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:

• Earlier this week the PLACEengage team (https://placeengage.com/), part of Property District, was invited along to the new Meta HQ (formerly Facebook) in Ballsbridge (formerly the AIB Bank Centre) to present an augmented reality solution for public and private sector homebuilders, through which they can better engage the local community and other project stakeholders. We also had the opportunity to join a panel discussion alongside industry leaders, included ARUP, to explore the use of immersive technologies for the built environment. Thanks to Ronan Kenny for capturing the above photo. For forward-thinking project owners who are keen to break the cycle of community apathy and antagonism, in favour of genuinely innovative and successful placemaking, contact katie@placeengage.com to learn more.

 

 

• Moody’s upgrades Ireland’s credit rating to highest level in 13 years https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2023/0422/1378477-moodys-upgrades-irelands-credit-rating-again/ But, FDI has proven to be a winning strategy for us but it is not without risk: Just ten multinationals contribute 60 per cent of corporation tax and while the expected budget surplus of €10bn is to be welcomed, there is a real danger of overheating in the economy https://www.businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/john-walsh-fdi-has-proven-to-be-a-winning-strategy-for-us-but-it-is-not-without-risk/

 

• Europe’s decade-long housing boom grinds to a halt – Europe Letter: The end of the cheap money era has frozen real estate sales and tipped prices downwards https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2023/04/20/europes-decade-long-housing-boom-grinds-to-a-halt/

 

• 10,263 social homes delivered in 2022 with 43% increase in new-build social homes https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/92f5c-10263-social-homes-delivered-in-2022-with-43-increase-in-new-build-social-homes/ Also: Councils who built no homes ‘must do a lot more’ – Minister O’Brien’s department fell short of its social housing targets last year, with 10,263 homes built, leased or bought compared to the target of 11,820 https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/councils-who-built-no-homes-must-do-a-lot-more-minister/

 

• Editor Ian Kehoe, writing in The Currency this week:  Glenveagh Properties plc  chief executive Stephen Garvey appeared on Prime Time: “Garvey was a breath of fresh air. He spoke candidly and openly about his struggles to build houses in Ireland – from issues with planning regulators to the cost of building in Ireland. If anyone in government has not watched the interview, they should. Because it was shocking. “What is stopping you from building houses at the moment?” presenter Fran McNulty asked Garvey. To which the CEO replied: “For the last 12 months we have seen no decisions come out.” He added: “We did not get a single decision in 2022.” Garvey was referring An Bord Pleanála..” Read more:https://thecurrency.news/articles/116172/a-property-shock-booming-corporation-tax-coffers-and-the-apple-effect-rewinding-the-week-that-was/

 

 

• State officials to contact President asking if Áras could house refugees: ‘We’re very conscious of the social conscience that President Higgins is renowned for’, says Patrick O’Donovan, minister of state for the Office of Public Works https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/state-officials-to-contact-president-asking-if-aras-could-house-refugees/

 

• Nobody living in any of the affordable homes built in Cork city last year:  ‘It’s very clear that Cork City Council have the ambition, the ability and the drive to build affordable homes. What they don’t have is a magic wand to fastrack past the bureaucracy, red-tape and barriers this Minister has put in their way’  https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/nobody-living-any-affordable-homes-26756031

 

• Grants to renovate vacant homes set to be increased https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2023/0422/1378487-vacant-homes-plans/

 

• Bord Pleanála ‘legal problem’ puts planning permission for 27,000 homes at risk https://www.businesspost.ie/news/bord-pleanala-legal-problem-puts-planning-permission-for-27000-homes-at-risk/

 

• Leading planning lawyer hits back at remarks made about him by the new chair of An Bord Pleanála https://m.independent.ie/news/environment/leading-planning-lawyer-hits-back-at-remarks-made-about-him-by-the-new-chair-of-an-bord-pleanala-42442185.html

 

• Homes crisis needs many compromises: Many developed nations are struggling to meet their affordable housing targets without sacrificing the building standards and social norms, which can produce the shanty towns, the sink estates, or rookeries of the future https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/ourview/arid-41118037.html

 

• Ires Reit board secures backing from investor advisory firms amid stand-off against activist – Institutional Shareholder Services indicates insufficient evidence ‘that the board has been a poor steward of capital’ https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/04/22/ires-reit-board-secures-backing-from-investor-advisory-firms-amid-stand-off-against-activist/

 

• When reporting is part of the problem… ‘Is it inherently wrong to be a landlord?’ Unthinkable: Extracting rent from assets has moved from being ‘marginal’ part of capitalism to a core feature https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/2023/04/20/it-is-inherently-wrong-to-be-a-landlord/

 

