West Cork always has a special attraction to property purchasers from the UK

Overseas purchasers, especially from the United Kingdom, are continuing to be enticed to West Cork by the attractions of glorious sea views, rural tranquillity — and greatly reduced prices.

West Cork is almost a global brand, promoting its food, its relaxed way of life, walks and breathtaking vistas

Apart from its indigenous strengths for local and Irish buyers, it has also had a draw for Europeans for several decades, and it’s as multicultural a spot as you’ll find anywhere on the island of Ireland.

One set of buyers who’ve long had a love affair with west Cork, are the British, who had effectively been priced out of the market during the boom years of our Celtic Tiger; but now are accounting for a significant percentage of activity, especially in the more scenic coastal locations such as Baltimore, Glandore, Union Hall and Roaring Water Bay.

Most sales are to people buying holiday homes with a view to retiring here. The attractions include competitive prices, a low rate stamp duty, and the rate for sterling. These buyers want rural properties with space, sea views if they can get it, but — most of all — they are looking for peace and quiet.

West Cork gets a large proportion of traders-down from all over this country and from further afield, especially those seeking a more pastoral life, with its spectacular finger-like peninsulas unmatched by any other part of the island, and many are just over an hour’s drive off Cork airport too. Non-nationals and even Irish ‘blow-ins’ make a strong contribution to the community, and to local economies.

Read more details about United Kingdom holiday home market.