Sure, the show homes and turnkey properties are tempting, but you pay a premium for perfection. How about looking slightly under the radar in search of a bargain instead?
There's always a wide range of properties available that need a bit of work to fix them up and restore them to their former glory, or indeed to use them as the basis for something new and exciting.
They're usually a bit cheaper, but the rewards could be immense. You just might find one here...
1 Abby Well, Chapel Road, Kinsealy
€445,000
3-bed end-of-terrace house
Here we have an attractive, modern end-terrace property that just needs a bit of sprucing up to restore it to its former glory. The layout is open and spacious, with an extra-large living room that leads to a back garden with bags of potential.
The kitchen is intact, so you'll only need to add appliances or maybe replace the doors if you want to put your stamp on it. Upstairs are a generous master bedroom with en suite, two doubles and a family bathroom. The house is a short distance from Malahide, Swords, Portmarnock, Dublin Airport, the M1 and M50.
Check it out at Perfect Property.
39 Saint Enda's Road, Terenure
€425,000
2-bed terraced house
You'll need a little vision and imagination for this one: a rather unlovely house that needs a thorough facelift both inside and out.
In its defence, it's in a great location, a quiet street just off the Terenure Road, a short walk from all of Terenure village's great shops, cafés and restaurants.
The layout may need looking at - perhaps the two reception rooms could be consolidated into one - but there's space here to turn 39 Saint Enda's Road into an appealing property for a range of buyers.
Check it out at Perfect Property.
106 Dowland Road, Walkinstown
€399,950
3-bed terraced house
This well-kept mid-terrace is a great option for families - situated in a quiet residential estate in Walkinstown/Crumlin, the house boasts a long, west-facing back garden and sits opposite some pleasant green space.
The house has been extended, and consists of two good-sized, interconnected reception rooms with a kitchen/diner to the rear. Three bedrooms and the family bathroom are upstairs.
Check it out at Perfect Property.
8 Warren Street, Portobello
€375,000
2-bed terraced house
This gorgeous red-brick tennis needs a full refurbishment inside, but its appearance and fantastic location mean it's sure to be in demand with adventurous buyers.
There are two reception rooms downstairs, with a small kitchen, the bathroom and a little back yard to the rear; both bedrooms are upstairs. The Grand Canal is at the end of the street, and there's a multitude of great bars, restaurants and cafés within a very short walking distance.
Check it out at Perfect Property.
67 St. Attracta Road, Cabra
€325,000
2-bed terraced house
This is a house full of character and charm, just at the Phibsborough end of Cabra. The Luas is a short walk away, and it's only a short stroll to find plenty of shops and amenities in either suburb.
This would be a great house for a keen gardener, with mature gardens at the front and rear. The downstairs layout consists of a large living room with a storage press, and the kitchen at the rear. Two bedrooms and the bathroom are upstairs.
