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

 

 

Calling all Irish construction SMEs, please sign up with the Government-appointed CSG Innovation & Digital Adoption body, which will be resourcing firms to identify and overcome challenges to critical digitization. Link here: http://eepurl.com/hDFYfL 

 

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: 

 

• Davy doubles projection for Irish GDP to 10% this year: Upward revision was mainly put down to the buoyant export and multinational sectors  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/davy-doubles-projection-for-irish-gdp-to-10-this-year-1.4642719?mode=amp

 

• Property crunch coming in the autumn: The rental market is under pressure, with supply dropping heading into a busy period  https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/cliff-taylor-property-crunch-coming-in-the-autumn-1.4646434?mode=amp

 

• 50,000 new homes needed every year to solve housing crisis – industry report: Irish Institutional Property says market needs annual investment €16bn  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/50-000-new-homes-needed-every-year-to-solve-housing-crisis-industry-report-1.4645408

 

• Michael O’Flynn: ‘Land value sharing’ proposals will increase house prices: Plans yet another example of decision makers just seeking to make headlines https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/michael-o-flynn-land-value-sharing-proposals-will-increase-house-prices-1.4640712?mode=amp

 

• Does Ireland need an overhaul of its protected structures system? There are currently around 1,470 buildings waiting for protected status from Dublin City Council  https://www.thejournal.ie/ireland-protected-structures-list-demolition-dereliction-5503993-Aug2021/

 

• Scourge of dereliction: Long-vacant sites are a blight on Cork towns https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-40354274.html?type=amp

 

• Hard choices await Ireland in wake of sobering IPCC report – Our government can no longer afford to take the path of least resistance on climate chance – and our dependence on fossil fuels must end immediately https://www.businesspost.ie/business-posts-view/editorial-hard-choices-await-ireland-in-wake-of-sobering-ipcc-report-8dc0c920

 

• Seizing the decarbonization opportunity in construction  https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/engineering-construction-and-building-materials/our-insights/call-for-action-seizing-the-decarbonization-opportunity-in-construction?cid=soc-web#

 

• Two-thirds of people say it is important to consider ESG factors before investing: Aviva study finds only one in five people say that investing sustainably is more important to them than investment returns  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/personal-finance/two-thirds-of-people-say-it-is-important-to-consider-esg-factors-before-investing-1.4642211

 

• Cork city area closed off after glass from building falls onto street  https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/cork-city-area-closed-after-21275904

 

• Homeless charity suspends employee amid inquiry over ‘serious matters’: Garda investigation underway as charities regulator is contacted  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/homeless-charity-suspends-employee-amid-inquiry-over-serious-matters-1.4645749?mode=amp

 

• Asylum: the architecture that aimed to ‘cure insanity’: Walls of Containment traces history of asylum and legacy and power of its buildings  https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/asylum-the-architecture-that-aimed-to-cure-insanity-1.4643756?mode=amp

 

• The most popular house names in Ireland? Hopeless cases and lost things: St Jude and St Anthony: Naming our homes can be an act of love and commitment  https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/interiors/the-most-popular-house-names-in-ireland-hopeless-cases-and-lost-things-1.4643990?mode=amp

 

If you missed last week’s round-up, you can catch up here: https://propertydistrict.ie/category/sunday-property-review/ 

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

Property Matters: Ireland’s First Weekly Property Radio Show & Podcast

Ireland’s first weekly property radio show, Property Matters, launched In January 2019 on Dublin South FM 93.9 and is now available internationally via iTunes and Spotify podcast (www.iPropertyRadio.com). The team delivers 60 minutes of industry chat weekly with guests from the areas of planning, construction, property and proptech 

*New Series Coming September 2021*

 

 

 

 

 

*Listen back to all shows at: https://ipropertyradio.com/property-matters/

 Email the Property Matters team at info@propertydistrict.ie 

 

 

PLACEMAKING

PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

 

• The rise of suburbia: How we live is about to change  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/the-rise-of-suburbia-how-we-live-is-about-to-change-1.4645585?mode=amp

 

