Weekly Irish property market news and insights – for the industry, by the industry  

 

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: 

 

• Always leading a trend: Sean Mulryan, the founder and CEO of Ballymore Group, has made two investments in innovative technology companies, through the Mulryan family office, Ardenode Capital. https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/property-developer-sean-mulryan-invests-in-tech-firms-in-ireland-and-uk-41533581.html

 

• Looking forward to doing this course this summer through ⁦‪Common Knowledge! ‘How to build or renovate your own home’: One Australian wants to share his building skills with home-owners and would-be buyers https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/how-to-build-or-renovate-your-own-home-1.4839298

 

• Ireland’s nine billionaires increased collective wealth by €10.8bn last year: Stripe founders’ gains recognised on Forbes list of 2,668 people in ‘three comma club’ https://www.irishtimes.com/business/personal-finance/ireland-s-nine-billionaires-increased-collective-wealth-by-10-8bn-last-year-1.4845331 

 

• Exchequer faces €13bn hole as population ages – Finance https://www.irishtimes.com/business/media-and-marketing/exchequer-faces-13bn-hole-as-population-ages-finance-1.4843394 

 

• Central Bank cuts 2022 Irish growth forecast by a third amid Ukraine crisis: Regulator has also scaled back 2023 growth forecast to 4.3 per cent  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/central-bank-cuts-2022-irish-growth-forecast-by-a-third-amid-ukraine-crisis-1.4845487

 

• Housing for All: Q1 2022 Progress Report published https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/ad9f2-housing-for-all-q1-2021-progress-report-published/

 

• Affordable housing scheme for first-time buyers delayed: Initiative to speed up development of apartments in cities also pushed back https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/affordable-housing-scheme-for-first-time-buyers-delayed-1.4847161

 

• Think-tank says Land Development Agency needs powers to buy private land: Think-Tank for Action on Social Change claims housing policy is ‘a major failure’ https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/think-tank-says-land-development-agency-needs-powers-to-buy-private-land-1.4847507

 

• Residents in 40 HSE-run nursing homes living in unsuitable rooms: Residents in shared rooms with no protection from ‘noises or unpleasant odours’  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/residents-in-40-hse-run-nursing-homes-living-in-unsuitable-rooms-1.4848275

 

• Cost of addressing fire safety defects in apartments put at €17,000 per unit: Amount could double when other issues exist according to Government working group https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/cost-of-addressing-fire-safety-defects-in-apartments-put-at-17-000-per-unit-1.4846205

 

• Hilary Fannin: They’re building luxury flats nearby, but can these really be our new neighbours? They’re a terrifying-looking bunch, rocking a Stepford-wife vibe of pristine dentistry https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/hilary-fannin-they-re-building-luxury-flats-nearby-but-can-these-really-be-our-new-neighbours-1.4841076

 

• Meet the Dubliner selling New York sunset to super-rich property buyers  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/news/meet-the-dubliner-selling-new-york-sunset-to-super-rich-property-buyers-41538502.html

 

• Almost 3,000 offers of vacant properties to house refugees fail to materialise: Number is around 12% of 24,411 pledges made through the Irish Red Cross to date  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/almost-3-000-offers-of-vacant-properties-to-house-refugees-fail-to-materialise-1.4847538

 

• War in Ukraine poses major risk to State’s plan to ramp up housing supply to 33,000 homes a year  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/war-in-ukraine-poses-major-risk-to-states-plan-to-ramp-up-housing-supply-to-33000-homes-a-year-41525067.html

 

• 32,000 refugees could arrive here by Easter, amid concerns that up to 60pc of properties pledged by public are not suitable: Ministers told that 32,000 refugees could arrive in Ireland by Easter  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/news/32000-refugees-could-arrive-here-by-easter-amid-concerns-that-up-to-60pc-of-properties-pledged-by-public-are-not-suitable-41524179.html Also: Builders to warn of limited options to house refugees at crisis meeting: Construction figures to push back against plans for ‘prefab villages’ for Ukrainian refugees, fearing reputational damage  https://www.businesspost.ie/ukraine/builders-to-warn-of-limited-options-to-house-refugees-at-crisis-meeting-0ad99674

