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: 

 

• Metaverse will be significant part of property market ‘very soon’ says report: Research among 2,000 adults shows two thirds of consumers are familiar with the term and intend to transact via ‘virtual estate agents’.  https://thenegotiator.co.uk/metaverse-will-be-significant-part-of-property-market-very-soon-says-report/

 

• Three-quarters of Iseq 20 companies link bonuses to ESG goals: Move has been accelerated in the latest slew of annual reports https://www.irishtimes.com/business/three-quarters-of-iseq-20-companies-link-bonuses-to-esg-goals-1.4849390

 

• What do you make of this description of ESG investing? “…a feel-good scam that is enriching consultants, measurement services and fund managers, while doing close to nothing for the businesses and investors it claims to help, and even less for society.”  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/personal-finance/stocktake-esg-investing-a-feel-good-scam-says-finance-professor-1.4842071

 

• We’re not sure what to make of this… ‘Kingspan faces pushback on first Iseq ‘say on climate’ vote’: Insulation group says advisory firm ‘displays a misunderstanding’ of climate resolution https://www.irishtimes.com/business/manufacturing/kingspan-faces-pushback-on-first-iseq-say-on-climate-vote-1.4851922

 

• Working in property is no longer toxic, so what are the career options – and how do you get in? Paul McNeive https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/working-in-property-is-no-longer-toxic-so-what-are-the-career-options-and-how-do-you-get-in-41552021.html

 

• The ‘Part V’ rules are a joke and the prospect of a council paying €800,000 for public housing proves it   https://www.independent.ie/news/the-part-v-rules-are-a-joke-and-the-prospect-of-a-council-paying-800000-for-public-housing-proves-it-41543736.html

 

• Ireland’s first purpose built cost rental development launched  https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2022/0413/1292231-cost-rental-housing/

 

• Supreme Court refuses to hear appeal over €3.7bn Intel expansion: Leixlip farmer Thomas Reid failed to meet criteria for an appeal, court said https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/supreme-court-refuses-to-hear-appeal-over-3-7bn-intel-expansion-1.4849901

 

• Ukrainian refugee crisis could spur radical ideas on housing: Increased supply is only answer to housing crisis as rent controls create problems  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/ukrainian-refugee-crisis-could-spur-radical-ideas-on-housing-1.4853050

 

• Fears grow in Government about Irish capacity to house Ukrainian refugees: Large halls with camp beds may have to be used as hotel and B&B space dries up  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/fears-grow-in-government-about-irish-capacity-to-house-ukrainian-refugees-1.4849488 Also: Construction and property groups asked to help identify empty properties for Ukrainian refugees  https://m.independent.ie/news/construction-and-property-groups-asked-to-help-identify-empty-properties-for-ukrainian-refugees-41542982.html 

 

• No ready-made options: Solutions to refugee housing crisis fraught with difficulty: Pre-fabs, portacabins, tent camps, empty buildings and holiday homes have all been mooted as options for Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland, but the extent of the challenge has the country’s builders – and some landlords – concerned about issues including reputational damage, and legislation governing tenancies  https://www.businesspost.ie/ukraine/no-ready-made-options-solutions-to-refugee-housing-crisis-fraught-with-difficulty-f461aced

 

• 900 holiday homes made available for people fleeing Ukraine as half of accommodation offers fall through  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/900-holiday-homes-made-available-for-people-fleeing-ukraine-as-half-of-accommodation-offers-fall-through-41558128.html

 

 

• How ridiculous is this? ’Coastal Cork holiday home ruled too remote for refugee accommodation’: Since Covid-19 lockdowns… Clonakilty’s Long Strand is quite the hot spot. But, an offer to accommodate Ukrainian refugees at this holiday home hasn’t been accepted as it’s too isolated https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-40851425.html

 

• Michael McDowell: Agriculture cannot revert to landlord/tenant model a – Rich must not be let use State’s fields as vehicle for investment and store of wealth  https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/michael-mcdowell-agriculture-cannot-revert-to-landlord-tenant-model-1.4851033

 

• €300-per-week wood cabins in Co Cork back yard investigated amid concerns for renters: Planning permission must be obtained before carrying out any works on land, or making any material changes to the use of land.  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40849616.html

 

• 49 warning letters issued to Dingle property owners in breach of planning legislation  https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/49-warning-letters-issued-to-dingle-property-owners-in-breach-of-planning-legislation-277616

