Muckenaugh, Lixnaw, KerryV92P8X6
€100,000
3 Bed~1 Bath~BER E
What you'll like:
- Attractive asking price: Priced at one hundred thousand euros, this detached cottage presents an affordable entry point for buyers seeking a renovation project with significant potential upside value.
- Generous site area: Situated on approximately three point four acres of land, the property offers ample outdoor space for gardening, hobby farming, or potential future landscaping projects.
- Vacant since 2005: Long-term vacancy may qualify the property for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, providing substantial financial support for eligible renovation works.
- Detached property layout: Being a detached home, buyers will enjoy greater privacy and independence compared to semi-detached or terraced alternatives in the surrounding rural area.
- Three bedrooms included: The interior layout provides three distinct bedroom spaces, accommodating family living or offering flexibility for a home office setup once fully renovated.
- Existing outbuildings: The inclusion of outbuildings, such as a three-bay haybarn and lean-to, provides immediate storage options or agricultural utility for prospective owners.
- Convenient village proximity: Located within easy reach of Lixnaw village, residents can access local shops, schools, and community amenities without enduring excessive travel times.
- Scope for expansion: The generous site and existing footprint offer excellent scope for modern extensions, subject to obtaining the necessary local planning permissions from the council.
- Additional lands available: The listing notes that extra lands may be available, giving interested buyers the unique opportunity to negotiate a larger landholding for agricultural or recreational purposes.
- Aluminium double-glazed windows: The dwelling already features aluminium double-glazed windows, potentially saving the new owner some initial expenditure during the early stages of upgrading.
- Defined room dimensions: Kitchen, bedrooms, and shower room sizes are already established, allowing architects or builders to easily draft initial floor plans for modern reconfiguration.
- Rural setting appeal: Nestled in the County Kerry countryside, the property delivers a peaceful and scenic environment suited for those escaping busy urban lifestyles.
- Renovation blank canvas: In complete need of refurbishment, the interior allows buyers to design and finish every room entirely to their personal tastes and modern standards.
- Haybarn utility: The three-bay haybarn structure provides a robust shelter that could be repurposed for vehicle storage, workshop space, or keeping small livestock.
- Lean-to structure: The accompanying lean-to adds extra covered external space, which is highly convenient for housing building materials during the upcoming renovation works.
- Manageable floor footprint: A compact cottage layout generally translates to lower baseline material costs when insulating, rewiring, and replumbing throughout the structure.
- Local amenities access: Lixnaw provides essential daily services, ensuring that rural isolation is balanced with practical convenience for families and commuters alike.
- County Kerry location: Being situated in Kerry offers proximity to stunning natural landscapes, rugged coastline, and vibrant local culture for weekend leisure activities.
- Investment upside potential: Purchasing below market value and investing in substantial upgrades often yields a strong return on investment upon completion and revaluation.
- Independent utility routing: As a standalone rural cottage, the property does not share party walls, simplifying acoustic insulation and structural alteration processes.
But keep in mind:
- Poor energy rating: Holding a BER rating of E, the cottage suffers from severe energy inefficiency, requiring comprehensive insulation and heating upgrades to achieve comfort.
- Extended vacancy risks: Having been vacant since 2005, the property may harbor hidden damp, structural degradation, or pest damage requiring expensive specialist remediation.
- Total refurbishment required: Because the building is in need of comprehensive refurbishment, buyers must budget for significant capital outlay beyond the initial purchase price.
- Absence of floor area: The exact floor area is not provided in the listing, making it difficult to accurately estimate per-square-meter renovation costs prior to visiting.
- Unspecified property type: The exact construction type is not specified, meaning buyers should commission a thorough structural survey to check for timber rot or stone integrity.
- Single bathroom configuration: The house features only one shower room, which may prove inadequate for modern family living without undertaking a bathroom extension.
- Outbuilding condition check: The structural integrity of the three-bay haybarn and lean-to should be verified, as older agricultural sheds often require roof sheeting or framing repairs.
- Septic tank verification: Buyers must investigate the status, capacity, and percolation area of the private wastewater treatment system to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Water supply sourcing: As a rural property, the reliability and quality of the private or public water supply connection need rigorous testing before contract signing.
- Electrical system overhaul: A home vacant for nearly two decades will almost certainly require a complete rewiring to meet current safety standards and regulations.
- Heating system installation: The lack of an apparent modern central heating system means a brand-new boiler, radiators, and pipework network must be installed.
