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:
- Pat Davitt: Why are private landlords selling up despite record rents? Statistics on monthly payments are skewed and Rent Pressure Zones can dampen prices https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/why-are-private-landlords-selling-up-despite-record-rents-1.4838303
- Housing bodies ‘taking on too much debt’ to build affordable and social homes: The Housing Alliance will also tell the Oireachtas committee that it requires access to affordable land https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-40838966.html
- Surveyors must be equipped to lead on green building practice: SCSI members acknowledge the urgency of sustainable development, but need support to fully embed it in their business operations, according to a recent report by the body https://www.businesspost.ie/property/surveyors-must-be-equipped-to-lead-on-green-building-practice-79bf32db
- Everybody’s building in Dublin: Hard hats at the ready — plans are afoot for developments the city https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/everybodys-building-in-dublin-npd93dm9r
- Garda estimate accommodation fraud was up 30% in 2021 with 279 incidents reported over that period, leading to the theft of €516,000 in rental scams. Almost half of victims are aged under 25, reflecting the profile of renters; and 58 per cent are female. https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/scam-let-in-upmarket-dublin-area-leads-to-24-000-rent-fraud-1.4841230
- Dublin Airbnb: Most unique properties to rent in Dublin: Towers, houseboats and cabins are among the most unique Airbnb stays in and around Dublin https://www.dublinlive.ie/lifestyle/dublin-airbnb-most-unique-properties-23519251.amp
- Holiday home owners should shelter Ukraine refugees – Tourism Minister: People who own holiday homes should offer them to refugees from Ukraine – Martin. https://www.newstalk.com/news/holiday-home-owners-shelter-ukraine-refugees-martin-1327397
- Google warns against curbs to data centre developments in Ireland https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/google-warns-against-curbs-to-data-centre-developments-in-ireland-1.4842455
- Dolphin Trust-linked firm’s liquidator targets former investment distributor: Irish investors only entitled to 10% of Germany site assigned as main security for loans https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/dolphin-trust-linked-firm-s-liquidator-targets-former-investment-distributor-1.4842452
- The new era of subcontractor-led prequalification https://www.constructiondive.com/spons/the-new-era-of-subcontractor-led-prequalification/621047/
- Ireland was ranked 13th ‘cleanest’ country out of 180 countries in terms of bribes and corruption in 2021. https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40839428.html
- Irish innovation: No room for complacency as performance declines: Slips in relation to the EU average must be reversed and obstacles to progress removed https://www.irishtimes.com/business/innovation/irish-innovation-no-room-for-complacency-as-performance-declines-1.4828511
- Construction of offshore wind farm will cost in excess of €2bn: Set to be completed in 2030, the wind farm will power up to 800,000 homes across Ireland https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/news/construction-of-offshore-wind-farm-will-cost-in-excess-of-2bn-41498082.html
- Tráth na gCeist: How much do you know about the current state of the Irish language? https://www.thejournal.ie/trath-na-gceist-5725140-Apr2022/
- Canadian Dragon takes her female-friendly funding model to Ireland: Michele Romanow’s €1.8 billion firm Clearco firm plans to up its Dublin workforce to 200 people and to invest €100 million in young Irish firms https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/canadian-dragon-takes-her-female-friendly-funding-model-to-ireland-751df4e0
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@caroltallon.com.
(Apologies in advance for any typos, it’s difficult to get good help on a Sunday. Also, I use voice to text dictation so just sound out anything that really doesn’t make sense in a strong rural accent and that should help!)