 

• HSE owns hundreds of unused buildings, figures show: Call for vacant infrastructure to be put into service or used as accommodation https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/hse-owns-hundreds-of-unused-buildings-figures-show-1.4843462

 

• Councillors concerned about zoning of land without knowledge of owners  https://connachttribune.ie/councillors-concerned-about-zoning-of-land-without-knowledge-of-owners/amp/

 

• Google: Data center moratorium makes further investments in Irish infrastructure “impossible”. Search giant warns de facto ban on new development sends out “wrong signals” on country’s digital ambitions  https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/google-data-center-moratorium-makes-further-investments-in-irish-infrastructure-impossible/

 

• 7 Castle Homes With Famous Owners https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/castle-homes-famous-owners/amp

 

• The Metaverse Will Upend Real-Estate Assets. Are You Ready? https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/423510

 

• How the Metaverse Will Design Our Cities  https://www.propmodo.com/how-the-metaverse-will-design-our-cities/

 

• Yes, innovation is supposed to be uncomfortable: Change is constant, evolution is continuous, and companies need to be adaptable to ensure future success  https://www.fastcompany.com/90736560/yes-innovation-is-supposed-to-be-uncomfortable

 

 

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

What started as #PropertyMatters, a single 60-minute show on Dublin South FM 93.9FM every Tuesday night, has now evolved into an online station hosting the very best construction, urban planning, property and proptech radio shows and podcasts from around the world. Our new website – produced by Hear Me Roar Media – launches later this month, offering audiences live and recorded access to global built environment content. To have your industry podcast included in the iPropertyRadio line-up, or to contribute as a guest on any of our shows, email the iPropertyRadio team at info@propertydistrict.ie

👉 Listen back to all shows at: https://ipropertyradio.com

This week on iPropertyRadio

In the Proptech Hot Seat this week is Recognyte CEO, John MacDonald, to discuss the role of AI in transforming real estate 

Watch: https://youtu.be/5E2yHt7E4Lw 

 

 

Produced by Hear Me Roar Media

👉 Listen back www.ipropertyradio.com

Email the Property Matters team at info@propertydistrict.ie 

 

 

PLACEMAKING

PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

 

• Planning sought for new Balbriggan urban quarter: The Land Development Agency plans to build more than 800 affordable homes, amenities and green space overlooking the Irish Sea  https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/planning-sought-for-new-balbriggan-urban-quarter-a4877339

 

• City golf courses are a sinful waste of space. By building on the centrally-located Dublin courses, we could accommodate 250,000 and make a dent in the housing crisis. https://thecurrency.news/articles/79583/lets-bulldoze-city-golf-courses-and-make-better-use-of-the-land/

 

• The hunger for land behind the wrecking of Ireland’s ‘Big Houses’  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/the-hunger-for-land-behind-the-wrecking-of-irelands-big-houses-41517490.html (pictured)

 

• 3Olympia may retain ‘iconic’ red exterior as Council rejects elements of planned changes to facade: The application sought to have the red exterior repainted grey as well as a new art deco arch built. https://www.thejournal.ie/olympia-theatre-red-exterior-5731892-Apr2022/

 

• Clean Air Zone Declared In Cork City Centre  https://corksafetyalerts.com/news/clean-air-zone-declared-in-cork-city-centre/

 

• The West Cork island that almost became its own country: There were 237 citizens ready to sign up to be part of the new nation  https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/west-cork-island-almost-became-23627360

 

• Residents outline opposition to proposal to allow new houses closer to foreshore  https://connachttribune.ie/residents-outline-opposition-to-proposal-to-allow-new-houses-closer-to-foreshore/amp/

 

• Nine world city ideas that would transform Galway from ‘Superblocks’ to 15-minute plan: Galway can learn a lot from what others have already implemented  https://www.galwaybeo.ie/culture/nine-world-city-ideas-would-6905309

 

