Photograph 1 of 7 of The Square, Mountbellew, Co. Galway
1 / 7

The Square, Mountbellew, Co. GalwayH53HR97

€450,000

5 Bed~2 Bath~126 m²~BER F

What you'll like:

  • Prime town square location: Situated directly in the main square of Mountbellew, this property places local shops, cafes, and daily conveniences right at your doorstep.
  • Substantial site area: The generous footprint provides ample outdoor space, garages, and an adjoining outbuilding that offer exceptional flexibility for future landscaping or parking needs.
  • Historic c. 1920 character: Built around 1920, the two-storey residence features classic period charm that will appeal to buyers looking for a distinct restoration project.
  • Vacant property grant potential: The house may qualify for the national Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, potentially providing substantial financial assistance toward the necessary modernization works.
  • Development plans available: Existing plans for the main dwelling alongside five new dwellings offer a clear blueprint for expanding or maximizing the commercial and residential potential of the site.
  • Strong regional connectivity: Positioned roughly 30 miles from Galway city, 18 miles from Athlone, and 16 miles from Ballinasloe, making regional commuting and travel very accessible.
  • Proximity to local amenities: Residents benefit from easy access to local schools, bars, and recreational highlights like the nearby Castlegar River and Mountbellew Estate park walks.
  • Outbuilding and garage extras: Includes an adjoining outbuilding and two dedicated garages, giving the buyer valuable secure storage or ready-made workshops from day one.
  • Two-storey structural layout: The traditional two-storey configuration provides a practical separation of space, allowing for creative bedroom and living room layouts during renovations.
  • Growing town environment: Mountbellew is recognized as a growing regional town, suggesting positive long-term community development and sustained local demand for upgraded housing.
  • Flexible configuration options: The multi-structure layout permits various phased development strategies, whether you wish to live on-site while working or undertake a complete overhaul.
  • Direct auctioneer representation: Represented by an established agency, ensuring structured communication and professional handling throughout the entire purchase and enquiry process.
  • Clear solicitor carriage: Carriage of sale is held by a named solicitor, facilitating straightforward legal communication and prompt exchange of initial property title documentation.
  • Untouched renovation canvas: Because the property requires comprehensive modernization, buyers can completely customize every finish, layout, and energy system to their exact personal tastes.
  • Commercial-residential versatility: Given its prominent town-square address, future owners might explore various mixed-use applications subject to obtaining the proper local planning permissions.
  • Investment upside potential: Buying a heavily discounted or grant-aided project in a central hub creates a high-ceiling opportunity for strong capital appreciation upon completion.
  • Established neighbourhood context: Nestled within a traditional Irish town square, the property benefits from a mature, established community feel rather than a sterile new estate.
  • Outdoor storage solutions: The inclusion of dual garages solves a common problem in town-centre properties by offering secure parking or extensive DIY storage space.
  • Scenic local environment: The nearby Mountbellew Estate and forest walks offer high-quality lifestyle amenities just a short stroll from your front door.
  • Stable asking price strategy: The asking price has remained stable at four hundred fifty thousand euros since tracking began, indicating a firm initial pricing stance by the vendor.

But keep in mind:

