
Whitehill, Riverstown, Sligo
€60,000
What you'll like:
- Generous site size: The property spans approximately 0.79 acres, providing ample outdoor space for landscaping, parking, and privacy around your future home.
- Full planning permission: Active approval is already in place for a modern detached bungalow and garage, significantly reducing initial development risks and approval timelines.
- Energy efficient potential: The approved design targets a modern A-rated building standard, which will drastically lower future heating costs and ensure superior thermal comfort.
- Peaceful countryside setting: Situated in a tranquil rural location near Riverstown, the site offers an idyllic environment away from heavy urban noise and congestion.
- Village convenience nearby: Riverstown village is a short distance away, offering local amenities such as shops, schools, a cafe, pubs, and various sporting facilities.
- Commuter accessibility: The location provides convenient access to the N4 national road, ensuring smooth connectivity to Sligo Town and major surrounding commercial hubs.
- Attractive entry price: The €60,000 asking price represents an accessible initial financial entry point for self-builders looking to manage their own construction phases.
- Stable asking price: Historical tracking shows the price has remained completely unchanged, indicating a steadfast seller who may be realistic about current market positioning.
- Garage inclusion: Planning permission incorporates a detached garage, offering valuable secure storage or a functional workspace alongside the main residential dwelling.
- Bungalow layout benefits: Single-story living appeals strongly to downsizers and families alike, offering accessible interior navigation without the burden of interior staircases.
- Self-build customization: Purchasing a cleared site with permission allows buyers to tailor finishes, interior layouts, and material choices to their exact personal tastes.
- Established residential pocket: The surrounding area features attractive residential settings, which helps protect the long-term aesthetic and desirability of your investment.
- Recreational proximity: Local sporting and recreational clubs provide great opportunities to integrate quickly into a vibrant and active rural community network.
- Educational access: Proximity to local schools in the village ensures that families with children will enjoy shorter daily school run journeys.
- Direct agent contact: Transparent communication channels are established through the listing agent, making it straightforward to request detailed planning documentation promptly.
- Future equity growth: Constructing a modern A-rated home on this plot could yield substantial value appreciation compared to purchasing an older resale property.
- Manageable plot shape: The circa 0.32-hectare footprint appears well-proportioned for standard residential construction setbacks and sustainable on-site wastewater positioning.
- Reduced red tape: Having passed initial planning hurdles means buyers can bypass months of architectural design uncertainty and council correspondence delays.
- Regional tourism appeal: County Sligo offers stunning natural landscapes, dramatic coastline, and renowned hiking trails within easy driving reach for weekend leisure.
- Clear development scope: The defined parameters of the existing grant give buyers a concrete blueprint to start builder consultations and costings immediately.
But keep in mind:
- Uncertain connection costs: Buyers must investigate the exact distance and connection fees for essential local utility services like electricity and mains water.
- Wastewater treatment requirements: You should verify percolation test results and the specific engineering type of septic tank or treatment system required locally.
- Levy liabilities: Local authority development contributions and connection charges must be calculated as they can add substantial unplanned costs to your build budget.
- Construction inflation risks: Building material and labor costs fluctuate unpredictably, meaning final completion expenses could exceed your initial financial estimates significantly.
- Planning condition restrictions: Carefully review all conditions attached to the existing planning grant to ensure there are no onerous restrictions on your build timeline.
- Expiry date vigilance: Check the exact expiration date of the current planning permission to ensure you have sufficient time to commence works legally.
- Agricultural runoff risks: Rural sites can occasionally experience seasonal drainage issues, so a thorough topographical survey should be commissioned before purchasing.
- Local occupancy clauses: Verify whether local housing need rules apply to this planning permission, which can restrict who is legally permitted to reside here.
- Boundary fence clarity: Legal representation should confirm all boundary lines and fencing responsibilities to prevent future boundary disputes with neighboring landowners.
- Hidden site preparation costs: Clearing overgrown vegetation, rock removal, or leveling uneven ground can introduce expensive site-works variations prior to laying foundations.
- Lack of immediate infrastructure: Unlike urban infill sites, rural plots often require installing private access gateways and extensive driveway surfacing from scratch.
- Architectural supervision fees: Self-building typically requires hiring engineers or architects for mandatory compliance certification, adding ongoing professional service fees.
- Financing complexities: Self-build mortgages are typically disbursed in staged payments based on inspection milestones, requiring significant initial cash flow reserves.
- Broadband availability: High-speed fiber internet availability should be thoroughly tested, as remote rural pockets can sometimes suffer from sluggish connectivity speeds.
