Drumleaghy, Sooey, Riverstown, SligoF52WC98
€89,000
4 Bed~1 Bath~BER F
What you'll like:
- Affordable Entry Price: Listed at just €89,000, this property offers a remarkably low acquisition cost for buyers seeking a renovation project with significant upside potential upon completion.
- Generous Site Area: The property includes approximately one full acre of land, providing ample outdoor space for gardens, outbuildings, or potential landscaping enhancements to suit your personal lifestyle needs.
- Four Bedroom Layout: Featuring a four-bedroom footprint, the house provides surprising interior capacity for a traditional rural cottage, making it ideal for growing families or accommodating a dedicated home office.
- Detached Privacy: Being a fully detached residence, occupants will enjoy greater acoustic privacy and independence compared to semi-detached or terraced rural housing options in the surrounding county.
- Renovation Grant Potential: The property may qualify for valuable government initiatives such as the Vacant and Derelict Property Refurbishment Grants, which can substantially offset heavy upfront modernization construction expenses.
- Energy Upgrade Grants: Buyers can potentially leverage SEAI Home Energy Grants to help finance critical insulation and heating system improvements necessary to elevate the currently poor energy efficiency rating.
- Block Built Outbuildings: The inclusion of a block-built shed or stables offers fantastic preexisting storage capacity or adaptable workshop space for hobbies, tools, and rural equipment management.
- Commutable Distance: Situated approximately twenty kilometers from Sligo town, the location allows residents to access urban employment, retail, and healthcare amenities within a reasonable daily driving commute.
- Proximity to Village: Being just 5.5 kilometers from Sooey ensures quick access to local community amenities, fostering a welcoming rural village atmosphere without feeling entirely isolated from civilization.
- Road Frontage Accessibility: Positioned directly on the R284 regional route, the property benefits from maintained roadside access, ensuring straightforward connectivity for vehicles and contractors throughout the refurbishment process.
- Rural Lifestyle Appeal: The scenic countryside setting in County Sligo provides breathtaking natural surroundings and a peaceful environment that appeals strongly to buyers seeking a quieter rural existence.
- Customization Freedom: Because the interior requires a full refurbishment, buyers have a blank canvas to design and finish every room precisely to their own modern aesthetic and functional standards.
- Investment Upside: Completing a thorough modernization of a detached rural home on an acre of land can yield a strong return on investment compared to purchasing a turnkey property.
- Solid Structural Baseline: Being block-built rather than older timber-frame construction, the dwelling provides a robust physical foundation for tradespeople to build upon during structural remediation work.
- Established Utility Routes: The existing connection points for oil and solid fuel central heating indicate that fundamental infrastructure is already on site, simplifying the eventual heating system overhaul.
- Manageable Scale: Unlike massive estate homes, this compact rural cottage allows project managers to oversee renovations more efficiently and keep material staging organized across the acre site.
- Local Supply Chains: Sligo town is close enough to source building supplies, tradespeople, and architectural services conveniently without incurring excessive delivery surcharges from distant metropolitan hubs.
- Expansion Possibilities: The spacious one-acre plot leaves physical room for potential architectural extensions in the future, subject to obtaining the necessary local planning permissions and approvals.
- Historical Character: Older rural cottages possess unique architectural charm that, when successfully restored, blends rustic aesthetic appeal with contemporary interior comforts for a truly special home.
- Direct Agent Communication: The listing is managed by an established local agency, providing buyers with a reliable point of contact to clarify property specifics and arrange physical site viewings.
But keep in mind:
- Poor Energy Rating: The property currently holds a weak F energy rating, indicating severe thermal inefficiency that will result in high heat loss and expensive utility bills prior to upgrades.
- Extensive Refurbishment Required: The description notes that the dwelling presents a major project, meaning buyers must budget significant time and capital to bring the interior up to modern living standards.
- Heating System Replacement: Both the oil and solid fuel central heating systems require a complete upgrade, necessitating substantial investment in a modern, efficient boiler and associated radiator pipework.
- Unverified Floor Area: The listing omits the total square footage, making it difficult for prospective buyers to accurately estimate material costs for flooring, painting, and insulation without a physical measurement.
- Property Type Omission: The specific legal classification and structural age are not clearly stated, requiring diligent surveyor investigation to ensure there are no hidden structural defects or title anomalies.
- Grant Eligibility Uncertainty: Government refurbishment grants are strictly subject to application terms, conditions, and local authority approval, meaning buyers should not rely on them as guaranteed funding sources.
- Roadway Proximity Impacts: Located directly on the R284 regional route, the property may experience noticeable traffic noise and vehicle passing speeds that could detract from the peaceful rural atmosphere.
- Outbuilding Condition Unknown: The block-built shed and stables require a thorough structural inspection to check for roof integrity, dampness, and potential asbestos presence before storing valuable items inside.
- Private Wastewater Status: Buyers must verify the condition and compliance of any on-site septic tank or wastewater treatment system to ensure it meets current environmental standards without requiring replacement.