• We need to get real about planning objections: When it comes to housing, there have been far too many people expressing opinions that a proposed new development isn’t perfect – and therefore should not take place. https://thecurrency.news/articles/53824/we-need-to-get-real-about-planning-objections-why-housing-should-bring-together-atheists-and-opus-dei/

 

• Central Bank Governor Gabriel Makhlouf has launched a public consultation in the bank’s review of mortgage rules https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/is-it-time-for-the-central-bank-to-change-its-rules-so-house-huntershave-ashot-40749886.html

 

• Working from home turns rural areas into property hotspots as staff head for the hills  https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/working-from-home-turnsrural-areas-into-property-hotspots-as-staff-head-for-the-hills-40746871.html

 

• Major hurdle may now face future cycleways: Legal challenges threaten Dublin’s ability to become pedestrian- and cycling-friendly https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/frank-mcdonald-major-hurdle-may-now-face-future-cycleways-1.4644756

 

• Satisfaction with public transport is concentrated almost entirely within Dublin: 77% of Dubliners feel their area is well serviced by public transport – but in the midlands, 78% feel the exact opposite. https://www.thejournal.ie/train-polling-bus-car-5514329-Aug2021/?amp=1

 

• High Court Judge to pass judgment on Malahide pedestrian zone dispute later this week: The case involves the pedestrianisation of New Street, Malahide.  https://www.thejournal.ie/malahide-fingal-county-council-pedestrianised-new-street-high-court-5518991-Aug2021/

 

• Dublin City Council appeals High Court’s decision to reject two-lane cycleway for the Strand Road in Sandymount  https://m.independent.ie/news/dublin-city-council-appeals-high-courts-decision-to-reject-two-lane-cycleway-for-the-strand-road-in-sandymount-40733157.html

 

• Call for swift action to preserve Iveagh Market as new images show ‘shocking’ deterioration: The historical structure is the subject of an ongoing ownership dispute.  https://www.thejournal.ie/iveagh-market-5518797-Aug2021/

 

• VIDEO: Cork unveils more plans for medieval quarter https://www.yaycork.ie/video-cork-unveils-more-plans-for-medieval-quarter/

 

• Three towns to benefit from streetscape investment: Major focus on improving their streetscapes by painting buildings in vibrant colours.  https://www.anglocelt.ie/2021/08/11/three-towns-to-benefit-from-streetscape-investment/

 

• ‘We live a simple life… it makes us feel rich’ – Conamara Láir group campaigns for newcomers to relocate https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/we-live-a-simple-lifeit-makes-us-feel-rich-connemara-group-campaigns-for-newcomers-to-relocate-40734851.html 

 

• Preferred option for Market Square redevelopment in Athenry expected shortly: https://connachttribune.ie/preferred-option-for-market-square-redevelopment-in-athenry-expected-shortly/

 

• Residents in Co Kildare who oppose plans for a 31-hectare quarry in their area have launched a High Court action against An Bord Pleanála for granting permission to develop it.  https://www.independent.ie/news/residents-saddle-up-in-fresh-bid-to-overturn-kildare-quarry-decision-40729064.html

 

• Tipperary County Council asked to have Lough Derg review talks with relevant bodies  https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/news/654867/tipperary-county-council-asked-to-have-lough-derg-review-talks-with-relevant-bodies.html

 

 

*PLACEengage: The future of speedy, successful placemaking for property developers is here – Property developers and project owners ready Public Consultation are encouraged to contact the PLACEengage team for full details*

 

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT NEWS

 

• €500m for developers to coax them back to building​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​: Huge subsidies to go to builders as experts predict the return to offices will trigger crisis https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/500m-for-developers-to-coax-them-back-to-building-40752781.html

 

• Irish Construction: Concerns raised over shortage of wet trade apprentices – New data shows that more skilled tradesmen will be needed to tackle the double challenge of retrofitting and construction to ease housing crisis https://www.businesspost.ie/construction/concerns-raised-over-shortage-of-wet-trade-apprentices-f8a4f069

 