SUNDAY LISTEN
What started as #PropertyMatters, a single 60-minute show on Dublin South FM 93.9FM every Tuesday night, has now evolved into an online station hosting the very best construction, urban planning, property and proptech radio shows and podcasts from around the world. Our new website – produced by Hear Me Roar Media – launches later this month, offering audiences live and recorded access to global built environment content. To have your industry podcast included in the iPropertyRadio line-up, or to contribute as a guest on any of our shows, email the iPropertyRadio team at info@propertydistrict.ie
👉 Listen back to all shows at: https://ipropertyradio.com
This week on iPropertyRadio
In the latest episode of our Breaking Ground: Meet the Leaders series, Host Carol Tallon sits down with Jim Gallagher of ALTU Architects to talk about a life and career in architecture. The discussion touches on lessons learned over 30 years in the industry; responding to market conditions; “getting smaller to go bigger”; the company’s recent rebranding exercise (perhaps the industry needs one too…?); and so much more.
Produced by Hear Me Roar Media
Watch back https://youtu.be/O7d72eSgdZI
👉 Listen back www.ipropertyradio.com
Email the Property Matters team at info@propertydistrict.ie
PLACEMAKING
PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- Almost 1,000 homes planned for Dundrum hospital site under scaled-down scheme: Height of main apartment block halved to 7 storeys in plans for Central Mental Hospital lands https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/almost-1-000-homes-planned-for-dundrum-hospital-site-under-scaled-down-scheme-1.4840040
- Relic of old Dundrum set for new lease of life as a ‘garden city’ transformation looms: Planning application includes plans for 881 homes, a landscaped pedestrian route parallel to the village’s main street, a new square and three mini parks https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/relic-of-old-dundrum-set-for-new-lease-of-life-as-a-garden-city-transformation-looms-cd9e7269
- Ian Guider: Sights could have been set so much higher for the Irish Glass Bottle site: The location close to the city centre could have held a Manhattan-style high-rise quarter https://www.businesspost.ie/Planning/ian-guider-sights-could-have-been-set-so-much-higher-for-the-irish-glass-bottle-site-2f255b81
- Opposition to Trinity’s Dartry student blocks not ‘just upper-class twits’: Residents voice concern at university plan to expand accommodation in Dublin 6 suburb https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/opposition-to-trinity-s-dartry-student-blocks-not-just-upper-class-twits-1.4837421
- Residents derailed by work on Charlemont MetroLink terminus: Work on foundations carried out though planning permission has yet to be sought https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/residents-derailed-by-work-on-charlemont-metrolink-terminus-1.4842115
- Planning battle over Bulloch Harbour continues as appeals lodged: Richard Barrett’s Bartra has lodged an appeal against Dalkey planning refusal https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/planning-battle-over-bulloch-harbour-continues-as-appeals-lodged-1.4840288
- Plans approved for centre of research and remembrance at site of former Magdalene laundry https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/plans-approved-for-centre-of-research-and-remembrance-at-site-of-former-magdalene-laundry-1282045.html
- Grace & Flavour: The Irish Pirate Queen Sets Her Sights on Dublin’s Creative Quarter at Aungier Street, Dublin https://tastetalks.ie/news/grace-flavour-the-irish-pirate-queen-sets-her-sights-on-dublins-creative-quarter-at-aungier-street-dublin/amp/ (pictured)
- Cork to Limerick road: 700 landowners to lose part of property – Details of the preferred route for the new road – it still has not been decided whether it will be a motorway or dual carriageway – have finally been confirmed https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40840850.html
- Concerns local campaigners not getting fair hearing over Greenway in East Galway https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/concerns-local-campaigners-not-getting-fair-hearing-over-greenway-in-east-galway/
- Planning to be sought for new replacement hospital in Clifden by end of year https://connachttribune.ie/planning-to-be-sought-for-new-replacement-hospital-in-clifden-by-end-of-year/
- Compulsory purchase order confirmed for Roundstone Sewerage Scheme https://connachttribune.ie/listen-compulsory-purchase-order-confirmed-for-roundstone-sewerage-scheme/
- Irish speakers are leaving Gaeltacht areas due to problems with planning and a lack of housing: “The planning policies are driving people off their land and into the big towns. Rural Ireland is being slowly suffocated”… https://www.thejournal.ie/udaras-na-gaeltachta-2-5724407-Apr2022/
