‘Strong interest’ in Shackleton houses
Thursday, 30 October 2008
THE estate agent responsible for the sale of over 100 former military houses in Ballykelly has told the Constitution that there has been a 'strong interest' in the two sites, after they were placed on open market last week.
Michael McCafferty of Osborne King estate agents was speaking ahead of this Friday's open viewing of the houses, which are all within two secure enclosed units in the outskirts of the small County Londonderry town.
The houses became available following the closure of the Shackleton Army barracks in the spring and are expected to fetch upwards of £9 million.
One of the sites, which covers seven acres, includes 37 large officers' homes. On the other side there are 66 houses, 14 of which are detached and the rest semi-detached. Together, the sites make up just over 30 acres and are being sold freehold.
“In the space of just over a week we have had a strong interest in both of the sites", said Michael.
“At the minute people are enquiring on the particulars of the units and what exactly is there.
“This Friday we are having an open viewing between 2pm and 4pm and we are anticipating a good turnout. Walworth Drive will be open from 2pm-3pm and Foyle Drive from 3pm-4pm.
“The two sites are being offered on a formal tender basis and it's very much up to the successful buyer as to what they will do with them, of course subject to planning regulations.
“The tendering process for anyone with a mind to buying will remain open until Friday, January 30 next year."
Limavady Councillor Leslie Cubitt this week told the Limavady Constitution that he feared the selling of the properties would "further depress the local housing market." His prediction followed news that over housing 8,000 jobs have been lost or under threat due to the current economic slowdown across the province.
A Construction Employers' Federation (CHEF) survey of 200 Northern Ireland house builders indicated that 3,000 jobs had been lost in the past 12 months.
Councillor Cubitt said: "Why would a local builder even think about building homes when 103 houses are due to be placed on the local market.
“I have no doubt that we about to see the local housing market further depressed at a time when selling is particularly difficult.
“It would have been much better if these properties had been placed on the market as single lots, available only to first time buyers.
“This would have allowed people to get onto the property ladder at this difficult time. Hopefully, this is something that the successful buyer will consider."
