Criticism as house buyers left 'high and dry' in Mayo town

Social Democrats housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan says the 'despicable practice' of so-called 'gazumping' in the property market must end. Picture: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

Mayo County Council has distanced itself from the sale of 14 homes in Ballinrobe, where purchasers have claimed they were left "high and dry".

A Facebook post by the estate agent handling Military Close in the Mayo town announced at the start of this month that the homes in Phase One of the site had sold out, but potential buyers were told last week that their deposits would be returned as the houses — 13 three-beds and one four-bed — had been sold to a single buyer instead.