- Public transport limits: Reliance on private vehicles is practically mandatory given the rural setting, as local public transit schedules are generally minimal.
- Winter weather accessibility: Rural boreen roads near the site should be assessed for winter maintenance and gritting schedules by the local county council.
- Lack of historical comparables: Pricing vacant rural sites can be difficult due to few direct transactions, making it harder to definitively gauge fair market value.
- Local planning precedents: Investigate if future adjacent developments could impact your countryside views or ambient privacy levels over the coming years.
- Construction oversight burden: Managing subcontractors and building compliance places a heavy administrative and time burden directly on the shoulders of the buyer.
- Future resale liquidity: Rural one-off houses can sometimes take longer to sell compared to suburban developments if buyer demand shifts toward town centers.
Price positioning
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- The asking price of sixty thousand euros appears competitive for a rural site, primarily because it offers prospective buyers a distinct advantage by circumventing the lengthy and uncertain initial stages of acquiring planning consent.
- Valuation signals are largely driven by the inclusion of full planning permission for an energy-efficient modern dwelling, which significantly de-risks the capital outlay required before construction can commence on the generously sized plot.
- Potential factors that could undermine this pricing include escalating construction inflation, unforeseen site development complications, or restrictive building conditions, whereas sustained demand for rural self-build opportunities strongly supports the valuation.
- The stable asking price history indicates a firm vendor stance, reflecting confidence in the localized market appetite for serviced residential land parcels situated within convenient commuting distance of regional employment hubs and arterial routes.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The offering is for a circa 0.79-acre site with full planning permission for a modern, A-rated detached bungalow and a detached garage, rather than an existing physical house.
- A buyer should verify the exact conditions, expiry dates, and local tie-restrictions associated with the current planning permission.
- Potential advantages include the ability to build a highly energy-efficient, custom-designed modern home tailored to personal preferences without undertaking initial planning uncertainties.
- Due diligence is recommended regarding connection feasibility and costs for local utilities such as water, electricity, and wastewater treatment systems suitable for the site.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €800 to €1,500
- Since the property is a planned A-rated modern detached bungalow with full planning permission, its energy efficiency is expected to be very high, keeping future annual heating costs relatively low compared to older properties.
Environmental checks
Area-level evidence and things to investigate
Air quality
Nearby sites
Landfills
None foundWaste facilities
None foundIndustrial facilities
None foundNearby infrastructure
Overhead electricity lines
None foundUnderground electricity cables
None foundFlood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The site is located a short distance away from mapped river flood areas, providing a reasonable buffer from typical overflow events.
- Riverstown's countryside setting means that while regional CFRAM studies indicate low overall river flood probabilities nearby, localized surface water pooling during heavy rainfall should still be considered during construction.
- Planning permission for a modern detached bungalow allows for appropriate site grading and drainage design to mitigate any minor surface water risks.
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 Riverstown area
DRUMSHINNAGH, RIVERSTOWN, CO SLIGO
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €395,000.00
CARNAGARK, RIVERSTOWN, CO SLIGO
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €320,000.00
TAWNAGH, RIVERSTOWN, SLIGO
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €370,000.00
ARDVARNEY, RIVERSTOWN, CO SLIGO
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €290,000.00
20 ROSS RD, RIVERSTOWN, SLIGO
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €245,000.00
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: €600 — 1% of €60,000.
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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: €1,500 to €3,000
- Land registration fees: €400 to €800
- Property valuation fees: €150 to €300
- Surveyor fees: €500 to €1,200
- Annual home insurance: €350 to €700
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Local community forums around Riverstown frequently highlight strong demand for self-build sites that come with existing full planning permission, saving buyers significant time in the planning process.
- Residents in the wider Sligo and Riverstown areas often discuss the appeal of countryside living paired with convenient access to the N4 for commuting to Sligo Town.
- Community groups frequently mention the benefit of being within a short distance of Riverstown village amenities such as local schools, shops, and sporting facilities.
- Discussions on rural housing in Co. Sligo often emphasize the desirability of constructing modern, energy-efficient A-rated homes to minimize long-term running costs.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children8/10
The generous circa 0.79-acre site provides ample outdoor space for children to play safely in a peaceful countryside setting, with local schools available in nearby Riverstown.
- Teenagers5/10
While the spacious site offers room to grow, the rural location means teenagers will likely rely heavily on parents for transport to social and extracurricular activities.
- Multi-generational Living7/10
With full planning permission for a detached bungalow and garage, there is solid potential to design a custom layout that could accommodate extended family needs, though buyers should verify if granny flat options are permitted under the existing planning permission.