  • Extensive modernization required: The property is explicitly noted as requiring complete modernization, meaning you must budget heavily for structural, electrical, and cosmetic overhauls.
  • Poor BER rating of F: Holding a weak F energy rating with an indicator of 405.81 kWh/m²/year, the home will require massive thermal upgrades to achieve comfortable living standards.
  • High energy upgrade costs: Re-insulating, replacing windows, and installing modern heating systems to lift the energy rating out of the F bracket will demand significant capital outlay.
  • Uncertain grant qualification: While it may qualify for renovation grants, buyers should independently verify eligibility criteria, as approval is never guaranteed by the state.
  • Complex development feasibility: Relying on available plans for five new dwellings requires rigorous professional scrutiny to ensure zoning, access, and wastewater rules allow it.
  • High baseline asking price: At four hundred fifty thousand euros for a 126 square metre home needing total renovation, the entry cost reflects a high price per square metre.
  • Limited current floor area: The existing 126 square metre footprint is relatively modest for a five-bedroom layout, likely requiring reconfiguration to create spacious modern rooms.
  • Substantial construction risk: Older c. 1920 structures frequently conceal hidden issues like damp, timber rot, or outdated wiring that can quickly escalate project budgets.
  • Planning permission hurdles: Securing approval for multi-unit development plans on the site involves navigating strict local council regulations and potential third-party observations.
  • Strict grant clawback risks: State refurbishment grants come with strict residency or rental conditions, meaning failure to comply could trigger financial penalties or repayment demands.
  • Disclaimers on listing accuracy: The selling agents explicitly state that particulars are for general guidance only and do not form part of any formal contractual agreement.
  • Buyer due diligence burden: Intending purchasers must satisfy themselves entirely through personal inspection, as no warranties are provided regarding the structural integrity of the buildings.
  • Disruptive town-centre setting: Being right on the main square exposes the property to higher levels of daytime traffic, pedestrian activity, and potential weekend noise.
  • Limited bathroom facilities: Currently featuring only two bathrooms for five potential bedrooms, major plumbing additions will be mandatory to support modern family living standards.
  • Lack of immediate occupancy: The home is currently vacant and uninhabitable, forcing buyers to rent elsewhere or secure alternative accommodation throughout the construction period.
  • Project management complexity: Managing structural builders, electricians, plumbers, and architects simultaneously requires immense personal time, stress, and logistical coordination.
  • Uncertain utility connections: Buyers must verify the condition and capacity of existing water, sewage, and electrical grid connections before committing to major expansion plans.
  • Potential parking constraints: Although garages are present, heavy development of the surrounding site could severely restrict private parking and delivery vehicle access.
  • Historic structural wear: The age of the outbuildings and garages suggests they may also require partial demolition or costly roof repairs before safe usage can resume.
  • Local market liquidity risk: Investing a very high sum into a rural town-centre project carries resale liquidity risks if local market demand fails to match renovation costs.

Price positioning

?
This comparison depends on limited public and listing evidence, which may be incomplete, outdated or not directly comparable. The score is not a percentage, professional valuation or guaranteed estimate. Ask an independent qualified valuer before relying on a property value.
The asking price looks strongly overvalued compared with the available evidence.
  • The asking price of four hundred fifty thousand euros appears notably overvalued given the poor F energy rating, moderate floor area of one hundred twenty-six square metres, and extensive modernisation required before occupation can comfortably take place.
  • Valuation signals are heavily skewed by the inclusion of development potential with plans available for five new dwellings on the large site, shifting the property profile from a standard residential home to a commercial development opportunity.
  • Factors that could support such an elevated asking price include successful planning exploitation and potential eligibility for government refurbishment grants, whereas weak local residential ceilings and high renovation costs could severely undermine the valuation.
  • Relevant market dynamics indicate that standard residential properties in the wider rural area typically trade at significantly lower price points, meaning buyers are paying a substantial premium specifically for the town-centre land and future development scope.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is a two-storey house built around 1920, located on a large site in the main square of Mountbellew Town, and includes an adjoining outbuilding and two garages.
  • The building requires substantial modernisation and acts as a restoration project, meaning a buyer should investigate structural integrity, dampness, roof condition, and the state of the electrical and plumbing systems.
  • Plans are mentioned as available for the development of the existing dwelling alongside five new dwellings, so a buyer should verify planning permission status, conditions, validity, and compliance with local authorities.
  • The listing notes the property may qualify for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant; buyers should independently verify eligibility criteria and grant limits with the relevant local authority.

Retrofit Cost*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

  • The property has a poor BER rating of F with an energy performance indicator of 405.81 kWh/m2/year, indicating that a comprehensive deep retrofit is necessary.
  • For a 126 square metre house requiring extensive insulation, window and door replacements, and modern heating systems (such as a heat pump), estimated deep retrofit costs can range between EUR 50,000 and EUR 80,000 or higher depending on the extent of structural repairs and finishes needed.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Estimated annual heating cost: approximately 2,500 euro to 3,500 euro.
  • Explanation: Given the floor area of 126 m2 and a poor BER rating of F with a high energy performance indicator, the property is likely to have significant heat loss and low energy efficiency, resulting in high annual heating expenses until major upgrades are completed.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The property is located in a predominantly rural and small-town setting in County Galway, generally distant from heavy industrial zones and major waste incinerators.
  • Buyers should verify local records for any minor historical commercial uses or localized waste concerns in the immediate vicinity during professional surveys.

