
Gurranreigh, Lissarda, Macroom, CorkP14TD65
€100,000
2 Bed~2 Bath~BER G
What you'll like:
- Generous plot size: The property sits on approximately 1.1 acres of land, providing ample outdoor space for gardening, landscaping, or future recreational use by the new owner.
- Vacant property status: Having been vacant for more than two years, this dwelling may qualify for substantial government refurbishment support, significantly reducing upfront renovation costs.
- Attractive entry pricing: With an asking price of just €100,000, this cottage represents a highly accessible entry point for buyers looking to undertake a custom renovation project.
- Extension foundations in place: The site already features completed foundations for a large rear and side extension, saving the buyer considerable time, effort, and engineering expense.
- Compact and manageable footprint: The existing cottage offers approximately 530 square feet of living accommodation, making it an ideal scale for a straightforward, cost-effective restoration.
- Traditional rural character: Retaining its classic cottage form, the structure offers immense aesthetic potential for buyers seeking an authentic country living experience with modern comforts.
- Established utility connections: The dwelling benefits from existing electrical supply via ESB alongside private water and drainage arrangements, streamlining initial restoration works.
- Commutable rural location: Situated roughly thirty minutes from Cork City and twenty minutes from Macroom, the address balances peaceful countryside living with urban accessibility.
- Proximity to local amenities: The property is located just a ten-minute drive from Kilmurry village, ensuring essential everyday conveniences remain within easy reach for residents.
- Transparent auction process: Marketed via an online platform, the structured bidding timeline gives all prospective purchasers equal opportunity to register and compete transparently.
- Stable asking price history: The recorded asking price has remained firm at €100,000 without erratic fluctuations, suggesting a motivated vendor with clear pricing expectations for the auction.
- Renovation autonomy: Because the interior requires complete modernization, buyers have total creative freedom to design the layout and finishes to their exact personal specifications.
- Strong future capital growth: Completing comprehensive renovations on a discounted rural asset can yield a high return on investment once the property reaches its full market potential.
- Manageable bedroom count: The two-bedroom layout is perfectly suited for downsizing couples, single occupants, or holiday home seekers looking for a cozy, low-maintenance retreat.
- Dedicated local representation: The sale is managed by an established regional auctioneer, ensuring professional guidance throughout the digital bidding and acquisition process.
- Rural privacy and seclusion: Positioned in Gurranreigh, the setting offers minimal traffic noise and a high degree of privacy compared to suburban residential housing developments.
- Outdoor expansion opportunities: The substantial landholding allows for potential outbuildings, polytunnels, or animal keeping, catering well to hobby farmers or self-sufficiency enthusiasts.
- Clear project scope: The listing explicitly details existing room dimensions and current deficiencies, allowing builders to estimate refurbishment costs with reasonable accuracy prior to bidding.
- Government grant alignment: The advertised vacancy duration aligns with criteria for national home refurbishment grants, making financial aid a realistic prospect for qualifying applicants.
- Distinctive architectural canvas: Traditional rural cottages of this vintage are increasingly sought after, ensuring long-term desirability for whoever successfully restores the structure.
But keep in mind:
- Lowest energy rating: The property carries a disastrous BER rating of G, indicating severe thermal inefficiency that will require extensive insulation, heating, and window upgrades.
- Complete renovation required: The listing notes that the dwelling is in need of renovation throughout, meaning a habitable standard cannot be achieved without heavy capital expenditure.
- Private water uncertainty: Reliance on a private water supply means the buyer must independently verify the quality, safety, and flow rate of the water source.
- Drainage system inspection needed: Private drainage arrangements require thorough professional inspection to ensure compliance with modern environmental standards and to avoid costly replacement works.
- Extension structural check: While foundations are in place for an extension, a structural engineer must inspect their integrity and compliance with current building regulations before building.
- Unverified square footage details: The precise floor area of 530 square feet is approximated, so buyers should commission an independent measured survey to confirm exact dimensions.
- Strict auction registration rules: Bidders must complete registration and lodge deposits prior to the auction date, requiring careful financial preparation and advance administrative compliance.
- Grant approval risks: While the property may qualify for vacant home grants, final approval is never guaranteed and buyers should not rely on funds until officially approved.
- Uncertain total project costs: Renovation estimates can escalate rapidly when dealing with older rural cottages due to hidden dampness, structural rot, or outdated electrical wiring.
- Limited local public transport: The rural setting lacks immediate access to frequent public transit networks, making private vehicle ownership essential for daily life.
- Builder availability challenges: Securing reliable tradespeople for rural renovation projects can be exceptionally difficult given current high demand within the construction sector.
- Potential boundary verification: Buyers should retain a solicitor and mapping professional to carefully verify the exact boundaries of the 1.1-acre site against Land Registry records.
- Lack of modern amenities: In its current derelict or semi-derelict state, the interior lacks functional kitchen and bathroom facilities, rendering it completely uninhabitable on day one.
- Absence of central heating: The G rating and cottage age suggest a lack of an efficient central heating system, necessitating a brand-new installation throughout the footprint.
- Potential planning complexities: Building an extension on existing foundations will still require adherence to local planning guidelines, and prior approvals or exemptions must be verified.
