Auctioneers have reported strong demand for smaller land parcels in recent times and this pattern was evident in the Clonakilty area with prices ranging from €17,000/ac to €27,000/ac recently.

According to Clonakilty-based auctioneer, John Hodnett of Hodnett Forde, Clonakilty all three properties had farmer and business interest involved in the final shake up.

Ultimately, farmers ended up as the purchasers of all lots. He added that there was strong demand throughout with farmers interest putting a solid backbone to smaller land sales at present.

It was a noticeable difference to the corresponding time last year.

The three farms

There were three interested parties in the final shake up for 12 acres at Cruary West, Clonakilty. This demand resulted in the very impressive final sale price of €325,000 or €27,000/ac.

Just 5km east of Cruary, a sale of 11.5 acres at Ardgehane, Clonakilty, resulted in a selling price of €200,000 or almost €17,400/ac.

There was strong local interest in this package. The sale was concluded in a short time frame, the agent reported.

The final property was a 10-acre parcel at Youghals. This farm was situated almost half way between Clonakilty town and Inchydoney island, across the bay from the other two properties. This saw three interested parties in the mix and it went to a private auction. The hammer finally came down at €222,000 or €22,200/ac.