
Greenhill, Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal, Dunkineely
€120,000
BER C3
What you'll like:
- Scenic Waterside Setting: The property occupies a lovely waterside location directly on the banks of Port Lough, offering picturesque views and a tranquil natural environment for future residents.
- Established Planning Permission: Active approval is already in place for a substantial 1,894 square foot dormer bungalow, significantly reducing the initial bureaucratic hurdles and design uncertainties for buyers.
- Spacious Site Dimensions: Measuring approximately 0.72 acres, the generous plot provides ample outdoor space for landscaping, parking, and privacy surrounding the planned residential construction.
- Proximity to Dunfanaghy: The site is located within easy reach of the charming coastal village, granting convenient access to local cafes, restaurants, traditional pubs, and essential community amenities.
- Famous Coastal Proximity: Future residents will enjoy close proximity to renowned regional beaches such as Killahoey Strand, Tramore, and Marble Hill Strand, perfect for coastal recreation.
- Wild Atlantic Way Access: Being situated along the famous touring route places world-class coastal scenery and tourist attractions right on your doorstep, enhancing long-term lifestyle appeal.
- Flexible Accommodation Design: The approved 2 to 3 bedroom dormer bungalow layout offers a practical footprint that can be adapted to accommodate growing families or downsizing retirees.
- Attractive Entry Price: With an asking price of 120000 euros, the land presents an accessible financial entry point for self-builders looking to create a custom home in Donegal.
- Stable Asking Price: The historical tracking shows a completely stable asking price without erratic fluctuations, suggesting a motivated vendor with straightforward pricing expectations for the market.
- Independent Build Control: Purchasing a site with planning permission allows buyers to oversee their own construction quality, materials, and contractors rather than inheriting hidden defects in older builds.
- Natural Coastal Scenery: The surrounding landscape is defined by Donegal's rugged coastline and dramatic vistas, offering an inspiring backdrop for a permanent residence or holiday retreat.
- Holiday Home Potential: The idyllic rural setting and proximity to scenic attractions make this an appealing candidate for a lucrative short-term rental or holiday getaway investment.
- Local Village Amenities: Dunfanaghy provides a vibrant community atmosphere with vibrant local culture, shops, and social hubs that enrich daily rural living standards.
- Outdoor Recreation Haven: The surrounding area supports a high quality of life with abundant opportunities for walking, hiking, golfing, and water sports along the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Manageable Construction Scale: At 176 square meters, the approved dwelling size strikes a practical balance between spacious family living and manageable construction and heating costs.
- Established Agency Representation: The property is managed by an experienced local auctioneer, ensuring professional handling of inquiries and a straightforward transaction process for interested purchasers.
- Private Rural Environment: Situated in Greenhill, the plot offers a peaceful countryside atmosphere away from heavy urban congestion while remaining practically accessible.
- Custom Interior Opportunity: Buyers can tailor the interior finishes, heating systems, and energy upgrades from scratch to achieve superior modern efficiency standards beyond basic compliance.
- Tourism Growth Region: Properties situated near prominent Wild Atlantic Way hotspots often benefit from sustained regional tourism interest and long-term destination appeal.
- Clear Development Scope: The listing details provide specific sizing and layout parameters upfront, allowing prospective buyers to quickly evaluate financial feasibility before arranging viewings.
But keep in mind:
- Planning Expiry Risk: Buyers must thoroughly verify the exact expiration date and current validity status of the existing planning permission to ensure construction rights remain legally active.
- Unserviced Land Contingencies: The availability and cost of connecting essential utilities such as electricity, water, and waste treatment facilities to the vacant site require careful independent investigation.
- Local Housing Needs Restrictions: Prospective purchasers should verify whether Donegal County Council imposes restrictive local residency clauses that could limit who is legally permitted to build here.
- Soil and Foundation Conditions: Due to the proximity to Port Lough, buyers must commission professional ground investigations to assess load-bearing capacity and potential drainage or dampness challenges.
- Total Development Costs: Purchasing the site for 120000 euros is only the first step, and buyers should budget comprehensively for rising construction, professional fees, and connection charges.
- Wastewater Treatment Compliance: Installing a private septic tank or sewage treatment system must meet strict environmental standards set by local authorities, which can involve substantial additional engineering costs.
- Construction Timeline Pressures: Self-build projects often face unexpected delays, supply chain shortages, and contractor availability issues that can extend the timeframe before the home is habitable.
- Weather-Dependent Building: The exposed coastal climate in County Donegal can occasionally disrupt outdoor construction schedules and requires robust building materials designed for high wind and rain.
- Access Road Suitability: Buyers should inspect the local approach roads to ensure they can adequately handle heavy construction traffic, concrete mixers, and long-term vehicular access.
- Lack of Existing Structures: Because no habitable dwelling currently exists, securing a traditional mortgage can be more complex and usually requires specialized self-build finance products.
- Future View Protection: While the current setting overlooks the lough, buyers should investigate local development plans to ensure future neighboring constructions will not obstruct scenic vistas.
