
Wilton, Ballymackey, TipperaryE45H672
€158,000
3 Bed~1 Bath~50 m²~BER G
What you'll like:
- Affordable Entry Price: Listed at an attractive asking price of €158000, this property provides an exceptionally low-cost entry point for first-time buyers or investors looking to break into the rural housing market.
- Recent Rewiring Completed: The house has already been recently rewired, which significantly reduces immediate electrical upgrade costs and ensures safer power distribution throughout the living spaces.
- Plumbed For Heating: Essential plumbing for an oil-fired central heating system is already installed, giving buyers a head start on completing the thermal comfort infrastructure of the home.
- Charming Traditional Style: The cottage features a charming traditional exterior and layout, offering tremendous aesthetic potential for buyers looking to restore a character-filled rural home.
- Proximity To Nenagh: Situated approximately 10 km from Nenagh town, future residents will enjoy convenient access to local supermarkets, schools, healthcare facilities, and weekly social amenities.
- Motorway Access Nearby: Located about 5 km from the main Limerick to Dublin motorway access point, making regional commuting and long-distance travel significantly more manageable.
- Detached Outbuildings Included: Features detached fuel and storage sheds, providing valuable secure space for keeping firewood, gardening tools, or recreational equipment out of the main house.
- Generous Garden Space: Includes a rear garden area that offers great potential for keen gardening enthusiasts to cultivate vegetables, plant flowers, or create a private outdoor entertainment zone.
- Stable Asking Price: The recorded asking-price history shows a stable €158000 figure with no upward or downward adjustments, indicating a firm initial pricing strategy by the vendor.
- High Rental Demand Potential: Given the low purchase price, investors should find strong interest from tenants seeking affordable rural housing once modernisation and energy upgrades are completed.
- Compact Floor Area: The modest 50 square metre footprint limits the scale of future renovation expenses compared to much larger sprawling country homes requiring extensive capital.
- Desirable Rural Setting: Positioned in an unspoilt rural area of Ballymackey, offering peace, quiet, and scenic countryside surroundings away from intense urban congestion and traffic noise.
- Flexible Accommodation Layout: Comprises an entrance porch, kitchen, sitting room, bathroom, and three bedrooms including two attic rooms, offering functional zoning for a small household.
- Improvement Equity Potential: Buying a property needing cosmetic and energy upgrades allows purchasers to add substantial value through DIY efforts or targeted contractor renovations.
- No Upper Chain Delay: As an attractive standalone cottage sale, the transaction may proceed smoothly without the complexities associated with lengthy upward property chains.
- Manageable Footprint: The small size of the dwelling ensures that routine cleaning, maintenance, and heating efforts remain straightforward and inexpensive for single occupants or couples.
- Rural Community Living: Offers buyers an authentic opportunity to integrate into a welcoming local Tipperary community with strong ties to nearby towns and villages.
- Versatile Property Usage: The listing notes suitability as both an investor rental portfolio addition or a delightful principal private residence for a downsizing buyer.
- Storage Shed Utility: The separate storage buildings can double as a compact workshop space for hobbyists or DIY enthusiasts working on the main house restoration.
- Strategic Regional Location: Positioned conveniently within Tipperary to allow easy exploration of the wider midwest region, including nearby lakes, historical sites, and outdoor recreation.
But keep in mind:
- Extremely Poor BER Rating: The property carries a G energy rating, which indicates severe thermal inefficiency and requires substantial insulation investment to achieve comfortable living standards.
- Mandatory Energy Upgrades: Buyers must budget heavily for extensive insulation, window replacements, and heating system commissioning to lift the G rating out of the lowest compliance bracket.
- Very Small Floor Area: Measuring only 50 m², the dwelling offers extremely restricted living space that may feel cramped for growing families or those requiring dedicated home offices.
- Attic Bedroom Limitations: Two of the three bedrooms are located in the attic, which often involves restricted headroom, awkward furniture placement, and potential stair access challenges.
- Single Bathroom Constraint: The house features only one bathroom, creating morning queues and limiting convenience when hosting guests or accommodating a full three-bedroom household.