 

• Mark Keenan: Chinese whispers can’t deny reality of its ghost cities – and what could potentially be the biggest property crash in history  https://m.independent.ie/life/home-garden/homes/mark-keenan-chinese-whispers-cant-deny-reality-of-its-ghost-cities-and-what-could-potentially-be-the-biggest-property-crash-in-history-41554663.html

 

• That’s Farming editor, Catherina Cunnane, in conversation with Josh Pim, Co Laois, in this week’s Career Focus segment. We discuss his equine roots, “falling” into a career in property, securing a position with Savills, and selling a property for 32% above its guide price of €1.6 million.  https://thatsfarming.com/beef/savills-country-estate/

 

• Kildare thatcher traces his ‘Katie’ cottage in Suncroft back to 17th Century: John Brereton looking to pass on his skills to next generation  https://www.kildarenow.com/news/local-news/786165/kildare-thatcher-traces-his-katie-cottage-in-suncroft-back-to-17th-century.html

 

• Kieran Flanagan of HubSpot – Inspirational Storytelling Key to Marketing Today, Most SaaS Companies aren’t Good at it  https://smallbiztrends.com/2022/04/kieran-flanagan-of-hubspot.html

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLACEMAKING

PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Test your 1990s Dublin knowledge with our nostalgia quiz: See how well you can remember Dublin in the ’90s https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/history/test-your-1990s-dublin-knowledge-23658085

 

• Renowned city planner on where his profession went wrong: Alain Bertaud trained as an architect and urban planner, but in the course of his esteemed career, came to reject that worldview. He shares his thoughts on how to make our cities better https://thecurrency.news/articles/79799/the-apostate-renowned-city-planner-alain-bertaud-on-where-his-profession-went-wrong/

 

• Five planning and urbanism courses on Dezeen Courses https://www.dezeen.com/2022/04/13/five-planning-urbanism-courses-dezeen-courses/

 

• Two in every five young people are unsure if life will improve for them over the next five years. Survey carried out by Youth Work Ireland also found young people have far more confidence in themselves than the Government to make the world a better place.  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/four-in-10-young-people-worried-life-will-not-improve-for-them-in-next-five-years-41542342.html

 

• Haves and have-nots: How the tech jobs boom is steadily turning Dublin into a two-tier town  https://m.independent.ie/business/technology/haves-and-have-nots-how-the-tech-jobs-boom-is-steadily-turning-dublin-into-a-two-tier-town-41556597.html

 

• Permission sought for 345 affordable homes in Hacketstown: Development will prioritise walking, cycling and public transport, as well as amenities  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/permission-sought-for-345-affordable-homes-in-hacketstown-1.4849833 (pictured)

 

• Developer lodges plans for 420 apartments on Bessborough site: Company said it consulted with former residents of the mother and baby home in advance of submitting the latest applications as it recognised the sensitivities associated with its legacy  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40850774.html

 

• Electric scooters are set to take the Limelight in Cork city: E-scooters could become a common site on the roads of Cork city. John Bohane finds out why there is a push on to legislate for their use in Irish cities https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40850090.html

 

• A new vision for Galway: ‘It will choke unless it changes’: A radical plan by architects, engineers and designers future proofs Galway as a liveable city by 2070  https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/a-new-vision-for-galway-it-will-choke-unless-it-changes-1.4852778

 

• Cap on one-off housing will damage rural Galway  https://connachttribune.ie/cap-on-one-off-housing-will-damage-rural-galway/

 

• Greenway landowners left in the dark:  They are angry at what they perceive as a lack of consultation and engagement – already farmers’ unwillingness to allow cycle paths through lands in East Galway has become a major stumbling block https://connachttribune.ie/greenway-landowners-left-in-the-dark/

 

• Greystones Town Team lead an ambitious artistic makeover of the town’s railway station  https://wicklownews.net/2022/04/greystones-town-team-lead-an-ambitious-artistic-makeover-of-the-towns-railway-station/

 

• Planning GRANTED for construction of eleven two-bedroom houses in Tipperary  https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/home/789411/breaking-planning-granted-for-construction-of-eleven-two-bedroom-houses-in-tipperary.html

 

• Laois Council launches plans for Portlaoise outdoor events venue  https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/arts—entertainment/788814/laois-council-launches-plans-for-portlaoise-outdoor-events-venue.html