- Fencing and Boundary Verification: Legal boundaries and fencing requirements should be meticulously checked against Land Registry maps to prevent any prospective boundary disputes with neighboring landowners.
- Surface Water Runoff: The waterside location means surface water management and flood risk assessments are critical due diligence items that require expert hydrological evaluation before purchase.
- Financing Valuation Discrepancies: Lenders may value vacant sites conservatively, meaning buyers might need to supply a higher cash deposit relative to the initial purchase price.
- Permit Condition Compliance: Any specific environmental or architectural conditions attached to the original planning grant must be strictly adhered to, potentially adding unforeseen costs to the build.
- Rural Commuting Reliance: Daily life from this location requires complete reliance on private transport for commuting, schooling, and grocery shopping, adding ongoing fuel and vehicle maintenance expenses.
- Broadband Infrastructure Quality: High-speed internet availability in this rural pocket of Greenhill should be independently verified if remote working or reliable digital connectivity is a priority.
- Public Lighting and Footpaths: The rural setting lacks standard urban infrastructure such as public footpaths and street lighting, which may impact walkability during dark winter months.
- Limited Resale Comps: Valuing a custom-built property upon completion can be challenging due to the scarcity of identical recent transactions in the immediate rural townland.
- Agent Detail Omissions: Key baseline details such as specific property folio numbers, exact planning reference numbers, and local authority stipulations are omitted from the initial listing description.
Price positioning
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- The asking price appears somewhat elevated relative to bare land value because it includes active planning permission for a substantial dormer bungalow, shifting the valuation dynamic towards potential finished build costs rather than raw site acquisition alone.
- Valuation signals are supported by the inclusion of ready-to-use architectural plans for a large property near a desirable coastal village, though buyers must weigh these advantages against the substantial capital outlay required for complete greenfield construction.
- Such a pricing strategy could be undermined by escalating construction inflation and rural building constraints, whereas it would be strongly supported by high local demand for customized holiday homes or permanent residences within scenic coastal destinations.
- Additional market relevance comes from the observed asking price remaining completely unchanged throughout tracking history, suggesting a firm vendor stance and minimal immediate pressure to discount the property amidst broader regional price variations.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The listing is for a site with planning permission for a 176 sq m / 1,894 sq ft 2/3 bedroom dormer bungalow, rather than a completed structure.
- A buyer should verify the current status, expiration date, and specific conditions attached to the existing planning permission with the local authority.
- Given the waterside setting on the banks of Port Lough, a buyer should investigate potential ground conditions, drainage, and any environmental or flood risk assessments required for construction.
- Access to local utility connections such as electricity, water, and wastewater treatment must be verified prior to purchase.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €0 currently, as the property is a site with planning permission rather than a completed dwelling.
- Explanation: Once the planned 1894 sq ft dormer bungalow is constructed, heating costs will depend heavily on the final BER rating achieved, heating system installed, and occupant habits, likely ranging between €1,200 and €1,800 annually for a modern C3 or better rated home of this size.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property description notes a waterside setting on the banks of Port Lough, meaning buyers should investigate local surface water or lough-level variations.
- The broader coastal and rural area is generally well-elevated, but specific flood history for the immediate plot should be confirmed via local enquiries.
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 Co Donegal area
BALLYSAGGART, DUNKINEELY, CO DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €435,000.00
STORMHILL, MAIN STREET, DUNKINEELY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €180,000.00
MAIN STREET, DUNKINEELY, COUNTY DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €80,000.00
MEENABROCK, DUNKINEELY, CO DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €325,000.00
BALLYSAGGART, ST JOHNS POINT, DUNKINEELY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €425,000.00
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: €1,200 — 1% of €120,000.
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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: €1,500 to €3,000 plus VAT and outlays for conveyancing and planning review.
- Land registration fees: €400 to €800 depending on the property value and Land Registry application type.
- Property valuation fees: €150 to €300 for a mortgage or independent market valuation.
- Surveyor fees: €500 to €1,200 for a structural survey and site boundary inspection given that this is a site with planning permission.
- Annual home insurance: €350 to €700 depending on the eventual build size, construction type, and policy coverage once built.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals in the Dunfanaghy area frequently discuss the beauty of nearby beaches such as Killahoey Strand and Marble Hill Strand.
- Community forums highlight the vibrant tourism along the Wild Atlantic Way and its positive impact on local amenities, cafés, and pubs.
- Residents often share updates regarding scenic walks around Horn Head and the natural appeal of the rugged Donegal coastline.
- Discussions in regional groups occasionally touch upon rural planning guidelines and the process of building one-off homes in scenic countryside settings.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children6/10
The 0.72-acre site provides ample outdoor space for young children to play safely in a natural environment, though buyers will need to construct the planned dormer bungalow first.
- Teenagers5/10
While the scenic rural setting offers plenty of space, teenagers may find the location somewhat isolated from extensive youth amenities and public transportation networks.
