
Site - 1A Ballinalea, Ashford, Wicklow
€350,000
80 m²~BER G
What you'll like:
- Village edge location: Positioned on the outskirts of Ashford village, this property combines rural seclusion with immediate access to local shops and community amenities.
- Generous plot size: Sitting on circa one-quarter of an acre, the site provides ample outdoor space for gardens, extensions, or landscaping projects.
- Mature tree setting: Surrounded by established trees, the property enjoys a high degree of privacy and a picturesque natural backdrop.
- Renovated potential: The derelict cottage offers a blank canvas for buyers to completely redesign and finish a home to their exact personal tastes.
- Mount Usher proximity: Located close to the famous Mount Usher Gardens, providing lovely woodland walks and scenic natural attractions right on your doorstep.
- Outdoor lifestyle appeal: The surrounding County Wicklow countryside offers abundant opportunities for hiking, coastal visits, and an active rural lifestyle.
- Commuter connectivity: Convenient access to the nearby M11 motorway allows for practical travel to Dublin and the wider national road network.
- Stable asking price: The recorded asking price has remained unchanged at three hundred fifty thousand euros, suggesting a firm pricing stance by the vendor.
- Established community: Ashford is a well-regarded and attractive village known for its strong community spirit and welcoming local atmosphere.
- Rare market opportunity: Properties with this level of seclusion and potential on the edge of a desirable village rarely become available for purchase.
- Dublin accessibility: The location makes it a practical choice for commuters seeking a relaxed country pace without losing touch with the capital.
- Expansion flexibility: The existing eighty square meter footprint offers a manageable scale for a comprehensive renovation and potential extension project.
- Natural privacy: The secluded tree-lined setting shields the dwelling from neighboring properties, creating a private retreat feel for future occupants.
- Coastal access: Proximity to the coast enhances the recreational options available to residents, combining inland woodland charm with sea breezes.
- Scenic county setting: County Wicklow offers some of Ireland's finest landscapes, adding long-term aesthetic and lifestyle value to the investment.
- Visionary project appeal: Perfect for owner-occupiers or investors looking for a rewarding restoration challenge with significant upside upon completion.
- Local amenities nearby: Village shops, schools, and services are within easy reach, reducing reliance on car journeys for daily essentials.
- Motorway proximity: Quick entry onto the M11 facilitates efficient regional travel for work, leisure, and family visits across the east coast.
- Private country home: Delivers the quintessential experience of a countryside cottage while retaining the safety and convenience of village proximity.
- Strong asset potential: Thorough refurbishment of a well-located site typically yields a highly desirable finished property in this sought-after region.
But keep in mind:
- Poor BER rating: The property currently holds a G energy rating, which indicates severe thermal inefficiency and will necessitate extensive insulation upgrades.
- Derelict condition requiring refurbishment: The dwelling requires complete renovation from top to bottom, demanding a substantial financial and management commitment from the buyer.
- Uncertain structural integrity: Prospective buyers should commission a thorough structural survey to assess the soundness of the existing walls and foundations.
- Substantial hidden costs: Total renovation expenses for derelict structures frequently exceed initial budget estimates due to unforeseen damp, rot, or wiring issues.
- Unknown exact room counts: The listing does not specify bedroom or bathroom numbers, making initial floor plan planning difficult without a physical site visit.
- Lack of habitable status: Buyers cannot move in immediately and will need alternative accommodation during the extensive construction and remodeling period.
- Planning permission hurdles: Any major structural extensions or significant alterations will require careful navigation of local county council planning regulations.
- Utility connection unknowns: Buyers must verify the availability, condition, and connection costs for essential services like water, electricity, and sewage.
- Wastewater treatment requirements: A standalone septic tank or modern treatment system may need installation, which adds considerable expense and regulatory oversight.
- Asbestos risk potential: Older derelict buildings frequently contain hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead paint that require specialist safe removal.
- Access road limitations: The tree-lined approach and village edge location should be checked for delivery truck accessibility during heavy construction phases.
- Financing complexities: Securing a standard residential mortgage on a derelict G-rated property can be difficult, often requiring specialized renovation loan products.
- Vermin and moisture damage: Prolonged abandonment often leads to severe dampness, roof leaks, and timber decay that mandate comprehensive remediation.
- Price rigidity risk: The stable recorded asking price indicates the seller may be unwilling to negotiate flexibly below the current valuation threshold.
- Contractor availability delays: Sourcing reliable builders and craftspeople for rural Wicklow renovation projects can involve significant waiting lists and scheduling friction.
- Drainage and surface water: Buyers should investigate site drainage carefully to ensure the quarter-acre plot does not suffer from pooling or runoff issues.
