Weekly Irish property market news and insights – for the industry, by the industry
Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh – Happy New Year to all!
Before we get stuck into the general property news of the week, below are the local and international stories that might be of particular interest:
- In 2021, Property District opened a new office in County Galway to complement our Dublin offering and all communications (including social media content, placemaking public consultation and crisis communications) will be available through English and Irish language. The timing of this is critical given that – since January 1st 2022 – Irish is now a full, official EU language following a period of derogation since 2007 https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022/0101/1269377-eu-irish-official-language/
- Crisis of supply in housing laid bare by stark new figures https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40774344.html
- EU institutions cannot ignore escalating house prices and unaffordable rents in Ireland and in other member states. They cannot continue to tolerate property speculation… https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/the-eu-and-housing-crisis-1.4766088
- New house builds may dampen rapid rise of house prices and rents https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-40774251.html
- ‘Severe’ supply constraints causing house prices to surge: While commencement activity has expanded since the reopening of construction sites in 2021, activity in many areas outside of Dublin remains substantially below what is required https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/arid-40775742.html
- Families highlight ‘horrific’ student accommodation shortage: ‘If we had all the money in the world, we still wouldn’t be able to find him anywhere to live’ https://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/families-highlight-horrific-student-accommodation-shortage-1.4762966
- Landlords selling up account for almost one in four home sales: Average house prices rose by 2.24% nationally in the last three months of year, slower than increases recorded earlier in the year. https://www.thejournal.ie/landlords-selling-one-in-four-home-sales-5644017-Jan2022/
- Vacant pubs to be turned into homes in bid to solve housing crisis: The housing minister is to expand a scheme that allows vacant commercial units to be used as homes to include pubs in a move which, he said, could help ease homelessness https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-40774947.html
- Householders can stay in Donegal during refurbishments, says taoiseach https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/householders-can-stay-in-donegal-during-refurbishments-says-taoiseach-9gnkpd5qv
- Owners of defective homes concerned thousands may be excluded from scheme: An estimated 92,000 apartments built during boom could be affected by legacy defects https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/owners-of-defective-homes-concerned-thousands-may-be-excluded-from-scheme-1.4765021
- Role of overseas investment in housing is overstated, says Taoiseach: Martin says private investment is important but State is providing the bulk of funding https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/role-of-overseas-investment-in-housing-is-overstated-says-taoiseach-1.4764440 Also: Martin hits out at ‘overly simplistic’ narrative around [*INVESTMENT] funds and investors https://www.newstalk.com/news/martin-hits-out-at-overly-simplistic-narrative-around-cuckoo-funds-and-investors-1293507
- Wealthy non-EU visa-seekers pump €62m into Irish social housing in November: Immigrant Investor Programme gets massive influx of cash as landlords avail of ‘de-risked’ social home leasing initiatives https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/wealthy-non-eu-visa-seekers-pump-eur62m-into-irish-social-housing-in-november-9ca57d02
- The ECB and housing policy https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/the-ecb-and-housing-policy-1.4763861
- Three-quarters of Focus Ireland’s Cork complex empty six months after ‘misunderstood’ opening: Focus Housing said: “We are doing everything possible to get the remaining apartments tenanted as quickly as possible.” https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40773606.html
- Government must fast-track the new elective hospitals and that consideration should be given to utilising the private sector to design, build and finance the projects, with the State repaying the costs over a long-term period. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40775031.html
- ‘It’s crazy here’: Irish abroad discover Ireland is not alone in having housing issues: Irish people living abroad discover big differences in terms of the availability, quality, and cost of housing — infinity pool, anyone? But they also encounter similar problems including undersupply https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-40776486.html
- We went into 2021 with five main retail banks, who between them had a sizeable branch footprint all over the country. And we will exit it with two of those banks on their way out the door and dozens fewer branches. https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1266728/
- Five economic flashpoints to watch out for in 2022: Soaring housing prices and rents https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/five-economic-flashpoints-to-watch-out-for-in-2022-1.4754189