- Modernisation Works Required: The description explicitly notes that the residence needs modernisation and redecoration throughout, meaning buyers face immediate living disruption and extra capital outlay.
- Unconfirmed Septic Tank Status: Buyers should investigate the exact location, condition, and regulatory compliance of any private wastewater treatment system or septic tank serving the cottage.
- Water Supply Verification Needed: The buyer must verify whether the property relies on a private well or a public mains connection, along with testing the water quality and pressure.
- Unverified Structural Integrity: Given the traditional age and style of the cottage, a thorough structural survey is essential to check for damp, roof timber integrity, and foundation settling.
- Oil Tank Installation Costs: Although plumbed for oil-fired heating, purchasers will need to verify the presence and condition of an external oil storage tank and boiler unit.
- Boundary Line Confirmation: Buyers should carefully inspect land registry maps to ensure the rear garden boundaries match the legal title and that no access disputes exist.
- Planning Permission Checks: Any future extensions or structural modifications to the attic rooms or outbuildings will require careful verification of local planning regulations and exemptions.
- Access Road Maintenance: The rural location means buyers should check who is legally responsible for maintaining the approach roads and whether winter gritting services are provided.
- Ventilation And Damp Risks: Traditional country cottages often lack modern damp-proof courses, making it vital to inspect the walls for rising or penetrating moisture during viewings.
- Broadband Availability Limits: High-speed fibre broadband may be limited or unavailable in this unspoilt rural area, which could impact remote workers relying on fast internet connections.
- Limited Local Amenities Directly On-Site: Residents must travel several kilometres to Nenagh for essential retail, banking, and professional services, increasing reliance on private car transport.
- Potential Insulation Disturbance: Upgrading a G-rated traditional cottage may disturb historic fabric or require careful internal or external insulation detailing to preserve breathability.
- Future Compliance Costs: Upcoming building regulations and rental standards may impose strict minimum energy performance requirements, penalising landlords who fail to upgrade G-rated assets.
- Resale Liquidity Considerations: Properties requiring heavy capital expenditure appeal to a narrower niche of buyers, which could potentially extend future selling timelines upon exit.
- Total Project Management Burden: Undertaking a rural renovation project requires coordinating tradespeople and managing material costs, which can easily exceed initial budget estimates if unforeseen issues arise.
Price positioning
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- The asking price of one hundred fifty-eight thousand euros appears moderately overvalued given the very small floor area of fifty square meters and the exceptionally poor energy efficiency rating of G.
- Signals pointing towards overvaluation include the substantial modernization and capital expenditure required to bring the traditional country cottage up to modern habitation and energy standards.
- Factors that could support the listed price include the convenient rural location near Nenagh and major transport links, appealing to buyers seeking a manageable project or rural retreat.
- Additional relevant considerations involve tracking history showing a stable price stance, indicating that the vendor is currently holding firm despite the extensive renovation works needed.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- Traditional style country cottage with a floor area of approximately 50 m², featuring 3 bedrooms including 2 attic rooms and 1 bathroom.
- The listing notes that the property has been rewired and replumbed for oil-fired central heating, though it remains in need of modernisation and redecoration.
- A buyer should investigate the structural integrity of the older building fabric, insulation levels, and the condition of the roof and windows.
- Verification of planning permission and compliance should be sought for any historical alterations, extensions, or the conversion of the attic space into bedrooms.
- The presence of detached fuel and storage sheds should be inspected for structural condition and boundary alignment.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property has a BER rating of G, indicating extremely poor energy efficiency and significant heat loss.
- A comprehensive deep retrofit including external or internal wall insulation, roof insulation, upgraded windows and doors, and modern heating system replacement is required.
- Estimated deep retrofit costs for a small 50 m² cottage of this rating typically range from €40,000 to €60,000, depending on the scope of works and contractor pricing.
- Grant supports from SEAI may be available to offset a portion of these upgrade costs, which a buyer should verify.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost is approximately 1,800 to 2,500 euro.
- This higher estimate is driven by the property's G BER rating, indicating poor energy efficiency and significant heat loss, despite having been replumbed for oil-fired heating.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in an unspoilt rural setting in Tipperary, appearing well removed from heavy industrial centers, large-scale incinerators, or active major landfills.