- Competitive online bidding: Online auctions can create sudden competitive pressure among buyers, potentially driving the final purchase price beyond initial budgetary limits.
- Roof and timber condition: Older cottages frequently suffer from hidden timber rot, woodworm, or roof degradation that will only become apparent during a detailed structural survey.
- Access road suitability: The buyer should inspect the approach roads to ensure they can comfortably accommodate heavy construction machinery, concrete trucks, and delivery vehicles.
- Vermin or damp remediation: Vacant properties often suffer from severe damp penetration, mold, or rodent infestation, requiring specialized remediation before interior finishes can begin.
- Insurance and mortgage hurdles: Securing a standard mortgage on a G-rated property needing total gut-renovation is extremely difficult, meaning cash buyers or specialized renovation loans are required.
Price positioning
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- The asking price of €100,000 appears moderately undervalued given the presence of established site acreage, pre-existing structural foundations for an extension, and eligibility for substantial vacant home renovation grants.
- Valuation signals indicate that the heavy discount relative to regional norms reflects the extreme G energy rating, poor habitable condition, and substantial capital expenditure required to bring the dwelling up to modern standards.
- Strong buyer interest and competitive bidding at auction could easily push the final acquisition cost well above the initial guide price, undermining the apparent low-cost entry point for prospective renovators.
- Additional market relevance stems from the appeal of rural lifestyle properties featuring generous land plots, though remote positioning relative to major employment hubs remains a persistent risk factor for overall value.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a traditional two-bedroom cottage extending to approximately 530 sq ft and is described as being in need of renovation throughout, suggesting a complete overhaul of the interior, services, and structural elements is necessary.
- The listing notes that foundations are completed for a large extension to the rear and side; a buyer should investigate the status of these foundations, verify whether proper planning permission and commencement notices were secured, and ensure structural engineering reports confirm their suitability.
- The cottage relies on private water and drainage systems, meaning a prospective buyer should inspect the condition, capacity, and current regulatory compliance of both the well and septic tank or treatment unit.
- Given that the property has reportedly been vacant for more than two years, a buyer should verify eligibility criteria and timelines for the vacant property refurbishment grant.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- Estimated deep-retrofit cost: €50,000 to €80,000.
- Reasoning: The property has a G BER rating and is a small traditional cottage of approximately 530 sq ft in need of comprehensive renovation. Bringing the building up to a modern energy efficiency standard will require extensive insulation of walls, roof, and floors, the installation of modern double or triple glazed windows and exterior doors, the implementation of an efficient heating system such as a heat pump, and the incorporation of adequate ventilation. While the small floor area helps limit absolute material quantities compared to a larger home, the completely uninsulated baseline and poor condition mean nearly every thermal envelope element must be addressed.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €2,500 to €3,500.
- Explanation: Given the poor G BER rating and the property's need for extensive renovation, thermal efficiency is currently very low, leading to high potential heating demands until upgrades and insulation improvements are completed.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in a rural agricultural setting in Gurranreigh, Lissarda, appearing well removed from major heavy industrial sites, large-scale incinerators, or active commercial landfills.
- Any potential local environmental concerns would typically be limited to standard agricultural runoff or septic tank considerations, which should be verified during standard conveyancing surveys.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The available map evidence shows no recorded flood zones immediately impacting this rural townland setting near Lissarda.
- The cottage sits on a site of over an acre with elevated rural topography, typically reducing the likelihood of surface water pooling during heavy rainfall.
- Private drainage and water arrangements mean the property is not directly dependent on municipal flood-vulnerable networks, though local ground conditions should still be inspected.
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estateExtra effort was used to find nearby sales here
BRIDE VALLEY COTTAGE, GURRANREIGH, LISSARDA
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €290,000.00
SONAS, GURRANREAGH, LISSARDA
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €558,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Macroom area
22 THE HERMITAGE, GURTEENROE, MACROOM
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €420,000.00
35 THE HERMITAGE, MACROOM, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €475,000.00
24 THE GLENTIES, MACROOM, GLENTIES
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €320,000.00
COOLIBAME, REENACREE, MACROOM
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €242,500.00
15 BARRETT PLACE, MACROOM, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €190,000.00
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: €1,000 — 1% of €100,000.
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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: Estimated between €1,500 and €3,000 plus VAT and outlay costs for conveyancing services.
- Land registration fees: Around €170 to €400 depending on the property value and registration type.
- Property valuation fees: Roughly €150 to €300 often required by mortgage lenders if obtaining finance.
- Surveyor fees: Between €500 and €1,000, highly recommended to assess the extent of renovation needed for this cottage.
- Annual home insurance: Approximately €400 to €800, though comprehensive cover should be verified once renovations are completed.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Local community discussions in the Macroom and Lissarda areas frequently highlight the appeal of rural renovation projects and the availability of vacant home grants for older properties.
- Residents often discuss the convenience of commuting to Cork city while enjoying a quiet countryside lifestyle, though public transport options in rural townlands like Gurranreigh are limited.
- Local forum chatter highlights ongoing interest in rural housing stock, particularly properties with sizeable plots of land that offer scope for extension and improvement.
