THE appointment of Roy Keane will do more for Suffolk's property market than Alastair Darling in his budget, claims a leading estate agent.

Kate McGrath

THE appointment of Roy Keane will do more for Suffolk's property market than Alastair Darling in his budget, claims a leading estate agent.

It is expected that Tractor Roy will move down from Cheshire and start looking for a new home in the county for his wife Theresa and their five children.

David Bedford, founder of Bury St Edmunds based Bedfords estate agents and a Town season holder for more than 30 years, said there are plenty of top-end homes suitable for Keane, and in driving distance of Portman Road.

“It is a question of confidence in the housing market. I think the appointment of Roy Keane will probably do more for the property market than the Chancellor Alastair Darling did in his budget. He did precious little for the property market.”

Mr Bedford added: “It all adds to the feelgood factor here. The market was already improving before the Budget and hopefully it will continue.”

As well as the usual high-spec demands for a millionaires mansion, Keane will also need ample outside space to walk his famous Labrador, Triggs, who has been his trusted companion throughout his career.

He will also choose a home where he can escape the media glare and enjoy the privacy of the Suffolk countryside.

One property which may catch his eye is the Old Rectory at Ingham which is on the market for �1.55million with Bedfords.

The Grade II listed home sits in 2.5 acres with a tennis court and has seven bedrooms.

Another on the market with Bedfords is the Manor House in Garboldisham on the Suffolk/Norfolk border. Newly renovated with a modern interior, the property has a woodland and orchard and is on the market for �675,000.

Stanford House in Aldeburgh has unprecedented views over the sea and river and as Peter Ogilvie from Savills estate agents said 'has the best position in the town'. It has seven bedrooms, four reception rooms and is being sold for offers in the region of �2m.

Alex Paul, tourism manager at Choose Suffolk, said: “Anything that promotes the profile of Suffolk is a welcome boost.

“Football tourism is a real opportunity for the county, especially if we get in the Premiership.”