- Access and road frontage: Prospective buyers should verify public road frontage rights-of-way and ensure safe vehicular access onto the rural local road network.
- Planning permission limits: Securing planning permission for extensions or changing agricultural structures on rural Kerry sites can involve complex local authority compliance requirements.
- Boundary fence checks: Exact property boundaries across the three-point-four-acre site must be confirmed with historical folio maps to prevent future neighbor disputes.
- Grant condition compliance: Relying on renovation grants requires strict adherence to timelines and contractor registrations, which can introduce administrative delays and cash flow hurdles.
- Mould and damp remediation: Long-term abandonment typically leads to severe trapped moisture, necessitating professional damp proofing and interior plaster stripping.
- Insulation retrofitting costs: Upgrading an E-rated cottage to a modern sustainable standard requires external wall insulation or dry-lining, which can be logistically challenging.
- Chimney and flue safety: Open fireplaces or stoves must be inspected by a certified chimney sweep or builder to ensure flues are safe and clear of blockages.
- Asbestos presence check: Older rural cottages built or renovated in past decades sometimes contain asbestos-containing materials in roof tiles or insulation boards.
- Insurance availability: Insuring a long-term vacant property can be difficult and expensive until basic weatherproofing and security measures are fully established on site.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price appears attractively positioned below typical rural market values due to the extensive modernization required for a dwelling vacant since 2005 and carrying a weak energy rating.
- Valuation signals are heavily driven by the poor condition and low BER rating, offset by the inclusion of outbuildings, a substantial site area, and optional additional lands.
- Substantial refurbishment costs and structural uncertainties could undermine the apparent value proposition, whereas lower construction costs or grants for derelict properties could significantly support the investment.
- Additional relevant factors include the presence of a three-bay haybarn, convenient access to the nearby village, and the potential to utilize vacant property refurbishment incentives to enhance long-term viability.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a detached 3-bedroom cottage that has been vacant since 2005, which increases the likelihood of hidden structural issues, dampness, and deterioration requiring thorough investigation by a surveyor.
- The listing notes the presence of aluminium double-glazed windows, which are typically older and less thermally efficient than modern alternatives.
- The house comes with outbuildings including a 3-bay haybarn and lean-to, and a buyer should investigate the structural integrity and boundary compliance of these agricultural structures.
- The property stands on a 3.4-acre site, so a buyer's solicitor should verify land boundaries, title deeds, and any potential planning restrictions regarding the site or additional lands mentioned.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- Estimated deep-retrofit cost is between 50,000 and 80,000 euros.
- The BER rating is E, indicating a poor energy performance that necessitates significant upgrades to insulation, heating systems, windows, and doors to bring the property to a modern standard.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €2,500 - €3,500.
- Short explanation: Given the BER rating of E and the property being vacant since 2005 and in need of refurbishment, thermal efficiency is likely very poor, leading to high energy consumption until significant insulation and heating upgrades are completed.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
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 Lixnaw area
BALLINAGEARAGH, LIXNAW, KERRY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €373,000.00
25 KILCARAGH LAWN, LIXNAW, KERRY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €305,000.00
FINUGE, LIXNAW, KERRY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €500,000.00
DEERPARK, LIXNAW, KERRY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €400,000.00
KILFEIGHNY NORTH, LIXNAW, KERRY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €130,000.00
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 1% of the purchase price, amounting to €1,000 for a property priced at €100,000.
- Solicitor legal fees: generally ranging from €1,500 to €3,000 plus VAT and outlay costs.
- Land registration fees: typically between €400 and €800 depending on the registry type.
- Property valuation fees: roughly €150 to €300 often required by mortgage lenders.
- Surveyor fees: estimated between €500 and €1,000, highly recommended to investigate the structural condition of this vacant cottage needing refurbishment.
- Annual home insurance: estimated around €400 to €800 per year, though vacant property insurance rates should be verified until the home is occupied.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals in the Lixnaw area often discuss the charm and potential of traditional rural cottages requiring full refurbishment.
- Community discussions frequently highlight the convenience of village amenities while maintaining a quiet countryside lifestyle.
- Residents value the proximity to larger towns like Listowel and Tralee for broader shopping and services.
- There is ongoing community interest in rural housing grants and schemes aimed at restoring vacant properties.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children3/10
The property requires extensive refurbishment as it has been vacant since 2005, making it hazardous for young children until all major works are completed.
- Teenagers3/10
With only one bathroom and a footprint that needs complete modernization, the space is limited for growing teenagers.