• Luxembourg landlord fights eviction from Dublin house he rents: Airbnb landlord has been served notice from Kilmainham house he has been renting since 2019 https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2023/04/18/luxembourg-landlord-fights-eviction-from-dublin-house-he-rents/

 

• Arrest over Ballinasloe circular saw incident that left family ‘traumatised’ https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41121190.html  Also: Ballinasloe tenant at centre of online footage speaks out https://connachttribune.ie/ballinasloe-tenant-at-centre-of-online-footage-speaks-out/

 

• Online estate agency doesn’t work’, says ex-emoov boss Russell Quirk https://propertyindustryeye.com/so-where-did-all-the-millions-go/

 

• Robin Power, pioneering property developer and investor, dies aged 80: Powerscourt Townhouse Centre developer later specialised in prime residential properties between Sandycove and Dalkey https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2023/04/19/robin-power-pioneering-property-developer-and-investor-dies-aged-80/

 

• Less than 10% of new UK estate agencies started by women – do we know the Irish stats?https://propertyindustryeye.com/less-than-10-of-new-estate-agencies-started-by-women/

 

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

We are excited to share the growth of iPropertyRadio! What started as #PropertyMatters, a 60-minute weekly show on Dublin South FM 93.9FM over 4 years ago, has now evolved into a global online station for the best construction, urban planning, property and proptech content. Check out our website, iPropertyRadio.com, brought to you by Hear Me Roar Media for live and recorded access to all the week’s built environment news.

Want to have your industry podcast included or be a guest on our shows? Reach out to us at hello@ipropertyradio.com. Last year, we hit a massive 7.5 million digital impressions across our brands and this figure is growing – Q4 2022/Q1 2023 we now have an  average of 765,876 digital impressions each month, not including radio listenership and website visits. Huge thanks to all of you for your continued support!

This week on iPropertyRadio…

 

 

#Property Roundup

Sarah Kim Watchorn, food writer and photographer discusses her experience trying to buy a home in Ireland. She talks about the difficulties in securing a mortgage as a single, self-employed person. Listen back to hear insights and learnings from a 4-year (and ongoing) journey to home ownership, what she wishes she had known in advance and how can we better educate first-time buyers about the process?

#BreakingGround

Patrick O Toole, MRIAI, Managing Director of Meitheal Architects, a medium size practice with offices in Dublin, Cork and Kerry, discussed the scale and extent of our success in delivering innovative, urban housing stock in the area of derelict/dis-used properties. Meitheal Architects are working to ensure the existing supply of properties is fully utilised, through the repurposing of vacant and derelict buildings, sensitively restoring them as high-quality sustainable homes.

 

Produced by Hear Me Roar Media https://hearmeroarmedia.com/

Watch back and listen back: https://ipropertyradio.com/

 

PLACEMAKING

OPEN PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

 

• Ag crúthú Luach Sóisialta  Trí Comhforbairt Áite (Creating Social Value Through Placemaking) 👉https://placeengage.com/ag-cruthu-luach-soisialta-tri-comhforbairt-aite/

 

• How to engage the community in placemaking in 2023 | PLACEengage  https://placeengage.com/how-to-engage-the-community-in-placemaking-in-2023/

 

• OPW seeking public’s views on the future of parking at the Phoenix Park: The public consultation process opened today and will run until 22 May. https://www.thejournal.ie/opw-seeking-publics-views-on-the-future-of-parking-at-the-phoenix-park-6046225-Apr2023/

 

• Council plans to build large wall in north Dublin park to tackle illegal dumping https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/council-plans-to-build-large-wall-in-north-dublin-park-to-tackle-illegal-dumping-42439261.html

 

• Council ‘guts’ tenant’s home while he is in hospital: Older man left with ‘nothing’ after belongings and items of sentimental value cleared from DCC flat https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2023/04/19/council-guts-tenants-home-while-he-is-in-hospital/

 

• Thousands sign petition in opposition to €40m holiday resort plans for Magheramore: Fears development threatens public access, biodiversity and wintering Curlews https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/news/thousands-sign-petition-in-opposition-to-40m-holiday-resort-plans-for-magheramore-42438071.html

 

• Montenotte’s Hyde Park House and Clifton Convalescent Home to house Ukrainian refugees: Hyde Park House was favoured by Cork’s merchant princes and has presidential links https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-41120449.html

 

• Still no reopening date for historic Cork landmark: Barryscourt Castle in Carrigtwohill has been closed to the public since safety works began seven years ago https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41120086.html

 

• Galway Rural Development introducing ‘Social Prescribing’ to county https://connachttribune.ie/galway-rural-development-introducing-social-prescribing-to-county/

 

• Five Galway town groups shortlisted for national digital awards https://connachttribune.ie/five-galway-town-groups-shortlisted-for-national-digital-awards/