- Water Supply Verification: The reliability, quality, and pressure of the domestic water supply whether from a private well or public mains must be professionally tested during the pre-purchase survey.
- Electrical System Age: Given the overall need for refurbishment, the internal wiring and fuse boards are likely outdated and will require a complete rewiring to satisfy modern safety regulations.
- Damp and Ventilation Issues: Unoccupied or poorly maintained rural cottages frequently suffer from rising damp and inadequate ventilation, which can lead to expensive remediation work for walls and timbers.
- Roof and Chimney Integrity: Buyers must commission a detailed roof survey to inspect slates, flashing, and chimney stacks for water ingress, sagging timbers, and necessary structural repairs.
- Planning Permission Limits: Undertaking major structural alterations or extensions on a rural site will require strict adherence to local planning guidelines, potentially restricting ambitious redesign ideas.
- Contractor Availability: Sourcing reliable builders, plumbers, and electricians for rural renovation projects in County Sligo can be challenging and subject to long waiting lists and rising labor costs.
- Boundary Demarcation Checks: The exact legal boundaries encompassing the one-acre site must be carefully verified by a qualified mapping professional against the Land Registry folio to prevent future disputes.
- Access and Visibility Hazards: Exiting a property directly onto a regional road with higher speed limits requires careful attention to sightlines and vehicle safety during daily commutes.
- Potential Insulation Deficits: Older rural dwellings often lack cavity wall insulation or proper roof insulation, requiring extensive thermal retrofitting to achieve comfortable indoor temperatures.
- Interim Living Arrangements: The property is clearly uninhabitable in its current condition, meaning buyers must factor the cost of alternative rental accommodation into their overall project budget.
- Comprehensive Survey Necessity: Due to the high number of unknowns, buyers must allocate funds for thorough structural, electrical, and plumbing surveys to uncover any concealed liabilities before closing.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price appears attractively positioned below regional averages, reflecting the substantial capital investment required to address the poor energy rating and extensive renovation works needed across the detached property and its site.
- Signals pointing towards undervaluation include the low entry cost for a four-bedroom home on a one-acre plot, though this is heavily counterbalanced by the considerable liabilities associated with upgrading structural elements and outdated heating systems.
- Potential support for this pricing level stems from the availability of various government refurbishment and energy grants, which could significantly offset modernisation costs, though actual financial return remains strictly dependent on meeting stringent eligibility criteria.
- Relevant market context indicates that while rural detached properties in the broader area achieve much higher prices when modernised, acquiring a derelict or heavily dated asset carries substantial execution risk and potentially prolonged holding times.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a 4-bedroom detached cottage on a circa 1-acre site, suggesting a traditional or older rural build that will require substantial refurbishment.
- The listing notes oil and solid fuel central heating that requires an upgrade, indicating that the heating and plumbing systems should be thoroughly inspected.
- A block-built shed or stables are included on the site, which a buyer should inspect for structural integrity and local planning compliance.
- Given the poor BER rating of F, a buyer should investigate potential dampness, inadequate insulation, and the general condition of the roof, windows, and doors.
- The property may qualify for refurbishment grants such as the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and SEAI energy grants, which a buyer should verify with relevant authorities.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- Estimated deep-retrofit cost is between 50,000 and 70,000 euros.
- The reasoning is based on the poor BER rating of F and the need to upgrade central heating, insulation, windows, and doors to bring the property to a modern energy-efficient standard.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: approximately 2,000 to 2,800 euro
- Explanation: The property currently holds a poor BER rating of F and features an oil and solid fuel central heating system that requires an upgrade, leading to significantly higher energy consumption until retrofitted.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is situated in a predominantly rural agricultural setting with no apparent major industrial facilities, incinerators, or active landfills in immediate proximity.
- Any historical or localized environmental concerns should be verified through standard conveyancing searches and local environmental office checks.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The regional topography consists of undulating rural countryside, and the property site sits above major lowland river basin flood plains, though local drainage should be checked.
- Buyers should consult national flood hazard mapping and local authority records to confirm the specific flood risk status of the plot.
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 Riverstown area
ARDVARNEY, RIVERSTOWN, CO SLIGO
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €290,000.00
20 ROSS RD, RIVERSTOWN, SLIGO
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €245,000.00
DRUNASOOEY, DRUMNACOOL, RIVERSTOWN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €115,000.00
CARNAGARK, RIVERSTOWN, SLIGO
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €320,000.00
DRUMFIN, RIVERSTOWN, SLIGO
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €395,000.00
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% of the purchase price (around 890 euro)
- Solicitor legal fees: roughly 1,500 to 2,500 euro excluding outlays
- Land registration fees: approximately 175 to 700 euro depending on the registration type
- Property valuation fees: around 150 to 250 euro
- Surveyor fees: approximately 500 to 1,000 euro
- Annual home insurance: roughly 400 to 800 euro depending on the policy and property condition
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Local residents frequently discuss the quiet rural character of the Sooey and Riverstown areas in County Sligo.
