contractor assistance.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place2/10
A derelict house lacks accessibility features, requiring a complete custom build to accommodate aging in place safely.
- Low Maintenance1/10
Managing roughly 3.1 acres and a derelict structure represents a high-maintenance endeavor requiring ongoing land and property management.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
While the property has significant road frontage, security infrastructure like gated entry would need to be installed by the buyer.
- Minimalist Design5/10
The blank slate of a derelict property allows a buyer to design a minimalist home from scratch subject to planning permission.
- Flexible Floor Plans5/10
Complete redevelopment freedom exists subject to planning permission, enabling entirely flexible interior layouts.
- Heritage Home4/10
The listing describes a derelict residence with potential, but buyers should investigate any historical or architectural designations.
- Ecological Setup7/10
The 3.1-acre plot offers a strong foundation for eco-friendly initiatives, renewable energy installations, and sustainable gardening.
- Outdoor areas10/10
An expansive area of approximately 3.1 acres provides vast outdoor space for agricultural, equestrian, or recreational uses.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening9/10
The roughly 3.1 acres of land provide an expansive canvas for extensive landscaping, vegetable gardens, and horticultural projects.
- Walking7/10
The rural roads and nearby proximity to Balbriggan offer good walking opportunities, though rural routes may lack dedicated footpaths.
- Gym4/10
Fitness facilities will require a short drive into Balbriggan town centre as there are no immediate commercial gyms on-site.
- Cycling6/10
The surrounding road network allows for cycling, though rural roads require caution due to traffic speeds near the M1 motorway corridor.
- Golf5/10
Standard access to regional golf courses is feasible given the proximity to Balbriggan and the wider north County Dublin area.
- Fishing6/10
Proximity to the coast and local waterways in north County Dublin provides reasonable access to fishing spots.
- Horse Riding9/10
The property notes suitability for agricultural or equestrian purposes, and the 3.1 acres offer exceptional potential for keeping horses.
- Water Sports5/10
Coastal access near Balbriggan allows for various water activities, though enthusiasts may travel to larger dedicated clubs nearby.
- Entertaining3/10
Entertaining is currently impossible due to the derelict condition of the residence, though future prospects are high once developed.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living8/10
Situated on roughly 3.1 acres outside Balbriggan, the location offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere away from dense urban noise.
- Rural Living9/10
The holding is surrounded by quality farmland and one-off housing, delivering an authentic countryside experience while remaining accessible.
- Village Living6/10
Balbriggan town is about 2 kilometers away, providing proximity to local amenities while maintaining a distinct countryside buffer.
- Coastal Living5/10
Balbriggan features a harbour area and coastal elements, but the property itself is set further inland towards the southwest.
- Urban Living3/10
This is firmly a rural and commuter-edge location rather than an urban environment, though Dublin is reachable via nearby transport links.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement5/10
Engagement relies on connecting with the broader Balbriggan community and local rural networks once the residence is habitable.
- Café Culture4/10
Café options are primarily located within Balbriggan town centre rather than the immediate rural surroundings.
- Nightlife3/10
Nightlife options are minimal near the property, requiring travel into Balbriggan or further toward Dublin.
- Health/Wellness groups4/10
Wellness groups, pilates, and stretching classes can be accessed in nearby Balbriggan town facilities.
- Networking Opportunities3/10
Networking is limited locally, though proximity to the M1 and Dublin helps facilitate professional connections elsewhere.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity4/10
Direct tech hubs are scarce locally, though the commuter links provide access to broader employment clusters.
Listing information
- Agent
- Coonan Property (Maynooth)
- Phone
- 01 628 6128
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 13 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-2AD0E6HouseDelve · 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.