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: 

 

 

• Following high-profile events of recent weeks, we have put together a high level ‘Guide to crisis communication for construction and property leaders’ – for immediate, bespoke advice please contact us in confidence at info@propertydistrict.ie https://propertydistrict.ie/a-guide-to-crisis-communication-for-construction-and-property-leaders/ 

 

 

• Private sector developers delivered 80% of social housing units last year: Figures from Department of Housing highlight State’s reliance on private developers  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/private-sector-developers-delivered-80-of-social-housing-units-last-year-1.4856787

 

• David McWilliams: State has completely lost control of the housing market – Solution to housing crisis is to either cut population through mass emigration or build more homes https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/david-mcwilliams-state-has-completely-lost-control-of-the-housing-market-1.4858550

 

• Housing agency boss has ‘no concerns’ over potential conflicts of interest at An Bord Pleanála  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40856297.html

 

• IDA success piles pressure on the housing, energy and jobs markets in Ireland  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ida-success-piles-pressure-housing-energy-jobs-ireland-comment-mbc5mw6fs

 

• Emergency powers to be granted to councils to buy homes for Ukrainian refugees: Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien is developing a multi-faceted plan to address the shortfall of space for refugees and will table plans in the coming days  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-40857149.html

 

• Refugees on camp beds . . . while houses lay empty https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/refugees-on-camp-beds-while-houses-lay-empty-hj7fpdk6s Also: The empty Royal City of Dublin hospital building in Dublin’s Upper Baggot Street is being considered as a potential accommodation hub for Ukrainian refugees, following a campaign by local businesses and residents.  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/empty-dublin-4-hospital-may-be-used-as-housing-hub-for-ukrainian-refugees-41581787.html 

 

• The Importance Of Housing Refugees In Urban Areas https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/highlights-from-the-pat-kenny-show/the-importance-of-housing-refugees-in-urban-areas

 

• Properties affected by defective blocks will have to meet damage threshold to access new scheme: Expert group says there should be extensive pattern cracking of at least 1.5mm  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/properties-affected-by-defective-blocks-will-have-to-meet-damage-threshold-to-access-new-scheme-1.4859647

 

• Rosslare port sets out plans for offshore energy that could create 2,000 jobs: The developments will see a total of €350m invested in the port and its environs https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-40856258.html

 

• Rags to Riches: Self-made millionaire from Co Derry on selling Dubai’s most expensive villa: Conor McKay, 24, toiled for success from the age of 19 and has shared his incredible story  https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/rags-riches-self-made-millionaire-23742890.amp

 

• ‘Working on a show like DIY SOS is a good judge of who to do business with’: Interior designer Aoife Rhattigan talks about the ‘halo effect’ and what it’s like to create homes with the crew led by Baz Ashmawy  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-40857146.html

 

• As the market for sustainable bonds grows, Morgan Stanley Investment Management’s fixed-income leaders discuss why the asset class is becoming so important for ESG investors and what key trends to watch.  https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/esg-investing-fixed-income-market-future

 

• For some industries, ESG disclosure is already a requirement, for the rest, the trend is clear: Reporting on exposure and policies is here to stay. There is an opportunity to get ahead of the curve in your industry and to demonstrate leadership https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2022/04/18/why-communications-should-be-part-of-esg-strategy-planning/?sh=475f04795f34

 

• Landlord Finds Out Tenant Is Listing Their Rental on Airbnb in Viral TikTok  https://www.distractify.com/p/airbnb-tenant-renting

 

 

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

This week on Breaking Ground on iPropertyRadio, host Carol Tallon chats to Jonathan Reinhardt MCIAT of Jonathan Reinhardt Design Labs about his new platform Greenup.ie, connecting sustainability experts with new clients (Sign up for BETA now!) 