- Discussions in regional forums often highlight the convenience of the R284 route for commuting toward Sligo town.
- Community interest is often high regarding rural regeneration grants and the refurbishment of traditional cottages in the countryside.
- Local groups often share updates on community events, GAA matches, and local services in nearby Riverstown and Sooey.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children3/10
The property requires extensive refurbishment, which poses safety hazards for young children until all renovation works are fully completed.
- Teenagers4/10
Four bedrooms provide adequate space, though the remote location lacks local amenities and entertainment venues typically sought by teenagers.
- Multi-generational Living3/10
With a single bathroom and a layout requiring substantial upgrading, it is currently unsuitable for multi-generational living without significant redesign and extension.
- Single Buyers4/10
At €89,000, the purchase price is accessible, but the scale of renovation needed may prove overwhelming and costly for a single buyer without support.
- Couples5/10
An affordable project home for a couple willing to take on a major renovation together, though rural isolation should be considered.
- Empty Nesters4/10
While detached and offering privacy, the property's remote rural setting and high maintenance demands may not suit all empty nesters looking for ease.
- Retirees4/10
The cottage offers quiet rural living, but distance from medical facilities and the need for significant repairs are drawbacks for retirees.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working5/10
Offers a quiet environment conducive to home working, but buyers must verify local broadband availability and speeds.
- Hybrid Commuting3/10
Located roughly 20 km from Sligo town, making a hybrid commute feasible only for those comfortable driving regional roads.
- Retired5/10
Suitable for retirees seeking a rural project, provided they account for driving distances to essential services and healthcare.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place3/10
The property requires total refurbishment and lacks current accessibility features, making ageing in place challenging without significant modifications.
- Low Maintenance1/10
With an F BER rating, outdated central heating, and a need for extensive refurbishment across a 1-acre site, maintenance demands will be high.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
Boundary security features are not specified, so buyers should investigate adding secure gates.
- Minimalist Design4/10
A traditional 4-bedroom cottage layout that would require architectural intervention to achieve a true minimalist aesthetic.
- Flexible Floor Plans5/10
Because the property requires complete refurbishment, buyers have a blank canvas to reconfigure the interior layout.
- Heritage Home6/10
A traditional detached cottage style that appeals to those seeking character, though it is not explicitly listed as a protected structure.
- Ecological Setup4/10
Currently rated F for energy efficiency, but potential eligibility for SEAI Home Energy Grants offers an opportunity to upgrade environmental performance.
- Outdoor areas8/10
A generous circa 1-acre site accompanied by a block-built shed or stables provides excellent outdoor workspace and land.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening9/10
The circa 1-acre site provides ample space for enthusiastic gardeners to cultivate extensive lawns, vegetables, and landscaping.
- Walking7/10
Quiet rural roads surrounding the property offer peaceful walking routes, though access to designated trailheads may require driving.
- Gym2/10
No nearby fitness facilities; residents must travel towards Sligo town for gym access.
- Cycling6/10
Scenic rural roads are suitable for cycling, but lack of dedicated cycle lanes and regional traffic on the R284 require caution.
- Golf4/10
Golf courses are located further away in Sligo town and surrounding areas, requiring a regular commute.
- Fishing6/10
The rural Sligo region generally offers various inland angling opportunities, though buyers should verify local river access.
- Horse Riding7/10
The inclusion of block-built stables on a 1-acre plot makes this potentially suitable for keeping horses, subject to local equestrian infrastructure.
- Water Sports3/10
Inland location means water sports require travel to coastal areas or major lakes in the county.
- Entertaining4/10
Currently limited by the need for complete interior refurbishment and a single bathroom, though the outdoor space holds future potential.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living10/10
Situated in a rural Sligo setting on about one acre with low population density, guaranteeing a peaceful environment.
- Rural Living10/10
A classic rural retreat setting on the R284, surrounded by countryside and located far from urban centers.
- Village Living5/10
Sooey is approximately 5.5 km away, offering limited local community integration rather than a bustling village doorstep.
- Coastal Living2/10
The inland location in Co. Sligo means coastal amenities and beaches are a significant drive away.
- Urban Living1/10
Completely detached from urban infrastructure, with Sligo town roughly 20 km away.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement5/10
Proximity to Sooey allows for local community engagement, though integration takes time in a dispersed rural setting.
- Café Culture2/10
Café options are sparse locally, requiring trips into Sligo town for café culture.
- Nightlife1/10
No nightlife options in the immediate vicinity; Sligo town is the nearest hub for pubs and entertainment.
- Health/Wellness groups3/10
Local wellness groups are limited, with most structured classes and facilities situated in larger nearby towns.
- Networking Opportunities1/10
A purely residential and rural location offering virtually no local professional networking venues.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity2/10
Distant from major technology hubs, relying entirely on remote telecommunications connectivity.
Listing information
- Agent
- Property Partners Mulholland
- Phone
- 071 914 2845
- Published on HouseDelve
- 13 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-4AFB4CHouseDelve · 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.