Steve Rooney, a 43-year-old resident of Co Wexford, Ireland, is offering his €200,000 three-bedroom cottage via raffle to bypass estate agent fees and support a children's cancer charity.. The move aims to help his family relocate closer to Dublin while providing critical funding for the Children and Young People's Cancer Association.
Bypassing the €20,000 estate agent fee
Steve Rooney's decision to raffle his home is a direct protest against the traditional Irish property market and its associated costs. As reported by the Daily Mail, the 43-year-old expressed deep frustration with estate agents,claiming they "do nothing" but charge significant commissions. rooney argued that instead of paying an agent €20,000 for merely conducting house tours, those funds could be redirected to support charitable causes.
This move highlights a growing trend of individuals seeking to bypass traditional intermediaries in favor of direct-to-consumer models that offer more transparency and social utility. By opting for an online competition, Rooney is attempting to reclaim the equity that would otherwise be lost to service fees, turning a standard real estate transaction into a community-driven fundraising event.
A €200,000 cottage with €90,000 in renovations
The property being offered is a three-bedroom cottage located 10km from Enniscorthy in Co Wexford, situated on half an acre of land with a large garden and a mobile home. Set against a backdrop of stunning mountain views and just 15 minutes from the beach, the home has undergone €90 ,000 in recent renovations , including a new kitchen and updated flooring.
To maximize the raffle's appeal, the winner will also receive a comprehensive furniture and appliance package. this includes a 60-inch smart TV, a super king-sized bed, three double beds, an American-style fridge freezer, a dishwasher, an oven, a lawnmower, and various garden furniture. The goal is to provide a "mortgage-free life" for the winner, complete with everything needed to move in immediately.
Ulcerative colitis and the drive for a Dublin relocation
The motivation behind this unconventional sale is rooted in a struggle for family stability amidst a debilitating health crisis. Steve Rooney has spent years battling ulcerative colitis, a condition that has left him unable to work and has caused severe physical distress, including instances where his health reached a critical breaking point .
The family currently lives a fragmented life, with Rooney's wife, Clora, working in Dublin during the week while he remains in Co Wexford to care for their four daughters.. The raffle proceeds are intended to facilitate a move to Dublin, bringing the family together and providing the funds necessary for Rooney to pursue a psychology degree. For the Rooneys, the sale is a heartbreaking but necessary step to ensure their family can remain intact .
Will 120,000 tickets reach the Leicester-based charity?
Despite the emotional appeal, the logistics of the raffle present significant hurdles for the Rooney family. Rooney has set an ambitious target of selling 120,000 tickets at €10 each to ensure the project's financial viability. According to the report, 5% of the total sales will be donated to the Children and Young People's Cancer Association based in Leicester to help cover their fuel costs for a year.
However, two major questions remain unaddressed. First, can a grassroots campaign with "no budget to advertise" achieve the massive scale required to sell 120,000 tickets? Second, how will the legalities of a private property raffle be managed under Irish law? Without a massive viral surge, the family's plan to fund their relocation and their charitable contribution remains a significant gamble.
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