
Rose Cottage, Railway Road, Kenmare, Co. KerryV93H392
€300,000
3 Bed~1 Bath~BER G
What you'll like:
- Town proximity: The property is located within close proximity to Kenmare town, providing easy access to all local shops, schools, and essential community amenities.
- Generous footprint: The house extends to approximately 141 square meters, offering a spacious interior layout ideal for family living once fully refurbished.
- Refurbishment opportunity: Buyers have a blank canvas to completely redesign and modernise the interior finishes to their own personal style and standard.
- Vacant possession: The property is offered with vacant possession, allowing the successful purchaser to proceed with immediate legal occupation and renovation planning.
- Semi-detached layout: The building benefits from a semi-detached configuration, which can potentially lower initial heating retention costs compared to fully detached structures.
- Established location: Situated along Railway Road, the house benefits from an established residential address with existing public infrastructure and utility connections nearby.
- Development potential: The extensive derelict condition presents an excellent chance to apply for vacant property refurbishment grants, significantly offsetting initial capital expenditure costs.
- Tourist gateway: Kenmare is a premier tourist destination on the Ring of Kerry, ensuring long-term property desirability and strong potential future resale value.
- Compact garden space: The site includes exterior land that can be transformed into private off-street parking or a landscaped rear garden area.
- Two-story configuration: The accommodation is arranged over ground and one upper floor, creating a traditional separation between living areas and upstairs bedrooms.
- Pitched roof structure: The building features a pitched roof design, which is standard for local architecture and simplifies future roof-line repair works.
- Direct road access: The property sits on Railway Road, ensuring straightforward logistical access for construction contractors, heavy machinery, and delivery trucks.
- Local employment hubs: Proximity to Kenmare town ensures convenient commuting options for tradespeople, local workers, or holiday-home maintenance personnel.
- High ceiling potential: Older traditional cottages often feature generous ceiling heights on the ground floor, enhancing the perceived spaciousness of the main living zones.
- Investment upside: Purchasing a heavily discounted derelict asset allows astute investors to capture substantial equity gains upon successful completion of capital works.
- Scenic surroundings: Located in County Kerry, the property places future occupants within a short drive of world-famous natural landscapes, lakes, and coastal routes.
- No chain delay: Buying via an online auction format streamlines the legal acquisition process, minimizing lengthy chain negotiations typical of traditional private treaty sales.
- Flexible layout: The three-bedroom footprint can easily be reconfigured into a modern open-plan kitchen and dining arrangement suited to contemporary buyer preferences.
- Community growth: Kenmare continues to experience steady regional demand, supporting the long-term economic viability of residential investments in the immediate municipal area.
- Independent oversight: Owners retain total control over the renovation timeline, choice of materials, and selection of building contractors without developer restrictions.
But keep in mind:
- Derelict condition: The house is described as derelict and requires comprehensive structural refurbishment throughout before it can be deemed safely habitable.
- Poor energy rating: The property holds an exceptionally poor BER rating of G, indicating severe thermal inefficiency and high potential heating costs.
- High energy consumption: Energy performance is rated at an alarming 1125.99 kWh/m2/yr, demanding substantial insulation and window upgrades to meet modern standards.
- Uninspected interior: The auctioneer did not internally inspect or measure the property, meaning hidden structural defects, damp, or rot could remain undetected.
- Substantial capital required: Buyers must budget significantly beyond the purchase price for extensive structural repairs, roof replacement, rewiring, and modern plumbing installations.
- Railway proximity risks: The address on Railway Road implies historical or proximity links to rail infrastructure, which buyers should investigate for potential noise or boundary easements.
- Vendor reliance: Floor area figures and layout descriptions are based solely on vendor information rather than independent verification by selling agents.
- Grant compliance uncertainty: Buyers must independently verify if the property meets strict historical or vacancy criteria to successfully qualify for government refurbishment grants.
- Planning permission hurdles: Substantial exterior alterations or extensions may require local authority planning permission, adding time and administrative costs to the renovation project.
- Asbestos and hazardous materials: Older derelict buildings frequently contain hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead pipes, or old electrical wiring requiring specialist removal.
- Structural integrity concerns: Long-term vacancy often leads to severe dampness, dry rot, timber decay, and potential foundation settlement that demand professional engineering assessment.
- Utility reconnection fees: Disconnected electricity, water, and sewage services will incur substantial connection and upgrade charges from local utility providers.
- Financing difficulties: Traditional mortgage lenders typically refuse finance on unlivable G-rated properties, requiring cash buyers or specialized renovation loan products.
- Warranties absent: The property is sold strictly as-is with no structural guarantees or warranties provided by the vendor or the selling agents.
- Hidden boundary disputes: Overgrown gardens and lack of recent occupancy can obscure exact property boundaries, requiring a formal mapping exercise by a surveyor.