Watch back: https://youtu.be/s7tZFYjcqhc 

 

Produced by Hear Me Roar Media

Email the Property Matters team at info@propertydistrict.ie 

 

 

PLACEMAKING

PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• 15-minute city plans could revolutionize several cities in Ireland  https://www.irishcentral.com/news/ireland-15-minute-city.amp

 

• Dublin city council has refused the owner of a period home in Clontarf permission to retain a bicycle storage unit in their front garden, ruling that it would cause “serious injury” to the setting. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/city-puts-brakes-on-undesirable-bicycle-shed-wfdt968qw

 

• Irish Examiner view: Is Cork going straight-line crazy?  https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/ourview/arid-40857029.html

 

• ‘We have been campaigning for 40 years’: Calls for Cork city street layout changes to be expedited: Blarney Street Community Association said the local community is looking for basic changes with minimal cost  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40854827.html

 

• Bypass Ireland: Macroom counting the days until new road is complete. Residents who have spent decades dealing with heavy traffic on their main street say the town ‘will rise once the bypass is built’  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-40855139.html

 

• Demand for new M8 access junction to end Fermoy gridlock: A third junction, rejected by planners 20 years ago, would ease congestion in the town, say locals  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40857137.html

 

• The offer of a 17th century house and extensive gardens to Galway County Council for the princely sum of a euro has still not been taken up.  https://connachttribune.ie/no-interest-in-galway-mansion-with-bargain-e1-price-tag/amp/

 

• Kylemore Abbey in Connemara aims for tourist revival: Benedictine abbey needs tourism boost to finance €5m monastery plan  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/kylemore-abbey-in-connemara-aims-for-tourist-revival-1.4858407

 

• Limerick council puts out an open call for creative artists https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/789079/limerick-council-puts-out-an-open-call-for-creative-artists.html

 

• Website promoting popular Limerick village marks two decades in business  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/790704/website-promoting-popular-limerick-village-marks-two-decades-in-business.html

 

• Bypass Ireland: Croom a ‘shining light’ as bypass injects new life into rural Limerick town: The Limerick village shows there is life in a town after being bypassed, as long as it remembers to put in a traffic management system https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-40854383.html

 

• Donegal facing “perfect storm” over accommodation shortage: County struggles to cope with rising numbers on housing list, mica homes, and Ukrainian refugees  https://www.donegallive.ie/news/local-news/792456/donegal-facing-perfect-storm-over-accommodation-shortage.html

 

• Delight as new public pathway opened to stunning Murder Hole Beach  https://www.donegaldaily.com/2022/04/23/delight-as-new-public-pathway-opened-to-stunning-murder-hole-beach/amp/

 

• Opposition to offshore wind turbines will not blow over: Will a 900MW project off the east coast get caught in a squall of local protests?  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/opposition-to-offshore-wind-turbines-will-not-blow-over-q7722wddt

 

• Communities fight back developers with ‘greener’ plans for UK housing: Groups across the country are proposing alternative designs that they say better suit local peoples’ needs  https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/apr/18/communities-fight-back-developers-with-greener-plans-for-uk-housing

 

• ‘I don’t want to live alone’: co-living, community and affordable housing: While the idea of communal living may be age-old, the modern reinvention of co-living is picking up steam in Australia https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/apr/23/i-dont-want-to-live-alone-co-living-community-and-affordable-housing

 

• How Cities Became Accidental Wildlife Havens: One of the greatest modern feats for animal conservation was wildlife adapting to urban spaces, according to a new book. Now the challenge is learning to live with them.  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-21/how-to-coexist-with-animals-in-cities-from-rats-to-coyotes

 

 

 

*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

• New housing commencements reach record high in March: In total, notices for 2,809 units were received by the Building Control Authorities in the month. That is up 21% on the previous month  https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/0422/1293701-commencement-notices/

 

• Construction price inflation surges to 13% and expected to rise further: Inflation expected to continue this year  https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-40856267.html Also: Cost of commercial building set to keep soaring: Price volatility in insulation, cement, plasterboard, metals and fuel driving inflation https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/cost-of-commercial-building-set-to-keep-soaring-1.4858758

 

• There has been much commentary on the problems developers and building contractors are facing with rampant cost inflation in the market. But how about the smaller sub-contractors and specialist firms, which are a vital part of every project? How are they navigating through these busy, but challenging times?  https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/coping-with-rising-costs-is-a-balancing-act-for-those-vital-specialist-firms-41571549.html

 

• Timber producers call for more tree planting to boost construction sector: Ireland lags behind other countries on use of sustainable resource in building new homes, forestry industry chief says  https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/timber-producers-call-for-more-tree-planting-to-boost-construction-sector-41562099.html

