
Knocks, Garadice, Ballinamore, Co. LeitrimN41X688
€49,000
2 Bed~1 Bath
What you'll like:
- Affordable entry price: The attractive asking price of 49000 euros significantly lowers the financial barrier, leaving more budget available for heavy construction and complete renovation works.
- Generous plot size: The property sits on approximately 0.86 acres of land, providing plenty of outdoor space for gardens, outbuildings, or parking facilities.
- Dual folio ownership: Included within two separate freehold folios, the land title structure is clearly defined for legal convenience during the conveyancing process.
- Vacant property grants: Buyers may potentially access lucrative government refurbishment grants, which help offset the substantial capital required to bring a derelict home back to life.
- Tranquil countryside setting: Located in a peaceful rural area near Garadice, future occupants will enjoy privacy, scenic views, and a quiet lifestyle away from urban noise.
- Proximity to Ballinamore: The property sits within an easy short drive of Ballinamore town, ensuring convenient access to local shops, schools, pubs, and everyday amenities.
- Outdoor amenity access: The surrounding region is renowned for its lakes and outdoor recreational pursuits, making it ideal for fishing, boating, and walking enthusiasts.
- Traditional character: Retaining elements of an original traditional cottage, the structure offers charming aesthetic features for those looking to preserve historical vernacular design.
- Redevelopment potential: The site provides a fantastic blank canvas for a bespoke self-build or comprehensive modernization tailored precisely to the buyer's exact specifications.
- Existing house drawings: Previous architectural drawings are available for inspection, giving prospective buyers a head start on conceptualizing a potential layout for the site.
- Prior planning history: The fact that the site previously held planning permission indicates that local authorities have historically looked favorably upon residential development here.
- Substantial proposed footprint: Past drawings outlined a spacious two-storey layout of approximately 145 square meters, proving the land can support a very comfortable family home.
- Mature landscaping: The site features established trees and mature growth, immediately providing a sense of established grounds rather than a barren newly cleared plot.
- Independent utility potential: A rural site of this scale often accommodates private well water and modern sewage treatment systems without crowding immediate neighbors.
- Investor appeal: Low acquisition costs combined with high potential resale values after renovation create an appealing opportunity for small-scale property developers or speculators.
- No upper chain: As a vacant derelict asset, the purchase is not dependent on an upward chain, which typically streamlines the legal buying process.
- Local agent representation: Listed through an established regional estate agent, buyers can easily arrange physical viewings and obtain local insights into the micro-market.
- Flexible project phasing: Buyers can pace their renovation timeline according to budget availability, tackling weatherproofing first and interior finishes later as funds permit.
- Strong rental demand: Fully modernized rural homes in scenic regions frequently attract strong interest from long-term tenants or holidaymakers seeking peaceful retreats.
- Clear geographic coordinates: Precise GPS coordinates are provided in the listing details, making it simple for contractors and surveyors to locate the exact plot independently.
But keep in mind:
- Total dereliction state: The existing cottage is described as a traditional derelict structure, meaning it likely requires a complete gutting or total rebuild from the ground up.
- Lapsed planning permission: Previous planning consents have expired, meaning a buyer must submit a fresh application and cannot guarantee approval for a new dwelling.
- Unknown structural integrity: Without a professional survey, hidden defects such as compromised foundations, rotting timbers, or damp stone walls could prove extremely costly to fix.
- Unclear BER status: The property is listed as BER exempt due to its derelict condition, but bringing it up to modern energy efficiency standards will require major insulation investments.
- Unspecified floor area: The exact dimensions of the current standing structure are not provided, making it difficult to estimate baseline demolition and clearing costs accurately.
- Unknown property type: The precise legal classification of the standing structure is vague, which might complicate mortgage lending or insurance underwriting decisions.
- Grant eligibility uncertainty: Government refurbishment grants are strictly subject to qualifying criteria and application approval, meaning buyers should not rely on them unconditionally.
- No indoor plumbing likely: Derelict cottages of this vintage typically lack functional bathrooms or kitchens, requiring entirely new connections for water and waste.
- Electrical supply absence: Power lines may be disconnected or outdated, necessitating a costly new electrical grid connection and full internal rewiring by certified electricians.
- Private wastewater needs: A new septic tank or proprietary waste treatment system will almost certainly need to be installed to meet current environmental regulations.
- Access and bore requirements: Establishing a clean, reliable water supply via a bored well could add unexpected drilling expenses if mains water is unavailable.
- Heavy overgrown vegetation: The mature site may be heavily overgrown, requiring significant ground clearance machinery before builders can safely begin working on site.
- Navigating local planning rules: Leitrim County Council enforces specific rural housing guidelines, which could restrict who qualifies to build a new home in this area.
- Construction cost inflation: Building materials and labor shortages can cause major budget overruns when undertaking remote rural renovation projects in the current market.
- Financing difficulties: Traditional mortgage lenders rarely finance derelict properties, meaning buyers often need cash funds or specialized renovation loan products.