• Construction sector continued its speedy recovery in July: Brexit and pandemic cause delivery delays as material costs reach record highs https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/construction-sector-continued-its-speedy-recovery-in-july-1.4642235?mode=amp

 

• There was a substantial increase in construction activity once again in July, according to the latest Construction Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) from Ulster Bank.  https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1239782/

 

• DUBLIN has been ranked the twelfth most expensive global construction market and the third most expensive in Europe.  https://www.irishpost.com/business/report-reveals-dublin-is-12th-most-expensive-construction-market-in-world-218017

 

• Construction activity grows further as cost inflation hits record high: Suppliers’ delivery times lengthened at a near-record pace  https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-40355165.html?type=amp

 

• The death of Irish construction is being ignored, say govt opposition  https://www.limerickpost.ie/2021/08/11/the-death-of-irish-construction-is-being-ignored-say-govt-opposition/

 

• Tetrarch To Start Construction Of 165-Bed Cork Hotel Next Year; Extension Plan For Co. Waterford’s Cliff House Hotel Appealed; The Fountain Guesthouse Of Co. Waterford Hits The Market  https://www.hospitalityireland.com/amp/hotel/tetrarch-to-start-construction-of-165-bed-cork-hotel-next-year-extension-plan-for-co-waterfords-cliff-house-hotel-appealed-the-fountain-guesthouse-of-co-waterford-hits-the-market-143152

 

• Land Development Agency may ease stalled construction of homes: Up to 5,000 affordable homes could be kickstarted on privately owned sites  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/land-development-agency-may-ease-stalled-construction-of-homes-1.4642222?mode=amp

 

• Developer plans to charge state €554k for three-bed units at Baldoyle complex: Project Shoreline scheme, led by Avestus Capital, could deliver 1,221 apartments in north Dublin, with 122 units sold to Fingal County Council for €46.4 million https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/developer-plans-to-charge-state-eur554k-for-three-bed-units-at-baldoyle-complex-fcbce19f

 

• Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has turned property developer Luke Comer’s application to extend the duration of planning permission for a centre of excellence for equine breeding/ training to be developed near the Kilternan Hotel https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/council-rejects-comers-planning-extension-40749920.html

 

• Developers remain committed to key Cork office and hotel developments: Work to resume of the Prism office development in the fourth quarter of 2021 with work to begin next year on a new hotel on an adjacent site  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-40357112.html?type=amp

 

• Cork’s historic Queen’s Old Castle set for major redevelopment: Retail and office buildings up to seven-storeys proposed for key city centre site  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-40355858.html

 

• Plan outlined for 29 new homes at unused field in Douglas: Architectural drawings included in the application show what the homes could look like  https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/plan-outlined-29-new-homes-21291155

 

• Demolition of Sextant pub under scrutiny by Cork City Council  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-40357439.html

 

• ‘Visually obtrusive and overbearing’: Plans for apartment block on Cork’s northside refused permission  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40358855.html

 

• Planning battle looms over West Cork whiskey warehouses  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40357781.html?type=amp

 

• Decision due next month on new convent building in Galway city  https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/decision-due-next-month-on-new-convent-building-in-galway-city/

 

• Apple granted extension of permission for Athenry data centre  https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/apple-granted-extension-of-permission-for-athenry-data-centre/?amp

 

• Major Limerick housing plan ‘needs more consideration’  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/655362/major-limerick-housing-plan-needs-more-consideration.html

 

• Permission is granted for 137 Limerick homes: Proposed development in Annacotty will consist of 61 apartments, 51 duplexes and 25 houses  Permission is granted for 137 Limerick homes https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40357763.html

 

• Delays to 48-house project for Kilkenny village following objections https://kilkennynow.ie/further-delays-48-house-project-for-kilkenny-village-following-fresh-objections/

 

• Work on €50m energy project at Moneypoint to begin within weeks  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40355108.html?type=amp

 

• Environmentalists object to €1.2bn data center plan for Ennis, County Clare  https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/environmentalists-object-to-12bn-data-center-plan-for-ennis-county-clare/

 

