
Hollow Road, Castlefin, Co. Donegal
€195,000
2 Bed~2 Bath~BER F
What you'll like:
- Pristine interior condition: The property is presented in walk-in condition, allowing new owners to move in immediately without undertaking costly or disruptive initial renovations.
- Affordable entry price: At an asking price of one hundred ninety-five thousand euros, this home offers an accessible entry point for first-time buyers or downsizers.
- Spacious kitchen dining: Measuring over seven meters in length, the dual-aspect kitchen and dining room provides ample space for family meals and daily entertaining.
- Dual bathroom convenience: Featuring both a dedicated shower room and a separate full bathroom, morning routines will face fewer bottlenecks for occupants and guests.
- Included major appliances: The sale includes the electric oven, hob, washing machine, and fridge freezer, reducing upfront setup expenses for the new purchaser.
- Built-in storage solutions: Both bedrooms benefit from fitted wardrobes, maximizing floor space and providing immediate storage without requiring freestanding furniture purchases.
- Generous private garden: The spacious side and rear garden is encircled by mature trees, offering a private outdoor sanctuary for gardening, relaxation, or play.
- Amuse parking space: The large concrete-surfaced car park provides abundant off-street parking capacity for multiple vehicles, visitors, or future work trailers.
- Mains utility connections: The dwelling benefits from direct connections to public mains water and mains sewerage, avoiding the maintenance complexities of private wells or septic tanks.
- Past extension approval: Previous planning permission was granted for a large extension, indicating that local authorities may view future structural expansion favorably.
- Expansion potential: The combination of a large plot and previous planning precedents gives buyers a clear pathway to increase the overall living area over time.
- External storage sheds: Two practical outdoor sheds measuring a combined eight by two meters supply secure space for fuel storage, gardening tools, and general items.
- On-site oil heating: The external shed houses an oil burner, keeping noisy heating mechanics outside the main living quarters while providing reliable central heating.
- East facing light: The front sitting room features an east-facing window, capturing pleasant morning sunlight to brighten the start of the day.
- Convenient location: Situated on the outskirts of Castlefin, residents enjoy a quieter semi-rural setting while remaining close to local town amenities.
- Stable asking price: The recorded asking price has remained completely unchanged since tracking began, suggesting a firm vendor position and straightforward pricing strategy.
- Clear hot press: An insulated hot tank located within the sitting room ensures an efficient domestic hot water supply throughout the day.
- Low maintenance exterior: Concrete surfacing around parking areas and durable exterior finishes help minimize ongoing grounds maintenance requirements for busy owners.
- Wet-room style shower: The modern shower room features an electric wet-room style setup, ensuring accessible and easy-to-clean washing facilities.
- Managed viewing process: Strictly scheduled appointments arranged via the local negotiator ensure organized access and dedicated attention for prospective buyers.
But keep in mind:
- Poor energy rating: The dwelling holds a low BER rating of F, which indicates very poor thermal efficiency and high potential heating costs.
- Significant upgrade required: Achieving an acceptable energy efficiency standard will likely require substantial insulation and heating system investments by the buyer.
- Lapsed planning permission: Prior planning permission for an extension is mentioned as granted in the past, meaning buyers must verify if it has expired and reapply.
- Unknown floor area: The listing fails to provide the exact total floor area, requiring the buyer to measure the property independently during inspections.
- Unspecified property type: The exact legal structure and freehold boundaries are not fully detailed, necessitating careful solicitor review of the title deeds.
- End-of-terrace proximity: As an end-of-terrace cottage, buyers should investigate potential party wall arrangements and any localized boundary noise transmission issues.
- Electric fire reliance: The sitting room relies on an insert electric fire within an open fireplace, which may not provide adequate primary heat without high electricity usage.
- Outdated heating controls: The reliance on an external oil burner requires verification of boiler age, service history, and overall system efficiency.
- Traffic and parking impact: The large concrete-surfaced car park adjacent to the home might introduce vehicle noise and activity close to habitable rooms.
- Potential damp risks: Older cottages can be prone to rising or penetrating damp, requiring a thorough pre-purchase structural survey to check walls and foundations.
- Ventilation checks needed: Buyers should inspect the dual-aspect kitchen and bathroom extraction systems to ensure adequate moisture control and prevent mold growth.
- Window glazing standards: The thermal performance and overall condition of the windows should be inspected carefully given the low overall energy rating.
- Roof and attic inspection: The insulation levels and timber condition within the roof space must be professionally verified before finalizing any purchase agreements.
- Sewer connection verification: Although noted as mains connected, a formal drain survey should confirm that private lateral pipes are clear and undamaged.
- Boundary clarity checks: The exact perimeter of the tree-encircled garden must be reconciled against official land registry mapping to prevent future neighbor disputes.
- Shed structural condition: The two outdoor storage sheds require inspection for weatherproofing, structural integrity, and asbestos presence in older roof sheeting.