 

• Shortages bring crane manufacturing to a halt: Tadano, the world’s biggest manufacturer of mobile cranes, is suspending production at factories in Japan and Germany due to supply chain shortages. https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/shortages-bring-crane-manufacturing-to-a-halt

 

• Irish companies scramble to restructure erratic supply chains across the globe:  Woodland cited the vacancy rate for industrial property in the Cork region, which was around 20pc in 2012 and had shrunk to just 2.6pc in the first quarter of 2022. Blaming inflation and supply chain issues, Woodland added that the cost of building new warehouses had risen to a point where construction slowed while rent and demand grew.  https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/irish-companies-scramble-to-restructure-erratic-supply-chains-across-the-globe-41577376.html

 

• Get major building projects under way now or they will be even more expensive in future, ministers are warned: Government needs to act over soaring build costs due to planning delays and rising cost of steel and timber https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/get-major-building-projects-under-way-now-or-they-will-be-even-more-expensive-in-future-ministers-are-warned-41581819.html

 

• Construction product manufacturers post-Brexit: A tale of two symbols  https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/featured/construction-product-product-manufacturers-post-brexit/109568/

 

• ‘Snobbery To Blame’ For Shortage Of Tradespeople https://extra.ie/2022/04/21/property/tradespeople-shortage-snobbery

 

• CIS round-up: what’s going up, when and where around the country: The Construction Information Service offers the latest on building schemes across Ireland  https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/cis-round-up-whats-going-up-when-and-where-around-the-country-ba3ad53a

 

• Minister orders reversal of Dalkey/Killiney housing ban: Restrictions on build-to-rent also removed from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown development plan https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/minister-orders-reversal-of-dalkey-killiney-housing-ban-1.4859573

 

• Land Development Agency lodges planning permission for 2,300 social houses  https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/land-development-agency-lodges-planning-permission-for-2300-social-houses-1293743.html

 

• McKillen jnr’s Oakmount wins RIAI award for Percy Place scheme: ODOS Architects commended for providing example of how to develop brownfield sites  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/mckillen-jnr-s-oakmount-wins-riai-award-for-percy-place-scheme-1.4852927

 

• Developers surge to offload sites to Land Development Agency: More than 100 submissions made to sell large scale housing sites to State agency https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/developers-surge-to-offload-sites-to-land-development-agency-1.4858755

 

• Green light for 730-unit apartment scheme by Cairn Homes in north Dublin: Parkside residents ‘shocked and betrayed’ by extent of the plan  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/green-light-for-730-unit-apartment-scheme-by-cairn-homes-in-north-dublin-1.4856635

 

• Cairn Homes plans 377 apartments for Stillorgan: Developer looks to move from approved student accommodation proposal to providing build to rent apartments on landmark site  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/cairn-homes-plans-377-apartments-for-stillorgan-1.4857764

 

• Planning permission granted for 419 apartments in south Dublin despite local objections: Over 50 objections were lodged against the ‘fast track’ five block scheme for Old Bray Road in Cornelscourt, Dublin 18.  https://www.thejournal.ie/planning-permission-granted-419-apartments-south-dublin-5743037-Apr2022/

 

• Press Up Hospitality founders’ Blackrock apartment plan approved: An Bord Pleanála sanctions plan over objections but trims number to blocks on site to 10 https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/press-up-hospitality-founders-blackrock-apartment-plan-approved-1.4858590

 

• Developer pays over the odds for Crumlin homes close to planned apartment block: The €690,000 price was paid for each of four three-bed houses following homeowners taking legal challenge to An Bord Pleanála over Brian Durkan project  https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/developer-pays-over-the-odds-for-crumlin-homes-close-to-planned-apartment-block-9f9cd27a

 

• Plans approved for new three-storey apartment block in Cork city. In July 2020 Cork City Council refused planning for a taller apartment block proposed by the same applicants at the same brownfield site.  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40854002.html

 

• Watch: video shows how massive 800 apartment Cork City docks development will transform area: If it goes ahead – it will be a big part of the transformation of the area https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/watch-video-shows-how-massive-23713410

 

