Magheraboy, Raphoe, DonegalF93CX46
€285,000
3 Bed~1 Bath~100 m²~BER D2
What you'll like:
- Dual property estate package: The offering includes a primary three-bedroom detached bungalow alongside an additional derelict semi-detached property, providing unique expansion or multi-generation living options for astute buyers.
- Generous total site area: The expansive 0.6-acre plot affords substantial outdoor space, garden potential, and privacy rarely found with standard suburban dwellings in the local market.
- Vacant property grant potential: Having stood vacant for over two years, the main dwelling may qualify for substantial government refurbishment grants, significantly easing renovation cost burdens for new owners.
- South-east orientation: The property faces south-east onto the scenic Oakfield Demesne, ensuring optimal natural light penetration into key living spaces throughout the morning hours.
- Ample off-street parking: A durable tar and chip driveway provides generous parking space capable of accommodating multiple vehicles comfortably for residents and visiting guests alike.
- Independent block shed: A practical standalone block-built shed equipped with power and light measuring approximately 24 square meters offers exceptional utility, workshop, or secure storage space.
- Independent site access potential: The large garden area on the left side could potentially facilitate separate access configurations for each property, enhancing long-term rental or resale independence.
- Comfortable main floor area: The primary detached bungalow spans 100 square meters, offering a practical layout with well-proportioned rooms suitable for modern family living arrangements.
- Three double bedrooms: All three bedrooms are sized as comfortable doubles with laminate flooring and radiators, ensuring adequate accommodation capacity for families or hosting visitors.
- Spacious main bathroom: Measuring 3.3m by 2.7m, the large bathroom features floor-to-ceiling tiling, a walk-in shower, a heated towel rail, and quality fixtures for daily convenience.
- Dedicated laundry room: A separate laundry room helps keep household chores organized and isolates washing machine noise away from the primary kitchen and dining zones.
- Open fireplace feature: The comfortable sitting room includes a traditional open fireplace, creating a cozy focal point and traditional ambiance during colder winter months.
- Built-in kitchen units: The kitchen and dining area comes equipped with upper and lower built-in units alongside an integrated electric oven, hob, and extractor fan.
- Double-aspect rooms: Several rooms benefit from multiple windows, allowing pleasant views across the surrounding countryside and maximizing interior daylight exposure throughout the day.
- Manageable entry price point: At €285,000 for the combined estate, the asking price presents an accessible entry level for buyers seeking space and renovation upside in County Donegal.
- Established local amenities: Situated near Raphoe, the location provides convenient access to local schools, shops, and community services while maintaining a peaceful rural atmosphere.
- Proximity to heritage site: Positioning right across from the Oakfield Demesne offers lovely pastoral views and a tranquil environment rich in local natural beauty.
- Radiator central heating: Every room including utility spaces features a fitted radiator, ensuring the infrastructure is fully prepped for an active central heating system.
- Laminate flooring installed: The hallway, sitting room, and all bedrooms feature clean laminate flooring, reducing immediate preparatory work for movers wishing to settle in quickly.
- Clear development upside: The combination of a livable home and a derelict companion structure provides immediate shelter while planning creative architectural extensions or commercial ventures.
But keep in mind:
- Subpar BER rating: The current D2 energy rating indicates poor thermal efficiency, likely resulting in higher heating bills and requiring comprehensive insulation upgrades to meet modern standards.
- Extended vacancy period: Having remained vacant for over two years, hidden structural degradation, damp issues, or neglected maintenance may require extensive investigation prior to purchase.
- Derelict secondary structure: The included semi-detached property is officially classified as derelict, meaning it will demand complete structural rebuilding before it can safely be occupied or rented out.
- Grant funding uncertainty: Buyers must independently verify if they meet strict eligibility criteria for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant before factoring those funds into their renovation budgets.
- Combined asset complexity: Purchasing a package deal with a derelict building can complicate mortgage approvals, as standard lenders may hesitate to finance properties requiring heavy rehabilitation.
- Septic tank verification needed: Buyers must inspect the status, capacity, and legal compliance of any private wastewater treatment systems servicing these rural dwellings.
- Local water supply checks: The buyer needs to verify whether the property relies on a private well or a public mains connection, along with testing water quality and pressure.
- Boundary line confirmation: A thorough legal review of the 0.6-acre folio boundaries is essential to ensure no historical disputes exist regarding shared access or garden perimeters.
- Planning permission hurdles: Converting or expanding the derelict structure will require strict local authority planning compliance, carrying potential risks of refusal or costly delays.
- Asbestos survey necessity: Given the age and construction style of the buildings, an environmental inspection for hazardous materials like asbestos prior to remodeling is strongly recommended.
- Roof and timber inspection: Potential hidden rot, woodworm, or slate damage in the roof spaces of both structures demand professional surveying to prevent unexpected capital outlays.
- Electrical compliance check: The wiring systems across the properties should be professionally tested to ensure they meet current safety standards and can handle modern electrical loads.
