Fix it up: End-of-terrace near Clontarf promenade needs full revamp, but is packed with potential

Asking price: €485,000

Agent: Quillsen (01) 8335844

​What it is: A two bedroom end-of-terrace former corporation house close to the Dart station, Clontarf Yacht Club and the Bull Wall on the capital's northside.

​Tell me more: Conquer Hill Road runs between the Clontarf Road and Kincora Road. Number 66 has a hallway, living room, kitchen, bathroom and the two bedrooms, with a total of just over 640sq ft of living accommodation.

​The bad news: The house is currently in poor condition, requiring complete refurbishment including re-wiring, re-plumbing, a complete decorative re-vamp, a new kitchen and, if the desire is for a family home with the kind of space considered necessary to accommodate a family these days, possibly an extension.

As there is no side access, building materials and personnel will all have to come through the front door.

The current floor space is not much bigger than that of an average two-bedroom apartment and because of the Clontarf address, you are probably looking at a bit of a premium to buy it.

​The good news: The property is being sold with "a declaration allowing new owners to avail of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant" according to the agents, which might take some of the sting out of any refurbishment or possible extension costs.

There may also be grant aid available to upgrade the energy rating of the property. Currently it has a Building Energy Rating (BER) of G.

These are well-built houses, the result of early to mid 20th-century government efforts to tackle the housing crisis in the capital city. Structurally, therefore, it is likely to be sound, though this will be subject to an engineer's survey.

There is one vintage tiled fireplace still in situ, which may be worth keeping and restoring.

The area is relatively well served with public transport thanks to the 130 bus, and is well connected to the city centre by the Clontarf to city centre cycle route, which is currently nearing completion.

​How much to buy it? Offers of around €485,000 are being sought.

​And to fix it up? Be prepared to drop at least another €200,000 to €250,000 on revamping this 20th-century Dublin classic.

​What will I end up with? A 430sq ft extension could be added without the requirement for planning permission, if the next owner wanted to have either an extra bedroom or modern kitchen.

Either way, you could end up with a family home close to the seafront and not too far from the city centre, in an increasingly gentrified part of an already aspirational neighbourhood.

​Who do I talk to?: Estate Agent Melanie Brady from Quillsen will be happy to help you conquer your very own sod of 'Tarf.