Four first-time buys from Dublin to Tralee

The Irish Times looks at four properties

Capital: €285,000

ADDRESS: 24 O'Donoghue Street, Inchicore, Dublin 8. BEDROOMS: 2. SIZE: 56 sq m (605 sq ft). PARKING: On street parking. MAINTENANCE: None. LINKS: Bus, Luas. STAMP DUTY: None. AGENT: DNG. WEB: www.DNG.ie

DESCRIPTION: This redbrick mid-terrace two-bed property was modernised last year. Located in a mature residential area right beside Goldenbridge Luas stop it is in easy reach of all local amenities. An open-plan kitchen/dining/livingroom and family bathroom are downstairs. Upstairs there are two bedrooms, one with original cast-iron fireplace. In walk-in condition and close to the Luas, this is a good first-time buy for someone seeking city living.

Commute: €295,000

ADDRESS: 26 Hawthorn Road, Dublin Road, Bray, Co Wicklow. BEDROOMS: 3. SIZE: 86 sq m (930 sq ft). PARKING: Two spaces in side driveway. MAINTENANCE: . none LINKS: Bus, DART, rail, M11. STAMP DUTY: None. AGENT: H J Byrne. WEB: www.hjbyrne.com.

DESCRIPTION: Situated on a large corner site, this 40-year old property is a 10-minute walk from the town centre. There is a lounge, diningroom and modern kitchen downstairs, two bedrooms and an en suite main bedroom, one with a fireplace and family bathroom upstairs. On the north side of Bray, this property is within a two-minute drive of the M11, making it ideal for commuters.

Countrywide: €210,000

ADDRESS: 10 Fairway Heights, The Kerries, Tralee, Co Kerry. BEDROOMS: 3. SIZE: 93 sq m ( 1,000 sq ft). PARKING: Ample driveway parking. MAINTENANCE: none. LINKS: Train, Bus. STAMP DUTY: None. AGENT: DNG WHGiles. WEB: www.whgiles.ie.

DESCRIPTION: No 10 is a well-maintained thee-bed semi on a large corner site with potential for extending. Located a 10-minute walk from Tralee town centre, this four-year old property features timber floors in most rooms. Accommodation comprises a fully fitted kitchen, utility room, livingroom, main bedroom en suite and two other bedrooms. A fully floored attic gives extra storage space.

Country: €149,000

ADDRESS: Coolisheal Lower, Ballyduff Upper, Co Waterford. BEDROOMS: 2. SIZE: 70 sq m (750 sq ft). PARKING: Ample. MAINTENANCE: none. LINKS: N9. STAMP DUTY: None. AGENT: Sherry FitzGerald Reynolds. WEB: www.sherryfitz.ie.

DESCRIPTION: This pretty two-bed cottage is located four miles from Lismore town and is in a lovely countryside setting. It is, however, in need of modernisation. The accommodation comprises a livingroom, two bedrooms, bathroom and store. The kitchen has an original Belfast sink and Rayburn oven. This is an ideal first buy for those with a flair for DIY and a love for the country life.