
Gurranreigh, Lissarda, Macroom, CorkP14TD65
€100,000
2 Bed~2 Bath~BER C2
What you'll like:
- Generous land holding: The property sits on approximately 1.1 acres of land, offering ample outdoor space for gardening, landscaping, or future recreational use.
- Attractive entry price: With an asking price of just €100,000, this cottage presents an exceptionally affordable acquisition opportunity for budget-conscious buyers.
- Vacant property grant potential: The house has reportedly been vacant for over two years, meaning it may qualify for government refurbishment grants up to €70,000.
- Extension foundations already in place: Existing foundations for a large rear and side extension save buyers significant time, engineering costs, and initial planning hurdles.
- Manageable existing footprint: The compact 530 square foot layout keeps initial renovation material costs manageable while offering a blank canvas for redesign.
- Traditional charm: The original two-bedroom cottage structure provides authentic rural character that can be preserved and blended into a modern aesthetic.
- Quiet rural setting: Located in Gurranreigh near Lissarda, buyers will enjoy a peaceful countryside lifestyle surrounded by scenic landscapes and natural privacy.
- Accessible to local amenities: Kilmurry village is only a ten-minute drive away, providing convenient access to daily conveniences, community services, and local schools.
- Proximity to Macroom: Macroom town is reachable within twenty minutes, ensuring easy access to larger supermarkets, healthcare facilities, and weekly markets.
- Commutable to Cork City: Cork City is approximately a thirty-minute drive away, allowing workers to access major employment hubs while living rurally.
- Established electricity connection: The property features an existing ESB connection, reducing the complexity and cost of establishing primary power for builders.
- Private water supply: On-site private water infrastructure provides independence from municipal supply charges, though buyers should verify water quality and flow rates.
- Private drainage system: The inclusion of private drainage avoids dependence on public mains, giving owners direct control over wastewater management on their land.
- Online auction convenience: The structured online bidding platform allows transparent and remote participation from anywhere, streamlining the initial purchase process.
- Clear auction timeline: A definite auction date of October 12, 2026, provides a fixed deadline for interested parties to finalize their financial and legal preparations.
- Professional agent representation: The listing is managed by an established local auctioneer, ensuring professional guidance through the online bidding and acquisition steps.
- High upside value: Completing the planned renovations and extension could significantly increase the overall market value well above the initial purchase and upgrade costs.
- Compact heating footprint: A smaller primary cottage structure is inherently easier and more cost-effective to insulate and heat once modern efficiency measures are installed.
- Favorable BER C2 rating: The C2 energy rating suggests some baseline efficiency improvements may already exist, though thorough verification post-renovation is still recommended.
- Ideal project for investors: This property is perfectly suited for experienced property flippers or DIY enthusiasts looking to create substantial equity through sweat-equity.
But keep in mind:
- Extensive renovation required throughout: The cottage is sold in need of complete renovation, meaning buyers must budget heavily for structural repairs, rewiring, and replumbing.
- Small initial living space: At approximately 530 square feet, the current dwelling is very cramped until the proposed extension is successfully built and finished.
- Unverified extension structural integrity: Buyers should have an engineer inspect the existing foundation slabs to ensure they meet current building regulations and are structurally sound.
- Uncertain grant approval process: While potentially eligible for up to €70,000 in vacant home grants, buyers must independently verify strict qualification criteria before relying on these funds.
- Private utility maintenance risks: Private water and drainage systems require ongoing owner-funded maintenance, testing, and potential replacement of pumps or septic tanks.
- Online auction financial pressure: Winning bidders must pay an immediate deposit and complete the purchase under strict auction rules without standard cooling-off periods.
- Rural isolation and transport costs: Living in a rural townland necessitates reliable personal vehicle transport for all daily errands, driving up fuel and maintenance expenses.
- Potential planning permission hurdles: Completing a large extension will require full local authority planning permission, which is never guaranteed and can delay construction timelines.
- Construction inflation risks: Current building material and labor costs are high, meaning finishing the extensive renovation and extension could easily exceed initial budgets.
- Lack of verified floor plans: The exact dimensions and layout details are minimal, requiring buyers to commission their own comprehensive measured surveys before starting work.
- Limited local amenities on doorstep: Walking to shops or social venues is impractical from this rural location, requiring driving for virtually every daily activity.
- Potential damp and insulation issues: Traditional vacant cottages frequently suffer from severe rising damp, poor ventilation, and lack of modern insulation layers.
- Wastewater compliance checks needed: The private drainage system must be inspected by a qualified professional to ensure it complies with current environmental and EPA standards.