• IT’S full steam ahead with plans for the regeneration of Clifden as ‘Connemara’s capital’ in what will be a three-pronged plan to make the town a lot more people- and visitor-friendly.  https://connachttribune.ie/clifden-set-for-whole-new-look/

 

• Over 30 new social homes outfitted in Galway after €1.5m left in will  https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/over-30-new-social-homes-outfitted-in-galway-after-e1-5m-left-in-will/

 

• Call made to bring apartment complex in Limerick city into public ownership  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/785522/call-made-to-bring-apartment-complex-in-limerick-city-into-public-ownership.html

 

• Mayo affordable housing questionnaire now open  https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2022/04/05/mayo-affordable-housing-questionnaire-now-open/

 

• Affordable Housing breakthrough for Co Longford: Council invited to make a submission for Longford town  https://www.longfordleader.ie/news/home/783152/affordable-housing-breakthrough-for-co-longford.html

 

• Locals look to buy iconic Dingle cinema to make it a community hub: Group of Dingle locals have come together to figure out how to save the Phoenix Cinema. They want to purchase the cinema and give it back to the community, as a multifunctional arts space  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40848152.html

 

 

 

*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

• Energy efficiency: Just 19 firms signed up for scheme to retrofit up to 70,000 homes https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40844873.html

 

• Contracts tendered by Government departments for works are falling woefully short of including so-called “green criteria”, with less than a fifth doing so, according to a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40847426.html

 

• Disappointing Level of Land Sales Completed in Q1 2022 https://www.irishrealestate.news/disappointing-level-of-land-sales-completed-in-q1-2022/ 

 

 

• First-quarter land deals drop to €70m despite developer demand  https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/first-quarter-land-deals-drop-to-70m-despite-developer-demand-41527932.html

 

• Developers set up funds to provide alternative loans for other builders: Mm Capital’s Elgin Property Finance aims to provide €300 million, while NI developer Gareth Graham’s Belfast Commercial Funding has already loaned €34 million to Irish construction  https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/developers-set-up-funds-to-provide-alternative-loans-for-other-builders-f1839f14

 

• Timber price up 35pc with further rises likely due to war pressure: Shortage across Europe has become a huge challenge for our house builders but has created an opportunity for Ireland’s saw mills    https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/timber-price-up-35pc-with-further-rises-likely-due-to-war-pressure-41533611.html

 

• Controversial MetroLink works under investigation by Dublin City Council.The construction for the foundations for the proposed Charlemont stop of the underground rail system began a number of weeks ago despite the project not being granted a Railway Order https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/controversial-metrolink-works-under-investigation-23593062.amp

 

• Old challenges bringing new opportunities to construction: The latest IHBA Housebuilding Summit highlighted the long road to meeting Ireland’s housing shortage, but in a time of great change comes great opportunities https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial-reports/old-challenges-bringing-new-opportunities-to-construction-59d2e00a

 

• €1.7bn children’s hospital bill to rise further over inflation: Construction costs expected to rise again due to the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine  https://www.businesspost.ie/health/eur17bn-childrens-hospital-bill-to-rise-further-over-inflation-7f1e061a

 

• Tik Tok to open €600m European data centre in Ireland: Video-sharing service investing more than initially expected  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/tik-tok-to-open-600m-european-data-centre-in-ireland-1.4846481

 

• Hundreds of homes at O’Devaney Gardens can now be sold to funds: Veto on sale of 524 homes to a ‘corporate entity’ had meant they would have to be sold to individuals or used for social housing  https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/hundreds-of-homes-at-odevaney-gardens-can-now-be-sold-to-funds-da5fd358

 

• Hammerson plans ‘landmark’ 16-storey block for Dundrum as part of 881-unit scheme:  Plans also lodged for two developments in north Dublin https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/hammerson-plans-landmark-16-storey-block-for-dundrum-as-part-of-881-unit-scheme-1.4844145

 

• Developers seek planning permission for 1,376 units on two north Dublin sites: Sites located in Baldoyle and Malahide https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/developers-seek-planning-permission-for-1-376-units-on-two-north-dublin-sites-1.4846376

 