- Boundary verification needed: Legal advisors should meticulously check title maps to confirm exact site boundaries and rights of way through the mature trees.
- Demolition versus rebuild: It may prove more cost-effective to demolish rather than restore, which triggers entirely different planning and engineering challenges.
- Local planning restrictions: County Wicklow planning policies often impose strict design guidelines on rural and village-edge housing developments.
- Comprehensive due diligence vital: The total project complexity demands extreme caution, professional consultations, and robust contingency funds before unconditional contract signing.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price appears somewhat ambitious given the extent of the dereliction, as a G BER rating and complete refurbishment requirement demand substantial additional capital investment before the property becomes habitable.
- Valuation signals are mixed; while the quarter-acre site and secluded village-edge setting offer considerable long-term potential, the immediate utility of the existing structure is virtually zero without major reconstruction works.
- Support for this price level relies on strong buyer appetite for bespoke rural renovation projects in accessible Wicklow locations, whereas spiralling construction costs and unforeseen structural remediation could severely undermine its financial viability.
- The stable asking price history without reductions suggests the vendor is currently testing the market demand, relying heavily on the scarce availability of standalone development opportunities within walking distance of local amenities.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is described as a derelict cottage requiring complete refurbishment, indicating that a buyer will need to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the structure, roof, and internal layout.
- Given the derelict state, a buyer should investigate the structural integrity of the existing walls and foundations, as well as any damp or timber decay issues.
- Verify the status and condition of existing on-site services, including water, electricity, and sewage or septic tank connections, as bringing these up to modern standards will be necessary.
- Investigate local planning guidelines and restrictions regarding the extension or rebuilding of a derelict structure on a site of circa one-quarter of an acre.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property holds a G BER rating, indicating the worst possible energy efficiency and necessitating a full deep-retrofit.
- A comprehensive deep-retrofit including external insulation, new windows and doors, heating system installation, and renewable energy integration for an 80 square metre cottage is estimated to cost between €80,000 and €120,000, depending on the extent of structural repairs required and the materials selected.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: difficult to reliably calculate given the BER rating of G and the derelict state requiring complete refurbishment, but likely to exceed 2,500 to 3,500 euro annually with temporary or inefficient heating systems.
- Explanation: The property currently possesses a G BER rating and requires comprehensive upgrading, meaning thermal insulation is minimal and current heating efficiency is very poor until extensive energy-efficiency works are carried out.
Pollution Safe
8/10Environmental 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 estateExtra effort was used to find nearby sales here
USHER VIEW, BALLINALEA RD, ASHFORD
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €770,000.00
34 BALLINALEA, ASHFORD, CO WICKLOW
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €322,500.00
8A BALLINALEA, ASHFORD, BALLINALEA
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €350,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Ashford area
No verified results were found for this group in the previous five years.
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: €3,500 — 1% of €350,000.
?
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 to 3,000 euro plus VAT.
- Land registration fees: approximately 400 to 800 euro depending on the property value.
- Property valuation fees: approximately 150 to 300 euro.
- Surveyor fees: approximately 600 to 1,200 euro, particularly important given the derelict condition and need for complete refurbishment.
- Annual home insurance: approximately 400 to 800 euro, though coverage may be restricted or subject to special conditions until renovation works are completed.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Residents frequently discuss local infrastructure updates and community events in Ashford via regional social media groups.
- Community forums highlight the desirable rural yet connected lifestyle offered by proximity to Mount Usher Gardens and local woodland walks.
- Discussions often center around the convenience of the M11 for commuting to Dublin while maintaining a peaceful village atmosphere.
- Local groups occasionally share news regarding village development initiatives and environmental preservation efforts in County Wicklow.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children3/10
The property requires complete refurbishment and sits on a derelict site, which poses immediate safety hazards for young children and demands significant renovation before it is habitable.
- Teenagers4/10
While the village edge location and outdoor space offer room to grow, the current derelict state of the dwelling means teenagers would have to endure a major, disruptive construction project.
- Multi-generational Living3/10
With a floor area of only 80 m² and requiring complete refurbishment, the current structure is entirely unsuitable for multi-generational living without substantial and costly expansion.
- Single Buyers5/10
Priced at €350,000 for a site with potential, it could appeal to ambitious single buyers with renovation experience, though the scale of the project should be carefully verified.
- Couples6/10
An appealing project for couples looking to craft their own home in Wicklow, provided they have the budget and vision to completely rebuild the 80 m² derelict cottage.
- Empty Nesters4/10
Empty nesters seeking a low-maintenance retirement property will find this unsuitable in its current condition, as it requires a total overhaul and management of intensive building works.