• 34 New Homes Planned For The Midlands By Housing Charity  https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/34-new-homes-planned-for-the-midlands-by-housing-charity/

 

• Permission for two housing developments in Kerry with over 130 units  https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/permission-for-two-housing-developments-in-kerry-with-over-130-units-246693

 

• Longford construction business certifies to world class standard https://www.longfordleader.ie/news/news/654314/longford-construction-business-certifies-to-world-class-standard.html

 

• Permission sought for major new housing development in Athlone https://www.shannonside.ie/news/permission-sought-for-major-new-housing-development-in-athlone-187866

 

• ‘Glorification’ of apartments planned on Portlaoise land rejected by councillors  https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/news/656572/glorification-of-apartments-planned-on-portlaoise-land-rejected-by-councillors.html

 

• Redevelopment on the horizon for Lifford’s Main Street  https://donegalnews.com/2021/08/redevelopment-on-the-horizon-for-liffords-main-street/

 

• Mica blocks firm makes ‘substantial’ redundancies amid ‘grim’ outlook: Cassidy Brothers is pessimistic over its chances of survival following the controversy in which thousands of homes in Donegal were badly damaged  https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/mica-blocks-firm-makes-substantial-redundancies-amid-grim-outlook-997726ac

 

• CJK buys McGrattan and Kenny and plans to create 100 engineering jobs: Brands to be retained as companies to co-exist under shared group structure  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/cjk-buys-mcgrattan-and-kenny-and-plans-to-create-100-engineering-jobs-1.4645668?mode=amp

 

 

PROPTECH, MMC & CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION

 

 

• Proptech Ireland is updating the database of 2021 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: *PROPTECH INNOVATORS and STARTUPS * 

 

• Damien Browne from Standard Access reveals how his technology protects smart buildings from hackers  https://youtu.be/6P59C8GAfo0

 

• Auction results: location the key for midlands land sale – Matt Dunne and Associates ventures into the world of online land sales with great success  https://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/home/656624/auction-results-location-the-key-for-midlands-land-sale.html

 

• Limerick software firm acquired by New York company: Accuvio’s software helps companies to collect data on sustainability https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-40356398.html

 

• New ‘robot trees’ installed on Cork City streets: The high-tech ‘trees’ take in particulate matter but have been criticised as a ‘costly and ineffectual gimmick’  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40356071.html

 

• Can smart heating save you money and keep you warmer?: We check out the latest in smart heating control technology and apps so you are prepared for autumn and winter https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandoutdoors/arid-40357235.html?type=amp

 

• PropTech 50 – UK’s most innovative property technology creators for 2021  https://businesscloud.co.uk/proptech-50/

 

• PropTech Today: agents should no longer ignore PropTech’s merits  https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2021/8/proptech-today-proptech-is-here-to-stay–agents-should-no-longer-ignore-its-merits

 

• Also: Owners Can No Longer Afford To Sit Out The Proptech Revolution https://www.bisnow.com/chicago/news/technology/multifamily-proptech-caton-studiob-109640

 

• ‘Proptech can now value homes better than agents’, claims platform: Nitin Aggarwal says although local agent knowledge is useful, his tech uses ‘millions’ of data points and is more accurate. https://thenegotiator.co.uk/proptech-property-valuations-aggarwal/

 

• UK housebuilder Martin Grant Homes is to partner with proptech company Forsite to improve health and safety standards across its new homes’ developments.  http://www.propertyfundsworld.com/2021/08/10/304778/martin-grant-homes-partners-proptech-forsite

 

• Proptech platform launches offering £8-a-tenancy referencing: Checkboard says it’s also the first to offer landlord and tenants as well as vendor and buyer KYC checking in one place https://thenegotiator.co.uk/checkboard-referencing-checks-launch/

 

• Proptech adoption moving at warp speed, ULI report says – constructconnect.com https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/technology/2021/08/proptech-adoption-moving-at-warp-speed-uli-report-says

 

• Proptech Startup Skyline AI is Acquired by JLL | Grit Daily News https://gritdaily.com/proptech-startup-skyline-ai-is-acquired-by-jll/