- Fund investors toast a vintage year full of sparkling equities: Supply chain woes and inflation jitters were among the reasons to be fearful in 2021 but significant gains could still be made in the markets https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/fund-investors-toast-a-vintage-year-full-of-sparkling-equities-lml72krnn
- Almost €250m spent on Dublin Metro projects and still nothing set in stone https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40773486.html
- Irish wind energy developer plans to raise almost €250m: Seven Irish wind projects could generate enough green energy for 208,000 homes https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/irish-wind-energy-developer-plans-to-raise-almost-250m-41201780.html
- Intel set to confirm that €80bn plant won’t be built here: Ireland’s strained energy infrastructure and potential delays in the planning system may have influenced the likely decision https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/intel-set-to-confirm-that-eur80bn-plant-wont-be-built-here-5f943b6f
- Hold the fort: Phoenix Park’s military ‘town’ to get facelift fit for a Magazine: Dublin city landmark, which has fallen into dereliction, to be restored and opened to public https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/hold-the-fort-phoenix-park-s-military-town-to-get-facelift-fit-for-a-magazine-1.4764410
- Treasure trove includes record for almost all land in Ireland: Tentative steps being taken to open up Land Commission’s vast files to public https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/treasure-trove-includes-record-for-almost-all-land-in-ireland-1.4762067
- The Property District team have been researching the Irish construction legacy globally, here is another interesting example: Savannah Archives: Millionaire Eugene Kelly financed 1877 construction of Gamble Building https://amp.savannahnow.com/amp/6501590001
- Watch back: Webinar on Dublin City Council’s Dublin District Heating System https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eAEW57_izvc&feature=youtu.be
- The biggest architecture and design stories of 2021 https://www.dezeen.com/2021/12/31/biggest-architecture-design-stories-review-2021/
- 12 design and architecture books to get excited about in 2022: From videogames and movie theaters to Copenhagen and Marrakech, there’s something in here for everyone https://www.fastcompany.com/90709319/12-design-and-architecture-books-to-get-excited-about-in-2022
If you missed last week’s round-up, you can catch up here: https://propertydistrict.ie/sunday-roundup/
As always, you might let me know if I have missed out on any relevant property news by emailing carol@propertydistrict.ie.
(Apologies in advance for any typos, it’s difficult to get good help on a Sunday. Also, I use voice to text dictation so just sound out anything that really doesn’t make sense in a strong rural accent and that should help!)
SUNDAY LISTEN
Property Matters: Ireland’s first weekly property radio show and podcast, which launched in January 2019 on Dublin South FM 93.9 and is now available internationally via iTunes and Spotify podcast (www.iPropertyRadio.com), returned last month for a fourth season. The team delivers 60 minutes of industry chat weekly with guests from the areas of planning, construction, property and proptech.
*Listen back to some of the best shows of 2021 at: https://ipropertyradio.com
Former LDA Chair, John Moran: https://youtu.be/Sd9U_TDaZJ4
Proptech for architects: https://youtu.be/LQAFt8UpaqI
Property valuations post-Covid: https://youtu.be/2xE83KEtMMk
Email the Property Matters team at info@propertydistrict.ie
PLACEMAKING
PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- “radical participation” aiming to accelerate and scale action through distributing decision-making and responsibility among residents, academia, civil society organisations and the private sector, ceding some of the city’s own power in the process. https://cities-today.com/leuven-harnesses-the-power-of-radical-participation/
- We must build beautiful urban structures: City planners must nurture streetscapes and make aesthetically guided decisions https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/michael-mcdowell-we-must-build-beautiful-urban-structures-1.4764959
- Dublin’s Victorian markets left to rot while hotels shoot up: Historic Fruit and Vegetable Market used as storage space by Hilton hotel builders https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/una-mullally-dublin-s-victorian-markets-left-to-rot-while-hotels-shoot-up-1.4763194 (pictured)
- Dublin’s Seaside Dalkey Enclave Boasts Water and Mountain Vistas: The area is popular among affluent professionals, and boasts laid-back eateries and good schools https://www.mansionglobal.com/amp/articles/dublins-seaside-dalkey-enclave-boasts-water-and-mountain-vistas-01641043571
- Sandymount school to take court action against apartment development: Apartments on former petrol station site would overlook playground and classrooms https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/sandymount-school-to-take-court-action-against-apartment-development-1.4765554
- Opposers to D3 build-to-rent scheme will not appeal court decision: Alfonso Bonilla and Rob Curley, architects who objected to the residential project, said they decided not to pursue a judicial review after receiving legal advice on potentially onerous costs https://www.businesspost.ie/Planning/group-opposing-d3-build-to-rent-scheme-will-not-appeal-court-decision-13cdaae6
