Two adjoining, run-down double-fronted period houses with large rear gardens at 155 and 177 Merrion Road, Dublin 4, are expected to prompt investors and developers into devising how best to maximise the return from this development opportunity when it goes for sale today through DTZ Sherry FitzGerald and Sherry FitzGerald.

The sister agencies are seeking €1.4 million for two properties which are located close to Merrion Gates and just 400m from the Merrion Shopping Centre. While the preference is to sell in one lot, consideration will also be given to selling the houses separately.

The houses are in need of complete refurbishment and according to the agencies there is potential for a number of different options, including the redevelopment of the properties for student accommodation by extending the houses to the rear and the building of a mews house at the bottom of the gardens.

The site of 0.17 of a hectare (0.42 of an acre) is one of very few redevelopment opportunities available for a residential project in Dublin 4.