 

• Doxel raises $40M from Insight, a16z to become the ‘Waze for construction’  https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/11/doxel-raises-40m-from-insight-a16z-to-become-the-waze-for-construction/

 

• Daily Crunch: Tiger Global leads $33M Series B for construction tech platform Agora – TechCrunch https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/12/daily-crunch-45/

 

• Ever heard of photovoltachromics, the new tech for solar windows? https://www.pv-magazine-australia.com/2021/08/09/ever-heard-of-photovoltachromics-the-new-tech-for-solar-windows/

 

• Proptech Startup RentCheck Raises Seed Funding https://therealdeal.com/2021/08/10/property-inspection-startup-riding-social-distancing-wave-raises-seed-funding/

 

• Fifth Wall’s Greg Smithies on ESG, Climate Tech and Construction – Commercial Observer https://commercialobserver.com/2021/08/fifth-wall-greg-smithies-climate-tech/

 

• Sequoia leads $13M investment in Aalto, an online marketplace that lets homeowners sell directly to buyers – TechCrunch https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/12/sequoia-leads-13m-investment-in-aalto/

 

• Zillow – Ready Or Not, Real Estate Industry Undergoing High-Tech Makeover https://fintechzoom.com/fintech_news_zillow/zillow-ready-or-not-real-estate-industry-undergoing-high-tech-makeover/

 

• Retail: Amazon introduces the Amazon One, a way to pay with your palm when entering stores https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/10/amazon-amazon-one-retail-technology/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social_video&utm_term=1_1&utm_content=21993_Sweden_store_no_staff&utm_campaign=social_video_2021

 

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

• House price rises – is there any let up in sight?  https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1240732/

 

• ‘Perfect storm’ as no end to rising property prices: Increase is the fastest pace of rise in two-and-a-half years  https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/perfect-storm-as-no-end-to-rising-property-prices-40744159.html

 

• ‘Safe as houses’ or ‘house of cards’ is the biggest question for our red-hot property market: With house prices at their highest level in more than a decade, could price falls – or a crash  – be around the corner?  https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/safe-as-houses-or-house-of-cards-is-the-biggest-question-for-our-red-hot-property-market-40748217.html

 

• Paying a mortgage now cheaper than renting in all but two areas of country: Daft report highlights major anomaly at heart of State’s property market  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/paying-a-mortgage-now-cheaper-than-renting-in-all-but-two-areas-of-country-1.4643160

 

• RTB report: large landlords leaving homes empty rather than reduce rents: A new survey by the Residential Tenancies Board reveals that despite the pandemic, large landlords and funds operating in Ireland have not taken a significant financial hit  https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/rtb-report-large-landlords-leaving-homes-empty-rather-than-reduce-rents-efa95d43

 

• Capital’s rental crisis to get worse as office staff finally return: Landlords are selling up to owner-occupiers, leaving a severe shortage of accommodation to rent  https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/capitals-rental-crisis-to-get-worseas-officestaff-finally-return-40752306.html

 

• Ires Reit pays double for last apartment in D3 complex: Purchase shows bulk-buying power of state’s biggest landlord, which controls a portfolio of homes worth €1.4 billion https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/ires-reit-pays-double-for-last-apartment-in-d3-complex-866bf9ee

 

• Build-to-rents now included in property tax sweep: Up to 100,000 previously exempt new homes should boost Revenue coffers this year https://www.businesspost.ie/tax/build-to-rents-now-included-in-property-tax-sweep-af0cbd26

 

• Is it time for the Central Bank to change its rules so house hunters have a shot? Or … COULD A CHANGE TO RULES PUSH UP HOUSE PRICES? https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/is-it-time-for-the-central-bank-to-change-its-rules-so-house-huntershave-ashot-40749886.html

 

• Only 800 properties available to rent outside Dublin  https://extra.ie/2021/08/10/property/rents-soar-demand/amp

 

• No properties available to rent in Ireland within HAP rate for single person  https://extra.ie/2021/08/12/property/properties-available-hap/amp

 

