Photograph 1 of 3 of Local Needs Site, Castlepole, Carnaross, Kells, County Meath
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Local Needs Site, Castlepole, Carnaross, Kells, County Meath

€60,000

What you'll like:

  • Attractive asking price: Priced at sixty thousand euros, this plot represents a relatively low entry barrier for buyers wishing to construct their own bespoke home in County Meath.
  • Generous site size: Extending to approximately zero point six zero acres, the land parcel provides ample space for a substantial family dwelling, private gardens, and ancillary outbuildings.
  • Peaceful rural setting: Situated in the sought-after area of Castlepole, the location delivers a tranquil countryside atmosphere ideal for buyers seeking privacy and scenic surroundings.
  • Proximity to Carnaross: Being located approximately five kilometres from Carnaross village ensures convenient access to local community amenities while preserving a quiet countryside lifestyle.
  • Close to Kells town: The property lies just five kilometres from Kells town, offering schools, supermarkets, and essential services within a short and practical driving distance.
  • Excellent motorway access: Located approximately four kilometres from the M3 motorway, the site enables direct and efficient commuting links to Dublin, Cavan, and the wider national network.
  • Design your own home: Offered subject to planning permission, the acquisition empowers purchasers to tailor the architectural layout and interior finishes entirely to personal preferences.
  • Stable asking price: The historical tracking data shows no price reductions from its initial listing point, suggesting a firm vendor stance and potentially realistic initial valuation.
  • Desirable Meath location: County Meath remains a highly favored region for residential construction due to its blend of heritage, community feel, and excellent regional connectivity.
  • Balanced location attributes: The parcel successfully combines rural seclusion with urban accessibility, making it an attractive long-term investment for families prioritizing convenience and calm.
  • Bespoke construction potential: Building a custom property allows modern energy efficiency standards and sustainable heating technologies to be incorporated directly into the initial design phase.
  • Clear land boundaries: The specified acreage gives a defined footprint for prospective architects and engineers to design site layouts that comply with local planning guidelines.
  • Growth corridor proximity: Proximity to major transport arteries places the land within a well-connected commuter catchment, supporting potential long-term property value appreciation.
  • Direct agent representation: Managed by an established regional agency, the listing provides interested parties with a clear channel for initial inquiries and documentation requests.
  • Outdoor lifestyle opportunities: The expansive rural surroundings cater exceptionally well to buyers interested in gardening, outdoor recreation, and keeping domestic pets or hobby animals.
  • Manageable development scale: A single site of this proportion avoids the complexities of larger multi-unit developments while still offering a substantial private residential footprint.
  • Community integration: Locating a new build within an established rural neighborhood helps integrate the purchaser smoothly into the active local community and parish networks.
  • Commuter viability: The combination of local village proximity and swift motorway access makes this location practical for professionals working hybrid schedules or commuting regionally.
  • Potential value creation: Constructing a bespoke property on an affordably acquired site often yields a finished market value exceeding total development and purchase expenditures.
  • Scenic county backdrop: The surrounding Meath landscape offers picturesque views and a serene environment that significantly enhances daily residential living standards and well-being.

But keep in mind:

  • Local needs restriction: Buyers must carefully verify whether they satisfy Meath County Council strict local housing need criteria before making any financial commitments.
  • Subject to planning risk: The purchase depends entirely on securing successful planning permission, meaning buyers face the inherent risk of refusal or stringent council conditions.
  • Absence of BER rating: No Building Energy Rating is provided because the land has no existing structure, leaving future energy efficiency entirely dependent on upcoming construction choices.
  • Unspecified site boundaries: Exact legal boundaries and title maps should be meticulously reviewed with a legal representative to confirm all access rights and fencing lines.
  • Unknown utility connections: Prospective buyers must investigate the availability and proximity of electricity, water, and broadband infrastructure to avoid high connection costs.
  • Percolation test uncertainty: A professional site assessment and percolation test must be conducted to ensure the ground can successfully support a private wastewater treatment system.
  • Potential development levies: County council development contributions and connection fees can add significantly to the overall capital required to bring the site to a habitable stage.
  • Hidden site preparation costs: Clearing vegetation, grading sloping terrain, or constructing a suitable driveway may require unexpected capital expenditures prior to actual construction commencing.
  • Strict planning policies: County Meath rural housing guidelines can impose restrictive design, height, and cladding requirements that may limit architectural freedom for the buyer.
  • Lack of immediate services: Essential amenities are several kilometres away, meaning reliance on private vehicular transport is absolute for daily errands and commuting.
  • Unconfirmed ground conditions: Intending purchasers should investigate subsoil stability and drainage capacity to ensure foundations can be built without costly engineering interventions.
  • No existing structures: The complete absence of current buildings means all infrastructure, from driveways to boundary walls, must be created from scratch by the buyer.
  • Planning application delays: The statutory planning process can introduce prolonged waiting periods and administrative hurdles before construction can officially commence on the land.
  • Potential public road access issues: Buyers must verify that sightlines and entrance configurations onto the local road network meet all Meath County Council safety standards.
  • Lack of historical price depth: The single recorded price point offers limited insight into seller flexibility or broader market negotiations regarding the property valuation.
  • Third-party right of way checks: Legal advisors must confirm the absolute absence of any unregistered easements, wayleaves, or third-party access rights crossing the property.
  • Surface water management: Rural sites often require bespoke drainage solutions to prevent seasonal water accumulation, which should be evaluated by a qualified drainage engineer.
  • Financing complexities: Securing a mortgage specifically for a site purchased subject to planning permission can involve stricter lending criteria and specialist financial products.
  • Future local development: Buyers should check local development plans to ensure no undesirable commercial or infrastructural projects are zoned for the immediate surrounding area.
  • Complete buyer due diligence: Because services and fixtures are untested or absent, the onus rests entirely on the purchaser to uncover any latent environmental or legal site constraints.