- Static price stance: The unchanging asking price since initial observation may indicate an inflexible seller who is unwilling to negotiate on market value.
- Limited local amenities: Being on the outskirts of Castlefin may necessitate regular car travel for schools, large supermarkets, and professional services.
- Future retrofit disruption: Carrying out deep energy retrofits to overcome the F rating will cause significant domestic disruption and financial outlay for the buyer.
- Potential flood assessment: Buyers should verify with local authorities whether the surrounding area or access roads are susceptible to surface water or river flooding.
Price positioning
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- The asking price of one hundred ninety-five thousand euros appears positioned above typical local property values, as broader regional housing transactions consistently reflect significantly lower average market prices across comparable rural settings.
- Potential overvaluation signals stem from the relatively poor BER rating of F combined with a compact two-bedroom layout, which typically incurs substantial upgrade expenses for energy efficiency improvements by prospective buyers.
- Support for this price point could stem from the pristine walk-in condition, extensive private gardens, and historical planning permission for a large extension, while high retrofit costs may undermine such valuation.
- The stable asking price history without any recorded reductions suggests a firm vendor strategy, though limited immediate local demand could ultimately necessitate price adjustments to successfully secure a buyer.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is an end-of-terrace cottage presented in walk-in condition, though specific construction details and floor areas are not provided in the listing.
- The listing notes that planning permission was previously granted for a large extension, which a buyer should verify with the local authority to check if the permission has lapsed or if it can be renewed.
- Heating is supported by an oil burner housed in an external shed, and a buyer should investigate the age, condition, and efficiency of the central heating system.
- The property features an open fireplace with an insert electric fire in the sitting room, and the condition of the chimney and flue should be inspected if solid fuel use is desired.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property has a poor BER rating of F, which indicates that a comprehensive deep retrofit is required to bring it to a modern energy efficiency standard.
- A full deep retrofit typically includes external wall insulation, upgraded double or triple-glazed windows and doors, attic or roof insulation, and the installation of a renewable heating system such as a heat pump.
- Given the cottage scale of the building, estimated retrofit costs would generally range between €30,000 and €50,000 before accounting for available SEAI grants, though a professional energy audit is recommended to confirm exact requirements.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost is €2,000 to €2,600.
- Explanation: The property has a poor BER rating of F and uses an oil burner system, which will result in higher energy consumption and heating expenses compared to more energy-efficient homes.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is situated in a predominantly rural residential and agricultural setting on the outskirts of Castlefin, appearing well-separated from major industrial zones, heavy manufacturing, or large-scale waste facilities.
- Any minor localized agricultural runoff or legacy concerns should be verified through standard environmental due diligence, though no specific pollution threats are evident from current records.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The general region near the River Finn system requires standard awareness regarding riverine flood risks during prolonged heavy rainfall events.
- Buyers should consult local flood maps and conduct thorough due diligence regarding the specific site topography to confirm exact pluvial and fluvial safety.
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 Castlefin area
2 ALT CRESCENT, ALT UPPER, CASTLEFIN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €107,500.00
GRAHAMSLAND, CASTLEFIN, DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €110,000.00
10 DONEYLOOP, CASTLEFIN, DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €65,000.00
DRUMDOIT, CASTLEFIN, CO DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €375,000.00
340 GRAHAMSLAND, CASTLEFIN, LIFFORD
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €100,000.00
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: €1,950 — 1% of €195,000.
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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
- Land registration fees: €400 to €800
- Property valuation fees: €150 to €300
- Surveyor fees: €500 to €1,000
- Annual home insurance: €350 to €650
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Local residents in the Castlefin area frequently discuss community amenities, rural transport links, and local infrastructural developments on regional forums.
- Property buyers in East Donegal often share insights on the availability of local tradespeople and the costs associated with upgrading older homes to improve BER ratings.
- Discussions on social media community pages highlight a strong interest in local tidy towns initiatives and community safety schemes.
- Residents often note the peaceful rural atmosphere surrounding Castlefin while maintaining good connectivity to larger towns like Letterkenny and Lifford.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children7/10
The property features two bedrooms and a spacious, tree-encircled private garden at the side and rear, offering a secure outdoor play area for young children. However, with only two bedrooms, growing families might eventually find space limited unless they utilize past planning permission to extend.
- Teenagers5/10
While the private outdoor space is a plus, a two-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage provides limited privacy and personal space for teenagers. The location on the outskirts of Castlefin also means fewer independent entertainment options for older youths nearby.
- Multi-generational Living3/10
The layout consists of a two-bedroom cottage with a single level and compact footprint, which is generally unsuitable for multi-generational living without substantial expansion using the previously granted planning permission.
- Single Buyers8/10
At an asking price of 195,000 for a pristine, walk-in condition home, this property represents an affordable entry point for single buyers looking for manageable space and a private garden.