Flood Safe

7/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The property is located in the main square of Mountbellew, positioning it within an established town center setting rather than directly on a known riverbank or floodplain.
  • Mapped river flood indicators are present within close proximity to the broader area, suggesting that heavy and sustained rainfall events warrant careful local observation.
  • As a traditional two-storey building requiring extensive restoration and modernisation, any future ground-floor configurations should account for standard dampness and surface water management practices.
Supporting evidence: Medium

The property is outside the mapped flood area. But the nearest mapped area is approximately 31 metres away.

Map sources: OPW · Current scenario
  1. National river mapping (NIFM)

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 Mountbellew area

  • 22 THE MEADOWS, MOUNTBELLEW, BALLINASLOE

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €280,000.00
  • 21 ASHBROOK CLOSE, MOUNTBELLEW, BALLINASLOE

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €377,000.00
  • THE LODGE, KILLASOLAN, MOUNTBELLEW

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €170,000.00
  • KILLASOLAN, MOUNTBELLEW, CO GALWAY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €110,000.00
  • THE LODGE, KILLASOLAN, MOUNTBELLEW

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €160,000.00

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: €4,500 — 1% of €450,000.
    ?
    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 euro to 3,500 euro plus VAT.
  • Land registration fees: approximately 600 euro to 800 euro depending on the property value.
  • Property valuation fees: approximately 150 euro to 300 euro.
  • Surveyor fees: approximately 500 euro to 1,200 euro depending on the depth of the survey required for a property requiring modernisation.
  • Annual home insurance: approximately 400 euro to 900 euro per year, potentially higher given the BER rating and age of the building.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Locals in Mountbellew frequently discuss the charm and community spirit of the town, highlighting its central location within East Galway.
  • Residents often note the convenience of having local amenities, schools, and recreational spots like the Mountbellew Estate and woodland walks nearby.
  • Community discussions often touch upon regional infrastructure and the strategic commute times to larger hubs like Galway City, Athlone, and Ballinasloe.
  • There is ongoing local interest in town centre regeneration projects and the potential for older buildings to be restored under various national grants.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The property features a large site and 5 bedrooms, offering ample space for young families, though the requirement for modernisation means buyers should verify safety and habitability before moving in.

    6/10
  • Teenagers

    With 5 bedrooms and a central town location, teenagers will appreciate having their own space and proximity to local amenities, though rural County Galway has limited large-scale youth entertainment.

    6/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    The large site, two-storey house, adjoining outbuilding, and two garages present strong potential for multi-generational living configurations or future expansion, subject to planning.

    7/10
  • Single Buyers

    At an asking price of €450,000 plus substantial restoration costs for a BER F-rated property, this project is likely too large and capital-intensive for a typical single first-time buyer.

    4/10
  • Couples

    Couples looking for a substantial restoration project with character will find plenty of potential here, provided they have the budget and appetite for extensive renovation works.

    6/10
  • Empty Nesters

    While the 5-bedroom layout offers plenty of room for visiting family, the substantial size and required renovation work may be more than empty nesters looking to downsize desire.

    5/10
  • Retirees

    Town-centre living provides convenient access to local shops and services, but retirees should carefully evaluate the maintenance demands of a c. 1920 heritage home requiring modernisation.

    5/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    The generous 5-bedroom layout provides ample space to set up dedicated home offices, though buyers should verify local broadband speeds and connectivity.

    7/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    Mountbellew is about 30 miles from Galway city, 18 miles from Athlone, and 16 miles from Ballinasloe, making hybrid commuting viable but requiring regular driving.

    5/10
  • Retired

    The town-centre location provides good access to daily conveniences, though retirees should factor in the considerable upkeep of an older, unmodernised home.

    6/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    A two-storey heritage home requiring substantial modernisation will need significant adaptation, such as ground-floor bathroom planning, to suit long-term ageing in place.

