Wicklow tops for country home buyers

WICKLOW and Cork have been named as the most popular locations for country home buyers in the €1 million-plus price bracket.

A new report from property consultants Savills Ireland says the top choices of Wicklow and Cork suggest that many of those seeking the benefits of country living are also looking to remain within arm’s reach of major cities, be it for shopping and entertainment purposes, prestigious schools or access to good road links and international airports.

Savills sales data support this view, with a disproportionate number of transactions located in Dublin and neighbouring counties, and along national arterial routes.

The report also highlighted that while domestic buyers account for a majority of Savills country homes sales, the single biggest deal in each of the last three years was a cash purchase from the UK or US. In addition, Savills note a greater level of interest from American applicants, many of whom are looking to purchase a piece of family heritage here in Ireland.