 

• As a nation we’ve been disrespectful of our architectural heritage and what we must have is a balanced approach to conservation’: Hugh Wallace of RTÉ’s Great House Revival series explains how more people are willing to revamp historic buildings, breathing new life into our built heritage and the hearts of our towns  https://www.businesspost.ie/residential/hugh-wallace-interview-as-a-nation-weve-been-disrespectful-of-our-architectural-heritage-and-what-we-must-have-is-a-balanced-approach-to-conservation-36c74487

 

 

*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

 

 

• Developers rush for speedy approval to build 15,000 homes: Applications flood in for fast-track scheme before this week’s final deadline  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/developers-rush-for-speedy-approval-to-build-15-000-homes-9c866f8fz

 

• Meeting residential development targets relies on international capital, which is more likely to be forthcoming if Government acts on housing delivery timelines and policy uncertainty.  https://m.independent.ie/business/theres-scope-for-domestic-and-international-capital-in-housing-41558027.html

 

• Minister hints at construction contract compromise:  “…pressure is mounting on the Government to tackle fixed-cost public-works contracts as builders grow restless at the inexorable rise in the costs…” https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/minister-hints-at-construction-contract-compromise-1.4852090 Also: Key projects in €165bn development plan at risk as inflation bites – Latest figures from the CSO show that the price of construction materials are up almost 20 per cent in the first quarter of this year, while builders say fixed pricing makes contracts commercially unattractive or unviable https://www.businesspost.ie/infrastructure/key-projects-in-eur165bn-development-plan-at-risk-as-inflation-bites-3397c7e8 

 

• Construction activity growth slows in first quarter: Activity, new orders and employment all rose at slower rates, while business confidence dropped sharply. This comes amid near-record increases in input costs, with more than 83% of respondents stating costs had risen  https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/0408/1291233-construction-activity-growth-slows-in-first-quarter/

 

• Demand for student digs drives sales of purpose-built projects: Over €1.6 billion was invested in PBSA between 2018 to 2021, with a further €80 million worth of deals currently being considered by investors https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/demand-for-student-digs-drives-sales-of-purpose-built-projects-d9cad1ff

 

• Councils must avoid ‘back of fag packet’ approach to zoning, says deputy planning regulator: Rate of housing construction on zoned land is ‘shocking’, Anne Marie O’Connor says  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/councils-must-avoid-back-of-fag-packet-approach-to-zoning-says-deputy-planning-regulator-1.4849346

 

• If you are a leader in construction or engineering, an electrician or a plumber, you could receive an additional €2,666 if you take on a female apprentice – Only 270 women craft apprentices, or 1% of the craft population. There are 5 craft apprenticeship programmes with not a single woman, and 11 craft programmes with less than 5 womenhttps://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/2689f-minister-harris-announces-new-gender-based-funding-for-apprenticeship-employers/

 

• Forestry Policy Group concludes ‘too little forestry activity’ going on as it looks at licencing: The meeting heard just 4% of people said there was “too much” forestry activity in Ireland while 11% said there was “just the right amount”.  https://www.irishexaminer.com/farming/arid-40850468.html

 

• Nama land sales to speculators sowed seeds of current housing crisis, new report claims: Tasc, the social change think tank, says Nama ultimately “lengthened and slowed the development supply chain”, and directly contributed to the state’s housing crisis  https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/nama-land-sales-to-speculators-sowed-seeds-of-current-housing-crisis-new-report-claims-7c106080

 

• Mica blocks problem may be far more widespread than feared: Unpublished report understood to admit that defective blocks are being found in counties that were not previously known about  https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/mica-blocks-problem-may-be-far-more-widespread-than-feared-4f320d32

 

• Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown council faces Government intervention over move to block homes:  Regulator opposed measures that require three-bedroom apartments to be built in 40 per cent of the units in build-to-rent schemes in “new residential communities”https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/d%C3%BAn-laoghaire-rathdown-council-faces-government-intervention-over-move-to-block-homes-1.4850158

 

• Mount Sackville Secondary School crowned Overall Winner of CIF’s 2022 “Building The Future” competition – Dublin People https://dublinpeople.com/news/northsidewest/articles/2022/04/11/mount-sackville-secondary-school-crowned-overall-winner-of-cifs-2022-building-the-future-competition/?amp