    4/10
  • Low Maintenance

    Built circa 1920 with an F BER rating and requiring extensive restoration across the house, outbuildings, and garages, this property demands ongoing high maintenance.

    2/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    The property sits openly in the main square with outbuildings and garages, so buyers looking for private, secure gated entry would need to install perimeter security.

    3/10
  • Minimalist Design

    This is a traditional c. 1920 two-storey heritage building with character features rather than a sleek, minimalist modern architectural design.

    2/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    The substantial size, 5 bedrooms, outbuildings, and available development plans offer immense flexibility to reconfigure and modernise the layout.

    7/10
  • Heritage Home

    Built c. 1920 in the town square with character and charm, this property represents a classic restoration project for heritage property enthusiasts.

    9/10
  • Ecological Setup

    With a poor BER rating of F (405.81 kWh/m²/yr) and requiring comprehensive modernisation, the current energy setup is inefficient and requires significant eco-upgrades.

    3/10
  • Outdoor areas

    The property benefits from a large site accompanied by an adjoining outbuilding and two garages, providing exceptional outdoor space and storage potential.

    8/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    The property sits on a large site that provides substantial outdoor space and gardens for landscaping, planting, and horticultural projects.

    7/10
  • Walking

    Residents have great access to local walks, including the Castlegar River and the scenic park walks around the renowned Mountbellew Estate.

    8/10
  • Gym

    While local town amenities are accessible on foot, dedicated indoor gym and fitness facilities are limited compared to larger nearby towns like Athlone or Ballinasloe.

    4/10
  • Cycling

    The surrounding County Galway roads offer scenic routes for cycling enthusiasts, though local square traffic should be navigated with care.

    6/10
  • Golf

    The regional location provides reasonable access to golf courses across County Galway and Roscommon, though none are immediately adjacent to the town square.

    5/10
  • Fishing

    Proximity to the Castlegar River and regional waterways offers good opportunities for local fishing and angling pursuits.

    7/10
  • Horse Riding

    The rural County Galway setting provides a supportive environment for equestrian interests, with rural lanes and local agricultural surroundings.

    6/10
  • Water Sports

    Inland County Galway offers limited options for water sports outside of specific lake or river locations at a distance.

    3/10
  • Entertaining

    With 5 bedrooms, a large site, outbuildings, and garages, the property offers tremendous potential for hosting gatherings once restored.

    7/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Situated directly in the main square of Mountbellew town, the location experiences local town activity rather than complete rural isolation or absolute quiet.

    5/10
  • Rural Living

    Mountbellew is a small and growing country town in County Galway, surrounded by scenic countryside, park walks, and estate grounds, offering a genuine rural-town atmosphere.

    7/10
  • Village Living

    The property is ideally positioned right in the heart of the town centre, allowing residents to easily walk to local shops, cafés, bars, and community amenities.

    8/10
  • Coastal Living

    Mountbellew is an inland town located well away from the coast, with no marine or coastal lifestyle attributes nearby.

    1/10
  • Urban Living

    While located in a town centre with essential amenities, Mountbellew is a small town rather than an urban center; larger cities like Galway are about 30 miles away.

    3/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Living directly in the main square of a small, growing town naturally fosters close community ties and participation in local events and initiatives.

    8/10
  • Café Culture

    The town centre features local shops, cafés, and bars within easy walking distance, offering a friendly, local café and social scene.

    6/10
  • Nightlife

    Nightlife is limited to local traditional pubs in the town; those seeking extensive clubs or late-night venues will need to travel to Galway city or Athlone.

    4/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Basic community health and wellness activities can be found locally, with more comprehensive medical and wellness centres located in larger nearby towns.

    5/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Professional networking is sparse locally given the town size, making regional hubs like Galway or Athlone necessary for business networking.

    4/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    Mountbellew is primarily a rural market town rather than a technology hub, meaning tech professionals will rely heavily on remote working setups.

    3/10

Listing information

Agent
O'Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers Ltd
Phone
091 564 212
Current status
active
Published on HouseDelve
6 September 2026
Correction
Report an issue
Property reference: HD-B06A52HouseDelve · Republic of Ireland

Report 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.