
Drumleene, Ballindrait, Co. Donegal
€35,000
What you'll like:
- Affordable entry point: Listed at just thirty-five thousand euros, this plot offers a very low-cost opportunity for self-builders with limited initial capital.
- Generous plot size: The zero point six acre footprint provides ample space for a substantial family home, garage, and extensive private gardens.
- Flexible land options: Additional land available for purchase gives buyers the unique potential to expand their footprint for agricultural or privacy needs.
- Strategic regional positioning: Centrally situated between Lifford, Raphoe, and St. Johnston, offering convenient access to multiple local employment and shopping hubs.
- Direct road frontage: Adjoining a minor public road simplifies access development and reduces potential private right-of-way disputes with neighboring landowners.
- Stable asking price: The price has remained unchanged since tracking began, suggesting a firm seller stance but avoiding sudden speculative market markup.
- Customizable build potential: Offering the site subject to planning permission allows buyers to design a bespoke property tailored entirely to their lifestyle.
- Rural community setting: Located in Ballindrait, the area provides a peaceful countryside lifestyle while maintaining connectivity to nearby towns.
- Direct agent availability: Represented by a named local agency with direct contact channels, facilitating straightforward inquiries and initial negotiations.
- Low holding costs: Vacant land carries minimal ongoing maintenance and utility expenses compared to purchasing an existing habitable residential dwelling.
- Potential equity creation: Successfully securing planning permission typically adds immediate value to raw land, rewarding the buyer's upfront diligence.
- Custom energy efficiency: Building from scratch enables the incorporation of modern high-performance insulation and renewable energy systems from day one.
- Private development timeline: Buyers can proceed at their own pace with architectural designs and planning applications without immediate occupancy pressures.
- Agricultural surroundings: The rural context provides scenic views and a tranquil environment away from heavy urban congestion and noise.
- Expansion capacity: The option to acquire extra acreage could accommodate future family ventures, equestrian hobbies, or enhanced perimeter buffering.
- Manageable clearing needs: A zero point six acre plot is small enough to clear and landscape affordably without requiring heavy industrial machinery.
- Local amenity access: Proximity to multiple surrounding settlements ensures that schools, shops, and everyday services are reachable within a short drive.
- Straightforward transaction type: Vacant site sales typically involve fewer chain complications than buying from an owner currently living in the home.
- Direct viewing arrangement: Scheduled appointments through the listed negotiator ensure personalized attention during site visits and boundary inspections.
- Investment diversification: Acquiring physical land provides a tangible asset class that diversifies a personal portfolio away from purely financial instruments.
But keep in mind:
- Planning permission uncertainty: Offered subject to planning permission, meaning the sale carries the inherent risk that local authorities may reject a housing proposal.
- Missing BER rating: No Building Energy Rating is provided, though standard for land, future construction will need to meet strict national efficiency standards.
- Undeveloped infrastructure: Buyers must budget extensively for connecting essential utilities such as electricity, water, and waste management to the boundary.
- Unspecified site boundaries: The exact legal boundaries and fence lines should be carefully verified against the Land Registry folio map before purchase.
- Local housing restrictions: Donegal County Council local needs criteria may restrict who qualifies to build a house in this specific rural rural area.
- Road access requirements: The local authority may mandate sightline improvements or road frontage setbacks, eating into usable garden space.
- Percolation test unknowns: Soil conditions are unverified, and the site must pass a rigorous percolation test to ensure a septic tank system is viable.
- Unknown site topography: The physical grading and drainage of the zero point six acres are unconfirmed, potentially requiring expensive earthmoving works.
- Potential connection costs: Bringing off-grid services or extending public mains to the plot could incur significant unexpected utility installation expenses.
- Lack of floor area specs: Without existing structures, all living dimensions and layout possibilities depend entirely on future architectural planning approvals.
- Undefined bedroom count: Property capacity is entirely hypothetical at this stage, subject strictly to local council design and density limitations.
- No bathroom provisions: Current plumbing infrastructure is non-existent, requiring complete design and installation of domestic water systems from scratch.
- Agent listing omissions: Key details regarding zoning designations and local development plan policies are missing from the primary marketing text.
- Extended development timeline: Navigating the planning application and construction phases could take many months or years before the property is habitable.
