
Rear of 43 Rathmines Road Upper, Rathmines, Dublin 6
€220,000
BER C1
What you'll like:
- Prime Dublin 6 location: Situated in a highly sought-after residential district near Rathmines and Ranelagh, this site offers immense long-term value and strong end-user demand for completed properties.
- Previous planning precedent: The site previously held full planning permission for a two-storey mews, establishing a favorable local authority attitude toward residential development on this specific footprint.
- Recent permission expiry: Because the planning approval only recently lapsed, a buyer can leverage existing architectural drawings and past council negotiations to streamline a fresh planning application.
- Architect-designed contemporary layout: The previously approved scheme features an efficient two-storey one-bedroom layout maximizing natural light, privacy, and modern urban living standards effectively.
- Private outdoor terrace: The inclusion of a first-floor private balcony and terrace adds crucial outdoor amenity space, which significantly enhances the market appeal of small urban dwellings.
- Sustainable green roof: The designed green sedum roof provides excellent thermal insulation, manages stormwater runoff sustainably, and adds high-end architectural appeal for modern eco-conscious buyers.
- Independent mews access: Direct access from the rear mews lane ensures complete privacy and autonomy from the main building, mimicking a traditional standalone coach house setup.
- Protected structure sensitivity: The prior scheme was carefully tailored to respect the adjacent protected structure, proving the site can successfully navigate complex local heritage and conservation constraints.
- Compact footprint utilization: Utilizing the existing single-storey structure footprint minimizes major groundworks and excavation risks, making construction management considerably simpler for small-scale developers.
- Strong rental yields: Once developed, a modern one-bedroom mews in Dublin 6 typically commands strong rental income due to perpetual undersupply and high demand from young professionals.
- Builder and developer appeal: Offered at an accessible entry price of €220,000, this site represents a manageable project scale for local builders seeking strong return on investment.
- Established residential setting: Nestled behind existing homes, the plot benefits from an established neighborhood character without the uncertainty of large-scale greenfield development disruption nearby.
- Walkable urban lifestyle: Future occupants will enjoy immediate pedestrian access to local cafes, restaurants, cinemas, and excellent public transport links including multiple major bus routes.
- Reduced council negotiation friction: Since the local authority previously accepted the principle of a two-storey mews, a resubmission stands a strong chance of approval with minimal redesign.
- Available architectural documentation: Interested buyers can review extensive prior planning and architectural files, saving considerable time and upfront design costs during the initial pre-planning phase.
- No upward price momentum: The recorded asking price has remained stable at €220,000 without increases, indicating a motivated seller who is not artificially chasing an overheated market.
- Bespoke owner-occupier opportunity: Private buyers looking to build a custom-designed urban home can create a tailored living space rather than settling for standard off-the-plan apartment options.
- Efficient space planning: Ground-floor bedroom and bathroom configurations combined with first-floor open-plan living optimize the compact floor area for maximum daily comfort and functionality.
- Proximity to city center: Dublin city center is within easy reach via cycling or short commutes, making the location exceptionally attractive for commuters working in the core CBD.
- High BER target potential: Building a modern mews from scratch allows the owner to easily achieve a high Building Energy Rating, translating into exceptionally low ongoing heating and energy costs.
But keep in mind:
- Planning permission uncertainty: A lapsed planning permission does not guarantee a successful new application, and the buyer should verify current local development plan policy changes carefully.
- No guaranteed approval: Local authority planning guidelines regarding density, overlooking, and private open space standards may have tightened since the original permission was granted.
- Unclear connection rights: The buyer must investigate whether existing utility connections for water, electricity, and sewage can be easily extended to the rear mews without third-party disputes.
- Right of way verification: Legal counsel must rigorously verify the exact legal status and maintenance obligations associated with the rear mews lane access route.
- Construction cost inflation: Rising building material and labor costs mean the total capital outlay to construct the mews may exceed initial budget expectations significantly.
- Restricted site access: Tight mews lane dimensions could severely restrict large construction vehicles, requiring specialized manual handling or crane permits that increase building expenses.
- Party wall complexities: Proximity to No. 43 Rathmines Road Upper, a protected structure, may trigger complex party wall agreements and stringent heritage protection monitoring requirements.
- Lack of immediate income: As a vacant development site, the property generates zero rental income while tying up capital during the lengthy planning and construction phases.
- Unconfirmed exact boundaries: The buyer should commission a detailed topographical land survey to confirm that the physical site boundaries match the legal title deeds precisely.
- Potential overlooking disputes: Neighboring properties might lodge fresh planning objections regarding window placements and privacy impacts, potentially delaying or altering any new application.
- Financing challenges: Securing development finance for a small site without pre-approved planning permission can be difficult and expensive through standard commercial lending channels.
- Lack of floor area details: The listing fails to provide precise square meterage figures, requiring the buyer to calculate usable internal dimensions independently from architectural blueprints.