• Permission given for contentious 18-storey tower near Heuston Station: Plan for 399-unit apartment scheme opposed by numerous agencies https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/permission-given-for-contentious-18-storey-tower-near-heuston-station-1.4847316 

 

• Bartra plans Blackrock build-to-rent scheme for older people: Project includes roof-top hot tubs https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/bartra-plans-blackrock-build-to-rent-scheme-for-older-people-1.4844427

 

• Hotel site opposite Connolly Station on offer for €12m: The property on Amiens Street in Dublin 1 has planning permission for a seven-storey, 177-bed four-star hotel with bar and restaurant facilities at ground floor level https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/hotel-site-opposite-connolly-station-on-offer-for-eur12m-a6486562

 

• Development opportunity in D2 for €6.5m: Textile House, located near the St Stephen’s Green Centre, is a two-storey commercial building occupied by a mix of tenants  https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/development-opportunity-in-d2-for-eur65m-bce84625

 

• South Dublin site with potential for 31 dwellings offered for €2m  https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/south-dublin-site-with-potential-for-31-dwellings-offered-for-2m-41527920.html

 

• Developer wins €840,000 site levy dispute with council over €12m site: An Bord Pleanála rules the levy against Cornel Living be cancelled https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/developer-wins-840-000-site-levy-dispute-with-council-over-12m-site-1.4848350

 

• US owner of Ardmore to develop film and TV campus in Greystones: Project will double Ireland’s studio capacity and lead to 1,500 new jobs when finished https://www.irishtimes.com/business/media-and-marketing/us-owner-of-ardmore-to-develop-film-and-tv-campus-in-greystones-1.4847050

 

• Janssen’s €150m expansion creates 300 building and 180 industry jobs  https://www.southernstar.ie/business/janssens-e150m-expansion-creates-300-building-and-180-industry-jobs-4241250

 

• An Bord Pleanála refuses permission for Seapoint redevelopment  https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/an-bord-pleanala-refuses-permission-for-seapoint-redevelopment/

 

• An Bord Pleanála has given the green light for a significant new housing development at the former Greenpark racecourse site.  https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/green-light-for-housing-development-at-former-limerick-racecourse/

 

• Wicklow town site with planning for 31 homes goes on market for €2.75million  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/news/wicklow-town-site-with-planning-for-31-homes-goes-on-market-for-275million-41529918.html

 

• Kildare houses site ‘has abnormal costs’  https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/783090/kildare-houses-site-has-abnormal-costs.html

 

• €100m to be invested in Naas Enterprise Park https://kildare-nationalist.ie/2022/04/07/e100m-to-be-invested-in-naas-enterprise-park/

 

• Construction work gets underway on huge Penneys facility in Newbridge https://kildare-nationalist.ie/2022/04/09/construction-work-gets-underway-on-huge-penneys-facility-in-newbridge/

 

• Carlow site zoned for residential guiding €2m: The 14-acre plot of land, most of which has been zoned for housing, has prime road frontage along the Leighlin Road, 2km south of Carlow town centre  https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/carlow-site-zoned-for-residential-guiding-eur2m-8722bff6

 

• Plans lodged for mixed-use development with 94 homes in Kerry Pike: The subject lands, of approximately 4.5 hectares, are located on the eastern edge of the village. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40845095.html

 

• Old post box cited in Mayo recommendation to refuse planning https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2022/04/07/old-post-box-cited-in-mayo-recommendation-to-refuse-planning/

 

• Mallow-based EPS unveils major expansion of its Irish interests after recent acquisition  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/corkman/business/Farming/mallow-based-eps-unveils-major-expansion-of-its-irish-interests-after-recent-acquisition-41534824.html

 

• Appeals court upholds €22m judgment against brothers over data centre lands: Case arose over failure to repay 2007 loan for 80-acre Wicklow site  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/appeals-court-upholds-22m-judgment-against-brothers-over-data-centre-lands-1.4846323

 

• ‘I’m just fighting for my business’ – Man accused of building defective school weeps in court: Martin McCloskey of Western Building Systems insisted that on the day he handed over the school to the department, he “never thought it had defects”  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/courtandcrime/arid-40846670.html

