Normally the land market in South Leinster is strongest in the country but, for once, in terms of volume and revenue it is beaten by North Leinster and is in second place behind Munster in the price per-acre stakes.
A total of 14 auctions in South Leinster represented 698ac sold in the first six months of the year, an increase of 36pc on the volume sold in the same period of 2021. The sales generated €9.775m in revenue, which is up 45pc on the same period last year. At €14,000/ ac, the average price represents an increase of 7pc on the region’s per acre price for the first six months of 2021.
Of the 14 auctions recorded for South Leinster, three made over the €1m mark, six made over €15,000/ac and two made over 20,000/ac. The property generating the highest revenue was a 104ac residential tillage and grass holding at Kilgowan
near Kilcullen in Co Kildare. This made €1.85m under the hammer of Paddy Jordan.
Two other properties to break the €1m mark included a 61ac farm at Hollywood in Co Wicklow. This made €1.06m when sold by JP&M Doyle, while a 124ac residential farm at Knocknaboley, Tinahely, also in Wicklow, made €1.05m when sold by David Quinn of Quinn Property.
Of the remaining sales, a 52.5ac farm at Parkannesley near Gorey in Co Wexford made €17,142/ac when sold by David Quinn while four of the remaining sales realised over €15,000/ac.
Jack Quinn of Quinn Property believes the move to online auctions has really opened up the market and increased the customer base.
“It is a very efficient way of doing it and delivers a better outcome for everyone — for the vendor, the customer and for those involved in the business like the auctioneer and the solicitor. It is a far more efficient use of time.”
The above is an extract from an Irish Independent article written by Jim O’Brien.