- Insurance underwriting challenges: Securing comprehensive buildings insurance for a derelict, vacant property can prove exceptionally difficult and expensive until repairs are completed.
- Contractual deposit pressure: Online auction purchases typically require an immediate, non-refundable deposit upon the fall of the hammer, leaving no time for post-auction indecision.
- Local property tax arrears: Buyers must ensure their legal representatives thoroughly investigate any outstanding local property taxes or local authority charges accrued by previous owners.
- Contract restrictions: Auction contracts often contain stringent closing timelines and limited clauses for legal requisitions, increasing the legal risk for unprepared bidders.
- Contractor availability: Securing reliable builders and tradespeople for extensive rural renovations in County Kerry can involve lengthy waiting lists and inflated labour costs.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price appears attractively positioned because the property is offered as a derelict refurbishment opportunity, requiring substantial capital expenditure to make it habitable and address its very poor energy rating.
- Valuation signals are heavily influenced by the extent of the structural and decorative work needed, as bringing a poorly rated house up to modern standards involves significant construction costs and specialized contractor oversight.
- Such a pricing strategy could be supported if repair estimates remain manageable and local residential demand stays strong, whereas unforeseen structural defects or escalating labor expenses would completely undermine the economic viability.
- Relevant considerations include the proximity to local town amenities which traditionally underpins sustained buyer interest in residential renovation projects within this specific regional market segment.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is described as a semi-detached derelict house in need of complete refurbishment throughout, extending to approximately 141 sq. m (1,517 sq. ft).
- A buyer should investigate the structural integrity of the pitched roof, external walls, and internal floors given its derelict condition.
- Verification of planning compliance, local authority records, and any historical modifications should be undertaken, alongside assessing the condition of existing boundary walls and services.
- A thorough structural survey by a qualified engineer is essential to identify hidden defects, damp issues, and the extent of required remedial works.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The BER rating is G, indicating a very poor energy performance with high heat loss.
- A comprehensive deep retrofit to bring the property up to a modern energy efficiency standard (such as a BER rating of A) would be substantial, likely costing between €70,000 and €100,000 or more.
- Estimated costs would include significant wall insulation, roof insulation, floor insulation, window and door replacements, installation of a modern renewable heating system (such as a heat pump), and airtightness works.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: 3,500 euro to 5,000 euro.
- Short explanation: Given the G energy rating, large floor area of approximately 141 sq. m, and derelict condition, the property currently lacks efficient heating systems and thermal insulation, resulting in extremely high potential energy consumption until significant retrofitting and refurbishment works are completed.
Pollution Safe
8/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in a predominantly scenic and residential area of County Kerry, appearing largely free from major heavy industrial pollution concerns.
- Buyers should independently verify local records for any historical land uses or legacy waste sites in the immediate vicinity of Railway Road.
Flood Safe
7/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The general region around Kenmare experiences significant rainfall, making surface water management an important consideration for low-lying plots.
- Prospective buyers are advised to check historical flood maps and consult local authorities to confirm whether the specific site is prone to localized flooding.
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
RAILWAY ROAD, KENMARE, CO. KERRY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €465,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Kenmare area
ASHGROVE, GORTALINNY SOUTH, KENMARE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €170,000.00
DAWROS, KENMARE, KERRY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €375,000.00
32 KENMARE HOLIDAY VILLAGE, GORTAMULLEN, KENMARE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €340,000.00
3 MOUNTAIN VIEW, SHEEN FALLS, KENMARE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €560,000.00
31 OAKWOOD MANOR, KENMARE, KERRY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €295,000.00
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 percent of the purchase price, amounting to 3,000 euro.
- Solicitor legal fees: Estimated between 1,500 and 3,000 euro plus VAT and outlays.
- Land registration fees: Typically around 175 to 700 euro depending on the property value and registration type.
- Property valuation fees: Generally ranging from 150 to 300 euro.
- Surveyor fees: Estimated between 600 and 1,200 euro, with specialized structural surveys recommended given the derelict condition.
- Annual home insurance: Estimated between 400 and 800 euro, noting that obtaining comprehensive coverage may require specialist policies during and after refurbishment.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals in Kenmare frequently discuss ongoing housing demand and the availability of older properties requiring refurbishment.
- Discussions on community forums often highlight the convenience of living close to Kenmare town center and local amenities.
- Residents share tips and experiences regarding local builders and contractors for major home renovations.
- Infrastructure updates and traffic management around Railway Road are common topics among community members.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children2/10
The property is currently described as a derelict house in need of complete refurbishment, making it completely unsafe and unsuitable for young children until extensive works are carried out.
- Teenagers2/10
Due to the derelict condition and ongoing need for major structural refurbishment, teenagers cannot safely reside here without substantial renovation.
- Multi-generational Living1/10
With only three bedrooms, one bathroom, and a derelict state spanning approximately 141 sq. m, this home cannot currently support multi-generational living without a massive extension and renovation project.
