‘Currently the Listowel market is very active’

“THERE have been several market changes in Listowel’s property market over the years, most notably the downturn that followed the collapse of the Celtic Tiger. That pre-recession era was an insane period for the market, when properties were being sold without ever having made it to the open market and prices were off the wall.

First-time buyers are once again obtaining financial help through the Home-to-Buy scheme and currently the Listowel market is very active with at least two bidders on any property at any one time - something that has not happened in a number of years. But the supply is not there to meet the demand, which has also helped increase the market price. Regardless, purchasers remain cautious and will not pay over the odds and are also doing their due diligence to ensure that the title to the property is free of encumbrances, planning permission is in order and boundaries are correct.

“Based on our sales records, the market appears to be most active in the 3-bed semi-detached market. For every three properties making it to the ‘sale agreed’ stage, only one replacement property is hitting the market, while there is very little housing development activity in Listowel. Sean McCarthy of Sean McCarthy & Sons, Lixnaw, is building 3-bed detached dormer-style bungalows in the Woodview Estate in Cahirdown and we’re currently marketing a couple of detached properties on his behalf.

“He is also in the process of obtaining planning permission for another phase in the Lartigue Village in Clieveragh. This estate on the periphery of the town has been popular in the past with first-time buyers and investors alike. We currently have a list of under bidders and potential purchasers waiting for their dream property to hit the market. It will be interesting to see what the second half of 2017 has in store for the property market.” Robert from McGregor Properties, Listowel