 

• Group calls for new Cork city bridge to be named after historic Georgian villa: The Grange Frankfield Partnership said with the once-glorious 1780’s-built property now in ruin, the city has an obligation to commemorate it https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41119231.html

 

• Public encouraged to attend public consultation event on Gort Enhancement Plan https://connachttribune.ie/public-encouraged-to-attend-public-consultation-event-on-gort-enhancement-plan/

 

• Council to acquire derelict hospital for domestic violence refuge https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/council-to-acquire-derelict-hospital-for-domestic-violence-refuge/

 

• Plans being advanced for community centre in Moycullen https://connachttribune.ie/plans-being-advanced-for-community-centre-in-moycullen/

 

• Mount Congreve gate lodge now open for self-catering guests: The two-bedroom lodge on the Co Waterford estate now has a plush new interior for guests to retire to after taking in the 70 acres of gardens https://www.businesspost.ie/property/mount-congreve-gate-lodge-now-open-for-self-catering-guests/

 

• Pedestrianisation a key part of huge new feasibility study for Kilkenny City https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/kilkenny-city/1149581/pedestrianisation-a-key-part-of-huge-new-feasibility-study-for-kilkenny-city.html Also: Kilkenny County Council wants to hear your views on the city’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan – You can also fill out an online survey https://kclr96fm.com/kilkenny-county-council-wants-to-hear-your-views-on-the-citys-sustainable-urban-mobility-plan/

 

• Kilkenny architects help breathe new life into historic building https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/local-news/1148650/kilkenny-architects-help-breathe-new-life-into-historic-building.html

 

• Plans to provide pedestrian and cycle link from Colbert Station to Park Canal https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/plans-to-provide-pedestrian-and-cycle-link-from-colbert-station-to-park-canal/

 

• Greenway plan attracts 500 submissions: Third public consultation to be held after preferred route chosen https://www.nenaghguardian.ie/2023/04/20/greenway-plan-attracts-500-submissions/

 

• Public consultation events to take place across Cavan https://www.northernsound.ie/news/public-consultation-events-to-take-place-across-cavan-213531

 

• Former Franciscan friary in Tipperary will reopen to shelter Ukrainian refugees: The friary in Clonmel shut in January after some 750 years but will reopen to house refugees from Russia’s war on Ukraine https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41122564.html

 

• ‘Is the house for sale?… it is now’: How an American seeking his roots ended up restoring an almost-derelict home after a pub enquiry https://m.independent.ie/life/home-garden/homes/is-the-house-for-sale-it-is-now-42442320.html

 

• Irish families making the permanent switch to Portugal’s golden triangle: Since Covid, buyers aren’t just seeking an Algarve holiday home, they’re heading there for keeps https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/irish-families-making-the-permanent-switch-to-portugal-s-golden-triangle-f6mqrmsn7

 

CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT NEWS

 

 

• It’s happening..! The MMC Ireland National Conference 2023 (#MMCIreland) is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to showcase the latest developments, innovations, and investments in the MMC sector.  Join us on June 6th at Croke Park, Dublin, to learn from industry leaders and gain valuable insights into the future of offsite and modern methods of construction. This event will feature a range of project case studies, panel debates, and interactive sessions, including a focus on sustainability and the latest digital platforms leading the way in MMC.Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity – register now to secure your place at the MMC Ireland National Conference 2023: click here: https://www.offsitehub.co.uk/events/view?eventid=129

  Also, sign up now to #MMCIreland and help us promote the use of offsite and other modern methods of construction for a more sustainable and innovative industry. Further information and membership details 👉https://mmcireland.ie/

 

 

• Delivery of housing ‘will only strengthen’ from 2023 onward, officials claim: Department of Housing is confident of surpassing the near-30,000 completions of 2022 https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2023/04/18/delivery-of-housing-will-only-strengthen-from-2023-onward-officials-claim/

 

• Irish construction activity contracts, but new order growth quickens https://www.irishrealestate.news/irish-construction-activity-contracts-but-new-order-growth-quickens/

 

• New homes building activity falls for sixth month in a row: Decline will be seen as a blow to Government efforts to get to grips with housing crisis https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/04/17/activity-in-new-homes-construction-falls-for-sixth-month-in-a-row/

 

• Constitutional challenge to urban height guidelines dismissed by High Court: Complaint made as part of many pending challenges to planning permissions for tall buildings and dense residential schemes https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/04/20/constitutional-challenge-to-urban-height-guidelines-dismissed-by-high-court/

 

• Climate change will lead to overheated buildings unless construction standards change – report: Builders and engineers must prepare for temperatures higher than 33 degrees recorded last year https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2023/04/20/climate-change-will-lead-to-overheated-buildings-unless-construction-standards-change-report/