- Eircode ambiguity: The provided Eircode belongs to a neighbouring property rather than the subject cottage, which could cause confusion for postal deliveries or emergency services.
- Lack of recent price drops: The asking price has remained stable at 49000 euros without reductions, suggesting the seller may be firm on valuation despite the heavy required investment.
- Unmapped exact boundaries: While two folios are included, an independent land survey is essential to verify exact boundary fence lines and prevent future neighbor disputes.
- Remote material transport: Hauling heavy construction equipment and building supplies down narrow rural approach roads can logistically complicate the construction phase.
- Comprehensive professional fees: Buyers will need to budget extensively for architects, engineers, environmental consultants, and legal specialists before any physical work can commence.
Price positioning
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- The asking price of forty-nine thousand euros appears low because it reflects a severely derelict traditional cottage requiring extensive capital investment, complete reconstruction, and substantial remediation before it can become habitable or compliant with modern building standards.
- Valuation signals are heavily influenced by the inclusion of a nearly one-acre site and potential eligibility for government vacant and derelict property refurbishment grants, which significantly offset the heavy initial outlays needed for full structural restoration.
- Such a low entry price is supported by the remote rural location and lapsed planning history, while factors that could undermine this pricing include hidden structural defects, escalating construction inflation, and strict local planning restrictions on rural housing replacements.
- Relevant market comparisons in the wider rural area demonstrate that older or rural properties command varying price points depending on their repair state, meaning this asset is priced to attract competitive interest from DIY renovators and local builders.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is described as a traditional derelict cottage on a c.0.86-acre site, presenting a major renovation or redevelopment project.
- The listing notes that planning permission previously existed for a house design spanning approximately 145 square metres, but this permission has since lapsed.
- A buyer should verify the structural integrity of the existing cottage, assess the feasibility of obtaining fresh planning permission for renovation or a replacement dwelling, and confirm the exact boundaries across the two mentioned folios.
- The property may qualify for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and Derelict Property Grant schemes, which a prospective buyer should investigate with local authorities to confirm eligibility requirements.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property is currently a derelict cottage without a BER rating (BER exempt due to its condition), meaning it lacks habitable services, insulation, heating, and proper fenestration.
- Bringing a derelict structure of this scale up to a modern energy-efficient standard or executing a full rebuild based on the previously proposed 145 sq.m. floor area would constitute a substantial capital investment.
- A comprehensive deep retrofit and restoration project of this nature would likely exceed 70,000 to 100,000 euros or more depending on whether the structure is renovated or entirely redeveloped.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- €0 to €1,500
- Because the property is currently described as a traditional derelict cottage requiring complete restoration and renovation, there is no active heating system currently installed. Once renovated to a modern standard, annual heating costs for a home of this scale would typically range from €1,200 to €1,500 depending on the eventual BER rating and fuel type chosen.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is situated in a tranquil, rural agricultural setting away from major industrial zones, heavy manufacturing, or large-scale waste facilities.
- Any historical land use is typical of rural Leitrim farmland, presenting minimal risk of legacy industrial contamination, though standard environmental due diligence is advised.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The rural site is set within an elevated countryside location near Ballinamore, generally appearing to be at a low risk of direct river or coastal flooding.
- Buyers should verify local drainage conditions and surface water management during heavier winter months, as is standard practice for rural properties in the region.
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
DRUMREILLY, GARADICE, BALLINAMORE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €160,000.00
CORRAMAHAN, GARADICE, BALLINAMORE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €110,000.00
LISROUGHTY, GARADICE, BALLINAMORE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €80,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Ballinamore area
CALLOWHILL BALLINAMORE, BALLINAMORE, LEITRIM
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €415,000.00
5 DUN NA BO, WILLOWFIELD RD, BALLINAMORE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €300,000.00
LAHARD, BALLINAMORE, CO. LEITRIM
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €160,000.00
NAOMH PADRAIG, AGHOO EAST, BALLINAMORE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €75,000.00
MAIN STREET, BALLINAMORE, CO. LEITRIM
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €161,000.00
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: €490 — 1% of €49,000.
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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 depending on complexity and conveyancing rates.
- Land registration fees: €400 to €800 for property registration and mapping.
- Valuation fees: €150 to €300 for a standard mortgage or asset valuation.
- Surveyor fees: €500 to €1,200 depending on the depth of structural survey required for a derelict property.
- Annual home insurance: €350 to €700, though vacant or derelict properties may require specialized vacant property insurance policies which can vary.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals and prospective buyers frequently discuss the strong appeal of rural renovation projects in County Leitrim, particularly noting the potential availability of the Vacant and Derelict Property Refurbishment Grants.
- Discussions on community forums often highlight Ballinamore as a scenic area with rich outdoor amenities, appealing to those seeking a tranquil countryside lifestyle or holiday retreat.
- Residents in rural parts of County Leitrim often share advice on navigating the planning permission process for rebuilding or extending traditional cottages on established sites.
- Community groups frequently emphasize the importance of verifying local utility connections, such as electricity and water availability, when purchasing rural derelict properties.
