
New Test Boat, Fahan, Donegal
€120,000
3 Bed~2 Bath~45 m²
What you'll like:
- Affordable Entry Point: The asking price of €120,000 represents a remarkably low initial capital outlay for a three-bedroom layout, making it accessible for first-time buyers and budget-conscious investors alike.
- Three Bedroom Layout: Offering three distinct bedrooms provides exceptional flexibility for families, home offices, or guest accommodations within a compact and manageable overall footprint.
- Two Bathroom Configuration: The inclusion of two bathrooms reduces morning bottlenecks and significantly enhances convenience for daily living and hosting visitors alike.
- Scenic Fahan Location: Situated in the desirable Fahan area of County Donegal, residents can enjoy picturesque coastal surroundings and a peaceful community atmosphere.
- Stable Asking Price: The recorded asking price has remained completely steady since initial observation, indicating a fixed seller expectation without volatile mid-campaign adjustments.
- No Recent Price Hikes: The absence of upward price revisions suggests the seller is not arbitrarily testing the market ceiling, which may facilitate a more straightforward negotiation process.
- Compact Floor Area: The 45 square metre footprint ensures minimal heating costs, effortless day-to-day cleaning, and very low long-term maintenance requirements.
- Investment Potential: The low purchase threshold creates a compelling opportunity for rental yields if properly renovated and brought up to modern letting standards.
- Holiday Home Viability: The picturesque Donegal setting makes this property an ideal candidate for a weekend retreat or a lucrative short-term holiday letting venture.
- Manageable Footprint: A smaller property size dramatically reduces ongoing property tax liabilities and general upkeep expenses compared to larger, sprawling family residences.
- Direct Agent Contact: Having a dedicated local agent telephone contact ensures prompt communication for arranging viewings and clarifying property specifics quickly.
- Future Expansion Scope: Depending on structural layout and local planning guidelines, adventurous buyers might explore creative space-optimisation strategies to enhance value.
- Local Amenity Proximity: Fahan offers convenient access to local marinas, sandy beaches, and traditional eateries, enriching the everyday lifestyle of future occupants.
- Straightforward Acquisition: The uninflated baseline price minimizes the risk of overpaying in a frenzied bidding war, allowing for a disciplined purchasing approach.
- Renovation Canvas: The property offers a blank slate for DIY enthusiasts or investors looking to imprint a bespoke design scheme throughout the interior.
- Community Appeal: Donegal is renowned for its welcoming local communities, making this an inviting prospect for those seeking a slower-paced coastal lifestyle.
- Commuting Convenience: The location provides manageable driving routes toward nearby towns and employment hubs within the wider Inishowen peninsula.
- Low Holding Costs: Minimal square footage combined with an affordable purchase price keeps overall property ownership overheads exceptionally modest over time.
- Distinctive Property Type: The unique naming convention hints at a potentially maritime or unconventional dwelling, offering character that standard suburban boxes lack.
- Private Retreat Option: The modest scale provides a cozy, easily lock-up-and-leave environment for frequent travelers or seasonal occupants.
But keep in mind:
- Unusually Tiny Floor Area: A total floor area of 45 square metres for a three-bedroom layout implies extremely cramped living quarters that require careful spatial planning.
- Exempt BER Status: The building energy rating is marked as exempt, meaning buyers should independently investigate potential insulation deficiencies and high heating bills.
- Missing Property Type: The listing lacks a clear property type classification, making it vital to verify whether this is a traditional structure, a mobile unit, or a boat.
- Potential Structural Quirks: The unusual property name suggests unconventional construction methods that could require specialist maintenance and mortgage lender approval.
- Limited Price History: Recorded tracking shows only a single numeric price entry following an initial unavailable status, providing little historical context on seller motivation.
- Compact Bathroom Constraints: Fitting two bathrooms into a 45 square metre footprint likely results in extremely tight sanitary facilities with limited maneuverability.
- Financing Hurdles: Non-standard structures or exceptionally small floor areas frequently encounter strict lending criteria from mainstream mortgage providers.
- Renovation Cost Risk: Bringing an older or unconventional property up to modern habitation standards could incur substantial unexpected capital expenditure.