 

• Just 40% of planned new hospital bed capacity delivered in 2022: HSE officials argue in briefing papers for Bernard Gloster that 2022 capital plan was ‘substantially delivered’  https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2023/04/22/just-40-per-cent-of-planned-new-hospital-bed-capacity-delivered-in-2022/

 

• Residents could return to Dublin’s Henry Street, originally designed as a place to live; Permission sought to develop eight apartments and communal roof garden above numbers 42-43 https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2023/04/17/residents-could-return-to-dublins-henry-street/

 

• An Bord Pleanála concedes in challenge to permission for 205 apartments in Phibsborough: Residents’ groups want approval for the build-to-rent scheme overturned https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/04/17/bord-pleanala-concedes-in-challenge-to-permission-for-205-apartments-in-phibsborough/

 

• Residents handed major victory after ABP withdraw from Cross Guns development review: Residents had major concerns about the development, including its height, which was proposed under Strategic Housing Development and could not be appealed under traditional means https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/residents-handed-major-victory-after-26728075

 

• Comer Group to progress with development of 530 apartments in Sandyford Business District: Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council recently rezoned Sentinel building shell which has been unfinished for the past 15 years https://www.businesspost.ie/property/comer-group-to-progress-with-development-of-530-apartments-in-sandyford-business-district/

 

• Plans for over 800 apartments in Fairview lodged with Dublin City Council: The proposed development will consist of 494 apartments for sale and 317 build-to-rent apartments https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/property/plans-over-800-apartments-fairview-26732602

 

• Carrickmines development halted due to row over how it was built https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/carrickmines-development-halted-due-to-row-over-how-it-was-built-1463894.html

 

• Publican Frank Gleeson secures temporary orders preventing receiver from selling Dublin lands: Businessman claims he has secured purchaser for lands in dispute to pay outstanding loan and fears forced auction could collapse salehttps://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/04/20/publican-frank-gleeson-secures-temporary-orders-preventing-receiver-from-selling-dublin-lands/

 

• Eamon Ryan raises ‘significant concerns’ over Dublin Port revamp plans: Minister says project excludes rail freight and calls for blocks of land to be used for housing https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2023/04/21/eamon-ryan-raises-significant-concerns-over-dublin-port-revamp-plans/

 

• Skeletal remains discovered at Dublin building site https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41120521.html

 

• Plans approved for new €106m building in Cork city centre: Plans have been in the pipeline for years, with the State committing €25m towards the costs in 2019. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41121556.html

 

• New Boherbue waste water treatment plant on schedule to be completed in early 2024: Cllr Bernard Moynihan said the plant will help address the ‘huge demand’ for new homes across the Duhallow region https://m.independent.ie/regionals/corkman/news/new-boherbue-waste-water-treatment-plant-on-schedule-to-be-completed-in-early-2024-42443399.html

 

• HSE and Defence Forces in Galway ‘blindsided’ by Land Development Agency https://connachttribune.ie/hse-and-defence-forces-in-galway-blindsided-by-land-development-agency/

 

• Údarás na Gaeltacht pressing on with Marine Innovation Park in Connemara despite planning rejections https://www.galwaydaily.com/business/udaras-na-gaeltacht-pressing-on-with-marine-innovation-park-in-connemara-despite-planning-rejections/

 

• Appeal lodged against rejection of Oranmore housing estate https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/housing/appeal-lodged-against-rejection-of-oranmore-housing-estate/

 

• Appeal lodged with An Bord Pleanala over rock extraction in Clifden https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/appeal-lodged-with-an-bord-pleanala-over-rock-extraction-in-clifden/

 

• New Limerick school building to go to tender in coming weeks https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/new-limerick-school-building-to-go-to-tender-in-coming-weeks/

 

• €25 million for University of Limerick to ‘transform’ campus main building

https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/1149247/25-million-for-university-of-limerick-to-transform-campus-main-building.html

 

• Large housing development planned for town in Kilkenny https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/your-community/1151486/large-housing-development-planned-for-town-in-kilkenny.html

 

• Plans for 20-unit housing proposal for Achill Sound published https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2023/04/18/plans-for-20-unit-housing-proposal-for-achill-sound-published/

 

• Plans for glamping pods on Mayo island approved https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2023/04/20/plans-for-glamping-pods-on-mayo-island-approved/

 

• New footpath key in paving way for completion of Sligo housing development https://www.oceanfm.ie/2023/04/21/new-footpath-key-in-paving-way-for-completion-of-sligo-housing-development/

 

• Work on 170 new houses in progress https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2023/04/18/work-on-170-new-houses-in-progress/