- Any historical agricultural or domestic waste practices in the wider rural area should be independently verified by the buyer as part of standard environmental due diligence.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property is located in an unspoilt rural area of Tipperary without any mapped flood areas immediately nearby.
- The setting is elevated away from major river corridors, reducing the likelihood of significant river flooding.
- While lack of mapped flood areas does not entirely eliminate the possibility of surface water pooling during extreme weather, the general topography suggests a lower exposure level.
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 Ballymackey 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: €1,580 — 1% of €158,000.
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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 to 3,000 euro plus outlay and VAT.
- Land registration fees: approximately 400 to 800 euro depending on the property value and registration type.
- Property valuation fees: approximately 150 to 300 euro for a standard mortgage valuation.
- Surveyor fees: approximately 500 to 1,200 euro depending on the level of detail and property size.
- Annual home insurance: approximately 350 to 700 euro depending on the coverage and rebuild cost.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals in the Ballymackey and wider Tipperary region often discuss the charm and potential of traditional rural cottages coming to the market.
- Proximity to Nenagh town makes the area attractive for buyers seeking a quieter countryside lifestyle while remaining within a reasonable commute of essential services.
- Residents frequently highlight the convenience of nearby access to the Limerick to Dublin motorway for regional travel.
- Discussions on rural housing often emphasize the need for upgrades and modernizations, particularly regarding insulation and energy ratings for older properties.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children3/10
The property offers a modest floor area of 50 square metres with three bedrooms, two of which are attic rooms, meaning space is quite limited for young children. Additionally, the G-rated BER indicates that the home will likely require significant energy upgrades to maintain a consistently warm and healthy environment for infants and toddlers.
- Teenagers2/10
With only 50 square metres of living space and a single bathroom, accommodating teenagers would present severe spatial challenges and a lack of privacy. The rural location also means teenagers would be heavily reliant on parents for transport to schools, social activities, and amenities.
- Multi-generational Living1/10
The compact 50 m² layout, single bathroom, and traditional cottage structure make multi-generational living entirely impractical. There is simply not enough room or separation of living spaces to accommodate multiple generations comfortably.
- Single Buyers7/10
At an asking price of €158,000, which has remained stable based on historical tracking, this property presents an affordable entry point for single buyers willing to take on modernisation and redecoration work. The three-bedroom layout offers flexibility for a home office or guest room, though buyers should verify the extent of renovation costs needed given the G BER rating.
- Couples7/10
Couples looking for an affordable rural project will find the cottage appealing, offering a manageable footprint and potential to put their own stamp on the property. The price point of €158,000 is accessible, though the need for modernisation and a G energy rating require careful financial planning.
- Empty Nesters5/10
While the single-level elements (excluding the two attic rooms) could suit downsizers seeking a quiet rural lifestyle, the need for extensive modernisation and potential maintenance might offset the appeal. Buyers should investigate the practicalities of maintaining a traditional cottage and its grounds as they age.
- Retirees4/10
The rural setting and manageable size could attract retirees seeking peace and quiet, but the presence of attic bedrooms and the necessity for significant upgrading work pose physical and financial hurdles. Proximity to healthcare services and towns like Nenagh should also be carefully verified.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working5/10
The quiet rural setting is conducive to focused remote working, but buyers should thoroughly investigate local broadband speed and reliability, as rural connectivity in older cottages can vary significantly.
- Hybrid Commuting6/10
Being approximately 5 km from access to the main Limerick to Dublin motorway provides a practical advantage for hybrid workers needing to commute intermittently, though the total journey to major cities remains substantial.
- Retired7/10
The detached nature, rural tranquility, and one-level primary living spaces appeal to retirees, provided they budget for and manage the required modernisation works.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place4/10
While ground-floor living is possible, the presence of two attic rooms and the need for comprehensive modernisation mean substantial adaptations would be necessary for comfortable long-term aging in place.
- Low Maintenance3/10
The property is explicitly described as in need of modernisation and redecoration, and the G energy rating points to potential underlying fabric issues that require ongoing maintenance and investment.
- Secure Gated Entry2/10
There is no mention of secure gated entry; the property is a traditional roadside or rural country cottage with standard open boundaries that a buyer may wish to secure.