- Multi-generational Living2/10
A 3-bedroom cottage requiring full renovation without a documented large floor area will not comfortably support multi-generational living arrangements.
- Single Buyers5/10
Affordable at an asking price of 100,000 euros, this detached cottage offers a project for a handy single buyer, though extensive renovations are needed.
- Couples5/10
Provides a great fixer-upper project for a couple willing to invest time and money into restoring a vacant rural home.
- Empty Nesters4/10
While single-level cottage living appeals to empty nesters, the heavy refurbishment required may be daunting.
- Retirees4/10
The rural setting and cottage style suit retirement, but the extensive repair work needed should be carefully considered.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working4/10
While the rural quiet suits remote work, buyers must investigate the availability and speed of local broadband infrastructure.
- Hybrid Commuting3/10
The rural Kerry location makes regular hybrid commuting to major employment hubs like Cork, Limerick, or Dublin quite challenging.
- Retired8/10
Suits retired individuals looking for a quiet country project, provided they manage the upkeep of a large plot.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place3/10
The property requires extensive modernization and is currently unlivable, making it unsuitable for ageing in place without major renovation works.
- Low Maintenance1/10
With a house vacant since 2005 requiring full refurbishment, plus C.3.4 acres and outbuildings, maintenance requirements will be very high.
- Secure Gated Entry2/10
There is no mention of a secure gated entry in the listing details, so buyers should inspect boundary security.
- Minimalist Design4/10
As a traditional 3-bed cottage, it has a simple footprint, but achieving a minimalist design will require a complete architectural overhaul.
- Flexible Floor Plans3/10
The compact layout features a kitchen/lounge, three bedrooms, and a shower room, offering limited flexibility without structural alterations.
- Heritage Home7/10
As a traditional cottage vacant for nearly two decades, it holds classic vernacular character, though formal heritage status should be verified.
- Ecological Setup5/10
The BER rating is currently an E, indicating poor energy efficiency, though the large site offers scope for green energy upgrades.
- Outdoor areas9/10
Features an extensive C.3.4 acre site accompanied by outbuildings, a 3-bay haybarn, and a lean-to, offering vast outdoor utility.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening9/10
The generous C.3.4 acre site offers immense potential for keen gardeners to develop extensive plots or landscaping.
- Walking7/10
The rural country roads surrounding Lixnaw provide pleasant settings for casual walks and hikes.
- Gym2/10
Rural locations typically require traveling to nearby towns for dedicated gym facilities.
- Cycling6/10
Quiet local roads offer cycling opportunities, though rural road conditions and lack of dedicated cycle lanes should be verified.
- Golf4/10
Access to golf courses will require travel to the nearest regional clubs.
- Fishing5/10
County Kerry features various rivers and angling spots, though proximity from this exact rural townland should be investigated.
- Horse Riding8/10
The inclusion of a 3-bay haybarn, lean-to, and a 3.4-acre site makes this property potentially suitable for keeping horses.
- Water Sports2/10
Inland Lixnaw is distant from major water sports hubs, requiring a drive to coastal areas or lakes.
- Entertaining4/10
The home is currently uninhabitable and in need of complete refurbishment before it can host guests.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living9/10
Located in Muckenaugh, Lixnaw, Co. Kerry, the property offers a peaceful rural environment away from major urban noise.
- Rural Living10/10
Situated on a C.3.4 acre site with outbuildings, this property epitomizes classic rural Irish country living.
- Village Living6/10
The listing notes it is conveniently located within easy reach of Lixnaw village, balancing rural isolation with community access.
- Coastal Living2/10
County Kerry has a long coastline, but this specific inland location in Lixnaw is not directly coastal.
- Urban Living1/10
This is a deeply rural country property far removed from city or urban environments.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
Proximity to Lixnaw village provides opportunities to integrate into local rural community groups and activities.
- Café Culture3/10
Café options are likely limited to the nearby village rather than being immediately on your doorstep.
- Nightlife1/10
This is a quiet rural area with virtually no local nightlife outside of traditional rural pubs in nearby villages.
- Health/Wellness groups3/10
Access to pilates & stretching classes or wellness groups will require traveling to larger nearby towns.
- Networking Opportunities1/10
Professional networking opportunities are minimal in this rural townland setting.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity1/10
There are no local tech hubs nearby; remote connectivity relies entirely on home internet setups.
Listing information
- Agent
- Ger Carmody Estates
- Phone
- 066 719 0699
- Published on HouseDelve
- 26 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-57A1E7HouseDelve · 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.