- ‘Bordering on criminal’ not to demolish houses to make way for road in Laois https://www.laoistoday.ie/2022/03/28/bordering-on-criminal-not-to-demolish-houses-to-make-way-for-road-in-laois/
- WEST CLARE PUB is to be selected for a national pilot programme encouraging rural publicans to diversify their facilities for community use as cinemas, digital hubs, book clubs, meeting spaces or arts and crafts workshops. https://www.clareecho.ie/west-clare-pub-to-be-included-in-pilot-programme-for-use-as-community-space/
- Works commence on the first phase redevelopment of Burtonport Harbour https://www.donegaldaily.com/2022/03/28/works-commence-on-the-first-phase-redevelopment-of-burtonport-harbour/
*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
- Government to propose solutions for builders set to suffer from inflation: Industry group meets Minister to discuss issues workers on State contracts face https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/government-to-propose-solutions-for-builders-set-to-suffer-from-inflation-1.4839491
- Soaring building costs are putting new home projects at risk: Reports from Daft.ie and Myhome.ie show no let-up for the squeezed housing market https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-40838078.html
- Trinity College to scale back €1bn tech-friendly innovation campus due to lack of government backing: The campus, which was estimated to bring a €3.2bn boost to the city, now looks unlikely to receive government backing. https://m.independent.ie/business/technology/trinity-college-to-scale-back-1bn-tech-friendly-innovation-campus-due-to-lack-of-government-backing-41508338.html
- Social housing projects at risk unless councils can pay developers more, TDs told https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/social-housing-projects-at-risk-unless-councils-can-pay-developers-more-tds-told-1.4839475
- The construction industry is in a crisis due to the massive increases in costs and the fact that the Government are refusing to act on the Public Works Contracts which are fixed in price. Contractors are losing millions in the rising costs https://connachttribune.ie/galway-independent-td-warns-of-job-losses-in-construction-industry-unless-government-allows-some-flexibility-into-the-market/amp/
- ‘They’ll stop working’ – Inflation hits building firms: Thefts from building sites are not new. But the recent robbery of €2,000 worth of insulation boards from a site in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, shows just how valuable basic building materials have become https://www.rte.ie/news/primetime/2022/0331/1289665-inflation-construction-crisis/
- Galway City Youth Reach shortlisted for CIF’s Build the Future Competition https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/galway-city-youth-reach-shortlisted-for-cifs-build-the-future-competition/
- MetroLink works under investigation by spending watchdog: The €12.5 million station works are under investigation over whether or not proper procedure was followed https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/metrolink-works-under-investigation-spending-23568487.amp
- New plans submitted for almost 700 apartments on former RTÉ land in Dublin: The development proposes to build the apartments in ten blocks, the highest of which is 16 storeys. https://www.thejournal.ie/rte-apartments-donnybrook-cairn-housing-5722850-Mar2022/?amp=1
- Cairn Homes plans to build almost 1,400 homes in north Dublin and Wicklow: House builder to lodge plans for schemes in Swords, Donabate and Greystones https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/cairn-homes-plans-to-build-almost-1-400-homes-in-north-dublin-and-wicklow-1.4842169
- Quintain gets planning permission for 277 new homes in Adamstown https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/quintain-gets-planning-permission-for-277-new-homes-in-adamstown-41512179.html
- Dublin City Council turns down 120-bed student accommodation: Kilcarne Estates Ltd lodged plans for six-storey apartment blocks to house the students https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/dublin-city-council-turns-down-120-bed-student-accommodation-1.4838469
- Court quashes leave for apartment block height rise in Harold’s Cross: Judge said planning board’s inspector did not clearly identify extent of non-compliance present in application to extend the height of some apartment blocks https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/high-court/court-quashes-leave-for-apartment-block-height-rise-in-harold-s-cross-1.4842336
