€65k ruin for sale, to returning emigrants only
AT a mere €65,000, it sounds like a steal. But the sale of a Galway house comes with the unusual clause that ‘returning emigrants’ need only apply.
In an area known as Connemara 4 or G4, due to much sought-after demand during the boom, the skeletal construction of a house built at the time is now for sale.
Auctioneer Luke Spencer, of Spencer Auctioneers in Galway, told the Irish Mail on Sunday that they have received one offer of €40,000 for the secluded property on ‘the lovely island of Inishnee’, a short distance from the village of Roundstone, where Sting once lived and found inspiration for many of his hit singles.
Mr Spencer, similar to other auctioneers, laments that planning for new builds is restricted to those who have a direct connection with the area.
It is for this reason, he said, that its sale is pitched to ‘returning emigrants or those who have a local housing need’.
‘As it’s a half-built house, whoever buys it will need to reapply for planning permission and if you are not from the area you won’t get planning, unfortunately. It is restrictive on a nationwide basis, and there is great demand for houses around Roundstone.’