- Resale Liquidity Concerns: Niche properties with micro-footprints can have a restricted buyer pool upon eventual resale, extending future time on the market.
- Storage Limitations: Three bedrooms combined with a tiny overall area leaves virtually zero room for built-in storage or bulky household belongings.
- Ventilation and Damp: Smaller, compact dwellings often suffer from condensation and moisture issues if adequate modern ventilation systems are absent.
- Unverified Title Status: Buyers must instruct their legal counsel to thoroughly inspect the deeds, particularly given the ambiguous nature of the property description.
- Boundary Verification Needed: Confirming exact property boundaries and legal rights of way is essential to prevent future disputes with neighboring landowners.
- Heating System Unknown: The listing provides no details regarding the primary heating source, necessitating a thorough physical inspection of radiators or boilers.
- Agent Detail Scantiness: The sparse descriptive text offers virtually no insight into recent upgrades, roof condition, or window glazing quality.
- Potential Zoning Restrictions: Local planning laws might restrict alterations or extensions, especially if the property is located in a sensitive coastal zone.
- Access and Parking: Buyers should carefully verify dedicated parking arrangements and winter road access, particularly if the location is remote or shared.
- Wastewater Arrangements: It is critical to investigate whether the property connects to a municipal mains sewerage system or relies on a private septic tank.
- Insurance Premiums: Unconventional dwellings or coastal locations can sometimes attract higher buildings insurance premiums or require specialist underwriting.
- Exhaustive Survey Recommended: Given the lack of disclosure documents, commissioning a comprehensive structural survey before committing funds is strongly advised.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price of €120,000 for this Fahan property appears somewhat undervalued given the compact 45 square metre floor area combined with three bedrooms and two bathrooms layout configuration within the local market context.
- Valuation signals show a relatively low absolute entry price point for a three-bedroom dwelling, though the exceptionally small floor area per bedroom suggests high density living or potential space constraints that justify caution.
- Strong buyer demand for affordable holiday homes in Donegal could easily support this price level, whereas unverified structural condition or lack of a formal Building Energy Rating certificate might undermine buyer confidence.
- The tracking history indicates a stable asking price since initial observation without reductions, reflecting steady seller confidence despite potential negotiations and the overall heterogeneity of property values observed across the wider area.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property has a relatively small floor area of 45 square metres for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom layout, which suggests compact room sizes that a buyer should inspect for practicality and layout flow.
- The BER details state that the property is exempt, but the buyer should verify the exact nature of this exemption and confirm if any building regulations, planning compliances, or structural warranties apply.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €800 to €1,200
- Explanation: Since the BER rating is exempt or not provided and the floor area is compact at 45 square metres, heating requirements will depend heavily on the property's insulation standards and the primary heating fuel used.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
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 Fahan area
31 THE RECTORY, FAHAN, DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €140,000.00
38 RONERAGH APTS, FAHAN, DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €212,500.00
BEACH HALT, LISFANNON, FAHAN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €70,000.00
51 THE RECTORY, FAHAN, DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €130,000.00
GLENCARRICK, FAHAN, CO DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €2,150,000.00
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 (around €1,200 for a €120,000 property)
- Solicitor legal fees: roughly €1,500 to €2,500 excluding outlay and VAT
- Land registration fees: typically ranging from €130 to €400 depending on the property value and registration type
- Property valuation fees: around €150 to €300 typically required for mortgage approval
- Surveyor fees: approximately €400 to €800 depending on the level of detail required for the inspection
- Annual home insurance: roughly €350 to €700 depending on the level of building and contents cover
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals in the Fahan area frequently discuss community events, coastal walks, and local amenities on regional social media groups.
- Traffic management and road safety along the main coastal routes through Fahan are occasional topics of discussion among residents.
- Community interest is often high regarding local development applications and infrastructure maintenance around Lough Swilly.
- Residents frequently share updates about local sporting clubs, tidy towns initiatives, and seasonal community gatherings.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children4/10
The property features 3 bedrooms but offers a very compact floor area of 45 m², which may present space constraints for growing young children.
- Teenagers3/10
With only 45 m² of total floor space, accommodating teenagers who require personal space and privacy will be extremely challenging.
- Multi-generational Living2/10
A floor area of 45 m² is entirely too restrictive for multi-generational living arrangements.