 

• The below locations have been selected to date to provide modular homes: 30 homes in Cavan town; 64 in Mahon, Co Cork; 62 in Thurles, Co Tipperary; 22 in Doorly Park, Co Sligo; 28 in Claremorris, Co Mayo; 64 in Clonminch, Co Offaly 42 in Rathdowney, Co Laois. https://www.thejournal.ie/rapid-build-housing-2-6043730-Apr2023/

 

• Owner of Jack White’s pub seeks permission for tourism development at rear of inn: Proposal envisages 57 separate glamping and camper van pitches, reception area and shop at Brittas Bay pub https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/04/20/owner-of-jack-whites-pub-seeks-permnsiion-for-tourism-development-at-rear-of-inn/?utm_source=newsshowcase

 

• Compulsory purchase of Wexford campus site approved by An Bord Pleanála – ‘Now the ball is in SETU’s court’ https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/lifestyle/compulsory-purchase-of-wexford-campus-site-approved-by-an-bord-pleanala-now-the-ball-is-in-setus-court-42441572.html

 

• 12 new social homes approved for Carlow: Local TD Jennifer Murnane O’Connor says “It is important that we build, and build and build as many houses as we can” https://kclr96fm.com/12-new-social-homes-approved-for-carlow/

 

• Review a significant step towards developing west Mayo marina https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2023/04/19/review-a-significant-step-towards-developing-west-mayo-marina/?utm_source=newsshowcase

 

• Laing O’Rourke clarifies cement position https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/laing-orourke-clarifies-cement-position

 

• Grafton investors urged to reject new chief executive’s pay premium: DIY retailer and building materials distributor completes £93.3m share buyback programme https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/04/19/grafton-investors-urged-to-reject-new-ceos-pay-premium-over-former-chief/

 

• Turner & Townsend (T&T) has appointed Philip Matthews its managing director for Ireland, citing “strong growth” across the country. He will take up the role at the beginning of next month, following the retirement of Mark Kelly: https://buildingirelandmagazine.com/turner-townsend-appoints-new-ireland-managing-director/

 

• Inflation and drive to net zero adding to construction costs globally https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/inflation-and-drive-to-net-zero-adding-to-construction-costs-globally-21-04-2023/

 

• Mannok holds profits steady at €26m amid inflation surge: The group was formerly part of Sean Quinn’s empire https://m.independent.ie/business/mannok-holds-profits-steady-at-26m-amid-inflation-surge-42441474.html

 

• Kingspan bosses need to talk more about Grenfell, not less: Kingspan cannot quietly move on from Grenfell, particularly as Michael Gove has it in his sights, so a better strategy would be to proactively engage with the British government https://www.businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/ian-guider-kingspan-bosses-need-to-talk-more-about-grenfell-not-less/

 

PROPTECH, ESG, MMC & CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION

 

• Proptech Ireland is updating the database of 2023 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

 

• Startup Funding For PropTech – TechRound https://techround.co.uk/funding/startup-funding-proptech/

 

• Enterprise Ireland invests €27m in over 160 start-ups: New figures have been released to coincide with the state agency’s ‘Start-up Showcase’ event https://www.businesspost.ie/tech/enterprise-ireland-invests-e27m-in-over-160-start-ups/

 

• Moderation in tech firm valuations ‘timely’ – Enterprise Ireland chief: Leo Cullen remains ‘concerned’ at effect of slowdown on willingness of venture capital firms to continue to invest https://www.businesspost.ie/news/moderation-in-tech-firm-valuations-timely-enterprise-ireland-chief/

 

• Buildzon – offers construction industry procurement real-time access to prices from multiple vendors for building products in short supply or not available in Ireland https://irishtechnews.ie/female-founders-new-frontiers-programme/

 

• Free-to-use UK search tool, developed in collaboration with government’s MMC adviser, enables practices to showcase their expertise and scope out systems and partners for projects https://www.ribaj.com/products/architects-google-style-directory-for-offsite-stephen-cousins

 

• Building Information Management (BIM) can play an important role not only in the construction of buildings. But it can be equally relevant in the demolition end of any building’s lifecycle. https://waste-management-world.com/resource-use/the-role-of-bim-in-building-demolition-waste-management/

 

• How technology is delivering sustainable construction https://www.constructiondive.com/spons/how-technology-is-delivering-sustainable-construction/647153/

 

• BIG merger proves big money is on commercial, not residential, proptech now https://thenegotiator.co.uk/proptech-merger-reveals-big-cash-chasing-commercial-property-not-sales-or-lettings/

 

