Leinster auctions off to a strong start

LAND in Leinster is selling well under the hammer at recent auctions with the €10,000/ac mark being surpassed in the last fortnight.

A 107ac grass farm at Mullaboden near Ballymore Eustace in Co Kildare sold under the hammer last week, making €1.2m.

Located 8km from Naas and 8km from Kilcullen there was restricted planning permission associated with the property for the building of a 10,000 sq ft residence, a gate lodge, a garage and a comprehensive array of indoor and outdoor equestrian facilities.

The land is made up of some low-lying and some elevated ground.

On the day, the auction lasted all of 10 minutes. Four bidders showed cause when Paddy Jordan opened proceedings, accepting a bid of €900,000 — a figure that matched the guide price. The amount on offer went up in increments of €20,000 until the place went on the market at €1.1m. Bidding continued after that, and the hammer fell at €1.2m when the place was bought by an agent acting for an unknown buyer.

CARLOW TILLAGE FARM

Not too far away in Co Carlow, Tullow auctioneer John Dawson sold a 45.8ac farm under the hammer for €600,000, or about €13,100/ac.

Described by the auctioneer as “superb quality arable lands”, the holding is located adjacent to the M9 at Coolnakisha, Leighlinbridge.

On the day the place opened at €300,000, with increments of €25,000 to €50,000. The place was put on the market at €600,000, and it sold at that price to a local farmer.