- Single Buyers4/10
For a single buyer with a strong vision, DIY skills, or a significant renovation budget, the property offers a detached footprint near Kenmare, though it requires substantial capital investment.
- Couples4/10
Couples looking for a significant project close to town amenities will find potential, but the poor BER rating of G and derelict condition mean it is not move-in ready.
- Empty Nesters3/10
While the proximity to Kenmare Town is convenient, the heavy refurbishment required makes this a challenging prospect for empty nesters seeking a manageable downsizing project.
- Retirees2/10
The requirement for extensive renovation, combined with a G energy rating and potential accessibility hurdles during construction, makes this unsuitable for retirees unless fully modernised.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working4/10
While the home could theoretically accommodate a home office after extensive refurbishment, buyers should investigate local broadband and high-speed internet availability.
- Hybrid Commuting2/10
Kenmare is relatively remote from major employment hubs like Cork or Limerick, making regular hybrid commuting quite challenging.
- Retired4/10
Suitable for retirement only after a major capital-intensive refurbishment project to bring the dwelling up to modern living standards.
Practical
8 areas- Secure Gated Entry1/10
No secure gated entry is mentioned or evident in the listing details.
- Ageing in Place2/10
The property requires total refurbishment and currently lacks modern accessibility features, making it unsuitable for ageing in place without significant adaptation.
- Low Maintenance1/10
As a derelict property requiring complete structural and cosmetic overhaul, maintenance demands will be exceptionally high initially.
- Minimalist Design3/10
The existing structure is a traditional semi-detached house requiring a blank-canvas overhaul to achieve any modern minimalist aesthetic.
- Flexible Floor Plans4/10
Spanning approximately 141 sq. m across two floors, a buyer undertaking refurbishment has the opportunity to reconfigure the interior layout.
- Heritage Home5/10
While referred to as a cottage, buyers should verify if any specific conservation or heritage restrictions apply to the structure.
- Ecological Setup1/10
The property carries a BER rating of G, indicating the worst energy efficiency bracket and requiring a total green energy overhaul.
- Outdoor areas4/10
Outdoor space is limited by the semi-detached setup, and the grounds currently require clearance and landscaping alongside the house renovation.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening5/10
The listing does not explicitly detail garden size, but a semi-detached footprint often allows for outdoor landscaping potential once the house is habitable.
- Walking8/10
The property's close proximity to Kenmare Town makes it convenient for walking to local amenities and enjoying nearby scenic Kerry walking routes.
- Gym5/10
Access to local fitness facilities depends on what is available in the wider Kenmare area, which should be verified locally.
- Cycling7/10
County Kerry offers scenic cycling routes, and the town location provides a reasonable starting point, though regional road conditions vary.
- Golf7/10
Kenmare Golf Club is in the locality, offering good accessibility for golf enthusiasts once settled in the area.
- Fishing8/10
Kenmare and its surrounding rivers and bay areas are well-known for excellent fishing opportunities.
- Horse Riding6/10
Equestrian activities are popular in parts of County Kerry, with local stables accessible by vehicle from the town.
- Water Sports7/10
Proximity to Kenmare Bay allows for various water sports, though buyers should investigate specific local club facilities and launch points.
- Entertaining2/10
In its current derelict state, entertaining guests is impossible, though a future renovated layout could offer possibilities.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living7/10
Located on Railway Road in Kenmare, the setting has potential for a peaceful environment once renovated, though buyers should verify local traffic and proximity to the railway or main roads.
- Rural Living5/10
Situated in County Kerry close to Kenmare, it offers a blend of town proximity and scenic countryside appeal, though it is not deeply rural.
- Village Living8/10
Being within close proximity to Kenmare Town provides excellent access to local village-style amenities, shops, and community services.
- Coastal Living5/10
Kenmare is near the coast and the Ring of Kerry, offering reasonable access to marine environments, though the property itself is not directly coastal.
- Urban Living3/10
Kenmare functions as a bustling market town rather than an urban center, offering a more tranquil lifestyle than major cities.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement7/10
Kenmare has a vibrant local community with active groups, clubs, and volunteer opportunities.
- Café Culture8/10
Kenmare Town is renowned for its excellent selection of local cafes, pubs, and restaurants.
- Nightlife6/10
The town offers traditional Irish pubs and seasonal entertainment, though it remains a relatively quiet town outside peak tourist months.
- Health/Wellness groups6/10
Local wellness classes, pilates & stretching groups, and community sports can typically be found within the wider Kenmare area.
- Networking Opportunities3/10
Business networking is limited given the town's small scale and tourist-oriented economy.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity2/10
There are no major tech hubs in the immediate vicinity, relying heavily on remote connectivity.
Listing information
- Agent
- BidX1 Ireland Ltd
- Phone
- 01 6673388
- Published on HouseDelve
- 5 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-5461F9HouseDelve · 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.