• Pac to review rejection of Cork city housing development: Dossier alleges irregularities regarding An Bord Pleanála decision to refuse planning for development on Distillery Quarter in Blackpool https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40855403.html

 

• Plans for large-scale strategic housing development in Cork refused: Bluescape Limited had applied to An Bord Pleanála for permission to construct 289 residential units. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40857044.html

 

• Decision due shortly on 80 residential units in Rahoon  https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/decision-due-shortly-on-80-residential-units-in-rahoon/

 

• Seven-storey student complex planned on Westside Shopping Centre carpark https://connachttribune.ie/seven-storey-student-complex-planned-on-westside-shopping-centre-carpark/

 

• Planning permission refused for Athenry supermarket and housing estate https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/planning-permission-refused-for-athenry-supermarket-and-housing-estate/

 

• Council rules out erecting additional signage outside derelict sites  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/790710/council-rules-out-erecting-additional-signage-outside-derelict-sites.html

 

• Lioncor to secure €92m from sale of Bray new homes scheme: Co-operative Housing Ireland pays €442,307 per unit for 208 homes at Kilruddery Glen  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/lioncor-to-secure-92m-from-sale-of-bray-new-homes-scheme-1.4856615

 

• Volume of sites on Derelict Register in Galway City ‘to go through roof’  https://connachttribune.ie/volume-of-sites-on-derelict-register-in-galway-city-to-go-through-roof/

 

• Amazon secures green light for data centre in Meath despite opposition: An Bord Pleanála granted permission to Amazon to allow construction of the new data centre  https://www.thejournal.ie/amazon-meath-data-centre-5745293-Apr2022/

 

• Westmeath County Council has given Shay Murtagh Precast Ltd the green light to transform the derelict house and outbuildings at the site formerly known as St Ethchen’s Rectory at Glebe, Killucan, into employee accommodation.  https://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/2022/04/19/local-firm-granted-planning-for-employee-accommodation/

 

• Drogheda site with planning for 150-bedroom nursing home for auction at €2m: Twenties Lane scheme had been offered for sale in June 2021 at guide price of €2.75m  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/drogheda-site-with-planning-for-150-bedroom-nursing-home-for-auction-at-2m-1.4855130?mode=sample&auth-failed=1&pw-origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishtimes.com%2Fbusiness%2Fcommercial-property%2Fdrogheda-sit

 

• Palm Logistics to invest €100m in Naas Enterprise Park: Regeneration has potential to double Kildare scheme’s 2,000-strong workforce https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/palm-logistics-to-invest-100m-in-naas-enterprise-park-1.4850005

 

• Plan in place to construct 54 new homes in Laois town following Council announcement  https://www.laoistoday.ie/2022/04/20/plan-in-place-to-construct-54-new-homes-in-laois-town-following-council-announcement/

 

• Controversial apartment block development beside Laois school refused permission  https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/local-news/793378/controversial-apartment-block-development-beside-laois-school-refused-permission.html

 

• Flat-pack houses in the frame to tackle the housing shortage in Ireland: Declan Murtagh’s modular construction company provides an off-the-shelf solution  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/flat-pack-houses-tackle-housing-shortage-ireland-pkftbvp98

 

• CRH sees earnings growth despite energy costs and Ukraine war: Building materials group saw sales rise 15 per cent in first half  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/crh-sees-earnings-growth-despite-energy-costs-and-ukraine-war-1.4857224

 

• Why facade engineering excellence is important for contractors  https://www.building.co.uk/sponsored-content/why-facade-engineering-excellence-is-important-for-contractors/5117029.article

 

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.

