Premium prices demanded for mid-sized farms

A super 30-acre Carlow farm that was introduced to the market prior to Christmas is being guided for €330,000 or €11,000/ac.

The holding is located in Ratheadon, about 5km from Bagenalstown in Co Carlow.

The majority is top-quality Carlow ground, with circa four acres in need of attention.

For someone wishing to build a house and have a small hobby farm, or someone looking to expand an existing holding, this property would be ideal

This is according to agent Edmund Kearney of Edmund Kearney Auctioneers.

The Carlow-based auctioneer says that while the holding has a strong guide, it has great potential in a great location.

“For someone wishing to build a house and have a small hobby farm, or someone looking to expand an existing holding, this property would be ideal.

There is a lot of road frontage here and it really does offer super potential.”

The land here is currently in permanent pasture and the views of the surrounding countryside are second to none, says Kearney.

The holding is stock-proofed with a good fencing network and has a natural water supply.

It was previously owned by a suckler and sheep farmer, with sheep currently grazing on the paddocks.

- Anthony Jordan

Location and quality will always have a say in the guide and final price of a farm. Roscommon is a county where the price can vary from parish to parish.

The average in the county may be one of Ireland’s lowest, standing at €6,100/ac in 2017, however, some areas in the county have land that can easily surpass the €10,000/ac mark.

One such farm is the 43-acre farm in the south of the county currently available.

Brendan Naughton of Oates Auctioneers in Roscommon has brought to the market a 43-acre residential farm located in Cam, Brideswell, Co Roscommon.

The parcel, which is part of a rich vein of limestone-based land, is dry in nature and is split into nine fields by stone wall divisions

The lands are described as top-quality, have been actively farmed and are currently laid out in permanent pasture.

The farm presented in a number of grazing divisions and is located in an area renowned for sheep and beef production. It also contains a derelict house. Located about a 10-minute drive from Athlone, the farm is split by the R362 with approximately 30 acres contained in one block.

The parcel, which is part of a rich vein of limestone-based land, is dry in nature and is split into nine fields by stone wall divisions.

The smaller 13-acre parcel is located across the road from the main holding and is laid out narrower in depth but with extensive road frontage.

It is divided into two divisions by a small regional road. One section measures circa 10 acres and this is also home to a derelict bungalow residence.

Oates Auctioneers state there is strong interest in the parcel with a number of parties already engaged in discussions.

The parcel is guided in the region of €430,000 or €10,000/ac and is being handled by Oates Roscommon office.

- Darren Carty

There is little doubt that strong dairy areas in Co Cork are demanding a premium land price. Average land values in the county increased 15% in 2017 to almost €11,500/ac. The higher level of competition in 2018 was evident.

As auctioneers will tell you, once you have two strong farmers ‘outside the ditch’, high prices can be seen.

The 48-acre farm in Rathfelane, Templemartins comes on the market with significant interest. The holding is situated in a renowned farming heartland north of Bandon.

All in one block, this property is laid out in a number of good-sized divisions.

The 48 acres are split into 10 separate fields at present with scope for further subdivision if required.

This land block is centrally located in the county with the towns of Bandon and Macroom within a 20-minute drive

In recent years the land had an equine use with some of the ground on offer forming part of a hunter trials course.

Presently, the farm is in pasture and stubble.

The holding also benefits from excellent road frontage along its western boundary.

This land block is centrally located in the county with the towns of Bandon and Macroom within a 20-minute drive while you can also be in the heart of Cork city within half an hour.

The villages of Cloughduv and Crookstown are also close by. Agent for this sale, Ernest Forde described the farm as being as good as any other in the area and he also reported some good solid enquiries about it.

This sale is likely to appeal to an array of potential buyers across a spectrum of enterprises.

The guide price is in the region of €550,000 (€11,000/acre). It is being offered by private treaty.

- Tommy Moyles