THE price of farmland seems to have stabilised, and, if anything, is showing a very marginal increase in some parts of the country, according to a report published yesterday by independent global property consultants Knight Frank Ireland, formerly Ganly Walters.

SALES of Irish farmland fell significantly in 2009 for the third year running, but there should be a levelling off by the end of this year, according to independent global property consultants Knight Frank Ireland.

SALES of Irish farmland fell significantly in 2008 for the second year running, which was in accordance with expectations.

KICKING off the new year sales was the possibly record-breaking result at auction for Beechy Park House at Rathvilly, Co Carlow.

The Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute, which represents about 2,000 qualified auctioneers, has called on the Government to fast-track the promised Property Services Regulatory Authority Bill, first introduced in 2006.

The President of the Irish Auctioneers and Values Institute has warned that people should be careful when choosing an estate agent.

FARMLAND prices levelled off last year in line with the residential market, according to a survey by Knight Frank.

PRICES paid for house sites plunged dramatically last year, with Dublin prices falling by up to 19% while plots in the rest of the country dropped by as much as 15%.

UNCERTAINTY over the state of the property market intensified yesterday as falling demand for homes led to a record 61% slump in the number of new houses being built.

THE EU’s decision to challenge Irish laws that restrict planning permission to locals living in the area, working in certain land-based occupations and speaking Irish has led to a clash between auctioneers and a Government MEP.

A RECORD price has been set for an Irish country house.