Over the last year, there has been renewed interest from buyers when it comes to purchasing older or dilapidated houses for renovation.

One of the drivers for this has been the advent of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant which can provide funds of up to €50,000 for qualifying properties and has a top-up of €20,000 if they are deemed derelict.

Carnew-based auctioneers Quinn Property has a pair of dwellings that are likely to qualify for this grant that are relatively new to the market in the southeast of the country. Both are for sale by private treaty.

First up is ‘The High House’, Ballypreacus, Bunclody. Guided at €80,000, it sits on a 0.6ac site.

In need of total refurbishment, the cottage comprises of two rooms on the ground floor and two rooms on the first floor, with a small extension to the side. There is a fine plot of ground to the side, however there are no services.

Mains water and an electricity supply are close by. This property enjoys an excellent location along the Bunclody to Kiltealy road, 2km from Bunclody and 6km from Kiltealy.

This two storey farmhouse built circa 1900 near Borris, Co Carlow is for sale by private treaty.

Across the border in Carlow, the second derelict dwelling on offer is at Rosdellig, Borris. This two-storey farmhouse on 0.5ac is guided at €70,000. Built around 1900, the stone structure with pitched cut timber roof and natural slate has one bedroom.

Located 6km from the village of Borris, it has its own private well and is approached via a shared laneway.