 

• Council seeks O’Devaney Gardens apartments for cost-rental scheme: An Bord Pleanála lifts clause banning bulk sale of apartments following Bartra legal action  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/council-seeks-o-devaney-gardens-apartments-for-cost-rental-scheme-1.4849458

 

• Quintain receives planning permission for 488 homes in Cherrywood: Construction on the €250m south Dublin development is expected to begin in June  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/quintain-receives-planning-permission-for-488-homes-in-cherrywood-1.4849357 (Pictured)

 

• Council seeking new developer to overhaul former Ballymun Shopping Centre site: Plans have been proposed for 300 residential units and 41,000 square metres of commercial and mixed use for the site. https://www.thejournal.ie/dublin-city-council-ballymun-shopping-centre-5731599-Apr2022/

 

• €90m Adamstown development with 227 new homes approved  https://www.echo.ie/e90m-adamstown-development-with-227-new-homes-approved/

 

• Drumcondra residents oppose 74-unit build-to-rent development for area: Eight-storey scheme described as ‘brazenly outrageous’ https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/drumcondra-residents-oppose-74-unit-build-to-rent-development-for-area-1.4851788

 

• Dwyer Nolan lodges ‘fast track’ plans with An Bord Pleanála for 312 dwellings that includes 205 houses for a site at Minister’s Road, Lusk in north Dublin: The overall value of the scheme is estimated to be around €100m https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/dwyer-nolan-records-loss-of-356183-after-revenues-plummet-41543504.html

 

• Permission sought for 336-unit strategic housing development in Cork town. If planning permission is granted, the development would consist of 242 houses as well as 94 duplex or simplex units. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40851059.html

 

• THE zany verticality of Cork city’s newest Jenga-like student accommodation is just one of a series of developments set to deliver more than 1,000 extra bed spaces in the city in time for the next academic year. https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-40851002.html

 

• Cork Simon gets green light for over 70 city apartments to provide permanent homes for Leesiders facing homelessness: Cork Simon say the development will be a “game changer” for Cork as the housing crisis worsens https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/cork-simon-gets-green-light-23663264

 

• Midleton rezoning row highlights the weaknesses in planning system: ‘Unprecedented’ hundreds of submissions oppose this site’s zoning as green belt. Yet a local rep says she’s never met any of them. It will all be decided by councillors up to 160km away https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-40848056.html

 

• Old Mitchelstown mart site could be knocked to build over 50 housing units: Cork County Council received a planning application last week  https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/old-mitchelstown-mart-site-could-23671860

 

• Long-running legal dispute over ownership of a plot of land in the city centre has been resolved, paving the way for construction work to begin on a €25 million student accommodation complex at Galway Docks  https://connachttribune.ie/way-cleared-for-student-complex/amp/

 

• Plan for apartment block on historic site opposed  https://connachttribune.ie/plan-for-apartment-block-on-historic-site-opposed/

 

• Council approves plans to knock former bar & nightclub for apartment building  https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/council-approves-plans-to-knock-former-bar-nightclub-for-apartment-building/

 

• Work kicks off on €8m project at Shannon  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/787480/work-kicks-off-on-8m-project-at-shannon.html

 

• Construction firm Framespace to create 150 new jobs in Longford: Company manufactures metal housing systems for the rapid build construction sector  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/construction-firm-framespace-to-create-150-new-jobs-in-longford-1.4852598

 

• High Court challenge brought against decision to designate Co Kildare site as vacant land  https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/high-court-challenge-brought-against-decision-to-designate-co-kildare-site-as-vacant-land-1288656.html

 

• There were 268 unauthorised developments – structures being built without proper planning permission – last year in County Kildare.  https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/790982/unauthorised-developments-increase-in-county-kildare.html

 

• 300 acre Meath solar farm gets green light  https://m.independent.ie/business/farming/news/farming-news/300-acre-meath-solar-farm-gets-green-light-41543173.html

 

• Delivery date of turnkey housing ‘outside of our control’ – Laois County Council  https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/property/784853/delivery-date-of-turnkey-housing-outside-of-our-control-laois-county-council.html

 

• Big contentious Laois housing development on ice after appeal lodged  https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/local-news/788396/appeal-lodged-over-planned-laois-housing-development.html

 

