Auctioneer nets €790,000 for sale of former garda stations

An online auction of properties in Galway netted more than €2.2 million worth of sales last week.

The O’Donnellan & Joyce virtual auction took place behind closed doors, and according to auctioneer Colm O’Donnellan, thousands of people tuned in to the live stream online.

“After a busy four weeks of advertising and open viewings, it is not surprising there was a huge amount of interest shown from both local investors and ex-pats scattered across the globe who were tempted by the little piece of home that was on offer.

“Telephone and internet bids were received from those who watched online and bid from around Ireland, the UK, the US, Europe and Australia,” he said.

Three former garda stations – in Leenane, Maam Cross and Corrandulla – sold for a total of more than €790,000.

The highlights of the day were in County Galway and in particular, the Connemara region.

“It is not surprising at the level of value that was on offer, that these semi-derelict properties sold well in excess of their reserve prices.  Galway City properties both residential and commercial attracted a huge amount of interest from investors, first time buyers and owner occupiers alike,” said Mr O’Donnellan.

Some of the city properties which attracted significant interest included 14 Bridgewater Court in the Claddagh, a two-bed apartment close to Spanish Arch. Bidding opened at €168,000 and after eight bids, the property was sold for €180,000.

“Despite the strong demand for apartments in the city, this property is a great example that superb value can still be got and that the auction method of buying can very often swing in the purchaser’s favour,” Mr O’Donnellan said.

The former garda station and resident in Leenane – a 1,200 sq ft of living space alongside Killary fjord with the former station idea as a craft shop, medical practive or home office – saw bidding open at €70,000, which was the Advised Minimum Value (AMV).

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

Get the Connacht Tribune Live app

The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.