- Multi-generational Living5/10
The approved planning is for a 2/3 bedroom dormer bungalow, which could potentially accommodate multi-generational living depending on the final interior layout chosen during construction.
- Single Buyers4/10
Taking on a self-build project from a vacant site requires significant capital, time, and project management, which may not suit all single buyers unless they have construction experience.
- Couples8/10
An ideal opportunity for couples looking to design and build their dream home in a picturesque waterside location near Dunfanaghy.
- Empty Nesters7/10
A manageable 0.72-acre plot with plans for a moderately sized dormer bungalow offers a peaceful retreat for empty nesters wanting to downsize to a custom rural home.
- Retirees6/10
The rural, waterside setting is peaceful for retirement, but retirees should consider the practicalities and physical demands of managing a self-build project.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working6/10
Provides a quiet environment well-suited for remote work, though buyers should verify local broadband speed and fiber availability.
- Hybrid Commuting2/10
The remote location in Co. Donegal makes regular commuting to major employment hubs like Letterkenny or further afield impractical for hybrid schedules.
- Retired8/10
An attractive location for retirees looking to build a custom home in a serene environment, provided they are comfortable managing a construction project.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place6/10
A single-story dormer bungalow design can easily incorporate accessibility features for ageing in place, though the rural location is distant from major medical facilities.
- Low Maintenance3/10
As a site with planning permission, maintaining a 0.72-acre plot and undertaking a new build requires substantial initial and ongoing effort.
- Secure Gated Entry5/10
Buyers have the opportunity to install private gates and secure fencing as part of their custom construction plans.
- Minimalist Design6/10
While planning is for a traditional dormer bungalow, buyers have the flexibility to influence interior finishes and architectural details during the build.
- Flexible Floor Plans8/10
Purchasing a site with planning permission for a 1,894 sq ft home allows buyers to adapt the internal layout to suit their exact lifestyle needs.
- Heritage Home1/10
This is a vacant development site with new planning permission rather than an established historical or heritage property.
- Ecological Setup7/10
The rural and waterside location offers potential for sustainable building practices, solar integration, and eco-friendly heating systems during construction.
- Outdoor areas9/10
The property features a generous 0.72-acre plot with a picturesque waterside setting on Port Lough, offering exceptional outdoor potential.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening8/10
The 0.72-acre plot provides plenty of scope for gardening enthusiasts to landscape and cultivate outdoor grounds around their new home.
- Walking9/10
Situated close to scenic coastal walks, Horn Head, and stunning local beaches, offering fantastic opportunities for outdoor walking.
- Gym2/10
There are no major commercial fitness centers or gyms directly nearby, requiring travel to larger neighboring towns for indoor facilities.
- Cycling7/10
The scenic local roads and proximity to the Wild Atlantic Way offer beautiful cycling routes, though rural road conditions should be verified.
- Golf6/10
County Donegal features notable links courses in the broader region, though buyers should verify the exact distance to the nearest golf club.
- Fishing9/10
The property boasts a lovely waterside setting directly on the banks of Port Lough, making it exceptionally well-suited for fishing enthusiasts.
- Horse Riding6/10
The rural and coastal landscape provides a scenic backdrop for equestrian activities, subject to local stable availability and riding trail access.
- Water Sports8/10
Proximity to renowned local beaches like Marble Hill Strand and Killahoey Strand makes this an appealing location for water sports such as surfing and swimming.
- Entertaining6/10
Buyers have the opportunity to design a bespoke open-plan layout suited for entertaining guests once the property is constructed.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living9/10
Located in the beautiful Donegal countryside with a waterside setting on the banks of Port Lough, offering a tranquil and quiet lifestyle.
- Rural Living10/10
The property is a rural site measuring approximately 0.72 acres, perfectly suited for authentic country living.
- Village Living7/10
The site is within easy reach of Dunfanaghy village, providing convenient access to local shops, cafes, and traditional pubs.
- Coastal Living8/10
Dunfanaghy is a charming coastal village renowned for stunning beaches like Killahoey Strand and its position along the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Urban Living1/10
The location is remote and rural, offering very little connection to urban environments or city amenities.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
Dunfanaghy offers a welcoming local community with various village events and local groups, though rural integration takes time.
- Café Culture7/10
Dunfanaghy village provides a wonderful selection of local cafes and restaurants for residents to enjoy.
- Nightlife4/10
Nightlife is largely limited to traditional local pubs within Dunfanaghy village rather than extensive clubbing or late-night venues.
- Health/Wellness groups5/10
Local wellness activities are typically community-led or require travel to nearby population centers.
- Networking Opportunities2/10
Professional networking opportunities are sparse in this rural coastal location.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity1/10
There are no tech hubs in the immediate vicinity, making this location entirely dependent on home internet connections for tech-related work.
Listing information
- Agent
- Henry Kee & Son
- Phone
- 074 9131050
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 14 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-EDEBA8HouseDelve · 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.