- Financing complexities: Securing a mortgage specifically for unbuilt land can be challenging, often requiring specialized self-build loan products.
- Future local development fees: Local authorities often levy hefty development contributions upon granting planning permission for new single rural dwellings.
- Surface water management: Rural sites without urban storm drains require careful soakaway design to prevent seasonal water accumulation on the grounds.
- Hidden boundary disputes: Adjoining landowners might contest historical fence placements, necessitating a professional topographical and boundary survey.
- Traffic safety considerations: Minor public roads can experience fast local traffic, making safe vehicular entrance and exit design critical.
- Market liquidity risks: Raw rural building land can sometimes take longer to resell if personal circumstances change before construction is completed.
Price positioning
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- The asking price appears modestly positioned because it represents a 0.6-acre site offered subject to planning permission, which inherently carries development risks and delays before any construction can actually begin on the rural land parcel.
- Valuation signals are tempered by the conditional nature of the sale, meaning a purchaser must navigate local planning requirements successfully, potentially incurring significant design, engineering, and administrative costs before realizing any tangible asset value.
- Factors that could support this price include strong local housing demand and the potential to acquire additional land, whereas strict local planning restrictions or high connection costs for essential rural utilities could heavily undermine the investment.
- Observed listing stability at thirty-five thousand euros without historical fluctuations indicates a firm vendor stance, reflecting realistic expectations for unserviced rural sites in this specific rural district of County Donegal.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is offered as a 0.6-acre site subject to planning permission, meaning no physical structure currently exists.
- A buyer must investigate local planning policies, connection feasibility for essential services such as water and electricity, and percolation test results for wastewater treatment suitability.
- The site adjoins a minor public road, so potential buyers should verify sightlines and access requirements demanded by the local planning authority.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Annual heating cost: 0 euro.
- Explanation: The property is currently an undeveloped 0.6-acre site offered for sale subject to planning permission, meaning there is no existing structure to heat.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The site is located in a predominantly rural agricultural setting with no immediate apparent proximity to heavy industrial facilities, major incinerators, or active landfills.
- Any historical or localized agricultural waste management practices should be verified independently during the pre-purchase site assessment.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property is situated in a rural inland area, though buyers should verify local surface water drainage patterns, particularly given the proximity to regional river catchments in East Donegal.
- Prospective purchasers are advised to consult local flood maps and carry out a site-specific topographical assessment to confirm the risk of surface water accumulation.
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 Ballindrait area
286 COOLATEE, BALLINDRAIT, LIFFORD
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €165,000.00
CLOUGHFIN, BALLINDRAIT, DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €310,000.00
1 EDENMORE, BALLINDRAIT, LIFFORD
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €205,000.00
190 MONEEN, BALLINDRAIT, LIFFORD
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €39,000.00
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: €350 — 1% of €35,000.
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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: approximately 1,500 to 3,000 euro plus VAT.
- Land registration fees: approximately 400 to 800 euro depending on the registration type.
- Property valuation fees: approximately 150 to 250 euro.
- Surveyor fees: approximately 500 to 1,000 euro.
- Annual home insurance: not applicable as this is a vacant site offered subject to planning permission rather than a completed residential structure.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals in the Drumleene and Ballindrait areas frequently discuss the convenience of living centrally between Lifford, Raphoe, and St. Johnston.
- Community discussions often highlight the scenic rural landscape and the availability of agricultural and development sites in the wider East Donegal region.
- Residents on local forums note that rural sites subject to planning permission require careful navigation of county development guidelines.
- Traffic along minor public roads in rural Donegal is generally described as light, though local groups occasionally discuss road maintenance and drainage improvements.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children3/10
A 0.6-acre site subject to planning permission requires building a home from scratch, which involves a lengthy and potentially hazardous construction phase before young children can safely reside there.
- Teenagers3/10
The rural location lacks immediate access to secondary schools, public transit, and teenage entertainment hubs, making independent travel difficult.
- Multi-generational Living4/10
While additional land is available to purchase, designing a multi-generational home depends entirely on successfully securing planning permission for a large enough footprint.
- Single Buyers2/10
Single buyers looking for a ready-to-move-in property will find this challenging, as it is only a vacant site requiring full self-build financing and project management.
- Couples4/10
An affordable asking price of €35,000 offers an accessible entry point for couples wanting to custom-build, though construction costs and planning risks must be factored in.