• Home energy assessment startup Enter raises €19.4M Series A to expand in Germany and beyond Home energy assessment startup Enter raises €19.4M Series A to expand in Germany and beyond https://techcrunch.com/2023/04/21/home-energy-assessment-startup-enter-raises-e19-4m-series-a-to-expand-in-germany-and-beyond/

 

• Opendoor alums raise $15M for Kindred, a home-swapping network https://techcrunch.com/2023/04/19/opendoor-alums-raise-15m-for-kindred-a-home-swapping-network/

 

• Gore eyes real estate tokenisation with Swiss proptech: German investor in talks to acquire a stake in BrickMark Group https://reactnews.com/article/gore-eyes-real-estate-tokenisation-with-swiss-proptech/

 

• Leading Proptech Company, Dottid, Announces New Release of Asset OS Alongside Strong Company Growth: Dottid’s Asset OS consolidates multiple platforms into one intuitive interface to save commercial real estate firms time and money across the $2.3 trillion industry.https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leading-proptech-company-dottid-announces-new-release-of-asset-os-alongside-strong-company-growth-301801049.html

 

• Revealed: The lies exposing Letting Cloud’s fake Airbnb acquisition https://www.uktech.news/proptech/letting-cloud-fake-airbnb-acquisition-20230420

 

ENERGY, CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT

• Ireland exempt from EU carbon price regime until 2030: Derogation due to fact that Irish carbon tax means fuels in transport and building here will already be double that for rest of Europe https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/ireland-exempt-from-eu-carbon-price-regime-until-2030/

 

• New report shines light on offsite’s carbon reduction potential https://specificationonline.co.uk/articles/2023-04-19/dclg/new-report-shines-light-on-offsite-s-carbon-reduction-potential

 

• 10 Priorities For Existing Buildings To Achieve Net-Zero Carbon Emissions https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2023/04/17/10-priorities-for-existing-buildings-to-achieve-net-zero-carbon-emissions/amp/

 

• “We need to build wind farms now and with urgency” – Wind Energy Ireland: The representative body for the Irish wind industry responds to  https://www.donegallive.ie/news/ecolive/1150362/we-need-to-build-wind-farms-now-and-with-urgency-wind-energy-ireland.html

 

• ‘Grave concern’ over draft offshore energy plan – Chambers Ireland https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/grave-concern-over-draft-offshore-energy-plan-chambers-ireland-1465844.html

 

• ‘They won’t bulldoze through us’ – protestors: Eirgrid reduces height of pylons by up to five metres https://www.meathchronicle.ie/2023/04/19/they-wont-bulldoze-through-us-protestors/

 

• EirGrid opens first office in Cork, which will support the delivery of critical infrastructure across the south of the country that will play an important role in achieving the commitments set out in the Government’s Climate Action Plan https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41121769.html

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

• Prime Dublin 4 residential rental investment seeking €10m: 21 apartments at Block A, The Willows, on Sandymount’s Claremont Road, are generating more than €600,000 in annual rental income https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/04/19/prime-dublin-4-residential-rental-investment-seeking-10m/

 

• Global investment giant M&G’s Real Estate arm has bought a development of 67 apartments in the Dublin suburb of Blackrock for €31.3m. https://m.independent.ie/business/investment-giant-buys-apartment-blocks-in-dublins-blackrock-to-rent-to-council-42439657.html

 

• Small investment firm snaps up €14m of homes in two years: Arena Capital has bought residential property in Ireland with a view to lease the units to councils for social housing https://www.businesspost.ie/news/small-investment-firm-snaps-up-e14m-of-homes-in-two-years/

 

• Owner left 43 homes empty for two years to avoid rent caps and sell for higher price: Woodbine House in south Dublin was listed for sale at €24 million with potential for rent of €1.47 million per year https://www.businesspost.ie/news/owner-left-43-homes-empty-for-two-years-to-avoid-rent-caps-and-sell-for-higher-price/?cx_testId=1

 

• Slick design and energy efficiency at new Blackrock housing scheme from €590,000: Old Meadow consists of five houses and nine apartments set to be released on Avoca Avenue https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2023/04/20/slick-design-and-energy-efficiency-at-new-blackrock-housing-scheme-from-575000/

 

• Cost of living Ireland: Thousands of first time buyers can claim more than €10,000 on support payment – The First Home Scheme is aimed at first time buyers or recently separated couples https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/cost-living-ireland-thousands-first-26734174.amp

 

• House prices will have to fall if we don’t want our kids to emigrate: Owen Reidy of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions says homeowners must be prepared to take the possible hit on property values, as current spiralling house prices are creating a situation where we are ‘exporting our kids’ https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/house-prices-will-have-to-fall-if-we-dont-want-our-kids-to-emigrate/m

 

