With the Irish property market’s performance in 2023 described as ‘regaining momentum’, and the competition for homes heating up, Galway’s auctioneers and estate agents share their experiences and the most expensive houses sold last year.
“2023 was another strong year for the property market, despite headwinds such as elevated interest rates,” said Tony Kavanagh, Director of Sherry FitzGerald Galway, Forster St.
“According to the Sherry FitzGerald Price Barometer, second hand homes increased by 7 per cent in Galway over 2023, whereas the national rate was 3.4 per cent. There was also robust activity in the market with transactions over the first nine months of 2023, amounting to 2,005, a 5.2 per cent increase on the same period in 2022.”
According to Tony, the most expensive house sold by Sherry FitzGerald, Galway, was sold in excess of €2 million.
“The highest value sale that Sherry FitzGerald were involved in was a property on Chestnut Lane that sold for in excess of €2m. In addition, Sherry FitzGerald were involved in a number of property sales that sold for in excess of €1m in 2023 to include properties at Averard West in Taylorshill, Ruttledge Terrace in Salthill, Naomh Einde in Spiddal, and numerous other properties with values close to €1m.”
O’Donnellan & Joyce
Speaking on market performance in their area in 2023, Colm O’Donnellan of O’Donnellan & Joyce, Mary St, said, “The property market has been extremely strong right across all sectors, particularly in the €200,000 to €800,000 price bracket where there are multiple buyers, and in many cases at O’Donnellan & Joyce, the sales prices have exceeded expectations.”
The most expensive property sold by O’Donnellan & Joyce was a detached five bed property which went for over €1.8 million.
“One of the most expensive properties sold last year was in Charnwood, 3 Park Avenue, Dalysfort Road, a detached 5 bed property which sold for over €1.8 million. Another is Ballagh, Bushypark, and exceptional 5 bed house which sold for over €1.4 million.
“O’Donnellan & Joyce are currently offering another exceptional, beautifully appointed residence known as Clarin House in Clarinbridge. Built in 2005 on approx. 7.65 acres of land this property is in turnkey condition from top to bottom with attention to detail in its furnishings and fittings, plenty of light and space. Clarin house will prove to be an excellent home for €2,225,000.”
Oliver Lynch Auctioneers
Oliva Lynch of Oliver Lynch Auctioneers, Eyre Square, described a last year as being off to a slow start, but quickly regaining its pace.
“It was a slow start to 2023, with the first two quarters being slower than normal due to the rising interest rates, which led to uncertainty in the market for mortgage buyers. This seemed to diminish in the last two quarters of 2023, with a huge increase in demand in late 2023 and running into early 2024.”
The most expensive property sold by Oliver Lynch Auctioneers was 17 Manor Court, Knocknacarra, a tastefully decorated four bed house that went for €490,000. Sherry FitzGerald Todd
Declan Todd of Sherry FitzGerald Todd, Tuam, recapped 2023 by saying, “The residential property market in Tuam and the surrounding area has performed very well in the last year. Here at Sherry FitzGerald Todd, we would have seen a 10 per cent increase in property prices.”
The most expensive property sold by Sherry FitzGerald Todd was a, “a stunning 4-bedroom detached country property for €635,000.
Keane Mahony Smith
“Owner occupier residential properties have continued to see increases, and areas such as Oranmore continues to rise,” said Auctioneer Shelagh McGann of Keane Mahony Smith, Prospect Hill, adding, “Any price range less than €300,000 are going significantly over their guides - this price range is within almost every home seekers range, hence the demand impacting achievable price.”
Gleann Rua House, in the ‘prestigious neighbourhood’ of Taylor’s Hill was Keane Mahony Smith’s most expensive property sold last year, going for €2.3 million. The detached, four bed property, spanned 2,500 sq. ft and came with a ‘substantial site’ of 1.13 acres.
DNG Martin O’Connor
“We found 2023, again, to be a very good year in terms of prices achieved on properties, with properties achieving prices in access of their asking prices,” said Auctioneer Emily Walsh of DNG Martin O’Connor, Moycullen.
Rathattin, Ardansillagh, Oughterard, was DNG Martin O’Connor’s most expensive property sold last year. Described as a ‘truly impressive four bedroom countryside residence set on a private site of c 0.76 acres’, the home sold for €585,000.