• Sixty-nine apartments worth almost 11 million euro for sale in Tralee  https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/sixty-nine-apartments-worth-almost-11-million-euro-for-sale-in-tralee-278057

 

• Site in Urlingford with planning permission for €350,000: Industrial plot in Co Kilkenny has full planning permission for eight units  https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/site-in-urlingford-with-planning-permission-for-eur350000-9a9410d7

 

• Having been sucked into the spiral of Nama and vulture funds, Belfast property developers Gareth Graham and Adam Dickson saw the need for another form of lending. This is now their main business – all bootstrapped. https://thecurrency.news/articles/79709/we-wore-out-so-much-shoe-leather-trying-to-raise-funds-that-we-thought-wed-have-to-do-this-ourselves/

 

• KPMG Ireland buys construction consulting firm KMCS: Irish construction activity growth eased in March amid heightened inflation https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/kpmg-ireland-buys-construction-consulting-firm-kmcs-1.4849309

 

• Wolseley UK to buy back Heat Merchants and Tubs & Tiles in Republic: UK group had sold the businesses at the height of the property crash https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/wolseley-uk-to-buy-back-heat-merchants-and-tubs-tiles-in-republic-1.4852787

 

• Cut up at Claridge’s: What next for McKillen after Irish link to luxury London hotels is severed? https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/news/cut-up-at-claridges-41560072.html

 

• Pavilion designed by the late Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer has opened at Château La Coste vineyard in southern France. Designed in 2010, two years before his death at 104, the curved white pavilion was created to sit comfortably within the landscape https://www.dezeen.com/2022/04/13/oscar-niemeyer-final-building-chateau-la-coste-vineyard/ (pictured) 

 

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.

 

• Elkstone beefs up team with new ‘superstar’ venture partners: Tech unicorn backer recently announced a €100 million venture fund to back early-stage companies in Ireland https://www.businesspost.ie/tech/elkstone-beefs-up-team-with-new-superstar-venture-partners-293b12fa

 

• Zoosh Group, an Irish-based venture builder and investor backed by property developer Sean Mulryan, is planning to launch a €25m fund targeted at helping to grow cloud-focused startups.  https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/mulryan-backing-to-help-zoosh-launch-25m-fund-41556511.html

 

• Start-up aims to change Irish housebuilding finance model: Mayo company, led by former auctioneer Colm Casey and Dr Constantin Gurdgiev, intends to involve buyers in the development process  https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/start-up-aims-to-change-irish-housebuilding-finance-model-9c22a351

 

• The Office of Public Works has awarded a contract worth over €2 million to Aramark for a project aimed at achieving 30% savings on energy consumption at public buildings.  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40850750.html

 

• Irish construction giant debuts its first all-electric JCB: John Sisk’s battery-powered telehandler a step in the right direction https://www.irishtimes.com/business/innovation/irish-construction-giant-debuts-its-first-all-electric-jcb-1.4850922 (pictured)

 

• Cognition World portal helps firms track energy use and cut costs: Energia Connect360 device enables real-time monitoring of energy efficiency via sensors https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/cognition-world-portal-helps-firms-track-energy-use-and-cut-costs-1.4851250

 

• How AI is Making Smart Buildings Greener, More Sustainable  https://www.informationweek.com/it-strategy/how-ai-is-making-smart-buildings-greener-more-sustainable

 

• Gensler’s Design Forecast – Predictions for Smart Buildings  https://www.twinfm.com/article/genslers-design-forecast-predictions-for-smart-buildings

 

• Meta M&A exec leaves role to join real estate startup Pacaso as COO  https://techcrunch.com/2022/04/12/metas-head-of-ma-leaves-role-to-join-proptech-startup-pacaso-as-coo/

 

• This Company Turns Plastic Garbage Into Construction Materials:  ByFusion has found a new way to reuse plastic that would never get recycled. https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/423400

 

• Blend Network, a proptech P2P lender that aims to give mid-size UK property developers access to liquidity, secures £120M for Origination-as-a-Service initiative  https://finledger.com/2022/04/11/blend-network-raises-156m-for-origination-as-a-service-initiative/

 

• Google Analytics for buildings: Amsterdam’s proptech startup Healthy Workers closes total seed round of €3.6M | Silicon Canals https://siliconcanals.com/crowdfunding/healthy-workers-raises-3-6m/

 