- Council to consider right-of-way for developer of 193 apartments on former Fingleton-owned site in Shankill https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/council-to-consider-right-of-way-for-developer-of-193-apartments-on-former-fingleton-owned-site-in-shankill-41508400.html
- Port of Cork could see influx of students as almost 200 bedsits planned: A three storey building with 194 student bedsits has been proposed beside the Port of Cork to carter for Maritime students https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/port-cork-could-see-influx-23548436
- Plans for 190 apartments on Monahan Rd in Cork: Proposed complex would be near a 1,000-apartment development which is to be built at the Live at the Marquee site https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40838060.html
- Appeals lodged against plans for Ballybrit hotel & spa https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/ballybrit-hotel-appeal/ (pictured)
- Declan Ganley revives plan to redevelop Derreen Inn near Abbeyknockmoy https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/declan-ganley-revives-plan-to-redevelop-derreen-inn-near-abbeyknockmoy/
- Planning permission sought for almost 400 new homes in Limerick https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/778511/planning-permission-sought-for-almost-400-new-homes-in-limerick.html
- Large new housing development planned for Kilkenny village https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/south-kilkenny/778682/large-new-housing-development-planned-for-kilkenny-village.html
- Permission granted for 179 homes at Bray Head House lands https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/news/permission-granted-for-179-homes-at-bray-head-house-lands-41506585.html
- Strong interest anticipated in €2.5m Ashbourne site: The 5.4-acre site is conveniently positioned in an established residential neighbourhood, and benefits from direct access via Ashewood Green https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/strong-interest-anticipated-in-eur25m-ashbourne-site-2123e9ed
- Ballymore wants permission for 240 houses extended https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/777553/major-kildare-developer-wants-permission-for-240-houses-extended.html
- Work halted on Longford building site after ‘major find’ reported https://www.longfordleader.ie/news/home/780550/work-halted-on-longford-building-site-after-major-find-reported.html
- Laois County Council will “keep the boot to the neck” of the developer of a Laois housing estate to ensure five new houses are delivered by June, some nine months later than expected. https://laois-nationalist.ie/2022/04/02/council-will-keep-the-boot-to-the-neck-of-housing-developer/
- Eleven new homes proposed at Breaffy House Resort https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2022/03/30/eleven-new-homes-proposed-at-breaffy-house-resort/
- Developer must pay contribution over new €10m Donegal Town retail centre: Major retail development close to town centre subject of appeal to An Bord Pleanála https://www.donegallive.ie/news/local-news/780802/developer-must-pay-contribution-over-new-10m-donegal-town-retail-centre.html?utm_source=newsshowcase&utm_medium=discover&utm_campaign=CCwQq4WVkePo_-9LGOmjstz2hsCmjAEqKQgwEPaVwaz8p8PuRBip3-f_rsGf-JEBKhAIACoHCAowqYSmCzCRj74D&utm_content=related
- Clare village housing plan on hold amid numerous concerns – Planners are seeking Further Information (FI) on proposals from Datcha Construction, to build 41 homes on a large site at Quin Gardens in the heart of the historic village. https://clarechampion.ie/clare-village-housing-plan-on-hold-amid-numerous-concerns/
- Award-winning female civil engineer explains why the construction industry is ‘not just for boys’: Training charity Women’sTec helps girls and young women make their way in the industry https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/award-winning-female-civil-engineer-23337443.amp
- Bam Contractors name Alasdair Henderson as executive director: Appointment comes just days after company said Theo Cullinane is to retire as CEO https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/bam-contractors-name-alasdair-henderson-as-executive-director-1.4838122
- Top carpentry and woodwork apprentices to show skills in China https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2022/0328/1288885-worldskills-apprentices/
- Elgin Property Finance to provide €300m in loans for developers: Newly founded lender has partnered with Pollen Street Capital on new fund https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/elgin-property-finance-to-provide-300m-in-loans-for-developers-1.4839382
- ISG buys majority stake in modular specialist ESS Group https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/03/30/isg-buys-majority-stake-in-modular-specialist-ess-group/
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.
