
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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- 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
8/10Environmental situation to investigate
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
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 Children3/10
The property features a derelict residence and requires extensive development, making it unsafe and unsuitable for young children until major renovations are completed.
- Teenagers4/10
While the 3.1-acre site offers plenty of space, the derelict state of the dwelling means it is not currently inhabitable for teenagers.
- Multi-generational Living5/10
The generous land size provides long-term potential for multi-generational living through future planning permission, but the existing structure is unusable.
- Single Buyers3/10
A derelict residence on large acreage involves substantial capital investment and project management, which may not suit most single buyers.
- Couples4/10
Couples looking for a grand self-build or renovation project will find potential here, though the property requires total redevelopment from the ground up.
- Empty Nesters3/10
Managing a major construction project on 3.1 acres is typically less appealing for empty nesters seeking a manageable downsizing option.
- Retirees2/10
The heavy maintenance of extensive acreage and a derelict house make this a challenging prospect for retirees.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working5/10
A blank canvas allows for a bespoke home office setup, but reliable broadband infrastructure should be verified.
- Hybrid Commuting7/10
Excellent location close to the M1 motorway and Balbriggan train station facilitates convenient commuting to Dublin.
- Retired3/10
The heavy workload associated with restoring a derelict property and maintaining acreage is counter to a relaxed retirement.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place2/10
A derelict house requiring complete rebuilding is fundamentally unsuitable for ageing in place without significant, accessible design interventions.
- Low Maintenance1/10
Owning 3.1 acres of land and a derelict structure demands continuous property management and high maintenance.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
While the property has significant road frontage, security measures like gated entries would need to be installed by the buyer.
- Minimalist Design6/10
Starting with a derelict structure allows a buyer to design a minimalist home from scratch, subject to planning permission.
- Flexible Floor Plans7/10
Total redevelopment potential provides complete freedom to create a flexible floor plan tailored to specific needs.
- Heritage Home4/10
The building is described as a derelict residence rather than a protected heritage structure, though its historical fabric should be verified.
- Ecological Setup7/10
The 3.1-acre holding offers vast scope for implementing renewable energy, sustainable gardening, and ecological projects.
- Outdoor areas9/10
Featuring approximately 3.1 acres of outdoor space with significant road frontage, offering exceptional development and recreational potential.
Interests
9 areas- Water Sports5/10
Coastal areas near Balbriggan provide access to marine activities, though require a short drive from the property.
- Gardening8/10
The approximately 3.1 acres of land provide an exceptional canvas for extensive landscaping, vegetable gardens, or horticultural projects.
- Walking6/10
The surrounding quiet rural roads offer pleasant walking routes, though buyers should verify local pedestrian infrastructure.
- Gym2/10
There are no immediate fitness facilities on-site, requiring travel into Balbriggan for commercial gym access.
- Cycling6/10
The local rural roads accommodate cycling, though rural traffic speeds and major road proximity should be considered.
- Golf5/10
North County Dublin features various golf courses within driving distance, though none are directly adjacent to the property.
- Fishing5/10
Proximity to the coast and local waterways offers potential angling opportunities, to be verified by the interested buyer.
- Horse Riding8/10
The listing explicitly notes the land is suitable for equestrian purposes, making this a strong option for horse owners.
- Entertaining3/10
Entertaining is currently impossible given the derelict nature of the residence, though future builds could incorporate this.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living7/10
Situated in an area of quality farmland and one-off housing near Balbriggan, offering a peaceful rural atmosphere despite proximity to the M1.
- Rural Living8/10
Comprising approximately 3.1 acres of land in a countryside setting, this property is ideally suited for a rural lifestyle.
- Village Living6/10
Located just 2km from Balbriggan town, providing convenient access to local amenities while maintaining a country feel.
- Coastal Living5/10
Balbriggan offers coastal elements and a harbour area, though the property itself is set slightly inland amidst farmland.
- Urban Living3/10
This is strictly a rural site with a derelict building, far removed from urban apartment or city-center living.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
Proximity to Balbriggan and its ongoing regeneration initiatives offers opportunities to engage with the local community.
- Café Culture5/10
Balbriggan town center provides local dining and café options, accessible via a short drive or transport link.
- Nightlife3/10
Rural setting with limited immediate nightlife, requiring travel into Balbriggan or further toward Dublin.
- Health/Wellness groups4/10
Local wellness groups and classes can be found within the broader Balbriggan area rather than immediately on-site.
- Networking Opportunities4/10
Networking is primarily restricted due to the uninhabited nature of the property, though its commuter location helps.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity5/10
Accessibility to Dublin supports tech employment corridors, but buyers must verify local digital connectivity.
Listing information
- Agent
- Coonan Property (Maynooth)
- Phone
- 01 628 6128
- Published on HouseDelve
- 13 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
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.