- Single Buyers3/10
This offering is a vacant site requiring self-build financing and construction management, which may not suit single buyers looking for a turnkey property.
- Couples7/10
An appealing opportunity for couples looking to build a bespoke, energy-efficient A-rated home together in a scenic and tranquil location.
- Empty Nesters6/10
The planned single-story bungalow design supports accessible, age-friendly living, though managing a self-build project in a rural area requires careful oversight.
- Retirees6/10
A detached bungalow design facilitates easy maintenance and single-level living once built, though proximity to medical services and transport in a rural setting should be considered.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
Building a custom home allows for dedicated home office spaces, though buyers should verify local broadband and fiber availability speeds.
- Hybrid Commuting6/10
Convenient access to the N4 provides good connectivity toward Sligo Town and surrounding commuting corridors.
- Retired7/10
A planned single-story bungalow layout suits retirement living well once constructed, offering a tranquil base close to village amenities.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place9/10
Full planning permission for a detached bungalow provides an ideal foundation for accessible, single-level living and ageing in place.
- Low Maintenance6/10
A newly constructed A-rated home will feature modern, low-maintenance building materials and high energy efficiency, though managing a circa 0.79-acre plot requires ongoing grounds upkeep.
- Secure Gated Entry5/10
As a vacant site, perimeter security and gated entry can be fully customized and installed during the self-build process.
- Minimalist Design7/10
The freedom of a self-build site allows buyers to execute clean, minimalist architectural designs.
- Flexible Floor Plans10/10
Purchasing a site with planning permission gives buyers an opportunity to review and adapt internal floor plans prior to construction, subject to planning compliance.
- Heritage Home1/10
This is a modern development opportunity rather than a period or heritage property.
- Ecological Setup8/10
The planning permission is for a modern, A-rated energy-efficient home, offering excellent potential for eco-friendly heating and insulation setups.
- Outdoor areas10/10
The generous circa 0.79-acre (0.32-hectare) site offers vast potential for extensive landscaping, gardens, and outdoor living zones.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening10/10
The generous circa 0.79-acre plot provides extensive outdoor space for landscaping, vegetable patches, and specialized garden designs.
- Walking7/10
The peaceful countryside roads surrounding the property offer pleasant environments for recreational walking, though pedestrian infrastructure may be limited.
- Gym3/10
Dedicated fitness facilities and commercial gyms will require travel toward Sligo Town or larger neighboring settlements.
- Cycling7/10
Scenic local country roads provide good routes for cycling enthusiasts, though the lack of dedicated cycle lanes should be noted.
- Golf5/10
Golfing enthusiasts will need to travel to nearby regional courses as none are immediately on the doorstep.
- Fishing6/10
The general Sligo region offers various inland angling opportunities, though buyers should verify specific local river access points.
- Horse Riding6/10
The rural setting and generous site size could potentially accommodate equestrian interests, subject to local stable availability and property layout.
- Water Sports3/10
Inland location means water sports will require traveling toward coastal or major lake areas in the wider Sligo region.
- Entertaining8/10
A self-build project allows the buyer to design an open-plan interior and expansive outdoor patio areas tailored perfectly for hosting guests.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living10/10
Situated in an attractive residential countryside setting, this location offers an exceptionally peaceful and quiet environment away from urban congestion.
- Rural Living10/10
The property is a circa 0.79-acre rural site surrounded by open countryside while remaining conveniently close to local community hubs.
- Village Living8/10
Located just a short distance from Riverstown village, offering convenient access to local shops, cafes, pubs, and community facilities.
- Coastal Living2/10
The location is inland in County Sligo with no immediate coastal proximity or marine views.
- Urban Living2/10
This is strictly a rural and village-adjacent setting, requiring a drive to access larger urban centers like Sligo Town.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement8/10
Proximity to Riverstown village fosters strong community ties, with local sporting, recreational, and social groups easily accessible.
- Café Culture5/10
Basic local café options are available in Riverstown, but a wider variety of café culture requires travel to larger towns.
- Nightlife3/10
Nightlife is limited to local village pubs; extensive nightlife and entertainment options are restricted to Sligo Town.
- Health/Wellness groups5/10
Local community facilities may host basic wellness classes, but specialized health groups will likely require travel.
- Networking Opportunities3/10
The rural environment is primarily residential and agricultural, offering minimal local professional networking opportunities.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity3/10
Formal tech hubs are absent locally, making reliance on high-speed home internet essential for tech-based professionals.
Listing information
- Agent
- Oates Breheny Group
- Phone
- 071 914 0404
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 11 November 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-98E2E8HouseDelve · 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.