Price positioning

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This comparison depends on limited public and listing evidence, which may be incomplete, outdated or not directly comparable. The score is not a percentage, professional valuation or guaranteed estimate. Ask an independent qualified valuer before relying on a property value.
The asking price appears broadly in line, with a slight undervaluation signal.
  • The asking price appears modestly positioned given that the offering is restricted strictly as a local needs site, which inherently limits the pool of prospective buyers and necessitates navigating council planning permission successfully before any development can proceed.
  • Valuation signals are heavily influenced by the subject to planning condition and the mandatory local needs restriction, meaning the underlying land value reflects considerable regulatory uncertainty and development hurdles that standard residential properties typically bypass.
  • Such a pricing strategy is supported by the desirable countryside setting and proximity to key transport corridors like the M3 motorway, though it could be undermined if the strict local needs criteria severely restrict interested qualified purchasers.
  • Additionally, potential buyers must factor in significant future construction expenses, professional fees, and infrastructure connection costs, meaning the initial land acquisition cost must remain low to ensure the overall project remains economically viable.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is offered as a site for sale subject to planning permission, meaning there is currently no physical structure to evaluate.
  • A buyer must investigate whether they satisfy the local needs criteria mandated by Meath County Council before committing to a purchase.
  • Potential buyers should verify the feasibility of obtaining planning permission for a bespoke family home on the approximately 0.60-acre plot.
  • Site assessments, including percolation tests and soil suitability for wastewater treatment, should be conducted prior to purchase.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Not applicable as this listing is for a vacant site sold subject to planning permission rather than a completed residential structure with an established heating system.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The property is located in a peaceful rural setting in Castlepole, Carnaross, appearing largely free from major industrial pollution concerns.
  • Any potential local agricultural runoff or localized legacy issues should be verified through standard environmental due diligence.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The site is situated in a countryside location without prominent historical records of widespread river or coastal flooding in the immediate vicinity.
  • Buyers should consult local flood maps and undertake a site-specific assessment to confirm surface water drainage suitability.

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 Carnaross area

  • 133 THE GLEBE, KELLS, MEATH

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €265,000.00
  • BALRATHBOYNE, CORTOWN, KELLS

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €316,000.00
  • 15 THE VILLAGE GREEN, CARLANSTOWN, KELLS

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €274,000.00
  • 29 BLACKTHORN CLOSE, KELLS, MEATH

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €238,000.00
  • BALRATHBOYNE, CORTOWN, KELLS

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €485,000.00

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: €600 — 1% of €60,000.
    ?
    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: approximately 1,500 to 3,000 euro plus VAT and outlays.
  • Land registration fees: approximately 400 to 800 euro depending on the property value and registration type.
  • Property valuation fees: approximately 150 to 300 euro for a standard mortgage valuation report.
  • Surveyor fees: approximately 500 to 1,200 euro depending on the level of detail and type of survey required.
  • Annual home insurance: approximately 350 to 700 euro for standard buildings and contents coverage.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Local resident groups in the Carnaross and Kells areas frequently discuss the appeal of countryside living combined with proximity to the M3 motorway for commuters.
  • Community forums often highlight the charm of rural Meath, noting that demand for sites remains steady among buyers seeking to build bespoke homes.
  • Discussions regarding local needs housing criteria in County Meath emphasize the importance of early engagement with the council to ensure planning compliance.
  • Infrastructure updates, including road connectivity to Dublin and Cavan, are regular topics of conversation among commuters in the broader Kells region.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The generous 0.60-acre site provides ample outdoor space for children to play safely in a tranquil countryside setting. However, buyers must consider that this is a vacant plot subject to planning permission, meaning a home must be built before it is suitable for occupancy.

    6/10
  • Teenagers

    The rural location offers privacy and space, but teenagers may find it distant from immediate peer groups, secondary schools, and entertainment venues without relying heavily on car transport.

    5/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    With an extensive 0.60-acre footprint, there is considerable potential to design a bespoke layout that accommodates multi-generational living under one roof or incorporates a detached annex, subject to acquiring the necessary planning permission.

    7/10
  • Single Buyers

    Purchasing a raw plot of land subject to local needs criteria and undertaking a self-build project is typically a complex and costly endeavor, making it less suitable for most single buyers.

