‘I bid €50,000 over the guide price… Was the rival buyer even real?’‘Rumours are swirling that the rival was a phantom… and now I’ve gone sale agreed but I fear I’m going to get gazumped by a developer. What legal comebacks do I have?’'Just because someone has placed a higher bid does not mean that their bid will be accepted'. Photo: Brian FarrellMary Frances Fahy Today at 06:30Query: Dear Mary Frances, I’m writing because I feel like I’ve been completely played in a recent bidding war for a piece of land (less than 20ac) and an old cottage near my home village.

Source: Irish Independent February 17, 2026 11:30 UTC