• Law firm backs home moving proptech to help tackle fraud  https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2022/4/law-firm-backs-home-moving-proptech-to-help-tackle-fraud?source=newsticker

 

• Italian proptech classified Wikicasa.it bags $3.3M in new funds – AIM Group https://aimgroup.com/2022/04/14/italian-proptech-classified-wikicasa-it-bags-3-3m-in-new-funds/

 

• Beanstock, a buy-to-let investment marketplace, raises €12M Series A led by 360 Capital  https://techcrunch.com/2022/04/14/beanstock-a-buy-to-let-investment-marketplace-raises-e12m-series-a-led-by-360-capital/

 

• Requity Homes closes $1.2 million to expand rent-to-own home ownership model to Western Canada | BetaKit https://betakit.com/requity-homes-closes-1-2-million-to-expand-rent-to-own-home-ownership-model-to-western-canada/

 

• Proptech UrbanX raises millions for real estate agents to fly solo  https://www.startupdaily.net/2022/04/proptech-urbanx-raises-millions-for-real-estate-agents-to-fly-solo/

 

• CyberAgent, VIC Partners invest in Vietnamese proptech startup Reti https://www.techinasia.com/cyberagent-vic-partners-pump-seed-money-proptech-startup

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

• House prices could reach their highest ever levels within a matter of weeks and are already just 2% off the previous Celtic Tiger high in 2007.  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40851836.html Also: HOUSE PRICES HAVE risen by 15.3% in the 12 months up to February 2022, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) https://www.thejournal.ie/house-prices-rise-3-5738870-Apr2022/

 

• Hammerson is proposing to sell 88 apartments for an indicative price tag of €42.6m to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council  https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/0411/1291725-88-apartments-for-social-housing-may-cost-council-42m/

 

• Over 50% of prospective homebuyers say cost of living has affected ability to purchase  https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/over-50-of-prospective-homebuyers-say-cost-of-living-has-affected-ability-to-purchase-1288173.html

 

• Mortgage switching market ‘exploding’ with 39% increase in March: MyMortgages.ie says coming year will be ‘unprecedented’ for people looking to switch https://www.irishtimes.com/business/financial-services/mortgage-switching-market-exploding-with-39-increase-in-march-1.4849762

 

• How to take the banks for a couple of thousand : Switching mortgage provider is a pain in the neck, so banks use cash bonuses to tempt people to move. If you’re willing to take on the admin, the bonuses sum to thousands.  https://thecurrency.news/articles/79894/sean-keyes-on-investing-how-to-take-the-banks-for-a-couple-of-thousand/

 

• Rental caps keep a lid on price hikes but can lower supply, ESRI finds: Rent pressure zones found to mainly benefit existing tenants  https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/rental-caps-keep-a-lid-on-price-hikes-but-can-lower-supply-esri-finds-41543900.html

 

• Rent stabilisation measures can be beneficial to tenants under pressure from escalating costs, but can also lead to maintenance and upkeep apathy from landlords and owners, new research has shown.  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40849406.html

 

• First purpose-built cost-rental homes costing €1,200 per month open in Stepaside: 18,000 cost-rental homes will be provided between now and 2030, said the housing minister.  https://www.thejournal.ie/cost-rental-stepaside-5738282-Apr2022/

 

• Nine landlords sanctioned by regulator for breaching rules as over 440 investigations under way: The RTB has said that €300,000 has been returned to tenants across all their investigations,  https://www.thejournal.ie/landlords-sanctioned-regulator-5738176-Apr2022/

 

• ‘I just can’t afford it’: €15k fire safety repair bill for Dublin apartment homeowners: The owner management company said legal advice has been sought but the original developer company has been liquidated.  https://www.thejournal.ie/swords-fire-defects-5738766-Apr2022/?amp=1

 

• Cabinet approves Fair Deal rule change in order to bring thousands of vacant houses back into use: Nursing home residents will be able to keep 60% of rental income under changes to the scheme.  https://www.thejournal.ie/fair-deal-nursing-home-residents-60-rental-income-5738337-Apr2022/

 

• Expensive mortgages in this country about to get even more expensive https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/expensive-mortgages-in-this-country-about-to-get-even-dearer-41549745.html

 

• Thousands of homeowners in arrears warned of under-insurance exposure  https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/thousands-of-homeowners-in-arrears-warned-of-under-insurance-exposure-41557941.html

 

