Period properties close to the city centre tend to hold their own even in a sluggish market. However, the price for 107 Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4, reflects the need to modernise the three-bedroom house, which also has a self-contained basement apartment.

The two-storey over basement property is on the market through HOK Residential for £570,000 (E;723,750) in a private treaty sale.

Another house on Upper Leeson Street, Number 136, was recently withdrawn at auction without attracting any bids and was put on the market for £510,000 (E;647,566).

Number 107, located on an "island" between two roads, has many original features as well as a two-car garage to the rear, accessed from Burlington Road. However, there is only a small patio area with a pond at the back as well as a small, overgrown front garden. The house is on a very busy road with a constant stream of traffic passing quite close to the house. On the other hand, its location close to St Stephen's Green cannot be underestimated and the house has the potential to be transformed into an elegant townhouse.

The front garden has attractive wought-iron railings. Granite steps lead up to a period front door with original fanlight. The entrance hall has cornicing and a decorative ceiling centre-piece. Off the hall are two main reception rooms with sash windows and double doors connect them.

The kitchen is on the return. Again, it needs to be modernised and has a range of fitted units, a skylight and a door outside. Also at this level is a toilet with a shower. Upstairs are three bedrooms. Two are doubles and have storage cupboards, while one is a single with a cast-iron fireplace. There is a bathroom on the return. The basement is divided into two bedrooms, a livingroom, toilet, bathroom, tiny kitchen and lobby.