- Plumbing system overhaul: Long-term vacancy often causes pipe degradation and seal failures, meaning the existing plumbing infrastructure should be pressure-tested before activation.
- Surface water drainage: The extensive garden and driveway areas should be evaluated for proper runoff management to prevent pooling water near the structural foundations.
- Legal title complications: Buying multiple titles bundled together requires careful solicitor oversight to ensure clean conveyance without lingering encumbrances or archaic burdens.
- Insulation standards upgrade: Bringing the D2 rating up to a modern BER standard will necessitate substantial investment in external wall insulation, attic lagging, and window upgrades.
- Potential damp manifestation: Vacant rural properties frequently suffer from rising damp or penetrating moisture due to lack of continuous heating and ventilation during winter months.
- Access road maintenance: Buyers should clarify who holds legal responsibility for maintaining the approach roads and entrance aprons leading directly to the property boundary.
- Future local development: Checking county development plans near Raphoe will help ensure no disruptive commercial or infrastructural projects are scheduled nearby.
- Resale liquidity risks: Specialized rural estate packages catering to renovators can have narrower buyer pools, potentially extending future selling timelines compared to standard urban homes.
Price positioning
?
- Recent transaction records for comparable three-bedroom detached bungalows in the immediate Magheraboy area indicate historical sale price benchmarks around €191,000 for standard second-hand homes.
- The listing price of €285,000 incorporates a dual-property offering that includes an adjoining derelict semi-detached bungalow marketed separately at €95,000 on a shared 0.6-acre site.
- The inclusion of a substantial 0.6-acre site, a 24m2 block-built shed, and eligibility for vacant property grant support significantly influences the overall package value requested by the vendor.
- Buyers should thoroughly investigate potential structural renovation costs and verify grant eligibility requirements to accurately assess whether the combined package aligns with true market value.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a detached 3-bedroom bungalow measuring approximately 100 m² that has been vacant for over two years, meaning a buyer should investigate structural integrity, dampness, and the condition of services given the extended period of vacancy.
- The listing notes eligibility for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (up to €70,000 if classified as derelict or €50,000 if vacant), so a buyer should verify formal qualification criteria and local authority approval requirements before undertaking works.
- The site encompasses approximately 0.6 acres including a large garden area and a standalone block-built shed (24 m²), prompting a need to verify boundary lines, title deeds, and planning compliance for any existing outbuildings.
- The estate is sold alongside a derelict semi-detached property, so a buyer should investigate overall access rights, shared utility connections, and the legal implications of purchasing the multi-residence package.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property holds a D2 BER rating, indicating that a comprehensive deep retrofit is recommended to achieve modern energy efficiency standards [1.2.6].
- For a detached house of approximately 100 m² upgrading from a D2 to an A-rating, total gross costs before grants typically range from €50,000 to €70,000, covering external wall insulation, attic insulation, window replacements, a heat pump, and solar PV.
- Substantial Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grants via a One Stop Shop can reduce the net out-of-pocket cost significantly, though actual expenses will depend on the home's precise physical condition and contractor pricing.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- €1,800 to €2,600 annually
- The 100 m² floor area combined with a D2 energy rating indicates moderate to high heat loss, meaning higher energy consumption per square meter compared to modern energy-efficient homes.
Pollution Safe
8/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is situated in a quiet rural countryside setting with no major industrial facilities, heavy manufacturing plants, or active large-scale incinerators in immediate proximity.
- Any prospective buyer should independently verify local agricultural runoff factors or legacy land uses as part of standard environmental due diligence.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
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 Raphoe area
239 ST EUNANS TERRACE, RAPHOE, CO.DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €159,000.00
WOODLANDS, RAPHOE, DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €64,500.00
260 ST EUNANS TCE, RAPHOE, CO. DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €146,500.00
20 CATHEDRAL HILL, RAPHOE, DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €225,000.00
MAGHERAHAAN, RAPHOE, CO DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €245,000.00
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: €2,850 (calculated at 1% for a residential property purchase price of €285,000)
- Solicitor legal fees: €1,500 to €3,000 plus VAT and standard outlays
- Land registration fees: €400 to €800 depending on property mapping and digital registration filing fees
- Property valuation fees: €150 to €350
- Surveyor fees: €400 to €900 depending on the scope of a structural survey for a vacant or older property
- Annual home insurance: €400 to €700 for combined buildings and contents cover
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals and prospective buyers frequently discuss the strong potential of utilizing government grants, such as the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, for older rural homes in County Donegal.
- Discussions regarding Raphoe highlight its appeal as a quiet countryside location with convenient access via regional roads to nearby towns like Letterkenny and Strabane.
- Community feedback points out that rural properties with extra land or outbuildings, like the 0.6-acre site noted here, are increasingly sought after for hobby gardening or flexible uses.
- Property hunters in local forums emphasize checking the condition of older heating systems, insulation, and BER ratings (such as the D2 rating here) when evaluating upgrade costs.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children7/10
The property features a spacious 0.6-acre site with a large garden area, offering plenty of safe outdoor space for young children to play.