- Conservation area restrictions: Being located near a protected structure means strict exterior material controls will apply, limiting design flexibility and increasing finishing costs.
- Unknown ground conditions: Potential underground drainage or soil stability issues remain unverified and should be assessed via intrusive ground investigation before unconditional purchase.
- Management and maintenance duties: Shared rear lane upkeep responsibilities must be clearly established to avoid future neighbor disputes over surface repairs and cleanliness.
- Stagnant pricing context: While stable at €220,000, the lack of price movement offers no immediate discount incentive, requiring buyers to negotiate firmly based on development risks.
- Restricted future expansion: Due to tight site constraints, the approved one-bedroom footprint cannot be easily expanded in the future without severe planning resistance.
- Development levy liabilities: A new planning permission will trigger substantial local authority development contributions and connection fees that must be factored into project financials.
- Utility upgrade expenses: Bringing modern high-capacity services down the mews lane to the standalone structure could incur unexpected infrastructural connection charges from utility providers.
- Holding cost exposure: Delays in the planning appeal or appeals board process could extend holding periods, increasing council tax, insurance, and professional fee burdens.
Price positioning
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- The asking price of €220,000 for a development site with recently lapsed planning permission appears attractive when weighed against general land and property values in the sought-after Dublin 6 location, suggesting potential room for capital appreciation once developed.
- The primary valuation signal is the speculative nature of the site requiring a fresh planning application, which introduces regulatory risk and development costs that justify a lower entry price compared to ready-to-move-in residential units.
- A successful re-submission of architectural plans matching the previously approved two-storey mews design would strongly support the asking price, whereas unexpected planning restrictions from Dublin City Council could severely undermine its financial viability.
- Additional factors influencing the valuation include the scarcity of independent mews sites in established neighborhoods, potential construction inflation, and the requirement for specialist input to satisfy conservation guidelines near a protected structure.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is offered as a development opportunity featuring a site to the rear of an existing building, with a previous full planning permission for a two-storey, one-bedroom mews residence that has recently lapsed.
- A buyer should investigate the current status of the planning permission, local development plan policies regarding mews developments, and any specific constraints associated with the proximity to No. 43 Rathmines Road Upper, which is noted as a protected structure.
- The proposed design incorporates a green sedum roof, private first-floor terrace, and utilises the footprint of an existing single-storey structure, requiring verification of structural integrity and utility connections.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: not applicable as the property is offered as a development site with a lapsed planning permission for a mews structure rather than a habitable dwelling.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The location appears largely free from major industrial pollution concerns, heavy manufacturing plants, or active large-scale incinerators.
- Any historical urban land uses or legacy waste concerns in this established inner-suburban area are typical of central Dublin and generally minimal, though buyers should verify local site history.
Flood Safe
7/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property is situated in an established urban setting in Rathmines, where formal flood mapping data is currently unavailable for precise risk verification.
- The proposed development utilises a mews layout featuring ground-floor sleeping quarters, meaning any future residential design should carefully consider local surface water drainage during heavy rainfall.
- Being located away from major river corridors significantly lowers the likelihood of significant river flooding, though general urban stormwater management remains a standard consideration for the area.
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estateExtra effort was used to find nearby sales here
65 RATHMINES ROAD UPPER, RATHMINES, DUBLIN 6
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €1,000,000.00
FLAT 1, 227 RATHMINES ROAD UPPER, DUBLIN 6
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €1,550,000.00
8 YORK AVE, RATHMINES RD UPPER, RATHMINES DUBLIN 6
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €1,300,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Rathmines area
42 MILLTOWN GROVE, MILLTOWN, DUBLIN 6
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €480,000.00
11 OAKLANDS, YORK RD, RATHMINES DUBLIN 6
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €675,000.00
51 ST KEVINS PARK, DARTRY, DUBLIN 6
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €4,400,000.00
13 PEMBROKE COTTAGES, DONNYBROOK, DUBLIN 6
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €640,000.00
30 ANNESLEY PARK, RANELAGH, DUBLIN 6
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €2,750,000.00
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: €2,200 — 1% of €220,000.
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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: approximately 1,500 euro to 3,000 euro plus VAT.
- Land registration fees: approximately 400 euro to 800 euro depending on the property value.
- Property valuation fees: approximately 150 euro to 250 euro.
- Surveyor fees: approximately 500 euro to 1,200 euro depending on the depth of the survey required.
- Annual home insurance: approximately 350 euro to 700 euro depending on coverage.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Residents in the Rathmines and Ranelagh areas frequently discuss the high demand for infill and mews development sites given the central Dublin 6 location.
- Local forums often highlight traffic congestion and parking pressures along Upper Rathmines Road during peak commuting hours.
- Community discussions frequently focus on the active local planning environment, particularly regarding protected structures and conservation guidelines.
