The average price for land in Wicklow last year dropped by 12.9%, despite the fact that some fine properties arrived on the market. The average price paid in 2013 was €10,749/acre – down from €12,348/acre in 2012 – but supply remained stable at 2,476 acres (similar to the 2,503 acres the previous year).

Prices ranged from €4,000/acre for 38 acres that included a section of planted ground near Aughrim to a top of €20,700/acre which was paid privately for a sizeable farm in excess of 100 acres with a residence and buildings. Farms that sold at auction included a 26-acre parcel outside Newcastle which made €240,000 or €9,200/acre; a 98-acre residential holding near Blessington averaged €8,000/acre or €785,000; another 37-acre residential package close to Blessington made €399,000 or €10,700/acre and 14 acres near Dunlavin was knocked down at €168,000 or €12,000/acre.

There were also sales at Slievemweel, Tinahely for 42 acres and a house that made €360,000 or €8,500/acre; 47 acres near Redcross averaged €4,400/acre or €210,000 and a 41.5-acre block of land at Walkers Rock, Enniskerry was knocked down at €305,000 or €7,300/acre.

Other private sales were conducted at €17,700/acre and €17,000/acre, respectively, for two fine properties, both in excess of 100 acres, with a residence each and buildings; a small parcel in the Tinahely area averaged €14,000/acre; 20 acres in the Kiltegan area made €8,500/acre, while an 85-acre block of land averaged €8,400/acre.

Our analysis shows that of the 18 transactions recorded, nine farms made less than €10,000/acre, with just three surpassing the €15,000/acre mark. The average for farms comprising 40 acres or more was higher at €11,400/acre compared to the equivalent figure for parcels less than 40 acres which recorded an average of €10,100/acre.