- Empty Nesters3/10
Empty nesters seeking a downsized, low-maintenance home would need to undertake a stressful new-build project rather than purchasing an existing dwelling.
- Retirees3/10
Managing a rural self-build project can be physically demanding and complex for retirees, and proximity to specialized healthcare facilities should be verified.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working5/10
While a custom-built home could easily incorporate a dedicated home office, reliable high-speed broadband availability at this specific rural address must be verified.
- Hybrid Commuting3/10
The rural location between Lifford, Raphoe, and St. Johnston means commuting options rely heavily on private transport rather than public transit networks.
- Retired5/10
Suits retirement only if the buyer is prepared to manage a construction project and rely on a car for all errands and appointments.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place3/10
Building a customized single-story home could theoretically accommodate ageing in place, but the rural isolation makes ongoing support services harder to access.
- Low Maintenance2/10
Managing a 0.6-acre plot, securing planning permission, and overseeing construction mean maintenance and effort levels will be exceptionally high initially.
- Secure Gated Entry4/10
A secure gated entry would need to be incorporated into the self-build site design and planning application.
- Minimalist Design5/10
A clean slate gives the buyer complete freedom to pursue a minimalist architectural design, subject to local planning guidelines.
- Flexible Floor Plans10/10
As a bare site offered subject to planning permission, the buyer has total flexibility to design the floor plan from the ground up.
- Heritage Home1/10
This is a vacant plot of land rather than an existing period or heritage property.
- Ecological Setup7/10
The 0.6-acre plot offers a great canvas to integrate eco-friendly building materials, solar energy, and sustainable drainage systems into a new build.
- Outdoor areas9/10
The generous 0.6-acre footprint provides expansive outdoor potential, with the distinct advantage that additional land is available to purchase if wished.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening9/10
A 0.6-acre plot provides ample outdoor space for extensive landscaping and gardening, with the option to purchase additional land if desired.
- Walking7/10
The rural roads adjoining the property allow for scenic countryside walks, though dedicated pedestrian infrastructure is limited.
- Gym2/10
There are no commercial gym facilities within immediate walking distance, requiring travel to nearby towns for fitness centers.
- Cycling6/10
Quiet rural roads offer routes for cycling enthusiasts, though undulating country terrain and lack of segregated cycle lanes should be noted.
- Golf4/10
Golf enthusiasts will need to investigate the distance to the nearest established golf courses in the wider County Donegal region.
- Fishing5/10
Buyers should verify local river and angling rights in the surrounding catchment areas near the River Foyle basin.
- Horse Riding6/10
The generous plot size and potential to acquire additional land could suit equestrian interests, subject to setting up appropriate stables and paddock fencing.
- Water Sports1/10
The inland rural location does not lend itself to immediate water sports activities.
- Entertaining4/10
Entertaining would only be possible once a home is successfully designed and built with suitable indoor and outdoor hosting spaces.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living9/10
Situated in a rural setting in County Donegal adjoining a minor public road, the location naturally offers a peaceful and tranquil environment.
- Rural Living10/10
This 0.6-acre site represents a classic rural living opportunity, surrounded by countryside and located centrally between small towns.
- Village Living6/10
The property is located between Lifford, Raphoe, and St. Johnston, offering moderate access to nearby village amenities subject to driving.
- Coastal Living1/10
The inland location in County Donegal offers no direct proximity or connection to the coast.
- Urban Living1/10
This is strictly a rural site offering no urban amenities or city-style convenience within walking distance.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement5/10
Integrating into the local community requires proactive engagement through neighboring towns like Raphoe and Lifford.
- Café Culture2/10
Local café options are sparse immediately outside the site, requiring short drives to nearby settlements for dining and coffee spots.
- Nightlife1/10
There is virtually no nightlife or evening entertainment venues within the immediate rural surroundings.
- Health/Wellness groups3/10
Wellness classes and local clubs are primarily centered in nearby towns rather than the immediate townland.
- Networking Opportunities1/10
Professional networking is entirely absent from this rural residential plot.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity1/10
There are no local tech hubs or co-working spaces in the immediate vicinity.
Listing information
- Agent
- Henry Kee & Son
- Phone
- 074 9131050
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 20 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-129620HouseDelve · 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.