 

• Builder has €19m debt write-off approved by court: Write-off relates to Personal Involvency Arrangement for a building foreman https://www.irishtimes.com/business/personal-finance/builder-has-19m-debt-write-off-approved-by-court-1.4844450

 

• HSB (UK and Ireland) has successfully completed its acquisition of Premier Guarantee, a leading provider of structural warranty and part of the MD Group  https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/building-control-news/hsb-completes-acquisition-of-premier-guarantee/108785/

 

• Claridge’s owner removes Paddy McKillen from board in row over stake value: McKillen has been removed from the board of Claridge’s parent company, Maybourne Hotels  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/claridge-s-owner-removes-paddy-mckillen-from-board-in-row-over-stake-value-1.4849196

 

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: *https://prop-tech.ie/register/ * and email product or service details to hello@prop-tech.ie.

 

• The formal launch of the Build Digital Project took place today Thursday 7 April 2022. This hybrid event was held in St Laurence’s Church, TU Dublin, Grangegorman while also live-streamed.  https://irishbuildingmagazine.ie/2022/04/07/build-digital-project-launched/ (pictured)

 

• Investment in PropTech has increased 15-fold in the UK since 2016, with 2021 representing a bumper year of quadruple growth with Pi Labs estimating £1.6 billion in investment by year-end  https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/features/2022/4/the-biggest-problem-with-proptech-all-the-choice-it-offers

 

• Elkstone announces €100m fund for high potential Irish start-ups: Finance house looking to deliver returns 5% per annum above MSCI performance https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/elkstone-announces-100m-fund-for-high-potential-irish-start-ups-1.4845571

 

• 3 ways deep tech founders can climb out of pilot purgatory  https://techcrunch.com/2022/04/07/3-ways-deep-tech-founders-can-climb-out-of-pilot-purgatory/

 

• Why Multifamily Investor Fairstead Is Betting on Proptech and ESG https://www.wealthmanagement.com/multifamily/why-multifamily-investor-fairstead-betting-proptech-and-esg

 

• The answers to real estate’s climate tech questions may be all around us  https://techcrunch.com/2022/04/08/the-answers-to-real-estates-climate-tech-questions-may-be-all-around-us/

 

• Modulize, a collaborative software solution for offsite construction that optimises design, planning, and procurement, has raised a EUR1.9 million seed round led by KOMPAS  https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2022/04/04/313476/modulize-secures-eur19-million-seed-round-led-kompas

 

• New mailshot tech targets ‘homes most likely to instruct’: Spectre reveals artificial intelligence tech that uses over a billion data points to predict home moving likelihood. https://thenegotiator.co.uk/new-mailshot-tech-targets-homes-most-likely-to-instruct/

 

• Professional visual images key for sales, says agent-turned-PropTech boss  https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2022/3/professional-visual-images-key-for-sales-says-agent-turned-proptech-boss?source=newsticker

 

• Proptech Startup Brightchecker Transforms Property Inspection Process For a Partner, With First Live Pilot  https://techround.co.uk/startups/proptech-startup-brightchecker-transforms-property-inspection-process/

 

• Proptech firm raises £250,000 to develop audit trail software | TheBusinessDesk.com https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/yorkshire/news/2091984-proptech-firm-raises-250000-to-develop-audit-trail-software

 

• Norwegian proptech startup Flexspace raises €1.3M to accelerate international expansion plans; rebrands itself as Vogl.com https://siliconcanals.com/crowdfunding/vogl-raises-1-3m/

 

• illimity, the first full digital bank launches the first proptech platform in Italy https://ffnews.com/newsarticle/illimity-the-first-full-digital-bank-launches-the-first-proptech-platform-in-italy/

 

• Camber Creek’s Casey Berman On Playing the Long Game in Proptech. His VC firm’s $325 million Fund IV recently closed, doubling its previous fund. Here’s where it’s going.  https://commercialobserver.com/2022/04/camber-creek-casey-berman-proptech-investment/

 

