Zoned land is more in demand, certainly as you move closer to Dublin. This is well reflected in the price of 211 acres in Little Connell, Newbridge, Kildare. Firstly, almost 98 acres of this 211-acre farm is zoned and the price tag is €4.25m.

However, the close proximity of the remaining 113 acres of unzoned land to the zoned ground shows the growing demand for land with potential development.

According to the auctioneer, the 113 acres (lot three) is believed to have serious potential to be zoned in the medium- to long-term. This has perked the ears of developers who have already expressed interest.

The guide on this 113 acres is €1.75m or almost €15,500/ac. Taking into consideration that 34 acres of this is woodland, the price tag is significant. But given the clientele looking at the holding, it is hardly surprising.

Speaking with the agent handling the sale, Johnny Harahan of Savills, he noted that the highest level of demand so far is for the entire package (lot one). He noted the main reason for this is that developers looking at lot two (the zoned land) will also see the future value of lot three (the unzoned ground).

Farmers have also enquired about lot three. The land itself here would be decent quality. Almost 80 acres is laid out in grass, with over 30 acres in woodland. For those looking into taking the holding for grazing livestock, investment would be needed in certain aspects of the land, such as fencing. It had been rented for the last number of years but it has been vacant since earlier this year.

The location of the land is very desirable, providing easy access to Newbridge, the M7 motorway network, Dublin and major cities

The guide of €1.75m or €15,500/ac includes hope value. The new Newbridge south orbital relief road runs through the lands and this is due for completion around the end of 2019.

This has caused certain wear and tear to the outside of the unzoned land that would need to be addressed if it is to be farmed.

The location of the land is very desirable, providing easy access to Newbridge, the M7 motorway network, Dublin and major cities.

The lots and guides

  • Lot one: 211 acres guided at €6m.
  • Lot two: 98 acres guided at €4.25m (zoned).
  • Lot three: 113 acres guided for €1.75m or €15,500/ac (unzoned).
  • The land is being offered via private treaty. It came to the market in April. While enquiries have been high, no formal bids have been placed as of yet, the auctioneer confirmed. C