- Water potability testing required: Private water supplies can be susceptible to bacterial contamination or seasonal run-off, requiring comprehensive laboratory testing before habitation.
- Distant utility connection upgrades: Bringing the electrical and water systems up to modern residential standards may require costly upgrades or new service drops.
- Auction legal pack scrutiny essential: Bidders must carefully review the legal packet with a solicitor prior to the auction to uncover any hidden title defects or burdens.
- Competitive bidding uncertainty: Online auctions can result in unpredictable price spikes driven by emotional bidding, potentially pushing the final cost past market value.
- No structural warranties: As a distressed or fixer-upper property sold via auction, there are no builder warranties, leaving the buyer entirely responsible for hidden defects.
- Delayed occupancy timeline: Due to the scale of renovations required, buyers will not be able to move in immediately and must arrange alternative temporary housing.
- Resale liquidity risks: Highly specialized rural renovation projects can sometimes have narrower buyer pools when eventually offered for resale in the future.
Price positioning
?
- Selected recent transacted market evidence informs this asking-price comparison.
- Selected sale: BAWNMORE, MACROOM, CORK — 2026-08-14 — €300,000.00.
- The asking price of €100,000 for a two-bedroom cottage in need of renovation on approximately 1.1 acres reflects its condition and required investment.
- Potential eligibility for the vacant home grant may offset some of the renovation costs associated with the property.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a traditional two-bedroom cottage extending to approximately 530 sq ft, currently in need of renovation throughout.
- Foundations are completed for a large extension to the rear and side, which a buyer should verify for proper planning permission, structural integrity, and compliance with local building regulations.
- The listing notes the property has been vacant for more than two years, meaning a buyer should investigate potential eligibility for the vacant property refurbishment grant.
- Services include private water and drainage, which should be inspected for adequacy, condition, and compliance with environmental standards.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,800.
- Short explanation: Given the C2 BER rating and an approximate floor area of 530 sq ft for the existing cottage structure, heating costs should be relatively moderate, though the property is noted as needing renovation and the energy efficiency may vary until upgrade works are completed.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in a rural countryside setting with no apparent proximity to major industrial plants, incinerators, or active landfills.
- Any historical local land uses are typical of agricultural or rural residential activity, though standard environmental due diligence should be carried out during purchase.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The rural inland location generally benefits from a lower likelihood of coastal or major fluvial flooding, though local surface water pooling after heavy rainfall should always be verified.
- Buyers are advised to consult local flood maps and carry out a site-specific survey to confirm the precise topographical flood risk.
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 Macroom area
BAWNMORE, MACROOM, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €300,000.00
9 ROS ALAINN, GURTEENROE, MACROOM
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €356,000.00
52 THE HERMITAGE, MACROOM, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €365,000.00
11 MILLBROOK CLOSE, GURTEENROE, MACROOM
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €490,000.00
1 GAIRDIN JOANIE, COOLEA, MACROOM
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €280,000.00
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 EUR 1,000 based on 1 percent of the EUR 100,000 asking price.
- Solicitor legal fees: Estimated between EUR 1,500 and EUR 3,000 plus outlays and VAT.
- Land registration fees: Approximately EUR 130 to EUR 200 depending on the registration type.
- Property valuation fees: Around EUR 150 to EUR 250 for a standard mortgage valuation.
- Surveyor fees: Estimated between EUR 500 and EUR 1,000 depending on the depth of the survey required.
- Annual home insurance: Approximately EUR 400 to EUR 800 per year depending on the policy and rebuilding costs.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Local discussions highlight growing interest in rural renovation projects and the utilization of vacant property grants in County Cork.
- Residents frequently note the scenic and quiet rural nature of the Lissarda and Macroom surrounds, making it popular for those seeking countryside living.
- Community forums often discuss the convenience of being within a reasonable driving commute to Cork City while enjoying a rural lifestyle.
- Local infrastructure topics generally center on rural road maintenance and upgrading private or local water services.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children4/10
The property offers a generous plot of c. 1.1 acres for children to play, but the home is currently in need of significant renovation throughout and only features 2 bedrooms, making it quite compact for a growing family.
- Teenagers3/10
With only 2 bedrooms and c. 530 sq ft of current living accommodation, space is very limited for teenagers unless the planned rear and side extensions are fully completed.
- Multi-generational Living2/10
The existing 2-bedroom cottage configuration does not support multi-generational living without extensive construction work, though foundations are in place for a large extension.