 

• Developers consider offsite and modular approach to building homes: LDA thinks materials constructed off site would help achieve government’s target of 35,000 units each year https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/developers-consider-modular-approach-to-building-homes-5h67q32n3

 

• Drop, the Dublin-based smart-kitchen tech company founded by Ben Harris that has raised over €20m, has rebranded as Fresco.  https://m.independent.ie/business/technology/news/smart-kitchen-tech-company-drop-rebrands-as-fresco-41571597.html

 

• One of the biggest names in agency, Grenville Turner, formerly CEO of Countrywide, a founding director of Rightmove and past director of Zoopla, has been appointed as chairperson at BidX1, one of Europe’s leading digital property investment platforms https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2022/4/agency-heavyweight-joins-property-investment-proptech-platform

 

• Construction costs are the bane of Irish housing. Could 3D-printed concrete houses help? Ireland’s construction costs aren’t just a matter for quantity surveyors – they’re a giant public policy problem. Excessively high costs are stopping houses getting built. From a warehouse in Drogheda, HTL Technologies has an idea that may help.  https://thecurrency.news/articles/75672/high-construction-costs-are-the-bane-of-irelands-housing-market-could-3d-printed-concrete-houses-help/

 

• Startup Flips Difficult Onsite Housing Construction Process On Its Head: An estimated 9% of total project cost is rework, which adds up to an annual $19 billion in the US… https://www.forbes.com/sites/jennifercastenson/2022/04/18/startup-flips-difficult-onsite-housing-construction-process-on-its-head/ 

 

• Venture capitalists piled record $4B into proptech in Q1: Investors undeterred by rising interest rates and lackluster public debuts https://therealdeal.com/2022/04/19/venture-capitalists-piled-record-4b-into-proptech-in-q1/

 

• Strategy First — Then Technology, Proptech Leaders Emphasize At ICNY – Inman https://www.inman.com/2022/04/21/strategy-first-then-technology-proptech-leaders-emphasize-at-icny/

 

• Proptech and the future of the UK’s economy and property market  https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/features/2022/4/proptech-and-the-future-of-the-uks-economy-and-property-market

 

• Proptech needs to be used to its full capacity to tackle challenges in the PRS | Property Reporter https://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/business/proptech-needs-to-be-used-to-its-full-capacity-to-tackle-challenges-in-the-prs.html

 

• It’s here – PropTech company Canopy is partnering with deposit funding firm Fronted to launch the concept of a lifetime deposit, which can be transferred from one rental property to another  https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2022/4/its-here–lifetime-deposit-concept-launched-ahead-of-government-reform

 

• PropTech pledge to UK agents – this platform is the alternative to a bank https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2022/4/proptech-pledge-to-agents–this-platform-is-the-alternative-to-a-bank?source=newsticker

 

• For startups: Your Team Is More Important Than Your Idea and Other Truths About Entrepreneurship https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/423743

 

• Ten home tech innovations to enhance modern life: These ten items of home tech – from a vacuuming robot to an energy-conscious thermostat and portable air purifiers – are designed to encourage domestic bliss https://www.wallpaper.com/technology/ten-home-tech-products-to-enhance-modern-life

 

• Proptech Firm Bright Spaces Sets Its Sights On UK Expansion: “Through this step, we show our stakeholders and potential customers that we’ve paid close attention to their needs,” https://allwork.space/2022/04/proptech-firm-bright-spaces-sets-its-sights-on-uk-expansion/

 

• Insteon May Have Joined the List of Failed Smart Home Companies https://www.reviewgeek.com/115308/insteon-may-have-joined-the-list-of-failed-smart-home-companies/

 

• Will Proptech Pop the Housing Bubble or Make It Worse? – Commercial Observer https://commercialobserver.com/2022/04/proptech-housing-market-sales/

 

• Smart Cities’ Future Rests On Proptech and Data: Forum: And on the metaverse. Here, let the experts explain. https://commercialobserver.com/2022/04/smart-cities-proptech-data-future/

 

• Indonesia-based proptech company PinHome raises $50M – AIM Group https://aimgroup.com/2022/04/22/indonesia-based-proptech-pinhome-raises-50m/

 

• John Carona Launches HOAM Ventures To Expand Presence In https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/04/21/2426829/0/en/John-Carona-Launches-HOAM-Ventures-To-Expand-Presence-In-Property-Technology-Sector.html

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

• The harsh reality of buying property in Ireland – as described by estate agents: Three agents who have been through the process share their experience https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/the-harsh-reality-of-buying-property-in-ireland-as-described-by-estate-agents-1.4851693

 