- Neighbourhood groups regularly share updates on local amenities, public transport connectivity, and cycling infrastructure improvements toward the city centre.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children2/10
The property is a development site with a lapsed planning permission for a compact one-bedroom mews, making it entirely unsuitable for families with young children due to the lack of an existing habitable structure and limited space.
- Teenagers2/10
A one-bedroom mews development site lacks the bedroom count and general living space required for teenagers.
- Multi-generational Living1/10
The scale of the proposed one-bedroom mews design is far too small to accommodate multi-generational living arrangements.
- Single Buyers8/10
For a single buyer with construction experience or capital to build out the site, this offers an exciting opportunity to create a bespoke contemporary home in a prime Dublin 6 location.
- Couples7/10
Couples looking for a custom-built, one-bedroom city pad will find the location appealing, provided they are prepared to navigate the planning and construction process.
- Empty Nesters6/10
Empty nesters wanting to downsize into a modern, compact, architect-designed home could consider this, though the rebuilding requirement introduces project management challenges.
- Retirees5/10
While the location is well-connected, the necessity of undertaking a construction project from a lapsed planning stage is likely less appealing for retirees.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
A newly built mews could incorporate a dedicated home office space, though prospective buyers should verify broadband connectivity potential.
- Hybrid Commuting9/10
The exceptional Dublin 6 location provides outstanding transport links for hybrid commuters heading into the city centre or beyond.
- Retired5/10
While services are close, the lack of a finished home and the requirement to manage construction works makes this less suited to standard retirement living.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place3/10
A multi-story mews layout with primary living spaces on the first floor is generally less suitable for ageing in place without specific design adaptations.
- Low Maintenance7/10
A newly constructed modern mews with a green sedum roof would ultimately offer low maintenance once built.
- Secure Gated Entry6/10
Independent access from a mews lane offers privacy, though security provisions would need to be incorporated into the new build design.
- Minimalist Design9/10
The previously permitted contemporary architectural scheme is inherently minimalist, featuring clean lines and efficient spaces.
- Flexible Floor Plans6/10
The footprint is defined by the existing single-structure layout, limiting major structural flexibility, though interior partitioning can be tailored.
- Heritage Home4/10
While the site sits adjacent to a protected structure (No. 43), the mews itself is a contemporary development opportunity rather than a traditional heritage home.
- Ecological Setup7/10
The incorporation of a green sedum roof in the architectural plans provides a positive ecological touchpoint for an urban infill site.
- Outdoor areas4/10
Outdoor space is restricted to a private first-floor terrace/balcony rather than a traditional ground-level garden.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening3/10
The property features a private first-floor terrace/balcony and a green sedum roof rather than traditional garden space.
- Walking9/10
The highly walkable Dublin 6 location allows for convenient pedestrian access to Rathmines, Ranelagh, and the city centre.
- Gym8/10
Proximity to urban centers ensures easy access to multiple commercial gym facilities and fitness clubs.
- Cycling8/10
The inner-suburban location provides direct cycling routes into Dublin city centre, though buyers should verify local cycle lane infrastructure.
- Golf5/10
Standard urban positioning means golf courses require travel outside the immediate neighbourhood.
- Fishing2/10
There are no notable fishing opportunities in this densely built urban environment.
- Horse Riding1/10
Equestrian facilities are not available in this central residential location.
- Water Sports3/10
Water sports would require travel toward Dublin Bay or local canals, though options are limited directly adjacent.
- Entertaining5/10
The planned first-floor living and kitchen area opening to an external terrace offers moderate entertaining potential for a small household.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living6/10
Situated to the rear of an upper road in a bustling residential and commercial area, ambient urban noise should be investigated by the buyer.
- Rural Living1/10
This is an intensely urban and established residential setting in Dublin 6, offering zero rural characteristics.
- Village Living8/10
Proximity to Rathmines and Ranelagh provides a distinct urban village feel with local amenities within easy reach.
- Coastal Living1/10
The location is landlocked in South Dublin with no immediate coastal proximity.
- Urban Living10/10
Located in Dublin 6 within very easy reach of the city centre, this offers quintessential urban living with extensive amenities close by.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
Established residential surrounds offer standard community integration opportunities once a permanent dwelling is established.
- Café Culture9/10
Rathmines and Ranelagh are renowned for vibrant café culture, dining, and social spots within walking distance.
- Nightlife8/10
Proximity to Rathmines and the city center provides access to diverse pubs, bars, and entertainment venues.
- Health/Wellness groups8/10
Abundant local fitness studios, pilates & stretching venues, and wellness spaces operate throughout the Dublin 6 district.
- Networking Opportunities8/10
Proximity to Dublin's commercial and tech hubs facilitates professional networking.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity9/10
Easy transit access to Dublin's major tech employers and innovation districts.
Listing information
- Agent
- Buckley Real Estate
- Phone
- 01 963 3333
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 17 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-461E18HouseDelve · 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.