“Sold!” was a word auctioneer James Heaslip MIPAV, of Property Partners Maxwell Heaslip & Leonard became used to exclaiming throughout the auction rooms of the Imperial Hotel last Friday afternoon. Six of the seven properties included in the company’s autumn auctions sold by close of business. “We were delighted with the results on the day, as are our vendors and purchasers,” Heaslip said after the event. “We came to auction to sell the properties, and sell we did.”
From lunchtime on Friday the signs of activity were apparent in the Imperial Hotel, with many bidders wisely arriving early to the auction despite the 3pm advertised start time. Astute buyers had recognised that there were quality properties for sale that afternoon at realistic prices, and many were keen to secure their seat in plenty of time. Their prudence was rewarded, as when auctioneer James Heaslip took to the floor to introduce the lots for the day there was neither seating nor standing room remaining. The latecomers were assigned to the outside lobby, and Heaslip accommodated them as best he could by speaking as loudly as possible.
The action on the floor was brisk and, setting the tone for the day, Heaslip advised the crowd that he was “here to sell”, and interested parties did not waste time in placing bids on the properties of their choice.
The hammer first came down on Lot No 1, No 60 College Green in Tuam which, after a period of intense bidding, sold for €103,000. Lot No 2 was the popular property at No 12 Beach Drive in Renmore, which had generated much interest in the lead up to the auction. Again, there were a number of interested parties vying for this property, which saw bidding bounce over and back until the final and successful bid of €198,000 secured the purchase of the property.
Third to be brought to the auction floor was No 28 Emerson Avenue, Salthill, a quality property in a prime location. Continuing the successful run, Emerson Avenue was, yet again, the object of intense interest and, recognising the value on offer, the bidders, all eager to place the successfully bid, drove the eventual sale price up to €330,000. Next up was land at Bunowen, Ballyconnelly, consisting of c30 acres of land in one of Ireland’s “most picturesque and unspoilt settings”. It appears that the crowd present on the day agreed with the description of this land, as again bidding was intense and the successful bidder parted with €185,000 to become the proud new owner of the much sought after lands.
Lot no 6 was a beautiful architecturally designed bungalow located at Tullahill in Loughrea. This property, which was guiding €195,000, received a favourable offer prior to the auction and was sold prior to auction. Lot no 8 was a property at Leenane, Connemara, overlooking Killary Harbour. This property failed to meet its reserve on the auction floor and was withdrawn from the market, however the crowd were still in the process of dispersing from the auction room when the sale of this property was also successfully negotiated with the highest bidder.
Lot no 4, No 112 Renmore Park, was withdrawn from auction prior to the commencement of the day’s activities. This property is expected to come to market again in the near future and interested parties can contact the selling agents for further details. Lot no 7, a property at Cashla, Connemara, was withdrawn from the auction floor and is now for sale by private treaty with the agents.
“We had anticipated a successful day based on the level of interest in the properties over the last few weeks and we were not disappointed,” James Heaslip said of the auction. “We had willing sellers and buyers on the day, and with realistic AMVs we achieved results.
“The results from this auction are certainly encouraging,” he added. “We had a room full of buyers who were not afraid to bid, which made for a successful day for everyone. Of particular note is the property at Emerson Avenue which achieved a healthy €330,000 on the auction floor. There is demand for properties of this calibre and we are actively seeking similar properties for our winter auction.”
Property Partners Maxwell Heaslip & Leonard is now listing properties for inclusion in its winter 2011 auction. More information can be obtained by contacting the team on (091 ) 565261.
