After three years at Sherry FitzGerald, news reaches the Block that David Ashmore, head of its Country Estates, Farms and all round Big Piles division is moving on to pastures new. Currently working out his notice with Sherry Fitz until the end of the year, in February Ashmore will take on a new role elsewhere. As with all things Ashmore – the eternal soul of discretion – the move is shrouded in secrecy. However, smart money is on a move to Sotheby's which we understand is to establish an affiliate in the Republic early in the new year.

Sotheby's international realty division remained tight-lipped about the details this week except to confirm a new licensed franchisee was expected to begin operating in the Republic in February. Ashmore's experience with Sherry FitzGerald as the Irish affiliate of Christies International would tick Sotheby's boxes when looking for someone to liaise with its international client base. Until now Northern Ireland-based Bill Montgomery acted as Irish affiliate for Sotheby's land deals on this side of the pond, so the move marks a real statement of intent by Sotheby's to capitalise on the current strength of the dollar and sterling against the euro and Ireland's attractiveness for international investors.

The exclusive and country homes market here is already well populated by a number of established players, so Sotheby’s arrival with its international credentials will certainly add pressure to a fairly finite pool.