• Data, demographics, and the elderly: Why a new strand to the housing crisis is coming-Ireland has a habit of underestimating population growth.That has come back to haunt us, because we are unprepared for coming demographic changes Policymakers need to act https://thecurrency.news/articles/80551/data-and-demographics-irelands-elderly-population-is-about-to-explode-but-our-housing-and-welfare-systems-are-not-ready/

 

• It’s quite straightforward — How to fix NOW to beat looming mortgage rate hike https://extra.ie/2022/04/19/property/its-quite-straightforward-how-to-fix-now-to-beat-looming-mortgage-rate-hike

 

• Credit union lending limits ‘not the barrier’ to more offering mortgages, says Central Bank  https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/credit-union-lending-limits-not-the-barrier-to-more-offering-mortgages-says-central-bank-41578779.html

 

• Vacant and derelict homes: An answer to the State’s housing crisis?  https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/vacant-and-derelict-homes-an-answer-to-the-states-housing-crisis-1290872.html

 

• Call for holiday home owners and vacant property owners to offer to house Ukrainian refugees  https://www.advertiser.ie/mayo/article/129051/call-for-holiday-home-owners-and-vacant-property-owners-to-offer-to-house-ukrainian-refugees

 

• Davy shelling out bumper prices for houses already leased to Limerick Council: Several investors have flipped properties to the fund at double what they paid for them a year previously, following social housing lease agreement  https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/davy-shelling-out-bumper-prices-for-houses-already-leased-to-limerick-council-de03c7b4

 

• Clúid Housing opens applications for 46 new cost rental homes in Kildare  https://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/home/794220/cluid-housing-opens-applications-for-46-new-cost-rental-homes-in-kildare.html

 

• Choice based letting likely to be introduced in Kerry in third quarter https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/choice-based-letting-likely-to-be-introduced-in-kerry-in-third-quarter-278597 

 

• One of Ireland’s more successful housing agencies celebrates 25 years  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/one-of-ireland-s-more-successful-housing-agencies-celebrates-25-years-1.4855726

 

• Housing crisis will trigger new exodus of young teachers, warns INTO leader: No newly qualified teacher can now be expected to afford to buy a home, says head of primary teaching union  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/education/housing-crisis-will-trigger-new-exodus-of-young-teachers-warns-into-leader-41563890.html

 

• Cost of liability cover to mount as insurer QBE leaves Ireland:  QBE has confirmed that it will no longer provide liability, motor or property insurance in Ireland from this summer.  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/cost-liability-cover-mount-ireland-insurance-qbe-rzxrv60bq

 

• Matt Damon’s Dalkey lockdown hideaway up for rent at €8,400 per week  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/matt-damons-dalkey-lockdown-hideaway-up-for-rent-at-8400-per-week-41577276.html

 

• Safe harbour at Victorian country house on the shore of Lough Derg, for €2.95m: With 1.5km of lake frontage and 100+ acres of parkland and woodland close to Terryglass in Co Tipperary, this modernised Italianate house has 11 bedrooms and hotel potential https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/new-to-market/safe-harbour-at-victorian-country-house-on-the-shore-of-lough-derg-for-2-95m-1.4856382

 

• Phil Spencer’s top tips for making a house move cheap and easy  https://www.breakingnews.ie/lifestyle/phil-spencers-top-tips-for-making-a-house-move-cheap-and-easy-1291876.html

 

• Prize residences on the D4 coast are best in show: Two showhouses with respective price tags of €1.125 million and €925,000 are among the final three remaining units for sale at Sandymount Castle Court https://www.businesspost.ie/residential/prize-residences-on-the-d4-coast-are-best-in-show-76287ad9. (Pictured)

 

 

• Irishwoman raffling off stunning €1.5million home for bargain price hoping to ‘change someone’s life’ The winner will become a millionaire overnight by receiving the fully furnished property worth more than €1.1 million  https://www.irishmirror.ie/lifestyle/homes-and-property/irishwoman-raffling-stunning-15million-home-26765114.amp

 

 

• A couple who had millions of euro written off under personal insolvency arrangements did not reveal they were the registered owners of a luxury foreign property when their debt deals were approved by the High Court. https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/investigation-the-psychic-swindler-the-million-euro-debt-deal-and-a-secret-luxury-villa-41579314.html