• Over 250 vie  for just seven homes in Limerick estate  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/789686/over-250-vie-for-just-sevenhomes-in-limerick-estate.html

 

• Saving money is usually the selling point when pushing energy efficiency measures but when it comes to retrofitting, we have to widen the definition of savings. The reality is that an extensive home retrofit will not provide a quick financial return.  https://m.independent.ie/news/environment/if-jangling-pockets-are-what-youre-after-retrofitting-might-require-a-longer-view-41540140.html

 

• Farmland prices to rise by 6pc this year, rents to jump 10pc  https://m.independent.ie/business/farming/farm-property/farmland-prices-to-rise-by-6pc-this-year-rents-to-jump-10pc-41543197.html

 

• I have looked everywhere for the deeds of my house, to no avail. Can it be sold? Property Clinic: You can confirm the folio number of your property by searching the Land Registry by name or Eircode  https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/i-have-looked-everywhere-for-the-deeds-of-my-house-to-no-avail-can-it-be-sold-1.4846201

 

• On the Market: your weekly guide to homes for sale around the country: A terraced home in the heart of Glasnevin and an end-of-terrace house with planning permission in Donnybrook are among the houses on offer this week  https://www.businesspost.ie/residential/on-the-market-your-weekly-guide-to-homes-for-sale-around-the-country-cf5da1a8

 

• Adare Manor mansion with Ryder Cup views for €3.5m: Eight-bed Celtic Tiger-era abode on 3.3 acres is ultra-private with room for all the family  https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/new-to-market/adare-manor-mansion-with-ryder-cup-views-for-3-5m-1.4846299

 

• Georgian estate on 100 acres in prized Tipperary for €3m: With an 18th-century manor house at its core, Rocklow has lots of well-appointed space for humans and horses  https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/new-to-market/georgian-estate-on-100-acres-in-prized-tipperary-for-3m-1.4850812 (pictured) 

 

• The cheapest vs the most expensive house currently for sale in Waterford City  https://extra.ie/2022/04/16/property/the-cheapest-vs-the-most-expensive-house-currently-for-sale-in-waterford-city

 

• Huge interest in exclusive Donegal seaside sites at €250,000 each  https://www.donegaldaily.com/2022/04/15/huge-interest-in-exclusive-donegal-seaside-sites-at-e250000-each/

 

• The secrets to designing a room a child will love: How interior designer and mum Alannah Monks makes spaces appeal to younger users  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-40851782.html

 

• Meath dairy farm under the hammer with €1.25m price tag: Agricultural holding of 139 acres straddles two counties and the Milltown river, and can be sold as a single lot or in a combination of lots  https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/meath-dairy-farm-under-the-hammer-with-eur125m-price-tag-383fa2b9

 

 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

• Dublin shopping centre owner makes generous offer to Ukrainian entrepreneurs: The kind gesture has prompted praise from the Dubliners  https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/dublin-shopping-centre-owner-makes-23709916

 

• Pret A Manger to expand into Ireland creating 500 job https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/0411/1291628-pret-a-manger-to-expand-into-ireland-creating-500-jobs/

 

• Property and profits: As Pret A Manger targets Ireland, who are the Irish tycoons behind its expansion here? – The Currency https://thecurrency.news/articles/79985/the-irish-pret-a-manger-franchisee-returning-home-with-a-10m-strong-balance-sheet/

 

• HSE and Centric Health to operate from Dún Laoghaire Shopping Centre: Primary care centre and GP practice to open on third floor of scheme in December https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/hse-and-centric-health-to-operate-from-d%C3%BAn-laoghaire-shopping-centre-1.4847978

 

• Debt deal bears fruit for property firm https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/debt-deal-bears-fruit-property-firm-ddr78pc25

 

• Waystone signs for new headquarter offices at 35 Shelbourne Road: Financial services company takes 52,000sq ft at developer David Daly’s landmark D4 scheme  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/waystone-signs-for-new-headquarter-offices-at-35-shelbourne-road-1.4850842 

 

• ByrneWallace lease extension adds €7m to sale price of Dublin HQ: Savills now guiding €52m for Harcourt Street building as lease locks law firm in for 10 years on higher rent  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/byrnewallace-lease-extension-adds-7m-to-sale-price-of-dublin-hq-1.4851086

 