- Teenagers6/10
With three double bedrooms and a separate multi-residence estate option including a derelict property to develop, there is room to grow, though local teen amenities in Raphoe are limited.
- Multi-generational Living8/10
The inclusion of a two-residence estate consisting of a detached bungalow and an adjacent derelict property provides a unique layout for multi-generational living once developed.
- Single Buyers5/10
At an asking price of €285,000 for a 100 m² home requiring updates (BER D2), it may be large and costly to manage for a single buyer unless taking advantage of refurbishment grants.
- Couples7/10
Offers a comfortable 3-bed layout with generous outdoor space, ideal for couples looking for a countryside project with extra land.
- Empty Nesters6/10
Single-level bungalow living suits downsizers, though the maintenance of a 0.6-acre site and a D2 energy rating require consideration.
- Retirees6/10
The single-story structure facilitates easier mobility, but buyers should investigate healthcare access and the upkeep demands of the grounds.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The peaceful setting and extra shed space provide a great environment for home offices, though internet broadband speeds should be verified.
- Hybrid Commuting4/10
The rural County Donegal location means long commutes to major employment hubs like Letterkenny or Derry.
- Retired7/10
Single-floor layout suits retirement, provided local medical and daily conveniences meet your requirements.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place8/10
A single-storey detached bungalow structure naturally supports ageing in place, though minor accessibility adaptations may be needed.
- Low Maintenance4/10
The property has been vacant for over two years, holds a D2 BER rating, and includes a derelict second property and large grounds requiring substantial upkeep.
- Secure Gated Entry4/10
Features a tar and chip driveway with ample parking, but specialized secure gates would need to be installed by the buyer.
- Minimalist Design5/10
Conventional bungalow layout with standard room partitions rather than an open-plan minimalist aesthetic.
- Flexible Floor Plans6/10
Three double bedrooms and separate utility spaces offer functional flexibility, with additional potential via the adjacent derelict property.
- Heritage Home3/10
Standard mid-20th-century bungalow style rather than a protected historic heritage home, though located near Oakfield Demesne.
- Ecological Setup4/10
The current BER is D2, meaning energy efficiency is low, but the vacancy period may qualify the property for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant for eco-upgrades.
- Outdoor areas9/10
Extensive 0.6-acre site featuring a 0.3-acre rectangular garden, a 24m² block-built shed with power and light, and South-East facing aspects.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening9/10
Features a large rectangular garden area measuring approximately 0.3 acres (1200m²), providing exceptional scope for avid gardeners.
- Walking8/10
Positioned right beside the Oakfield Demesne with great local country roads and walking potential nearby.
- Gym3/10
Commercial gym facilities are scarce in the immediate rural area, though the 24m² block-built shed offers space to set up a home gym.
- Cycling7/10
Quiet surrounding country roads offer pleasant cycling routes, though traffic safety on rural lanes should be verified.
- Golf5/10
Requires travel to nearby towns for golf club access, though courses exist within County Donegal.
- Fishing6/10
Donegal offers rich angling opportunities, though proximity to specific local rivers or lakes should be checked.
- Horse Riding7/10
The generous plot size and rural setting could accommodate equestrian interests, subject to local stable availability.
- Water Sports2/10
Inland location limits immediate access to water sports facilities.
- Entertaining7/10
A good-sized kitchen/dining room, sitting room, and expansive outdoor grounds provide a solid setup for hosting guests.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living9/10
Located in Magheraboy, Raphoe, facing onto the Oakfield Demesne, the property offers a very peaceful and private rural-adjacent environment.
- Rural Living8/10
Set on a 0.6-acre plot in County Donegal with scenic surroundings and countryside views, perfect for a rural lifestyle.
- Village Living7/10
Close proximity to the historic town of Raphoe gives convenient access to local village amenities and community features.
- Coastal Living2/10
The inland location in East Donegal means the coast is a considerable drive away.
- Urban Living2/10
Far removed from city centers, offering a quiet rural setting instead of urban convenience.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement7/10
Raphoe offers a tight-knit community feel with local clubs, events, and historical associations.
- Café Culture4/10
Limited local café options directly in the immediate vicinity, requiring a trip into Raphoe town center.
- Nightlife2/10
Very quiet rural location with minimal nightlife options outside of local traditional pubs.
- Health/Wellness groups5/10
Community-led wellness or pilates & stretching classes may be found in nearby community centers, but options are limited.
- Networking Opportunities3/10
Professional networking is minimal in this rural area, making remote methods essential.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity2/10
Absence of local tech hubs; relies heavily on home internet infrastructure.
Listing information
- Agent
- Agent details not available.
- Published on HouseDelve
- 2 September 2026
- Correction
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HD-52EE6DHouseDelve · Republic of Ireland* Estimate — not advice. Actual costs and outcomes can vary materially. Obtain current quotations and professional advice before making financial or property decisions.