- Sifted: European Proptech is Growing & Reshaping Real Estate – Proptech Ireland https://prop-tech.ie/sifted-european-proptech-is-growing-reshaping-real-estate/
- WATCH – Sisk builders are using Cork firm ‘Future Planet’ to become carbon neutral https://www.thecork.ie/2022/03/30/watch-sisk-builders-are-using-cork-firm-future-planet-to-become-carbon-neutral/
- The iamproperty group UK – best known for its online auction business – has snapped up cloud-based property software business VTUK https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2022/3/major-proptech-deal-for-two-of-the-industrys-best-known-names
- Iamsold Ireland launches national online land auction: Move follows farming community embracing online bidding in recent years, to buy livestock online and bid for land https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/iamsold-launches-national-online-land-auction-fe78cbfc
- Digital conveyancing firm Transact raises €2m to target British market with faster transactions: The Dublin property tech business claims its software can halve the time needed to complete house sales https://www.businesspost.ie/tech/digital-conveyancing-firm-transact-raises-eur2m-to-target-british-market-with-faster-transactions-7ddc7ea9
- The 25 best digital tools for renovators, home improvers and self-builders: From augmented reality apps to intrepid Instagrammers, use these aids to inspire your next project https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-25-best-digital-tools-for-renovators-home-improvers-and-self-builders-csd0rh396
- PropTech Startup Goodlord Raises £27M to Boost UK Renting Experience https://www.pymnts.com/news/investment-tracker/2022/proptech-startup-goodlord-raises-27m-to-boost-uk-renting-experience/
- Five UK proptechs backed by US-led global investment initiative: The investment cash and support keeps on flowing towards UK proptech including to Property Deals Insight, Residently, Houzen, SearchSmartly and Safe2. https://thenegotiator.co.uk/four-uk-proptechs-backed-by-us-led-global-proptech-investment-initiative/
- Proptech firm Symple, a cloud-based platform for residential landlords, estate and letting agents and homeowners, expands with London office opening https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/2095792-fledgling-proptech-firm-expands-with-london-office-opening
- Weaver secures £3m to match homeowners with architects https://www.uktech.news/proptech/weaver-secures-3m-20220329
- Property podcast: Satellite Vu boss and DLUHC proptech lead say tackling ESG isn’t a moonshot https://www.propertyweek.com/analysis-resi-and-data/property-podcast-satellite-vu-boss-and-dluhc-proptech-lead-say-tackling-esg-isnt-a-moonshot/5119728.article
- Lettings proptech launches offering agents ‘living lists’ of local renters https://thenegotiator.co.uk/propiti-lettings-proptech-tenants/
- Germany PropTech Market is reach US$ 444.39 million by 2028 https://spooool.ie/2022/03/30/germany-proptech-market-is-reach-us-444-39-million-by-2028-know-more-about-industry-insights-drivers-top-players-alphapenta-betterhomes-ag-bottimmo-ag-hausgold/
- Who’s investing in the metaverse? We sat down with the top VCs: Metaverse startups: here’s who you need to pitch to https://sifted.eu/articles/europes-top-metaverse-investors/
- Today’s Roblox users will drive a future metaverse revolution in infrastructure https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/todays-roblox-users-will-drive-a-future-metaverse-revolution-in-infrastructure-28-03-2022/
- Contech Startup Slate Exits Stealth Mode with AI SaaS Platform: Digital assistant uses AI and machine learning to improve construction professionals’ productivity and decision-making https://commercialobserver.com/2022/03/contech-slate-technologies-ai/
- Climate X Raises £4.1M in Seed Funding https://www.finsmes.com/2022/03/climate-x-raises-4-1m-in-seed-funding.html
- Israeli hybrid insurance technology and property management company Home365, announced this week the completion of a $26 million Series B funding round to expand its AI-driven property management services across additional US cities. https://nocamels.com/2022/03/proptech-insurtech-home365/
- Proptech unicorn NoBroker to foray into home interiors business https://www.vccircle.com/proptech-unicorn-nobroker-to-foray-into-home-interiors-business
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)
- House prices soaring by €100 a day as property heats up to boom-time levels https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/house-prices-soaring-by-100-a-day-as-property-heats-up-to-boom-time-levels-41493411.html