• Casai acquires vendor LoopKey to ensure hardware supply for guest access tech  https://finledger.com/2022/04/04/casai-acquires-vendor-loopkey-to-ensure-hardware-supply-for-guest-access-tech/

 

• Proptech gets an upgrade | propertyEU https://propertyeu.info/Nieuws/Proptech-gets-an-upgrade/85e2c75a-f19c-4dfa-8b66-6cfa0941cc4d

 

• PropTech Update – U.S. construction tech firms brace for increased cyberattacks  https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/proptech-update-april-2022-6958798/

 

• Mediahuis invests $3.3M in proptech startup – AIM Group https://aimgroup.com/2022/04/08/mediahuis-invests-3-3m-in-proptech-startup/

 

• Amenitiz gets $30M for SaaS it bills as ‘Shopify for hotels’ – TechCrunch https://techcrunch.com/2022/04/05/amenitiz-series-a/amp/

 

• Startup that diagnoses home repairs says it can save institutional owners millions: Maryland-based Dwellwell launches first home “check engine light” with $12 million-plus in seed funding  https://therealdeal.com/2022/04/06/startup-that-preemptively-diagnoses-home-repairs-says-it-can-save-institutional-owners-millions/

 

• Bright Spaces is the winner of the Wild Card category in the first PropTech Championship worldwide  https://business-review.eu/property/bright-spaces-is-the-winner-of-the-wild-card-category-in-the-first-proptech-championship-worldwide-229707

 

• Turning the corner on 3D-printed Housing  https://austinstartups.com/turning-the-corner-on-3d-printed-housing-c3634265a76d?gi=901bd78bac82

 

 

•  Watch “The Future of Real Estate looks like THIS” on YouTube  https://youtu.be/_MBgPppPAg0 

 

 

 

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

• Fair Deal rule change to allow vacant houses be rented could free up 8,000 units: Government ramp up plans to deliver more housing as 18,600 Ukrainians are now in Ireland.  https://www.thejournal.ie/ukrainian-refugees-housing-capacity-fair-deal-scheme-5730785-Apr2022/

 

• Landlords required to register tenancies annually under new legislation  https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/landlords-required-to-register-tenancies-annually-under-new-legislation-1284359.html

 

• Trying to find a place to rent online, feels like real estate Tinder at this point. You could spend days swiping right on properties you’re not even convinced you have anything in common with, only to get no reply.  https://extra.ie/2022/04/09/property/forget-about-trying-to-afford-a-new-house-you-wont-even-get-a-viewing

 

• Cost-rental homes: How can you rent for 30% below market rates? Some apartments in these schemes will cost you 30% less than prevailing market rates https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/cost-rental-homes-how-can-you-rent-for-30-below-market-rates-1.4835251

 

• Galway TD slams Government over lack of accurate data on vacant properties  https://connachttribune.ie/galway-td-slams-government-over-lack-of-accurate-data-on-vacant-properties/amp/

 

• Cork vs Dublin: Comparing the most expensive rental apartments in Ireland’s biggest cities: There’s a big difference in prices between the capital and the Rebel County  https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/cork-vs-dublin-comparing-most-23594443

 

• Opinion: I am one of ‘generation rent’ – it sounds like a joke but we’ve stopped laughing: Conor Brummell says young people in Ireland feel they’ve been forgotten by all on the political spectrum.  https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/generation-rent-5733493-Apr2022/

 

• Town and Country: What will €225,000 buy in Dublin and Connemara? One-bed apartment in Rathmines, or six-bed farmhouse overlooking water in Rossaveel? https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/new-to-market/town-and-country-what-will-225-000-buy-in-dublin-and-connemara-1.4841342

 

• Report shows a 92% drop in the number of affordable properties available to rent since June 2021: The Simon Community has called for HAP rates to be increased to deal with the rising cost of housing. https://www.thejournal.ie/report-hap-affordable-housing-5732037-Apr2022/?amp=1

 

• Ireland’s 2022 Home of the Year winner has been revealed  https://www.shemazing.net/pics-irelands-2022-home-of-the-year-winner-has-been-revealed/

 

