Four first-time buys from Dublin to Birr

Fiona Tyrell looks at a range of houses which should attract a lot of interest from first-time buyers in particular.

Capital: €355,000.  ADDRESS: 2 Cavalry Row, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7. BEDROOMS: 2. SIZE: 56sq m (600sq ft). PARKING: secure parking for one car. LINKS: bus, Luas. STAMP DUTY: €10,650. AGENT: The Property Shop. WEB: www.propertyshop.ie.

DESCRIPTION: this two-bed semi is in off Arbour Hill, is close to the city centre and five minutes walk from the Luas. It is in good condition and accommodation includes a lounge, small kitchen, family bathroom and two bedrooms.

Commute: €220,000. ADDRESS: 6 Chanel Road, Rush, Co Dublin. BEDROOMS: 1. SIZE: 45sq m (484sq ft). PARKING: ample. LINKS: train, M1, bus. STAMP DUTY: none. AGENT: Grimes REA. WEB: www.nicemove.ie.

DESCRIPTION: this lovingly restored semi-detached thatch cottage has lots of period features including latched door and sash windows. It is close to the beach, an hour from Dublin by car and 35 minutes by train. Accommodation comprises one double bedroom, open-plan kitchen/livingroom and family bathroom. It's in walk-in condition.

Countrywide: €215,000.  ADDRESS: 1 Millview, Sandymount, Birr, Co Offaly. BEDROOMS: 3. SIZE: 102sq m (1,097sq ft). PARKING: driveway. LINKS: bus, N52. STAMP DUTY: none. AGENT: Property Partners Ryan. WEB: www.nicemove.ie.

DESCRIPTION: this semi-detached house is a five-minute walk into town and is one of 10 houses in this development. It has a bright sittingroom, kitchen/diningroom with granite worktop, two large bathrooms (one with a Jacuzzi bath) and three bedrooms.

Country: €275,000. ADDRESS: Kennedy Cottage, Rednagh, Aughrim, Co Wicklow. BEDROOMS: 3. SIZE: 65sq m (700sq ft). PARKING: ample. LINKS: bus, R753. STAMP DUTY: none. AGENT: Remax. WEB: www.remax-ireland.com.

DESCRIPTION: built as a forester's cottage in 1901, this house was totally modernised recently. Located just outside Aughrim village, it has a modern kitchen, lounge with granite and redbrick open fireplace, a bathroom and separate bathroom and three bedrooms.