A Leitrim auctioneer says demand for property in the county is at one of the highest levels seen in the last 20 years.
Joe Brady's comment's come following the publication of a report by the CSO last week which found Leitrim had the highest proportion of vacant dwellings in the State, at 10.6 per cent.
However the local estate agent was shocked by this finding and questions what is considered to be a vacant dwelling.
He says most properties are selling within 5 weeks, hitting or exceeding asking prices with multiple bidders.
Joe believes the recent expansion of the croi conaithe scheme has been significant help to house buyers who purchase a home that has been vacant for two years.
The Leitrim Auctioneer says demand is high.
"I haven't seen this type of pressure for properties in my 23 years in this business. Everything we have for sale, we are selling it within 5 weeks, sometimes even quicker. Our uptake is form both local buyers, buyers from the east of the country, and also from the UK and a few other international countries. Those who have looked at building have got their quotes back and realised that it's cheaper to buy. Those in the east of country where any property is making €400,000 are looking here and saying that's cheap, I'll have that".