• HAP tenants subjected to ‘campaign of harassment’ after notice to quit awarded €12k: WRC ruled that the tenants suffered ‘serious intimidation’ when individuals turned up at the rented accommodation wearing masks and carrying large tools https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/courtandcrime/arid-41122036.html

 

• I want to get on the property ladder, but should I bide my time for now? https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/business/i-want-to-get-on-the-property-ladder-but-should-i-bide-my-time-for-now-42437812.html

 

• Home insurers are accused of using level of inflation to ‘rip off’ consumers https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/insurance/home-insurers-are-accused-of-using-level-of-inflation-to-rip-off-consumers-42435136.html

 

• Three-quarters of eviction notices for renovations ‘invalid’, Threshold says: Tenants’ rights charity says most notices issued in the first quarter of this year were due to landlords saying they intended to sell property https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2023/04/19/three-quarters-of-eviction-notices-for-renovations-invalid-threshold-says/

 

• Landlord must pay €13,000 over threat to evict pregnant tenant: Woman tells tribunal landlord became aggressive when she asked him to sign off on housing assistance payment https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2023/04/19/landlord-must-pay-13000-over-threat-to-evict-pregnant-tenant/

 

• How do I choose the best estate agent to sell my home? Property Clinic: There are a number of agents in my area but I don’t know anyone with personal experience of them https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2023/04/19/how-do-i-choose-the-best-estate-agent-to-sell-my-home/

 

• Stunning new houses for sale in Ireland today: Grainne Rothery’s pick of the properties available to buy in Ireland this weekhttps://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/co-wicklow-spacious-stylish-and-secluded-0j7xfm7b0

 

• What will €475,000 buy in Dublin and Roscommon? Two homes, one price: A Georgian gem on over two acres in Knockcroghery or a one-bed house with a roof terrace in Portobello https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2023/04/20/what-will-475000-buy-in-dublin-and-roscommon/

 

• West Cork B&B goes on the market for €2.5 million https://www.irelandbeforeyoudie.com/west-cork-b-and-b-goes-on-market/

 

• Sophie Toscan du Plantier’s West Cork neighbour puts home up for sale a second time: It’s understood major renovations have been carried out on the farmhouse property since it was first put on the market in 2021 https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/sophie-toscan-du-plantiers-west-26722796

 

• Extraordinary one-off home overlooking Dunmore Bay for €9.75m: Set on 60 acres, the 1,161 square metre Dunmore Head was built to resemble the interior of a luxury ocean cruise liner https://www.businesspost.ie/property/exceptional-contemporary-home-overlooking-dunmore-bay-for-e9-75m/

 

• Stunning Sligo lake house with spectacular water views hits the market for €1.35 million https://m.independent.ie/regionals/sligochampion/news/stunning-sligo-lake-house-with-spectacular-water-views-hits-the-market-for-135-million-42443028.html

 

• This darling stone cottage in Co Meath is on the market for €125,000 https://www.image.ie/living/this-darling-stone-cottage-in-co-meath-is-on-the-market-for-e125000-733332/amp

 

• Grand Georgian residence and a Victorian manor on impressive Boyne Valley estate for €10m: In addition to Dowth Hall and Netterville Manor, sale includes lands with views over Newgrange passage tomb https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2023/04/20/a-georgian-gem-and-victorian-manor-on-552-acres-in-the-heart-of-boyne-valley-for-10m/

 

• 7 color scheme mistakes you might be making in your home https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/7-color-scheme-mistakes-you-might-be-making-in-your-home

 

• ‘You can get five times your return on investment’ – the one area you should upgrade, says Jason Oppenheim: The Selling Sunset star has a simple way of upgrading the ‘centerpiece of your home’ – and it doesn’t need to be expensive https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/one-room-to-upgrade-before-selling

 

• Successful day at O’Donnellan & Joyce nationwide property auction https://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/135062/successful-day-at-odonnellan-joyce-nationwide-property-auction

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

• Sandyford office district looks set for residential reboot: Several office-to-apartment conversions are in the offing in the business district once delayed planning permission comes through https://www.businesspost.ie/property/sandyford-office-district-looks-set-for-residential-reboot/

 

• Older car parks could be at risk of collapse from weight of electric cars: New research suggests that multi-storey car parks may need structural work or weight limits to accommodate electric vehicles, as they are typically far heavier than petrol cars https://www.businesspost.ie/news/older-car-parks-could-be-at-risk-of-collapse-from-weight-of-electric-cars/

 

• Commercial property values hit by remote working and interest rate hikes: Demand for office space has weakened sharply as firms reassess needs, with thousands of employees still working remotely https://www.businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/lorcan-allens-stock-take-commercial-property-values-hit-by-remote-working-and-interest-rate-hikes/

 