• New properties on the market in Dublin, Co Kildare and Co Laois  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/new-properties-on-the-market-in-dublin-co-kildare-and-co-laois-gqxx3b5g9

 

• A lot of property for €450k: Cappoquin conversion with a hint of New York loft for €450,000 – Once a Co Waterford vocational school, now a five-bed home with two kitchens and enough light for an artist https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/new-to-market/too-cool-for-school-cappoquin-conversion-with-a-hint-of-new-york-loft-for-450-000-1.4841011 (pictured) 

 

• Irish farm land prices fourth highest in EU at over €25k/ha  https://m.independent.ie/business/farming/farm-property/irish-land-prices-fourth-highest-in-eu-at-over-25kha-41520743.html

 

• Ready to build that extension? Chat with an architect for a €95 charity donation  https://www.yaycork.ie/ready-to-build-that-extension-chat-with-an-architect-for-a-e95-charity-donation/ Also: Open Door, open mind: Dermot Bannon’s advice for engaging with architects at charity event: Architects offering hour-long consultations in return for donation to Simon Communities https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/open-door-open-mind-dermot-bannon-s-advice-for-engaging-with-architects-at-charity-event-1.4846071 

 

• Home of the Year 2022: A Wicklow farmhouse wins the title – but one judge is unconvinced: The home wins for its intangible qualities: ‘The feeling of family, the fun, the memories’ https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio-web/home-of-the-year-2022-a-wicklow-farmhouse-wins-the-title-but-one-judge-is-unconvinced-1.4845311

 

• O’Donnellan & Joyce returns to the live auction room https://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/128743/odonnellan-joyce-returns-to-the-live-auction-room

 

• Here’s Where to Find the Best Interior Design Content on TikTok: There’s more to the app than dance videos and cute animals  https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/tiktok-interior-design-accounts

 

 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

• Commercial property sector resilient despite ongoing uncertainty: Investors continuing to deploy capital in face of series of sharp economic shocks  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/commercial-property-sector-resilient-despite-ongoing-uncertainty-1.4841095

 

• Rosy outlook expected for investor volumes in Q2 2022: Latest research from JLL on Ireland’s investment market indicates that activity continues to operate with healthy levels of transactions  https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/rosy-outlook-expected-for-investor-volumes-in-q2-2022-e0d16208

 

• Strong start to the year for Dublin’s office market: Almost 500,000 square feet have been rented out, with TMT, financial and professional services showing the highest demand https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/strong-start-to-the-year-for-dublins-office-market-0a274e64

 

• American horizons: Why the IDA is still upbeat about US investment in Ireland: Last year, there were 250 foreign direct investments by multinationals in this country and despite global uncertainty, the IDA is positive about the future https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/american-horizons-why-the-ida-is-still-upbeat-about-us-investment-in-ireland-4c2a871a

 

• One of Hibernia Reit’s biggest shareholders sold its entire 4.55pc stake in the takeover target at a price just below the offer currently on the table from asset manager Brookfield. https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/hibernia-investor-exits-its-holding-ahead-of-reits-sale-to-brookfield-41524218.html

 

• Gresham House Ireland branches into wealth management  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/gresham-house-ireland-branches-into-wealth-management-ld7928b82

 

• Tristan’s €500m hotel deal points to future acquisitions in Ireland  https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/tristans-500m-hotel-deal-points-to-future-acquisitions-in-ireland-41527917.html

 

• Mixed-use investment off Grafton St has scope for development at €6.5m: Textile House could deliver €500,000 rent while owner considers longer-term plan https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/mixed-use-investment-off-grafton-st-has-scope-for-development-at-6-5m-1.4841267

 

• Around 20 artists face eviction from studios after building goes into receivership  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40846766.html

 

• Ted Baker has launched a formal sale process after receiving a third takeover move by US private equity suitor Sycamore Partners.  https://www.breakingnews.ie/business/ted-baker-puts-itself-up-for-sale-after-third-sycamore-approach-1284327.html

 