- Minimalist Design6/10
The compact 50 m² footprint naturally imposes a minimalist approach to possessions and furniture, though the traditional cottage style contrasts with contemporary minimalist architecture.
- Flexible Floor Plans4/10
With a small floor area of 50 m² comprising a kitchen, sitting room, bathroom, and three bedrooms (two in the attic), flexibility is constrained by the rigid structure of a traditional cottage.
- Heritage Home7/10
As a charming traditional style country cottage, it retains a distinct heritage aesthetic and character, though it has been partly updated with rewiring and replumbing for oil-fired central heating.
- Ecological Setup2/10
The G BER rating indicates poor thermal performance and high energy consumption, meaning the property currently lacks an efficient ecological setup and would require substantial retrofitting.
- Outdoor areas7/10
The property includes a rear garden and detached fuel and storage sheds, providing practical outdoor utility and space for gardening projects.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening8/10
The property benefits from a rear garden explicitly noted as providing potential for keen garden enthusiasts, offering a great canvas to develop outdoor planting and landscaping.
- Walking7/10
The rural Tipperary setting provides plenty of quiet country roads and scenic routes nearby for walking enthusiasts, though pedestrians must navigate rural roads without dedicated footpaths.
- Gym2/10
There are no commercial gym facilities within walking distance, requiring a drive into Nenagh for fitness centre access.
- Cycling6/10
The surrounding country roads offer scenic routes for cycling, but the rural location and lack of segregated cycle lanes mean cyclists will share space with local vehicular traffic.
- Golf5/10
While golf enthusiasts can access courses in the wider Tipperary region, including around Nenagh, none are immediately adjacent to the property.
- Fishing6/10
The region's rich inland waterways and proximity to Lough Derg a short drive away offer good opportunities for fishing enthusiasts to explore.
- Horse Riding6/10
The rural setting and local country lanes are typical of areas accommodating equestrian interests, though buyers should verify local stable and livery availability.
- Water Sports5/10
Proximity to the wider Shannon region and Lough Derg provides reasonable access to water sports, though a drive is required to reach launch points and facilities.
- Entertaining4/10
With a total floor area of 50 m², interior entertaining space is severely restricted. However, the rear garden and outdoor shed space offer some seasonal potential for casual gatherings once modernised.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living9/10
Situated in an unspoilt rural area around 10 km from Nenagh, the property offers a high degree of peace, quiet, and privacy away from urban congestion and heavy traffic noise.
- Rural Living10/10
This is a classic traditional country cottage set in a genuinely rural location, surrounded by countryside and complemented by detached fuel and storage sheds, perfectly matching a traditional rural lifestyle.
- Village Living4/10
The property is somewhat isolated in the countryside rather than being situated in the heart of a vibrant village community, meaning daily conveniences require driving.
- Coastal Living1/10
Located inland in County Tipperary, the property has no proximity to the coast or marine environments.
- Urban Living2/10
Urban conveniences are distant, with Nenagh approximately 10 km away, offering limited urban amenities compared to larger cities.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement5/10
Rural communities in Tipperary often feature active local associations and parish events, but integrating into a new rural area requires proactive effort from newcomers.
- Café Culture3/10
There are no cafés within immediate walking distance, requiring a trip into nearby Nenagh or surrounding villages to enjoy local café culture.
- Nightlife1/10
Nightlife options are virtually non-existent in the immediate rural vicinity, with residents needing to travel into Nenagh for pubs, restaurants, and entertainment.
- Health/Wellness groups3/10
Organised wellness classes and health groups will generally be centered in larger towns like Nenagh rather than the immediate Ballymackey countryside.
- Networking Opportunities2/10
The rural location offers very few local professional networking opportunities, making it more suitable for remote workers connected elsewhere or retirees.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity1/10
There are no localized tech hubs or co-working spaces in the immediate rural area, requiring travel to larger urban centers for such facilities.
Listing information
- Agent
- BOC Properties
- Phone
- Nenagh: 067 44 411 | Portroe / Ballina: 067 47718
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 15 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-5B938FHouseDelve · 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.