- SINN Fein set to go to war with Conor McGregor in a bid to halt his new multi-million euro building scheme. The UFC star plans to build hundreds of build-to-rent apartments after splashing out €19million on a site along the Grand Canal in Drimnagh, Dublin https://www.thesun.ie/news/8132660/sinn-fein-oppose-conor-mcgregor-housing-plans/amp/
- Plans outlined to improve Mayo access to Galway city https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2021/12/27/plans-outlined-to-improve-mayo-access-to-galway-city/
- The transport minister has declined to give government support for the Galway city ring road, which recently got approval from the planning regulator. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ring-road-still-to-get-green-light-from-minister-dp32f2z0n
- Consultants sought to help Tralee find its way: Strategy to increase visitor numbers through better signage and linking amenities https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-40774275.html
- Tipperary to address vacant properties with branding campaign https://tippfm.com/news/tipperary-address-vacant-properties-branding-campaign/
*PLACEengage: The future of speedy, successful placemaking for property developers is here – Property developers and project owners ready Public Consultation are encouraged to contact the PLACEengage team for full details* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdwwKy4MA_4
CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT NEWS
- Ireland sees number of work-related deaths sink to 32-year low https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40775385.html
- ‘Construction sites will not be closed again,’ minister vows as targets missed: Darragh O’Brien says house-building won’t be stalled by Covid because safety protocols are now in place https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/construction-sites-will-not-be-closed-again-minister-vows-as-targets-missed-41185458.html
- We have enough plans, now is the time to deliver houses: Following a turbulent year, Conor O’Connell of the Construction Industry Federation explores the outlook for the construction sector https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-40774647.html
- Is 2022 the year when housing scales up? Potential homebuyers with months’ worth of pandemic savings are still stymied by a lack of supply and spiralling building costs. What can the government do to help? https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/is-2022-the-year-when-housing-scales-up-9clhqr33s
- New apprenticeships aimed at bridging skills gaps across economy: Expansion to include farming, construction and logistics programmes https://www.irishtimes.com/business/innovation/new-apprenticeships-aimed-at-bridging-skills-gaps-across-economy-1.4766101
- Build-to-rent tower planned on top of Arnotts car park: 12-storey apartment block would be located just off O’Connell Street near GPO https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/build-to-rent-tower-planned-on-top-of-arnotts-car-park-1.4763979
- O’Brien told to rethink plans for 15-storey tower in Dublin: The tycoon’s proposed structure at Grand Canal Quay has been given the thumbs-down by city planners https://www.businesspost.ie/Planning/obrien-told-to-rethink-plans-for-15-storey-tower-in-dublin-5133f8d8
- The 31 single-storey units, in addition to a communal facility, will be provided at Kilhedge Lane by Fingal County Council and managed by Tuath Housing https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/fingal/sheltered-housing-development-approved-for-lusk-at-kilhedge-lane-41186536.html
- Plans lodged for almost 1,200 new homes in Cork ahead of change in legislation: They are part of a deluge of schemes under Strategic Housing Development legislation that bypass local authorities and go straight to An Bord Pleanála https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40773546.html
- Plans mooted for two separate developments in Cork city: One of the proposals comprises 685 residential units while the other includes 222 bedspaces. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40774458.html
- Penneys defends its Cork redevelopment plan over the loss of retail units: Fashion retailer said its plans to increase size of its St Patrick’s St store by 50% will help reduce the number of vacant premises in the city centre https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-40774149.html
- Plans afoot for close to 300 homes in Cork village: The applicant is seeking permission for the construction of 201 houses along with 88 apartments, a crèche and associated site works. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40774230.html
- Planning lodged for €60m children’s hospital at CUH: Plans for major expansion of hospital’s intensive care facilities and theatre capacity also well advanced https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40776201.html
- Council gives green light to plans to redevelop Queen’s Old Castle in Cork: The proposed development includes plans to construct an office block that will have the capacity to cater for more than 900 employees. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40773870.html
- Housing scheme at former Cork hospital site starts in new year: Over 260 homes are to be built on the 14-acre site on the north side of the Cork city https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40774692.html