- Property enthusiasts on regional forums often discuss the balance between preserving original cottage character and undertaking modern energy-efficient retrofits.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children2/10
The property is a traditional derelict cottage requiring complete renovation, which poses immediate safety hazards for young children and lacks habitable space.
- Teenagers2/10
With the house currently in a derelict condition, it is entirely unsuitable for teenagers until major reconstruction or redevelopment is completed.
- Multi-generational Living3/10
While there is a generous 0.86-acre site offering potential for future expansion or a replacement dwelling subject to planning permission, the existing structure cannot support multi-generational living.
- Single Buyers4/10
At an asking price of 49000 euros, it presents an affordable entry point for a resilient single buyer with a strong budget for a self-build or major renovation project.
- Couples4/10
An appealing project for a couple willing to take on a significant rural restoration or redevelopment, though habitable conditions are currently non-existent.
- Empty Nesters3/10
Empty nesters looking for an easy lifestyle will find a derelict cottage too demanding, though those seeking a long-term rural project might find it interesting.
- Retirees2/10
The heavy construction work and rural isolation make this property poorly suited for retirees unless they have substantial project management support and financing.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working5/10
While working from home is feasible in a quiet rural environment, buyers should verify the availability and speed of high-speed broadband in this specific townland.
- Hybrid Commuting2/10
The rural location and distance from major economic hubs make hybrid commuting impractical for standard office schedules.
- Retired4/10
Suitable for retired individuals only if they are prepared to manage a heavy-duty building or restoration project.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place2/10
The current derelict state and rural isolation make ageing in place impossible without total redesign, accessibility upgrades, and closer proximity to medical services.
- Low Maintenance1/10
A derelict cottage on a 0.86-acre site demands extensive initial intervention and ongoing grounds maintenance.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
The property currently lacks secure perimeter fencing or gated entry, which a buyer would need to install.
- Minimalist Design4/10
While a blank canvas allows for minimalist architectural styles during a rebuild, the starting point is a traditional rustic ruin.
- Flexible Floor Plans7/10
Previous house drawings suggest potential layouts up to 145 square meters, offering good flexibility subject to fresh planning permission.
- Heritage Home8/10
The dwelling retains original character as a traditional cottage, appealing to those interested in preserving historical architectural elements.
- Ecological Setup6/10
The mature 0.86-acre site provides a great foundation for sustainable living, organic gardening, and eco-friendly renovation practices.
- Outdoor areas8/10
The expansive c.0.86-acre plot across two folios offers significant outdoor space for landscaping and development.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening8/10
The c.0.86-acre site provides ample outdoor space for extensive landscaping, vegetable gardens, and horticultural projects.
- Walking7/10
The surrounding countryside offers scenic rural roads and proximity to local outdoor amenities in the Ballinamore area.
- Gym2/10
Dedicated gym facilities will require traveling into nearby towns, as none are available in the immediate rural vicinity.
- Cycling6/10
Quiet rural roads offer pleasant cycling routes, though caution is required due to the lack of dedicated cycle lanes.
- Golf5/10
The broader region features local golf offerings, but enthusiasts will need to verify travel times to the nearest courses.
- Fishing8/10
The property is located in an area renowned for its lakes and outdoor water amenities, making it well-positioned for fishing enthusiasts.
- Horse Riding6/10
The generous plot size and rural surroundings offer potential for equestrian interests, subject to setting up appropriate stabling and fencing.
- Water Sports7/10
Proximity to regional lakes and water amenities supports various recreational water sports.
- Entertaining3/10
Current indoor conditions completely preclude entertaining, though future developments could capitalize on the large site.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living10/10
Situated in a peaceful rural setting in Knocks, Garadice, the location offers exceptional tranquility and seclusion away from urban congestion.
- Rural Living10/10
Set on a mature site of approximately 0.86 acres in the countryside, this property provides the quintessential rural lifestyle experience.
- Village Living5/10
While it enjoys a countryside feel, it is a short drive from Ballinamore town, bridging rural isolation with nearby village amenities.
- Coastal Living1/10
Co. Leitrim is an inland county, offering no proximity to coastal environments or marine amenities.
- Urban Living1/10
The location is purely rural and distant from major urban centers or city conveniences.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement5/10
Integration into the local community typically occurs through nearby Ballinamore, requiring active participation in local rural groups.
- Café Culture2/10
Café options are limited and restricted to nearby towns rather than the immediate rural surroundings.
- Nightlife1/10
There is virtually no nightlife in the immediate rural vicinity, requiring travel to larger local towns.
- Health/Wellness groups3/10
Access to organized wellness groups will necessitate traveling into the nearest populated center.
- Networking Opportunities1/10
The remote rural setting offers essentially no local professional networking opportunities.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity1/10
There are no local tech hubs, and buyers must rely entirely on their own home internet setup.
Listing information
- Agent
- Gordon Hughes Estate Agents
- Phone
- 071 964 5555
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 11 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-A21DEDHouseDelve · 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.