- Retirees3/10
The need for complete refurbishment, a G-rated BER, and potential accessibility challenges make this an impractical choice for retirees unless they outsource a turnkey rebuild.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working6/10
A peaceful setting for a home office once rebuilt, but buyers should investigate local broadband availability and connection speeds before committing.
- Hybrid Commuting7/10
Convenient access to the M11 motorway provides a viable route to Dublin and the wider motorway network for hybrid workers.
- Retired4/10
Managing a major derelict property renovation may prove stressful for retirees, though the end result offers a quiet sanctuary.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place2/10
The property requires complete refurbishment and is currently derelict, meaning universal design for ageing in place would need to be incorporated entirely from scratch during rebuilding.
- Low Maintenance1/10
With a G BER rating and a derelict structure requiring complete overhaul, maintenance demands will be exceptionally high initially.
- Secure Gated Entry4/10
The property enjoys a secluded, tree-lined setting, but security infrastructure like gated entry would need to be installed by the buyer.
- Minimalist Design7/10
The blank canvas of an 80 m² derelict shell offers a unique opportunity for an architect to implement a clean, minimalist design.
- Flexible Floor Plans8/10
Because the interior requires complete refurbishment, buyers have total freedom to configure the floor plans to their exact lifestyle needs.
- Heritage Home5/10
Described as a derelict cottage in a mature setting, it carries traditional charm, though buyers should verify if any specific historical or planning restrictions apply.
- Ecological Setup6/10
The circa 1/4 acre plot and rural environment offer great potential for eco-friendly upgrades, though the current G-rated BER highlights a complete lack of modern energy efficiency.
- Outdoor areas8/10
Set on approximately 1/4 of an acre surrounded by mature trees, the site offers abundant outdoor space ripe for landscaping.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening8/10
The circa 1/4 acre plot surrounded by mature trees provides a fantastic blank canvas for keen gardeners to design extensive outdoor planting schemes.
- Walking9/10
Proximity to Mount Usher Gardens, local woodland walks, and the scenic Wicklow countryside makes this an ideal location for walking enthusiasts.
- Gym3/10
There are no dedicated fitness facilities directly on site, and commercial gyms would likely require travel into larger nearby towns.
- Cycling7/10
The scenic local roads and proximity to the countryside offer great cycling potential, though rural traffic conditions should be verified.
- Golf6/10
County Wicklow features several notable golf courses within driving distance, though none are immediately adjacent to the property.
- Fishing7/10
The Wicklow region is well-regarded for its rivers and coastal angling opportunities, making it reasonably convenient for fishing hobbyists.
- Horse Riding7/10
The rural surroundings and equestrian traditions of County Wicklow offer a supportive environment for horse riding enthusiasts.
- Water Sports5/10
Proximity to the coast allows for potential water sports activities, though travel to specific beaches or hubs will be required.
- Entertaining4/10
In its current derelict state, entertaining is impossible; however, once the 80 m² cottage and 1/4 acre grounds are renovated, it could offer lovely outdoor hosting potential.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living9/10
Occupying a secluded, tree-lined setting on a circa 1/4 acre plot, the property offers an exceptional sense of privacy and peace on the edge of the village.
- Rural Living8/10
Surrounded by mature trees and close to the Wicklow countryside, it provides a distinctly rural atmosphere while remaining on the doorstep of local amenities.
- Village Living9/10
Situated right on the edge of Ashford village, residents can easily access local amenities and enjoy a strong sense of community integration.
- Coastal Living6/10
While not directly on the coast, the property benefits from proximity to the surrounding Wicklow coastline, offering relatively easy access to marine environments.
- Urban Living2/10
This is strictly a rural and village-edge setting with very low urban density, far removed from city-style convenience.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement8/10
Ashford is noted for its strong sense of community and established village life, making it easy for newcomers to get involved.
- Café Culture6/10
The village provides local amenities and nearby attractions like Mount Usher Gardens, offering pleasant local café options.
- Nightlife2/10
Nightlife options are virtually non-existent in this quiet village setting, requiring travel to larger towns or Dublin for entertainment.
- Health/Wellness groups5/10
Basic community wellness groups may be found locally in Ashford, but specialized pilates and stretching classes or holistic centers would likely require travel.
- Networking Opportunities3/10
This is a residential village setting rather than a commercial or business hub, offering limited local professional networking.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity3/10
Rural Wicklow lacks localized tech hubs, meaning remote tech workers will rely entirely on home internet connections.
Listing information
- Agent
- Mullery O Gara Estate Agents
- Phone
- 01 255 2489
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 20 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-A18B55HouseDelve · 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.