• Former Xerox HQ building in Dublin 15 on sale for €7m: The stand-alone building offers just under 7,300 square metres of space over two floors on a 9-acre site and includes reception area and mix of offices https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/former-xerox-hq-building-in-dublin-15-on-sale-for-eur7m-f8f167c5

 

• Nama generates €85m from selling Point Square scheme  https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/nama-generates-85m-from-selling-point-square-scheme-41552015.html

 

• A new twist in the tale of Ireland’s largest independent bookshop is likely as the owner of Chapters’ premises in Dublin has applied for planning permission to turn it into a gym.  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/bookshop-may-have-to-turn-new-page-as-landlord-plans-a-change-2jspn9wd9

 

• Warehouse investment in south-west Dublin for €650,000: Unit E20 in the South City Business Centre, Dublin 24 is leased until May 2025, at a yearly rent of €38,000  https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/warehouse-investment-in-south-west-dublin-for-eur650000-366bdb98

 

• Businessman wins orders preventing sale of shares in Galway pub: Case involving Lough Inn in Woodquay comes after associates fell out https://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/businessman-wins-orders-preventing-sale-of-shares-in-galway-pub-1.4852916

 

• Councillors were issued with a report outlining the proposal, which states that the disposal “is required to meet immediate employment needs in the area”. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40848773.html

 

• Cork city manufacturing facility guiding at €6m: Kilbarry Business & Technology Park unit extends to 104,700sq ft and sits on 4.6 acres https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/cork-city-manufacturing-facility-guiding-at-6m-1.4846193

 

• Landmark Cork pub ‘with huge potential’ on sale along with bedrooms over it: It’s got great spacious lounges, a very homely fireplace, and a cosy outdoor area for those warmer days https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/landmark-cork-pub-with-huge-23675294

 

• Once in a century Skibbereen Main Street building sale: No 8 Main Street has six, income earning  overhead rental units and  ground level retail, previous a general shop, a pharmacy, and a drapers  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-40850906.html

 

• Eyre Square shopping centre sells for over €9.5m  https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/eyre-square-shopping-centre-sells-for-over-e9-5m/

 

• Decathlon set to open second store in Republic in Limerick: French sports retailing giant signs 25-year lease for new outlet at Parkway Retail Park https://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/decathlon-set-to-open-second-store-in-republic-in-limerick-1.4851907

 

• Garden rooms: How to plan one, what it costs, and how it can change a home: An outdoor/indoor room will give a taste of the Costa del Sol – whatever the weather https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/garden-rooms-how-to-plan-one-what-it-costs-and-how-it-can-change-a-home-1.4841278

 

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

• How to solve the rural housing crisis: An Oxfordshire architect’s plans to create modular homes from as little as £150,000 might be the answer  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/how-to-solve-the-rural-housing-crisis-kv3vhcgsb

 

• Building specifications and productivity issues are among the reasons why London is the most expensive city in the world in which to build, according to a new report by Arcadis.  https://www.building.co.uk/news/quality-of-buildings-helps-push-london-into-top-spot-for-building-costs-arcadis-says/5116948.article

 

• Gove turns on suppliers as 35 developers sign safety pledge: He has now committed to use all his powers to impose “significant commercial and reputational consequences’ for those firms that have failed to step up. https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/04/13/gove-turns-on-manufacturers-as-35-developers-sign-pledge/

 

• Are these the most beautiful new buildings in Britain? As the public are invited to choose their favourite buildings, Richard Morrison makes his picks — as well as one horrendous eyesore  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/are-these-the-most-beautiful-new-buildings-in-britain-9fk8q5js7

 

• WA building industry: Fears more building companies are on brink of collapse  https://thewest.com.au/business/construction/wa-building-industry-fears-more-building-companies-are-on-brink-of-collapse-c-6412192

 

• Turning ‘Housing Into The Hunger Games’: As Build-To-Rent Gathers Momentum, So Does Skepticism https://www.bisnow.com/houston/news/build-to-rent/turning-housing-into-the-hunger-games-as-build-to-rent-builds-momentum-a-housing-developer-remains-skeptical-112566

 

• West Palm Beach micro-apartment building sells for big money to hotel operator  https://eu.palmbeachpost.com/story/business/real-estate/2022/04/12/korman-pays-84-million-current-micro-apartments-building-west-palm-beach-luxury-extended-stay-hotel/9482052002/

 

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/