    3/10
  • Couples

    An ideal opportunity for couples looking to design and build their dream home from scratch in a peaceful setting, provided they can successfully navigate the local planning requirements and self-build process.

    7/10
  • Empty Nesters

    Empty nesters looking to downsize or build a custom, single-story forever home will appreciate the peaceful rural environment, though the project management of a new build requires careful consideration.

    6/10
  • Retirees

    The peaceful countryside setting is attractive for retirement, but retirees should carefully evaluate the ongoing maintenance of a 0.60-acre plot and their proximity to healthcare services.

    6/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    The quiet rural setting is ideal for a dedicated home office, though buyers should investigate the availability and speed of high-speed broadband in this specific rural area.

    7/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    Conveniently located just c.4 km from the M3 Motorway, the site offers direct access to Dublin, Cavan, and the wider national road network, facilitating hybrid commuting.

    8/10
  • Retired

    An excellent option for retirees looking to build a custom, manageable home in a tranquil countryside setting, provided local needs criteria can be met.

    8/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    Because the property is a vacant site, buyers have the unique opportunity to design a single-level, accessible home tailored specifically for ageing in place, subject to planning.

    7/10
  • Low Maintenance

    A 0.60-acre rural plot will inherently require ongoing grounds maintenance, lawn mowing, and boundary upkeep once a property is established.

    4/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    Buyers have the freedom to install private gates, boundary fencing, and advanced security systems as part of their custom house build.

    6/10
  • Minimalist Design

    A blank-canvas site gives architectural freedom to pursue sleek, modern, or minimalist architectural designs, subject to local planning guidelines.

    8/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    As a site offered subject to planning permission, the floor plan is entirely up to the purchaser to design according to their exact lifestyle needs.

    10/10
  • Heritage Home

    This is a vacant greenfield-style site rather than an existing period or heritage property.

    1/10
  • Ecological Setup

    Building a new home allows buyers to integrate modern eco-friendly technologies, high insulation standards, and sustainable energy systems from the ground up.

    8/10
  • Outdoor areas

    The roughly 0.60-acre site offers substantial outdoor space for gardens, landscaping, outbuildings, or recreational areas.

    10/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    The generous approximately 0.60-acre plot provides a blank canvas for avid gardeners to design expansive lawns, vegetable patches, and landscaped outdoor spaces.

    10/10
  • Walking

    The scenic rural roads surrounding Castlepole offer pleasant routes for recreational walking and enjoying the natural countryside.

    8/10
  • Gym

    There are no immediate gym facilities on your doorstep, requiring a drive into nearby Kells for fitness centers.

    3/10
  • Cycling

    The quiet country lanes provide a picturesque environment for cycling enthusiasts, though riders should remain mindful of rural traffic conditions.

    8/10
  • Golf

    While local golf courses can be accessed within a reasonable driving distance in County Meath, they are not immediately adjacent to the site.

    5/10
  • Fishing

    The wider Meath region offers inland angling opportunities, though buyers should verify the proximity of specific fishing waters to this location.

    5/10
  • Horse Riding

    The rural setting and quiet local roads make this a suitable location for horse riding enthusiasts, with potential space to incorporate equestrian facilities subject to planning.

    7/10
  • Water Sports

    Being an inland rural location, water sports opportunities are limited and would require travel to lakes or coastal areas.

    2/10
  • Entertaining

    A self-built home on this 0.60-acre site could easily be designed with expansive open-plan living and outdoor patio areas for entertaining, though the home itself has yet to be constructed.

    6/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Situated in the sought-after and peaceful area of Castlepole, Carnaross, this site offers an exceptionally tranquil countryside environment away from urban congestion.

    10/10
  • Rural Living

    This is a quintessential rural opportunity, offering an approximately 0.60-acre site surrounded by open countryside while remaining within convenient reach of local towns.

    10/10
  • Village Living

    Located approximately 5 km from Carnaross Village, the site offers good access to local community amenities while retaining a distinctively rural atmosphere.

    7/10
  • Coastal Living

    The property is located inland in County Meath and has no proximity to the coast.

    1/10
  • Urban Living

    The setting is entirely rural, situated roughly 5 km from Kells, offering none of the vibrancy or immediate density associated with urban living.

    2/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Proximity to Carnaross Village and Kells allows residents to integrate into active local communities, GAA clubs, and volunteer groups.

    7/10
  • Café Culture

    Café culture is sparse in the immediate rural townland, requiring a trip into nearby Kells for local coffee shops and social spots.

    4/10
  • Nightlife

    The immediate area is entirely rural and quiet, offering no nightlife options without traveling into nearby towns.

    2/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Wellness groups and fitness classes are generally centered in nearby Kells rather than the immediate Castlepole area.

    4/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    As a rural site, professional networking opportunities on-site are non-existent, requiring connection to larger employment hubs.

    2/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    While the M3 motorway provides good physical connectivity, specialized tech hubs are primarily located in major urban centers like Dublin.

    3/10

Listing information

Agent
DNG Royal County
Phone
046 907 3737
Current status
active
Published on HouseDelve
11 October 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-5D6FA4HouseDelve · Republic of Ireland

Report 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.