- Community groups frequently share advice on upgrading traditional cottages to modern energy efficiency standards given the prevalence of lower BER ratings in older rural housing.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children3/10
The property is a traditional two-bedroom cottage in need of extensive renovation throughout, which presents significant safety hazards for young children during construction works.
- Teenagers3/10
The rural location offers plenty of outdoor space on 1.1 acres, but the home's small current size (approx 530 sq ft) and lack of nearby amenities or entertainment make it less suitable for teenagers.
- Multi-generational Living2/10
With only 530 sq ft of current living accommodation and two bedrooms, the cottage is far too small for multi-generational living, though foundations for an extension are present.
- Single Buyers5/10
An asking price of €100,000 offers an affordable entry point for a single buyer willing to take on a major renovation project, potentially aided by vacant home grants.
- Couples5/10
Suits couples looking for a project home with land, provided they have the budget and appetite to completely renovate a G-rated property.
- Empty Nesters4/10
While single-level cottage living appeals to empty nesters, the heavy renovation workload and isolated rural setting require careful consideration.
- Retirees4/10
The property offers peaceful rural retirement potential, but buyers should investigate the accessibility and health system proximity, alongside the considerable upgrading required.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working6/10
The rural isolation offers a distraction-free home office environment, but buyers must verify local broadband speeds and infrastructure capability.
- Hybrid Commuting5/10
With Cork city roughly a 30-minute drive away, hybrid commuting is feasible for drivers, though dependent on main road conditions.
- Retired8/10
Well-suited for retirees seeking a countryside project, provided they manage the physical and financial demands of a major renovation.
Practical
8 areas- Secure Gated Entry3/10
There is no formal secure gated entry currently installed, which a buyer would need to add.
- Ageing in Place5/10
Single-level cottage living facilitates ageing in place theoretically, but the current derelict/renovation state and rural isolation present practical obstacles.
- Low Maintenance1/10
The property is in need of renovation throughout and holds a G BER rating, requiring substantial immediate and ongoing maintenance effort.
- Minimalist Design4/10
The small footprint aligns with minimalist scales, but structural renovations are mandatory first.
- Flexible Floor Plans6/10
Foundations are reportedly completed for a large extension to the rear and side, offering buyers substantial flexibility to redesign the layout.
- Heritage Home8/10
The listing describes a traditional 2-bedroom cottage aesthetic, appealing to lovers of historical vernacular architecture.
- Ecological Setup3/10
The G BER rating indicates poor thermal performance, though the large plot offers potential for future eco-retrofitting and renewable installations.
- Outdoor areas9/10
Comes with c.1.1 acres of outdoor space, providing extensive room for gardens, extensions, and outbuildings.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening8/10
The c.1.1-acre site provides ample space for enthusiastic gardeners to cultivate extensive lawns, vegetables, or landscaping.
- Walking7/10
The surrounding rural country roads offer pleasant walking routes, though dedicated footpaths are absent.
- Gym2/10
There are no gyms within immediate walking distance, requiring a drive toward Macroom or Cork city.
- Cycling6/10
Rural roads offer scenic cycling opportunities, though heavy traffic on larger connecting routes should be navigated with care.
- Golf3/10
Golf enthusiasts will need to travel some distance to reach nearby courses in the wider Cork region.
- Fishing5/10
Buyers should investigate local angling opportunities in the surrounding rural Cork river catchments.
- Horse Riding7/10
The generous plot size and rural surrounds could potentially accommodate equestrian interests subject to further setup.
- Water Sports2/10
The inland location is far from major water sports facilities.
- Entertaining3/10
The current 530 sq ft cottage is too small for indoor entertaining, though the 1.1-acre plot offers future outdoor potential once extended and renovated.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living9/10
Situated in a rural countryside setting in Gurranreigh, Lissarda, the property provides an exceptionally quiet and peaceful living environment.
- Rural Living10/10
Set on approximately 1.1 acres of land in a countryside location, this is the epitome of rural living.
- Village Living6/10
Kilmurry village is approximately a 10-minute drive away, offering local community access while maintaining a distinct countryside buffer.
- Coastal Living1/10
The property is inland in County Cork with no notable proximity to the coast.
- Urban Living2/10
Macroom town is about 20 minutes away and Cork city is 30 minutes away, offering limited urban convenience directly at the location.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement5/10
Integration relies on connecting with nearby Kilmurry village or broader rural community networks.
- Café Culture2/10
Local café options are minimal directly nearby, requiring trips to larger towns.
- Nightlife1/10
Nightlife options are virtually non-existent in the immediate rural vicinity.
- Health/Wellness groups3/10
Wellness groups and fitness classes would require travel to Macroom or Cork city.
- Networking Opportunities2/10
Professional networking locally is very limited due to the remote rural setting.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity2/10
Proximity to tech hubs is low, making this location dependent entirely on remote telecommuting capability.
Listing information
- Agent
- Killian Lynch Auctioneers Valuers & Estate Agents
- Phone
- 026 41 421 / 029 21 706
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 24 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-754C68HouseDelve · 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.