- Properties in Ireland are on average selling for over 3.5% above their asking prices at the moment, according to an analysis of the market by the property website daft.ie. This time last year, the gap nationally had been just 0.4%. https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/0331/1289433-average-house-selling-for-above-asking-price-daft-ie/
- Increased supply and interest rate hike to cool property market: Sherry FitzGerald predicts house price inflation will moderate in second half of 2022 https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/increased-supply-and-interest-rate-hike-to-cool-property-market-1.4841472
- HOUSING Minister Darragh O’Brien has no immediate plans to increase the house price limits for local authority mortgages despite the surge in the cost of new homes. https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/no-plans-to-change-housing-scheme-despite-surge-in-property-values-41502985.html
- New data reveals 35% dip in Ireland’s social housing waiting list https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/national-news/778633/new-data-reveals-35-dip-in-ireland-s-social-housing-waiting-list.html
- Three hundred thousand property owners in Ireland will be contacted in the coming weeks about overdue Local Property Tax (LPT) returns. https://www.carlowlive.ie/news/local-news/776650/it-is-a-legal-requirement-revenue-to-contact-property-owners-in-carlow-over-late-tax-returns.html
- Is a mortgage top-up or a personal loan best option for home improvement finance? Q&A: What suits you best will depend on your financial circumstances and discipline https://www.irishtimes.com/business/personal-finance/is-a-mortgage-top-up-or-a-personal-loan-best-option-for-home-improvement-finance-1.4838168
- Barrister’s chic home sunk by council: Senior counsel Brendan Grehan refused permission to build modern house in Sandymount due to planners’ concerns on flooding https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/barristers-chic-home-sunk-by-council-wkwrn58h8
- Property Watch: Online auction firm sees a big increase in demand for services https://www.kildarenow.com/news/local-news/776175/property-watch-online-auction-firm-sees-a-big-increase-in-demand-for-services.html
- New properties on the market in Co Cork, Dublin and Co Cavan: Grainne Rothery’s pick of the properties available to buy in Ireland this week https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/new-properties-on-the-market-in-co-cork-dublin-and-co-cavan-nqttpznrw
- Ballsbridge trophy home with development potential for €6m: Largest property on Waterloo Road mews occupies a corner site at prime Dublin 4 address https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/new-to-market/ballsbridge-trophy-home-with-development-potential-for-6m-1.4838446
- Sean Moncrieff: I foolishly volunteered to help my daughter find a place to live: To get rented accommodation these days, you have to be quick and boring https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/sean-moncrieff-i-foolishly-volunteered-to-help-my-daughter-find-a-place-to-live-1.4833111
- KILDARE PROPERTY WATCH: Landmark Mill House goes under the hammer: Farm on 104 acres on the market with a valuation of €1.7 million https://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/local-news/780227/kildare-property-watch-landmark-mill-house-goes-under-the-hammer.html (pictured)
- House prices Ireland: The salary you need to buy a home in every Dublin area: The average price of a home in Ireland is €295,000 which is a staggering 12.3% rise on last year https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/property/house-prices-ireland-salary-you-23564234.amp
- Starter Homes: Coastal cottage for €220,000 proving a hit with all kinds of buyers: Homes for first-time buyers to consider in Tower, Ballyheigue, Cloyne and Castlemartyr https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-40838615.html
- Eight homes for sale in Ireland for less than €60,000 right now with amazing potential: Here are some of the options available: https://www.irishmirror.ie/lifestyle/homes-and-property/eight-homes-sale-ireland-less-26582692.amp
- Legal advice: How can I wind down an investment property? “As we are getting older, we feel that maintaining the property is too much for us and we wish to sell it sometime this year,” https://www.irishexaminer.com/farming/arid-40838408.html