• Modern offices are terrible places to get anything done: It’s exhausting to be ceaselessly seen and to have your focus broken every time someone starts to chat https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/2023/04/17/modern-offices-are-terrible-places-to-get-anything-done/

 

• “In a world where the preference is to work at home, our team actually prefers the office”: The return to the office needn’t be a contentious issue for employers if they can offer staff a workplace as attractive as those available with Iconic Offices https://www.irishexaminer.com/sponsored/arid-41115643.html

 

• Older office buildings can be as good as new. They’re often even better: Suggesting that only new buildings are ‘ESG-compliant’ is nonsense. The upgrading of older stock is simple https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/04/19/older-office-buildings-can-be-as-good-as-new-theyre-often-even-better/

 

• Dublin docks office block with residential potential guiding at €3.2m: Feasibility study finds Riverbank House in city’s South Docks has scope for 28 apartments and commercial space https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/04/19/dublin-docks-office-block-with-residential-potential-guiding-at-32m/

 

• Cathedral Court office space sold to private Irish investor for €2.25m: Two floors already let successfully in mixed commercial and residential building in Dublin 8 https://www.businesspost.ie/property/cathedral-court-office-space-sold-to-private-irish-investor-for-e2-25m/?cx_testId=1

 

• Irish Life seeks €15.75m for JD Sports’ Irish distribution centre: Sportswear giant signed long-term lease on Dublin 15 logistics unit in 2021 to counter Brexit impact https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/04/19/irish-life-seeks-1575m-for-jd-sports-irish-distribution-centre/m

 

• Two former banking premises, each in high-profile location: Lisney is offering 68-70 St Agnes Road in Crumlin, at the busy crossroads of St Agnes Road and Cromwellsfort Road; and 79 Church Street in Skerries, in a mixed-use location near homes and shops https://www.businesspost.ie/property/two-former-banking-premises-each-in-high-profile-location/

 

• Once-off chance to acquire giant retail warehouse at Liffey Valley for €26m: B&Q holds 25-year lease at 11,000 square metre warehouse, one of largest in the country, and planning laws prohibit any more of this size to be built https://www.businesspost.ie/property/once-off-chance-to-acquire-giant-retail-warehouse-at-liffey-valley-for-e26m/

 

• Ikea to open ‘plan and order’ store in Cork: Swedish furniture store giant extending its Irish footprint into Munster https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/04/17/ikea-to-open-plan-and-order-store-in-cork/

 

• €12m deal in the wings for Cork city’s Debenhams, three years after being shuttered: Retail set to be rekindled on Patrick Street as iconic building close to sale for unconfirmed c€12m to undisclosed owner-occupier https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41120431.html

 

• All eyes on No.39 Patrick Street, the hottest property in Cork city: Global, national and local property investors should get excited by the earning potential of this attractive retail investment now for sale via Cushman & Wakefield, Cork https://www.irishexaminer.com/sponsored/arid-41116555.html

 

• Entire office block for sale for €2.5m at Cork’s East Gate where vacancy is a super-low 1%: Capita not renewing lease so buyer gets possession of 18,000 sq ft office block in fully occupied business park https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41120446.html

 

• ‘We want to pay our way’: O’Donovan’s Hotel and their battle with Everyday Finance: A loan that the family took out with AIB sixteen years has come back to haunt them after it was sold to an *INVESTMENT fund [*Incorrect terminology removed] https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-41117308.html

 

• New Look to reopen doors in new Galway City location https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/new-look-to-reopen-doors-in-new-galway-city-location/

 

• Mixed-use investment opportunity in Southgate shopping centre: The modern purpose-built development forms an essential part of Drogheda’s commercial centre mixed-use investment opportunity https://www.businesspost.ie/property/mixed-use-investment-opportunity-in-southgate-shopping-centre/

 

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

 

• Michael Gove’s housing reforms are the only ray of light in this doomed government  https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/21/michael-gove-housing-government-building-lobby-power-people

 

• UK House Price Index for February 2023: The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-house-price-index-for-february-2023

 

• Portakabin buys £80m turnover modular healthcare firm https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2023/04/21/portakabin-buys-80m-sales-modular-healthcare-firm/

 

• Inside 12 Extravagant Estates Owned by the British Royal Family: From Sandringham to Balmoral Castle, take a look at some of the royals’ historic homes.  https://robbreport.com/shelter/celebrity-homes/iconic-properties-owned-by-british-royal-family-1234832331/amp/

 

• Spain’s ‘Nama’ to provide 50,000 low-rent homes: Madrid government aims to ‘pay back Spaniards’ for cost of bearing financial crisishttps://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/04/18/spains-nama-to-provide-50000-low-rent-homes/

 

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/