Address: 72 Clanhugh Road, Donnycarney, Dublin 5
Agent: Gallagher Quigley

This two-bedroom, mid-terrace ex-corporation house is presented as a pale, blank canvas with cream walls and laminate floors. Accommodation includes a reception with fireplace, living/dining room with fireplace and double doors to a patio, and a kitchen on the ground floor. Above are two bedrooms and a shower room. BER: G.

Plus: It is well located, near St Anne's Park and the
sea, and around the corner from Killester Dart station.

Minus: The dismal looking back garden is dominated by a shed, gravel and the colour grey: not in a good way – more cement than Elephant's Breath.

Address: The Thatch Cottage, Ballinlough, Lisronagh, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
Agent: Sherry FitzGerald Walsh

What is it about a thatched cottage? This one comes with lovely views, taking in Slievenamon mountain, across its own 1.75 acres of land. The house has been refurbished – and rethatched - and has double-glazing. Accommodation includes a kitchen/dining room, bathroom and three bedrooms. BER: F.

Plus: Very pretty property. It is listed which, while curtailing what you can do with it, makes it special.

Minus: Thatched roofs need upkeep and replacing: the frequency depends on what the thatch is made of and factors such as the pitch of the roof.