With recovery in Clare’s land market in 2016, further growth was seen in 2017 as supply and price both rose in the county. Price increased substantially by almost 10% last year to €6,423/ac up from €5,865/ac in 2016 showing a strong demand in the county. Supply rose by 18%, with 81 farms incorporating 3,895 acres to the market, an improvement on 2016 figures of 77 farms or 3,305 acres coming for sale.

Of the 81 properties offered last year, a nice portion (32%) were middle-sized parcels (40 acres to 99 acres), with seven over 100 acres and the majority (59%) under 40 acres.

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It was the auction room that suffered the most in Clare in 2017, with some auctioneers noting difficulty in farmers obtaining relevant finance.

The number of auctions reduced from 23 in 2016 to just 13 last year, with only three of these successfully selling under the hammer and a further two selling after being withdrawn.

Some sales of note in the county last year included an impressive €915,000 for 70 acres near Quin, which sold under the hammer. This exceptional meadow and grazing ground finished at a nifty €13,071/ac. A 16.5ac residential holding sold in spring for €251,000, with the exclusion of the residence bringing the price to a reasonable €7,110/ac while almost 11 acres sold in Einagh, Moanmore, for €34,000 or €3,105/ac. Forty-one acres located in four different locations near Mullagh were withdrawn from auction in November but all sold after for an undisclosed sum believed to be close to the guide.

Forestry buyers were active in the county last year, with increased competition cited for plots suitable for planting. A large block in west Clare sold to a forestry company for over €275,000 or €5,100/ac. Overall, it was a strong year for Clare.

Vital statistics

  • *Average: €6,423/acre
  • Land offered: 3,895 acres
  • Price range/acre: €2,182 to €15,937
  • No of farms offered: 81
  • Biggest farm offered: 275 acres
  • Weighted average: €6,429/acre
  • *Based on 31 transactions

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