- Single Buyers9/10
The 3-bedroom layout provides ample personal space and potential home-office options for a single buyer at an accessible asking price of €120,000.
- Couples8/10
Couples will find the 3 bedrooms functional, though the 45 m² overall size means living quarters are cozy and require efficient space management.
- Empty Nesters7/10
The manageable scale is appealing for empty nesters seeking to downsize, though buyers should verify the internal layout to ensure it suits long-term comfort.
- Retirees7/10
The small footprint requires less upkeep, making it potentially suitable for retirees, provided single-level access and mobility needs are met.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The 3-bedroom count allows for a dedicated home office, though buyers must verify broadband connectivity speeds in the Fahan area.
- Hybrid Commuting4/10
The Donegal location means long transit times to major employment hubs, making hybrid commuting demanding.
- Retired8/10
An affordable asking price of €120,000 and a compact 45 m² layout make this an accessible option for retirees managing fixed incomes.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place6/10
While the single-level potential of a 45 m² home could suit ageing in place, buyers should verify accessibility features and medical service proximity.
- Low Maintenance9/10
The modest 45 m² floor area ensures minimal interior upkeep and straightforward cleaning requirements.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
There is no mention of secure gated entry in the listing details, so buyers should investigate security provisions.
- Minimalist Design8/10
The compact footprint inherently demands a streamlined, minimalist approach to furniture and possessions.
- Flexible Floor Plans4/10
At 45 m² across 3 bedrooms, the rooms are likely quite small with limited scope for major structural layout flexibility.
- Heritage Home5/10
The property details do not specify a heritage classification, so buyers should verify the building's age and construction history.
- Ecological Setup3/10
No specific ecological or BER rating was provided in the listing, meaning energy efficiency features must be investigated independently.
- Outdoor areas5/10
Outdoor space dimensions are not specified in the listing, requiring buyers to verify exact plot boundaries and maintenance responsibilities.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening6/10
Buyers should investigate the specific plot size and garden boundaries included with the property, as the listing data does not detail outdoor land acreage.
- Walking9/10
The coastal Fahan setting offers fantastic opportunities for scenic walks and coastal trails.
- Gym4/10
Dedicated gym facilities will likely require travel to nearby towns, as immediate local options are limited.
- Cycling7/10
Scenic local routes offer great cycling potential, though rural road conditions should be evaluated.
- Golf6/10
Proximity to regional golf courses is reasonable, making it a viable option for golf enthusiasts.
- Fishing9/10
The Fahan coastal location provides exceptional access to local fishing spots and maritime activities.
- Horse Riding6/10
Rural Donegal offers potential for equestrian activities, though local stables and trail access should be independently verified.
- Water Sports9/10
Given the coastal context of Fahan, water sports enthusiasts will find the location highly advantageous.
- Entertaining5/10
With a total floor area of 45 m², indoor entertaining space is strictly limited and best kept to small gatherings.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living8/10
Located in Fahan, Donegal, the setting generally offers a peaceful environment conducive to quiet living away from major urban hustle.
- Rural Living8/10
Situated in Donegal, the area delivers a scenic, tranquil rural backdrop close to natural water features.
- Village Living7/10
Fahan provides a close-knit community feel with local amenities accessible nearby.
- Coastal Living9/10
The location in Fahan, Donegal places residents in a prime coastal environment with proximity to marine amenities.
- Urban Living2/10
This is a distinctly rural and coastal location far removed from dense urban centres and city amenities.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement7/10
Fahan has a traditional local community where participation in local groups is common and welcoming.
- Café Culture5/10
Local café options are limited by the rural-coastal village scale, requiring travel for a wider selection.
- Nightlife3/10
Nightlife options in the immediate area are sparse, focusing instead on quiet local pubs.
- Health/Wellness groups6/10
Local community centres may host pilates & stretching or wellness classes, though availability should be checked locally.
- Networking Opportunities3/10
Professional networking opportunities are minimal in this remote location.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity2/10
The area lacks proximity to major technology hubs, relying heavily on remote connectivity.
Listing information
- Agent
- Test Office Training
- Phone
- 012345
- Published on HouseDelve
- 6 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-EC3748HouseDelve · 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.