An indication of the good value in new houses still available away from the cities comes with the release of the last batch of houses in a small development at Kilmallock, Co Limerick. There are only 15 houses in the Castle Court scheme and the remaining three-bedroom 1,058 sq ft homes range in price from £97,500 to £100,000 for end units.

Situated in the south-east of the county, this heritage town is located just off the main Limerick to Cork route, some 23 miles south of Limerick city and 43 miles north of Cork city.

Carroll Auctioneers of Charleville, Co Cork and Kilmallock is handling sales of the houses which have a fine livingroom, separate diningroom, kitchen and guest toilet on the ground floor.

Upstairs, there are three bedrooms, with the main bedroom en suite, and a bathroom. All the homes are painted inside and out. Fitted kitchens and wardrobes are included, and there is oil-fired central heating.

Features include a sheltered porch, tongue and groove flooring upstairs (an optional extra), Regency-panelled doors throughout and glazed uPVC windows.

There is a regular daily bus service from Kilmallock to Limerick, and a train from Charleville to Cork or Limerick city. Shannon Airport is a 45-minute drive.