- Tesco apply to build new store with cafe and takeaway outlets in North Cork town: They’re also planning to do landscaping on a ‘public plaza’ https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/tesco-apply-build-new-store-22599905
- Planning permission sought for 101 apartments in Oranmore https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/housing/torca-oranmore-apartment/. (Pictured)
- Proposal for expansion of Galway Technology Centre approved by city planners https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/proposal-for-expansion-of-galway-technology-centre-approved-by-city-planners/
- Plans submitted for 111 houses and apartments in Claregalway https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/housing/plans-submitted-for-111-houses-and-apartments-in-claregalway/
- Expansion plans submitted for popular Galway hotel https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/expansion-plans-submitted-for-popular-galway-hotel/
- Huge Gort housing development could see 62 new homes built beside river: If approved, the plans will see the development built adjacent to Gort River https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/galway-news/huge-gort-housing-development-could-6410682
- Controversial Aldi expansion in Oranmore sparks objection as residents say plans put history at risk: Plans would see 39 more parking spaces added to the development – but some people aren’t happy https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/galway-news/controversial-aldi-expansion-oranmore-sparks-6426166
- Plans submitted for new supermarket in Athenry https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/plans-submitted-for-new-supermarket-in-athenry/
- Plans for significant Longford housing development https://www.longfordleader.ie/news/property/712885/plans-for-significant-longford-housing-development.html
- Work is finally to begin on an eyesore derelict apartment block at the entrance to Rosses Point. https://m.independent.ie/regionals/sligochampion/news/eyesore-flats-at-entrance-to-rosses-point-to-be-finished-41188931.html
- Work starts on €36m residential project in Kill, Co Kildare https://www.kildarenow.com/news/local-news/711360/work-starts-on-36m-residential-project-in-kill-co-kildare.html
- Terraced houses replacing Portlaoise farm shed rejected by planners https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/local-news/712293/terraced-houses-replacing-portlaoise-farm-shed-rejected-by-planners.html
- New housing project signalled for Ferbane https://www.offalyindependent.ie/2021/12/27/new-housing-project-signalled-for-ferbane/
- Arup builds up profits in show of resilience https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/arup-builds-up-profits-in-show-of-resilience-3lwhs86fr
- How Kingspan’s PR fiasco reignited public anger over Grenfell: The announcement earlier this month that its logo would appear on the panels of the Formula 1 car driven by Lewis Hamilton and on the cars of other Mercedes-AMG Petronas drivers marks one of the biggest public relations fiascos to be faced by a large Irish company in recent times https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-40775433.html
- Architecture’s golden couple shaping spaces across the world: Their paths first crossed at a UCD disco. They’ve gone on to win architecture’s top prizes. Sheila O’Donnell and John Tuomey of O’Donnell + Tuomey talk to Home editor Eve Kelliher https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandoutdoors/arid-40775967.html
PROPTECH, MMC & CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION
- Proptech Ireland is updating the database of 2022 Irish technology providers for the built environment – From smart design and planning right through to the smart property transaction, where does your Irish-led or Ireland-based proptech or MMC business sit? Pease take five minutes to add or update your details to our internationally-shared listing here: SIGN UP HERE: *PROPTECH INNOVATORS and STARTUPS *
- The Metaverse Land Rush Is an Illusion: The “real estate of the future” is plagued by buggy software, empty servers, and huge opportunities for abuse. https://www.wired.com/story/metaverse-land-rush-illusion/
- The biggest tech trends of 2022, according to over 40 experts: “2022 will be the year that numerous [mixed-reality glasses] products will be announced…” https://www.fastcompany.com/90704618/the-biggest-tech-trends-of-2022
- From EVs to cryptocurrency, real estate cannot ignore ‘Tech’s big gamechangers in the year ahead’ https://m.independent.ie/business/technology/techs-big-gamechangers-in-the-year-ahead-41201735.html
- Climate tech got an enormous cash infusion in 2021: The sector saw investments of nearly $50 million, and analysts say who is investing—and the risk they’re willing to take—is changing. https://www.fastcompany.com/90704445/climate-tech-got-an-enormous-cash-infusion-in-2021
- Climate tech investment is soaring this year — but might not be going to the right areas, PwC says https://www-cnbc-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.cnbc.com/amp/2021/12/14/climate-tech-investment-is-soaring-this-year-pwc.html
- VC’s unwritten rules are keeping founders in the dark. It’s time to call them out: Unwritten rules in venture capital are used to exclude founders who aren’t in the know. This has to stop. https://sifted.eu/articles/unwritten-rules-vc-founders/