- Single Buyers7/10
An affordable asking price of €100,000 makes this an accessible project for single buyers willing to undertake renovation work and potentially benefit from the vacant home grant.
- Couples7/10
Provides an exciting project for couples looking for a rural fixer-upper with plenty of outdoor space, provided they have the budget and time for renovations.
- Empty Nesters6/10
A manageable footprint for downsizers once renovated, but the rural location and current derelict or fixer-upper state require careful consideration regarding ongoing maintenance.
- Retirees5/10
While single-level rural living appeals to some retirees, the remote location and the need for major renovation work present practical challenges.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working6/10
Provides a quiet environment ideal for home offices once renovated, but buyers should investigate local broadband availability and speeds.
- Hybrid Commuting5/10
A 30-minute drive to Cork city makes hybrid commuting feasible, though dependent on reliable transport links and road conditions.
- Retired6/10
Suits retirement for those seeking a quiet countryside project, though upkeep of a 1.1-acre site and a renovation project can be demanding.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place4/10
The property currently requires total renovation and features a rural location far from major hospitals, making long-term ageing in place challenging without adaptations.
- Low Maintenance2/10
With the building in need of renovation throughout and c. 1.1 acres of grounds to manage, maintenance requirements will be high.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
There is no mention of an existing secure gated entry, meaning the buyer would likely need to install boundary security.
- Minimalist Design3/10
This is a traditional 2-bedroom cottage rather than a modern minimalist architectural build.
- Flexible Floor Plans7/10
Foundations are completed for a large extension to the rear and side, offering buyers substantial flexibility to redesign the layout.
- Heritage Home8/10
Described as a traditional cottage, it holds classic architectural character typical of rural Irish rural dwellings.
- Ecological Setup5/10
Features private water and drainage alongside a generous plot, offering potential for eco-friendly retrofitting, though the current BER is C2.
- Outdoor areas9/10
Comes with approximately 1.1 acres of land, providing abundant scope for landscaping, outbuildings, and outdoor enjoyment.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening9/10
The c. 1.1-acre site provides ample space for enthusiastic gardeners to cultivate large plots, polytunnels, or landscaping.
- Walking7/10
The surrounding rural roads offer scenic countryside walks, though dedicated walking trails may require a short drive.
- Gym2/10
No commercial gym facilities are within walking distance, requiring a drive into nearby towns for fitness centers.
- Cycling6/10
Quiet rural roads suit road cycling, though local traffic on narrow country lanes and the lack of dedicated cycle lanes should be considered.
- Golf4/10
Golf enthusiasts will need to travel toward Macroom or Cork city for course access, as nothing is immediately adjacent.
- Fishing5/10
Proximity to rural Cork rivers and lakes offers potential fishing opportunities, though buyers should verify local rights and access.
- Horse Riding6/10
The generous 1.1-acre plot and rural surroundings offer potential for keeping horses or accessing local equestrian facilities, subject to further development.
- Water Sports2/10
Inland location means water sports require traveling to coastal areas or larger inland lakes.
- Entertaining5/10
While the outdoor space is vast, the indoor accommodation is currently very restricted at c. 530 sq ft until extensions are built.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living10/10
Located in a peaceful rural setting in Gurranreigh, Lissarda, offering high levels of privacy and seclusion away from urban noise.
- Rural Living10/10
Set on approximately 1.1 acres of land in the countryside, perfectly suited for a traditional rural lifestyle.
- Village Living6/10
Situated roughly a 10-minute drive from Kilmurry village, striking a balance between rural isolation and nearby community access.
- Coastal Living1/10
The property is inland in County Cork, far removed from coastal amenities and beaches.
- Urban Living2/10
Towns like Macroom are a 20-minute drive away, and Cork city is 30 minutes away, offering very little in terms of immediate urban convenience.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
Proximity to Kilmurry village allows for integration into local community groups, sports clubs, and events.
- Café Culture3/10
Local café options are sparse immediately nearby, requiring trips into Macroom or toward Cork city.
- Nightlife1/10
The rural location offers virtually no nightlife, which is strictly limited to local country pubs or nearby towns.
- Health/Wellness groups3/10
Wellness groups and pilates & stretching classes would typically be accessed by traveling to larger neighboring settlements.
- Networking Opportunities2/10
Professional networking is minimal in this rural pocket, requiring connectivity to Cork city's business hubs.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity3/10
Direct tech-hub access is limited by geography, making strong internet infrastructure essential for any tech-based work.
Listing information
- Agent
- Killian Lynch Auctioneers Valuers & Estate Agents
- Phone
- 026 41 421 / 029 21 706
- 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.