- My 14-month hunt for a home to rent: The bedrooms were mouldy, the couches filthy: Months of searching, queuing for a viewing, spiralling rents … my experience is all too common https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/my-14-month-hunt-for-a-home-to-rent-the-bedrooms-were-mouldy-the-couches-filthy-1.4840006
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS
- Healthy Q1 investment volumes with PBSA assets back in vogue: Overall Irish commercial real estate investment volumes for the quarter were a healthy €750 million, with a spread of large ticket deals across sectors… https://www.irishrealestate.news/healthy-q1-investment-volumes-with-pbsa-assets-back-in-vouge/
- Commercial property attracted up to €760m in investment in first quarter: Student accommodation blocks, apartments and warehouses contribute to a strong quarter https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/commercial-property-attracted-up-to-760m-in-investment-in-first-quarter-1.4842449
- Blackstone eyes €1b in Irish real estate asse… https://propertyeu.info/Nieuws/Blackstone-eyes-1b-in-Irish-real-estate-assets/89230d04-a898-4d64-816b-54af7304010f Also: Ronan and Fortress in talks with Blackstone for €1bn sale of Dublin offices: US private equity giant weighs purchase of Facebook and Salesforce headquarters https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/ronan-and-fortress-in-talks-with-blackstone-for-1bn-sale-of-dublin-offices-1.4840178
- Irish Life Assurance has appointed Savills to manage its portfolio of multi-let commercial properties – comprising almost 50 buildings – in a deal understood to be the largest property management mandate ever awarded in Ireland. https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/savills-wins-record-irish-life-deal-41512120.html
- Hotel property market thrives against the odds: In spite of various external crises, hospitality real estate is still briskly changing hands at healthy prices and being developed https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/hotel-property-market-thrives-against-the-odds-7e388f78
- Prime offices overlooking St Stephen’s Green seek combined €63m: St Stephen’s Green House and 4 Earlsfort Terrace guiding €50m and €13m respectively https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/prime-offices-overlooking-st-stephen-s-green-seek-combined-63m-1.4839213 (pictured)
- Trinity Point offers grade-A office space with green credentials at €60 per sq ft: South Leinster Street building has a prime location next to TCD and National Gallery https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/trinity-point-offers-grade-a-office-space-with-green-credentials-at-60-per-sq-ft-1.4836241
- Landmark Dublin city centre post office for sale at €9.5m: 19-24 St Andrew’s Street could accommodate residential units above An Post premises https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/landmark-dublin-city-centre-post-office-for-sale-at-9-5m-1.4836092
- Sofidy scores hat-trick with Dublin office acquisition: The private real estate company has bought Fleming Court in Dublin 4, a modern multi-let office block https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/sofidy-scores-hat-trick-with-dublin-office-acquisition-82ee6dfa
- Fiserv signs long-term lease on offices at Ten Hanover Quay: Global fintech and payments firm takes all seven floors at Kennedy Wilson scheme https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/fiserv-signs-long-term-lease-on-offices-at-ten-hanover-quay-1.4841930
- DB Schenker signs for new logistics unit at Mountpark Baldonnell: German supply-chain specialist agrees pre-let deal for 133,806sq ft at Dublin scheme https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/db-schenker-signs-for-new-logistics-unit-at-mountpark-baldonnell-1.4838216
- Vacant East Point block points to redevelopment potential https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/vacant-east-point-block-points-to-redevelopment-potential-41505352.html
- AIB to sell three bank branches in Cork city: AIB selling trio of Cork branches, in Ballintemple/Blackrock, (attention Reggie?), on the College Road (attention UCC and medics) and Turner’s Cross, (attention everyone else) https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-40840736.html
- Apple planning major expansion of its Cork headquarters: Cork City Council will consider the disposal of the land bank next Monday week https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40842593.html
- International catering suppliers Nisbets expand in Blarney Business Park https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-40840856.html
- Six Hospitality Venues In Co. Galway Being Sold https://www.hospitalityireland.com/amp/hotel/six-hospitality-venues-in-co-galway-being-sold-168495