- Couples8/10
The two-bedroom configuration, large kitchen/dining room, and comfortable sitting room make this an ideal home for couples starting out or downsizing, with the added benefit of a large garden and potential to extend.
- Empty Nesters8/10
Being a single-level or easily manageable two-bedroom cottage in pristine condition, it suits empty nesters well, though the large garden does require ongoing maintenance.
- Retirees7/10
The single-level accommodation features a wet-room style shower and walk-in condition, making it relatively friendly for retirees, though buyers should verify internal accessibility and the demands of maintaining the large surrounding grounds.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The peaceful environment is conducive to home working, though buyers must verify broadband speeds and connectivity options available on Hollow Road.
- Hybrid Commuting5/10
Castlefin offers a residential base, but hybrid commuting to major employment hubs like Letterkenny or Derry requires significant travel time.
- Retired9/10
The property is ideal for retirees seeking a manageable, walk-in condition home with single-level elements and a private garden.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place8/10
The single-level flow and wet-room style shower make this home adaptable for ageing in place, provided minor modifications are made if mobility declines.
- Low Maintenance7/10
The interior is described as pristine and in walk-in condition, though the large tree-encircled garden and external sheds will require ongoing upkeep.
- Secure Gated Entry2/10
The property features a large concrete-surfaced car park rather than a secure gated entry system.
- Minimalist Design5/10
It is a traditional two-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage rather than a modern minimalist architectural build.
- Flexible Floor Plans6/10
The current layout is straightforward and fixed, but past planning permission for a large extension offers significant flexibility for future reconfiguration.
- Heritage Home6/10
As an older cottage in first-class condition, it retains traditional character while benefiting from modern updates like an electric insert fire and fitted kitchen.
- Ecological Setup4/10
The BER rating is F, indicating that energy efficiency is low and a buyer would likely need to invest in upgrades to improve insulation and heating performance.
- Outdoor areas9/10
A standout feature is the spacious, tree-encircled private garden at the side and rear, complemented by a large concrete-surfaced car park and two external sheds.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening8/10
The property boasts a spacious, tree-encircled private garden at the side and rear, as well as a fuel/general store and sheds, offering great potential for avid gardeners.
- Walking7/10
The surrounding countryside and outskirts of Castlefin provide pleasant routes for casual walkers, though local pedestrian infrastructure should be verified.
- Gym3/10
Dedicated fitness and gym facilities are likely sparse on the immediate outskirts of Castlefin, requiring travel to larger nearby towns for specialized centers.
- Cycling6/10
Quiet local roads offer decent cycling opportunities, though rural routes lack dedicated cycle lanes, requiring caution around traffic.
- Golf4/10
Buyers should verify the proximity of the nearest golf courses, as Castlefin is a smaller settlement without an immediate prominent course.
- Fishing7/10
Donegal is renowned for its waterways and angling opportunities, and buyers should investigate local river access points near Castlefin.
- Horse Riding5/10
The spacious grounds and rural surroundings offer potential for equestrian enthusiasts, though local stables and riding trails must be verified independently.
- Water Sports2/10
Given the inland location of Castlefin, water sports facilities are limited locally and typically require travel toward the coast or major lakes.
- Entertaining7/10
The large kitchen/dining room, sitting room, and expansive outdoor garden and concrete-surfaced car park provide plenty of space for hosting guests.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living8/10
Situated on the outskirts of Castlefin with a tree-encircled private garden, the property offers a peaceful environment removed from major urban hustle.
- Rural Living7/10
Located on Hollow Road on the outskirts of the town, the setting provides a pleasant semi-rural feel with open spaces and surrounding greenery.
- Village Living8/10
Proximity to Castlefin provides convenient access to local village amenities while maintaining a distinct out-of-town residential feel.
- Coastal Living1/10
County Donegal has extensive coastlines, but Castlefin is an inland location far from immediate coastal amenities.
- Urban Living2/10
The setting is decidedly rural-suburban on the outskirts of a small town, offering very little in terms of major urban convenience or high-density city living.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
Small-town outskirts typically foster tight-knit local communities with various local clubs, though integration relies on active participation.
- Café Culture3/10
Caf culture is limited in Castlefin compared to larger urban centers, with only basic local options available.
- Nightlife2/10
Nightlife options are minimal in the immediate area, consisting mostly of local traditional pubs rather than a bustling evening scene.
- Health/Wellness groups4/10
Local wellness groups or specialized fitness classes may be available in community halls, but options are generally limited outside larger towns.
- Networking Opportunities2/10
Professional networking opportunities are sparse in this rural-suburban location, which is better suited for residential living than business networking.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity2/10
There are no major tech hubs in the immediate vicinity, making local professional tech networking virtually non-existent.
Listing information
- Agent
- Henry Kee & Son
- Phone
- 074 9131050
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 21 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-FDCE58HouseDelve · 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.