• Temple Bar pub landlords seek €717,000 judgment over rent arrears: Annual rent on former Front Lounge has stood at €220,000 since 2011 https://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/temple-bar-pub-landlords-seek-717-000-judgment-over-rent-arrears-1.4848246

 

• Belgian group swoops on three nursing homes in Ireland  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/belgian-group-swoops-three-nursing-homes-ireland-0tghsp0sb

 

• Judge rejects Mansfield evidence in Citywest hotel dispute over land gift https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/judge-rejects-mansfield-evidence-in-citywest-hotel-dispute-over-land-gift-5qhbjd3n6

 

• Flexible work hub Republic of Work in Cork is celebrating its fifth birthday, after raising a huge €10 million in investment during a busy lockdown period.  https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/cork-city-start-up-celebrates-23586437

 

• Popular vintage retailer to open Cork store creating several new jobs  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40847273.html

 

• New York-based tech company NS1 has chosen Cork as a base for its global ‘centre of excellence – and will shortly open new offices in the city centre.  https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/jobs/major-tech-company-choses-cork-23595831

 

• Land this cafe or gallery catch in the heart of West Cork’s Union Hall: Traditional shop, recently used as a cafe, is up for lease in a thriving village and holiday destintion on Wild Atlantic Way https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-40846010.html

 

• THE competition watchdog is opening a deeper probe into the planned acquisition by Tesco of the Galway-based Joyce’s Supermarkets chain.  https://m.independent.ie/business/tescos-planned-buy-of-joyces-chain-to-be-probed-further-by-watchdog-41531285.html

 

• Abandoned Waterford mansion to become luxury hotel after being sold for €300,000: Mayfield House in Portlaw, Co Waterford, was built in 1740 and has been left empty since 1994 with 28 years of deterioration being allowed to set in  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40846025.html

 

• Long vacant Tralee town centre Dunnes premises has been sold  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerryman/news/long-vacant-tralee-town-centre-dunnes-premises-has-been-sold-41530854.html

 

• How can I convert part of my commercial building into an apartment? Property Clinic: Living over a shop is perfect for security, sustainability and cost-sharing https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/how-can-i-convert-part-of-my-commercial-building-into-an-apartment-1.4841067

 

• Dalata drives further UK expansion with opening of £50m Bristol hotel  https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/dalata-drives-further-uk-expansion-with-opening-of-50m-bristol-hotel-41525572.html

 

• The Recruitment Doctor: Is it easy to move into the sustainability sector? Property recruitment specialist Avril Clare offers one reader her top tips on how to maximise their skills and experience in transitioning to the sustainability sector: https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/the-recruitment-doctor-is-it-easy-to-move-into-the-sustainability-sector-8059bda1

 

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

• UK recessions risks on the rise; global trade hit https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2022/apr/06/business-live-cost-of-living-national-insurance-petrol-construction-economy-ftse?page=with:block-624d65358f083703c7bd6c16

 

• The 30 best country houses on sale in Britain: The blossoms are out, and so too are buyers looking for trophy homes with acres of land. Pools, topiary, party barn, tennis courts and hot tubs possibly included  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-30-best-country-houses-on-sale-in-britain-ldzx02ptx

 

• Output booming but construction buyers fear for future https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/04/06/output-booming-but-construction-buyers-fear-for-future/

 

• Contract dispute sinks M&E specialist MechFS,  administrators Interpath Advisory took control of the company yesterday with the majority of MechFS’s 75-strong workforce already made redundant https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/financial/administrations/contract-dispute-sinks-me-specialist-mechfs-08-04-2022/

 

• Man who bought dream home in Italy for just €1 forced to give it up three years on: Danny McCubbin, aged 58, bought the house in Mussomeli, Sicily, where a ‘Case 1 Euro’ campaign was launched to encourage foreigners to the area https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/world-news/man-who-bought-dream-home-26623463.amp

 

• Eight “weird and wonderful” data centres from around the world  https://www.dezeen.com/2022/04/04/data-centres-power-house-exhibition/ (pictured)

 

• The World’s Largest Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)  https://www.visualcapitalist.com/the-worlds-largest-real-estate-investment-trusts-reits/

 

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/