- Third-Party Property Management Isn’t as Simple as It Seems https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/399672
- Four Reasons Commercial Real Estate Leaders Should Commit To ESG https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/12/27/four-reasons-commercial-real-estate-leaders-should-commit-to-esg/
- The Property Line: Year In Review – Enduring Trends From 2021 – Real Estate and Construction https://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/real-estate/1144418/the-property-line-year-in-review-enduring-trends-from-2021
- Switzerland based Proptech Firm Properti Partners with Houzy to Serve Digital Real Estate Market https://www.crowdfundinsider.com/2021/12/184940-switzerland-based-proptech-firm-properti-partners-with-houzy-to-serve-digital-real-estate-market/
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)
- Property prices rose by almost 8% in 2021 – report: The report shows the smallest increases were in cities. https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1268970/
- The biggest home sales of 2021 as the pandemic failed to dampen demand: Review of some of the year’s biggest sales with a heady mix of frothy, €1m+ houses sales https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-40775850.html
- House prices set to grow by up to 8% in 2022, Sherry FitzGerald says: State’s largest estate agent predicts inflation in Dublin will moderate with new builds https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/house-prices-set-to-grow-by-up-to-8-in-2022-sherry-fitzgerald-says-1.4766076
- Number of homes for sale at all-time low as prices soar https://amp.extra.ie/2021/12/29/property/number-homes-sale-all-time-low
- There’s little doubt that 2021 will be a standout year when it comes to property price increases. https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1269079/
- Foreign buyers now account for half of Irish country home purchases: Ireland’s beauty combined with increased remote working suits high-earning buyers https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-40775952.html
- More headaches for renters as landlords flee the market in greater numbers: New statistics reveal a full quarter of all Irish family homes sold in the past three months were sold by landlords. https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/news/more-headaches-for-renters-as-landlords-flee-the-market-in-greater-numbers-41199548.html
- House prices in County Galway soar by almost 16% in 2021 https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/housing/house-prices-in-county-galway-soar-by-almost-16-in-2021/
- Millennials feel infantilised, frustrated and rightfully angry: The Irish State used to provide decent-sized affordable homes to young people so they could live independent fulfilling lives and giving this country a future. Now we must do it again https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-40771548.html
- Housing rents that rise 25% every five years are not sustainable: At a time of population growth, the decline in the stock of properties in the private rental sector is creating knock-on problems https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-40774209.html
- Flight of small landlords will worsen Dublin housing crisis – estate agent Owen Reilly says small landlords accounted for more than 60% of its sellers in 2021 https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/flight-of-small-landlords-will-worsen-dublin-housing-crisis-estate-agent-1.4764474
- Irish mortgage expert gives top tips on how to buy your first home in 2022: Mortgage Broker Eoin O’Connor reveals all the things first-time buyers need to get in order before they apply for a mortgage https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/irish-mortgage-expert-gives-top-25765546.amp
- Are local authorities doing enough to bring empty houses back into use? https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/are-local-authorities-doing-enough-to-bring-empty-houses-back-into-use-klvcx8092
- Proposals to give first time buyers a grant to buy derelict and abandoned homes were discarded by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, it has emerged. https://amp.extra.ie/2022/01/01/property/derelict-homes-grant
- Trophy homes defy the gloom to fetch millions: The resilience of the real estate sector this past few months was especially apparent at the top end of the market https://www.businesspost.ie/residential/property-review-trophy-homes-defy-the-gloom-to-fetch-millions-a088510a
- €11.5m for a house in Irish countryside bought by man with Tipperary roots https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/home/711443/2021-rewind-11-5m-for-a-house-in-irish-countryside-bought-by-man-with-tipperary-roots.html (pictured)
- This 300-Year-Old Irish Estate Was the Lifelong Home of Noted Irish Watercolorist Mildred Anne Butler: Amenities at the 90-acre estate in Ireland’s County Kilkenny include a walled garden, a lake and a new indoor pool https://www.mansionglobal.com/amp/articles/this-300-year-old-irish-estate-was-the-lifelong-home-of-noted-irish-watercolorist-mildred-anne-butler-01640693838
- The Predictions Are In: 12 Home Decor Trends We’ll See in 2022- Did someone say curvy furniture and nature-inspired hues? Yes, we did https://food52.com/blog/26922-top-interior-design-trends-2022
