A new report has revealed Cork and Wicklow are the most popular locations for country home buyers.

According to property consultants Savills Ireland, this suggests many of those seeking the benefits of country living are also looking to remain within arm’s reach of major cities.

Savills says its sales data for the €1m-plus price bracket supports this view, with a disproportionate number of transactions located in Dublin and neighbouring counties, and along national arterial routes.

This heat map shows increased transactions in several areas | Source: Savills

The report also highlighted that while domestic buyers account for a majority of country homes sales, the single biggest deal in each of the last three years was a cash purchase from the UK or US.

In addition, it notes a greater level of interest from American applicants - many of whom are looking to purchase a piece of family heritage here in Ireland.

High-net worth individuals from the United Arab Emirates and the Far East are also now beginning to show an interest in the Irish market.

“Buyers at the top end of the price spectrum highlight location as a top priority,” said Harriet Grant, Savills head of country homes.

“However, this group tends to be on the lookout for much grander homes with secondary accommodation and staff quarters, overlooking water, with 100 or more acres of mature parklands and, in many cases, adjoining equestrian facilities”, she added.

The report also found that 85% of its country homes sales over the last three years have been cash transactions.