At Adrian Hassett Auctioneers we believe the best homes are about more than bricks and mortar. They are about the life you can live around them. A park at the end of the road, a greenway for weekend cycles or a local pitch where the children can train all add real value to everyday life, and to a property's appeal when the time comes to sell. But a patch of green on a map does not always tell the full story. Here are five questions every buyer should ask before falling for that view across the park.
1. Is the green space protected, or could it be built on?
That open field behind the back garden may look like permanent countryside, but appearances can be deceptive. Check how the land is zoned in the county or city development plan, which you will find on your local council's website. Land zoned for open space or amenity use offers far more certainty than land zoned for housing or other development, or unzoned land on the edge of a town that could be rezoned at the next plan review. It is also worth searching the council's online planning records for any recent or live applications nearby. Your solicitor can advise, but a few minutes of your own research before making an offer can be invaluable.
2. Who owns and maintains it?
In housing estates, green areas are often maintained by the developer or a management company until the local authority formally takes the estate in charge. Ask whether the estate has been taken in charge and, if not, who looks after the open spaces and what it costs. Apartments and some newer schemes carry annual management fees that cover landscaping and communal areas, so find out what is included. A well-kept green is a genuine asset, but an overgrown one with broken play equipment and no clear owner can quickly become a source of frustration and, occasionally, disputes between residents.
3. What is it like at different times of the day and week?
A quiet park on a Tuesday morning may be a very different place on a Saturday afternoon or a summer evening, so visit at a few different times before committing. Sports grounds bring life and community spirit, but they can also bring floodlights, whistles, cheering and cars lining the road on match days. Some green spaces attract anti-social behaviour after dark, while others stay busy with dog walkers and families well into the evening. If you get the chance, chat to neighbours, as they are usually happy to give an honest picture.
It is also worth checking whether low-lying green areas near rivers or streams are prone to flooding. The OPW's flood information website, floodinfo.ie, is a useful starting point, and your surveyor and solicitor should raise any concerns before you proceed.
4. How easy and safe is it to get there?
A park that is five minutes away as the crow flies can be a 20-minute trek if there is a busy road with no crossing in between. Walk the route yourself. Are there continuous footpaths, good lighting and safe crossing points? Could a child cycle there independently, or a parent manage it comfortably with a buggy? Is it accessible for anyone with limited mobility? Proximity only adds value if the space can actually be enjoyed, and safe, easy access is the difference between a park you use every day and one you simply drive past.
5. Are new facilities or improvements planned?
Local authorities across Ireland continue to invest in greenways, walking trails, playgrounds and sports facilities, and a planned amenity can lift the appeal of a whole neighbourhood over time. Look through the council's development plan and any local area plan, and keep an eye out for the council's own proposals for parks and greenways, which are usually published for public consultation. Local sports clubs and community groups often have expansion plans of their own, so their websites and social media pages are worth a look.
Remember that not every change will suit everyone. A new floodlit all-weather pitch, a car park for a popular trail or a playground right beside your boundary could alter the character of a quiet spot. Asking early means you can weigh up the positives and negatives before you commit, rather than discovering them after you move in.
The bottom line
Access to good green space is widely linked to better physical and mental wellbeing, and it remains one of the features buyers value most when choosing where to live. For sellers, it is worth highlighting nearby parks, trails and clubs clearly in your listing, as these lifestyle details often tip the balance for families. For buyers, asking the right questions now ensures that the park, pitch or trail that drew you to a home continues to be an asset for many years to come.
If you would like to discuss buying or selling a property, contact us on 0871303206 or email sales@adrianhassett.com or visit adrianhassett.com.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.