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

• Room to improve: Turning vacant commercial property into residential accommodation  https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/room-to-improve-turning-vacant-commercial-property-into-residential-accommodation-1294121.html

 

• The future of work: Will we ever return to the office as we knew it?  https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/the-future-of-work-will-we-ever-return-to-the-office-as-we-knew-it-1.4853741

 

• Office politics: How Irish firms are adjusting to the hybrid working conundrum  https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/office-politics-how-irish-firms-are-adjusting-to-the-hybrid-working-conundrum-0aaf85c4

 

• Citi, the global bank, has launched the sale of its waterfront HQ building on North Wall Quay in Dublin’s North Docklands and sales agents Knight Frank are guiding over €120m for the asset.  https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/citi-seeks-120m-for-offices-in-dublins-north-docklands-41571562.html  (pictured)

 

• Bank of Ireland Dún Laoghaire branch sold to private investor for €2.5m: Sale of Upper George’s Street landmark saw over 50 enquiries from interested parties https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/bank-of-ireland-d%C3%BAn-laoghaire-branch-sold-to-private-investor-for-2-5m-1.4856594

 

• Language school secures temporary injunction preventing landlords from changing locks of premises: The court heard that the director of the college fears the landlords will change the locks in a dispute over the payment of rent. https://www.thejournal.ie/language-school-temporary-injunction-landlord-changing-locks-5745358-Apr2022/?amp=1

 

• Sonder reveals plans to grow UK and Ireland portfolio to 900 units  https://www.thecaterer.com/news/sonder-plans-grow-uk-ireland-portfolio-900-units

 

• A Number Of Irish Restaurant Properties Being Sold  https://www.hospitalityireland.com/amp/restaurant/a-number-of-irish-restaurant-properties-being-sold-170786

 

• Liquidators for Irish Bank Resolution Company (IBRC) are preparing to sell three prime hospitality assets formerly owned by businessman Sean Quinn.  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/liquidators-serve-up-sean-quinn-pubs-hwkvcfth3

 

• Venerable Galway food emporium comes to market: Enquiries are being sought to buy Mortons of Galway, whose owner is retiring after many successful years https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/venerable-galway-food-emporium-comes-to-market-d47b3460

 

• Iconic Irish shop to be converted into cafe but only on five conditions: The end of an era https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/galway-news/iconic-local-bookstore-converted-cafe-6963886

 

• Industrial unit in Maynooth comes to market for €815k: Unit H3 at Maynooth Business Campus extends to 455 square metres, and its current tenant is multinational Kokusai Semiconductor Europe GMBH https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/industrial-unit-in-maynooth-comes-to-market-for-eur815k-2125bff8

 

• Co Meath stud on 36 acres goes under hammer for €600k: The Kilcock property is located in rich farming country with stables and an arena, and is close to several high-profile racetracks https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/co-meath-stud-on-36-acres-goes-under-hammer-for-eur600k-fa31cd77

 

• Urban HQ plans £7m green flexi-work space in the heart of Belfast: The new building on Queen Street will be the only purpose-built, Grade A flexible workspace in Belfast and will incorporate sustainable design features and materials  https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/urban-hq-plans-ps7m-green-flexi-work-space-in-the-heart-of-belfast-f3449c05

 

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

 

• UK economy stumbles as consumers, firms brace for downturn  https://m.independent.ie/business/world/uk-economy-stumbles-as-consumers-firms-brace-for-downturn-41576974.html

 

• Battle of the burbs, office bounce  https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/the-subplot-battle-of-the-burbs-office-bounce/

 

• Sella designs “post-pandemic” offices for Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners in Brooklyn  https://www.dezeen.com/2022/04/22/sidewalk-infrastructure-partners-offices-dumbo-sella/

 

• Construction workers at a troubled construction site in London have been fined thousands of pounds for holding a party while the country was in lockdown. The six rule-breaking workers were found surrounded by empty beer bottles and celebrating St Patrick’s Day https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/health-and-safety/workers-on-multiplexs-troubled-one-nine-elms-site-fined-for-covid-party-21-04-2022/

 

• The World’s 25 Tallest Buildings Currently Under Construction https://www.archdaily.com/980296/the-worlds-25-tallest-buildings-currently-under-construction

 

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/