- JYSK to open new store in Limerick this week https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/776441/jysk-to-open-new-store-in-limerick-this-week.html
- New report reveals growing commercial vacancy problem in Limerick https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/779694/new-report-reveals-growing-commercial-vacancy-problem-in-limerick.html
- Dunnes takes over Ferrybank centre https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dunnes-takes-over-ferrybank-centre-3zjv72mz7
- TD calls for a ‘change of use’ to vacant commercial properties so they can be transformed into residential units. Recent study by the GeoDirectory database found that while the overall Louth commercial vacancy rate decreased by 0.3% to 14.3% in the last quarter of 2021, Dundalk had the highest commercial vacancy rate, at 18.2%), in the county. https://m.independent.ie/regionals/louth/news/transform-louths-vacant-commercial-units-into-homes-41511579.html
- Tesco store in Kildare proposes new retail unit, planning permission documents show https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/777554/tesco-store-in-kildare-proposes-new-retail-unit-planning-permission-documents-show.html
- Chinese backers put receiver into Irish hotel firm: The €1.7m purchase of Kilcoran Lodge Hotel in Tipperary had been backed by Chinese investors https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/chinese-backers-put-receiver-into-irish-hotel-firm-41505252.html
- Empty HSE buildings in Birr are problematic https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/midland-tribune/780726/empty-hse-buildings-in-birr-are-problematic.html
- Pharmaceutical giant MSD, which is part of the US group Merck, is planning to build a manufacturing facility in Co Carlow which could create more than 100 long-term jobs. https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/msd-aims-to-create-more-than-100-jobs-at-carlow-facility-41512117.html
INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS
- Tycoon Desmond sets out luxury development plans for Caribbean island: The billionaire mogul has dismissed reports of a rift with his business partner over a scheme to establish a high-end resort on Canouan, the St Vincent and Grenadines island https://www.businesspost.ie/business/tycoon-desmond-sets-out-luxury-development-plans-for-caribbean-island-b98ec289
- UK house prices rise at fastest pace in 18 years: Annual growth hits 14.3% as price-to-earnings ratio reaches all-time high, according to Nationwide survey https://www.ft.com/content/e5b51a05-db58-4e61-8de1-602465b942e0
- The average UK house price rose to a record £245,200 in February 2022, according to the latest data from Zoopla. The property portal’s house price index showed that average house prices grew by 8.1 % in the year to February, up on the 7.8% recorded a month earlier. https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/personal-finance/2022/03/29/house-prices-updates/?amp=1
- Thomas Ryan’s bid to appeal €8.5m judgments is thwarted in UK https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/thomas-ryans-bid-to-appeal-85m-judgments-is-thwarted-in-uk-41497092.html
- M&E contractor Kershaw heading for administration https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/03/28/me-contractor-kershaw-heading-for-administration/
- BAM secures place on CCS’ £21bn CWAS2 framework https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/planning-construction-news/bam-cwas2-framework/108471/
- Official accepts government made ‘false representation’ about cladding guidance after Grenfell fire https://www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/news/official-accepts-government-made-false-representation-about-cladding-guidance-after-grenfell-fire-74924
- Inside Graven Hill, the UK’s radical self-build experiment https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/inside-graven-hill-the-uks-radical-self-build-experiment
- Norman Foster has designed some of the world’s most visually sumptuous buildings, from the Gherkin in London to the Reichstag in Berlin. Now 86, the pioneering architect shows no signs of slowing down https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2022/apr/03/lord-norman-foster-i-still-get-the-same-buzz-from-designing-buildings-
- IKEA’s research lab Space10 pop-up will explore how design can shape “a more desirable future” https://www.dezeen.com/2022/03/28/space10-pop-up-mexico-city-design/. (Pictured)
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/