- Historic year for O’Donnellan and Joyce auction department https://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/126602/historic-yea
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS
- Market owner takes aim at landlords over pandemic rents: ‘Disconnect’ has left its mark on Dublin from boarded-up shops https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/market-owner-takes-aim-at-landlords-over-pandemic-rents-pn756vf82 (pictured)
- La Touche House office block in IFSC to get €50m green revamp: Building is predicted to offer ‘near-perfect’ indoor climate once work is completed https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/la-touche-house-office-block-in-ifsc-to-get-50m-green-revamp-1.4764537
- Starwood Property Trust, an American real estate investment company and lender, has backed the refinancing of Paddy McKillen Jr’s hotel interests.Starwood is the primary lender in a deal which was facilitated by Trimont Real Estate Advisors, an international asset manager of “complex performing and non-performing credit” on behalf of property lenders. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/paddy-mckillen-jr-refinances-hotels-znm2nghds
- Henderson Park acquires Amaris hotel platform to create Klarent Hospitality https://www.thecaterer.com/news/henderson-park-acquires-amaris-hotel-platform-create-klarent-hospitality
- Philip Lee to hire more than 50 lawyers amid Dublin HQ move: Jonathan Kelly predicts another strong year for M&A activity in the Republic next year https://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/philip-lee-to-hire-more-than-50-lawyers-amid-dublin-hq-move-1.4765610
- Dublin pubs: Historic boozer that featured in Ulysses up for sale: The pub was also associated with the 1798 Rebellion, and the hangmen of the Newgate Prison, which was located nearby https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/dublin-pubs-historic-boozer-featured-22610848
- Plans for Vita Cortex site include apartments and a discount supermarket: An apartment block and a discount retail store have featured in pre-planning talks in relation to the future of the former Vita Cortex facility https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40773558.html
- Dunnes Stores ‘interested’ in opening at Naas Shopping Centre https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/711415/breaking-dunnes-stores-interested-in-opening-at-naas-shopping-centre.html
- Kildare Co Council to take action over vandalised former Curragh Post Office: Enforcement action mooted https://www.kildarenow.com/news/local-news/711362/kildare-co-council-to-take-action-over-vandalised-former-curragh-post-office.html
- Former Irish Nationwide boss Michael Fingleton faces fraud claims over hotel deal https://amp.extra.ie/2022/01/02/news/irish-news/michael-fingleton-fraud-claims-hotel
INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS
- Home-seekers despair as affordable property vanishes from UK hotspots https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/dec/26/home-seekers-despair-as-affordable-property-vanishes-from-uk-hotspots
- UK lender allows homebuyers to borrow seven times salary: Habito’s mortgage terms could revive wider concerns over responsible lending practices https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/dec/27/fears-of-higher-uk-home-prices-as-habito-launches-7x-mortgage
- Shortages and planning delays hinder UK housebuilding – survey: Home Builders Federation report says target of 300,000 homes a year by mid-2020s looks doubtful https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/dec/27/housebuilding-uk-survey-shortages-planning-delays
- New owners of Selfridges plan luxury hotel at flagship London store: Austrian-Thai group also buying Brown Thomas and Arnotts https://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/new-owners-of-selfridges-plan-luxury-hotel-at-flagship-london-store-1.4765960
- Third of renters in London plan to quit the capital for more space https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2021/12/third-of-renters-in-london-plan-to-quit-the-capital-for-more-space
- The abandoned villages of Wales and the stories behind them: You won’t even find some of them on a map https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/abandoned-villages-wales-stories-behind-22332771 (pictured)
- Mary Arnold-Forster Architects designs barn-like structures for own office and home in rural Scotland https://www.dezeen.com/2021/12/22/mary-arnold-forster-architects-fungarth-house-office-scotland/. (Pictured)
- Inside Jeff Bezos’s Massive Real Estate Portfolio: The Amazon founder has invested hundreds of millions into properties all across the U.S. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/inside-jeff-bezoss-massive-real-estate-portfolio
FACEBOOK GROUP FOR IRISH PROPERTY BUYERS & INVESTORS
Crowd-sourcing answers topical property questions:
As many of you might know, my annual property book The Irish Property Buyers’ Handbook (since 2011) was rebranded in 2018 and now appears as part of The Property Insider series, published by Oak Tree Press, the first three titles are now published and available here: https://www.amazon.com/Carol-Tallon/
From 2020, the publishers and I wanted to ensure the content remains topical and we are now doing this by crowd-sourcing home buyer and investor queries, with crowd-sourced and editorial team answers.
Join the Facebook Group here to contribute: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IrishPropertyBuyers/