The Connacht Property Auction has noted property transactions for the first half of the year in the Republic of Ireland are up by more than a third on the same period in 2014. An analysis of Property Price Register figures shows there were 21,425 sales between January 1 and June 30 this year. This is 34.6 per cent higher than the 15,920 transactions recorded during the same six-month period a year earlier. This shows that confidence is returning to the market both in the major urban areas and also the regional towns and rural areas.
Claire Moran from the Connacht Property Auction said: "We expect to see strong market conditions in the coming months given the supportive demand drivers in the market currently [new household formation, rising employment and earnings, and continued low mortgage rates], together with the shortage of supply/construction in the region."
The auction team are now inviting entries for the upcoming auctions on September 17 and November 19. There are no costs to enter a property into the auctions and the 2015 auctions have seen more than 90 per cent of properties successfully sold.
Ardacong, Milltown Road, Tuam: Offered at bids in excess of €695,000 in partnership with Property Partners Long, Tuam.
This unique, large, property stands on agricultural lands extending to c105 acres.
Commanding extensive frontage onto the N17 Galway-Sligo national road, this is a large estate house known as Ardacong House. The house dates from the late 19th century and is well situated within the landholding. It commands a tranquil setting and offers complete privacy together with beautiful countryside views. It boasts an oak tree-lined avenue leading to the residence, which comprises a substantial, two storey, stone-cut building, extending to c750sq m. Most recently converted for use as a golf clubhouse, it has attractive courtyard together with extensive outbuildings to rear. Sadly the dwelling was damaged by fire in 2013, however many of the traditional features and character of the property remain intact.
Available in one or two lots, this property is well positioned, located on the northern fringes of Tuam town, c35km from Galway city, c55km from Knock International Airport, and just 1.5km from Tuam town centre with the main entrance within 150 metres of the N17 northern bypass junction. This sale offers a rare opportunity for discerning purchasers to acquire a substantial estate property on an attractive parcel of land with undoubted prospects and potential.
Tawnaghbawn, Cashel, Co Galway: Offered at bids over €59,000 in partnership with Matt Sullivan auctioneers, Clifden.
A quaint two bedroom cottage located on a quiet by-road in a popular area, this house comes to the market in good condition and would ideally suit as a family home or holiday home. Cashel Pier is only a short drive away from the home, which would ideally suit a boating enthusiast. Sea views can be enjoyed from the property. At a very attractive price this property is a must view.
Old Schoolmaster's House, Abbey Row, Athenry: Offered at bids over €95,000 in partnership with DNG Lyons & Bracken auctioneers, Athenry.
The Old Schoolmaster's House is a detached, two-bay, two-storey house, built c1915. It has gabled bays to the front, west, and south elevation. There is a pitched slate roof with slate ridge tiles, rendered chimney stacks, and carved timber bargeboards. The walls are smooth rendered with raised render quoins and plinth. There are square-headed window openings with decorative block-and-start render surrounds, and stone sills with replacement uPVC windows. Entrance to the house is through a decorative render door case comprising pilasters with raised detailing, moulded bases, and decorative consoles supporting a moulded cornice. The house is located just off the centre of this bustling heritage town, in the heart of the town's historic quarter, close to Athenry Castle, the Dominican Priory which dates back to 1242, and the historic terrace of Abbey Row dating back to the late 19th century.
The next public auction will take place on September 17 in The Menlo Park Hotel, Galway. Registration starts at 6.30pm.
Contact The Connacht Property Auction on 091 882 121 to arrange for a free property valuation, or for more information visit www.connachtpropertyauction.ie