• Landlords are abandoning rental sector to cash in on market rise:  New figures from the RTB reveal 498 notices of termination between April and June from landlords intending to sell https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/landlords-are-abandoning-rental-sector-to-cash-in-on-market-rise-40734825.html

 

• Rents are at a record high – so why are private landlords selling up?  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/rents-are-at-a-record-high-so-why-are-private-landlords-selling-up-1.4645476

 

• Just 63 rental properties within standard HAP rate available in June across Ireland: According to a new report, there were no properties available within standard HAP limits for a single person in June.  https://www.thejournal.ie/simon-hap-report-5520425-Aug2021/?amp=1

 

• Government will consider issuing a “call for submissions” to provide properties for lease to the state as part of its plan to address the housing crisis  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/appeal-for-state-leased-homes-to-counter-irelands-housing-crisis-t57w7t5bd

 

• Call for ban on evicting tenants to sell properties in homelessness fight  https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/call-for-ban-on-evicting-tenants-to-sell-properties-in-homelessness-fight-1169549.html

 

• Local HAP tenant pleading with council to inspect her ‘horrendous’ rented property  https://www.northernsound.ie/news/local-hap-tenant-pleading-with-council-to-inspect-her-horrendous-rented-property-179944

 

• Dublin Senator says ‘rebalancing of rental market rights required’ https://dublinpeople.com/news/dublin/articles/2021/08/10/dublin-senator-says-rebalancing-of-rental-market-rights-required/

 

• How the pandemic has exported Dublin’s property crisis nationwide: New data shows how Covid has taken a problem that had been concentrated in Ireland’s urban rental markets and exported it to the rest of the country. But it has also changed the sales market too – from where people are buying to what size of property they want https://thecurrency.news/articles/56531/infected-by-covid-how-the-pandemic-has-exported-dublins-property-crisis-nationwide/

 

• New low-cost, green mortgage on offer for improving home’s energy rating  https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/new-low-cost-green-mortgage-on-offerfor-improving-homes-energy-rating-40731167.html

 

• First Time Buyers deterred by environmental issues, including pollution levels and noise pollution https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2021/8/first-time-buyers-deterred-by-environmental-issues

 

• Affordable house offered for sale on private market: Ó Cualann co-op house sold at discount for €170,000 now on market for €250,000 https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/affordable-house-offered-for-sale-on-private-market-1.4643183?mode=amp

 

• ‘There is a better way of doing things’ – Calls for change as €170k affordable housing build ends up on private market for €250k: Dublin house sold through affordable housing scheme for €170k four years ago – now on private market for €250k  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/there-is-a-better-way-of-doing-things-calls-for-change-as-170k-affordable-housing-build-ends-up-on-private-market-for-250k-40737870.html

 

• Housing: One trend that has become distinctly clear over the past few years is that market solutions to the housing crisis and political imperatives are moving in the opposition direction: https://www.businesspost.ie/the-last-post/john-walsh-coalitions-succession-of-crises-is-not-an-inevitable-product-of-politics-d040b2e0

 

• Senior citizens housing charity urges council not to repossess complex: Cabhru Housing Association Services subject of negative findings by Charities Regulator  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/senior-citizens-housing-charity-urges-council-not-to-repossess-complex-1.4642385?mode=amp

 

• New €30m cost-rental scheme announced for Cork city: Housing agency Clúid unveils plan for 88 apartments at city’s Lancaster Quay site https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/new-30m-cost-rental-scheme-announced-for-cork-city-1.4644085?mode=amp

 

• Court of Appeal: Airbnb must share details of Austrian homeowners: The homesharing platform has failed to overturn a ruling forcing it to give the Austrian tax authorities details of the owners of 365 properties on its site  https://www.businesspost.ie/legal/court-of-appeal-airbnb-must-share-details-of-austrian-homeowners-42365d86

 

• Irish households worth more than ever and mortgages still among dearest in EU: Households are paying second-highest interest rates for home loans  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/irish-households-worth-more-than-ever-and-mortgages-still-among-dearest-in-eu-1.4644615

 

• Can we get a mortgage when my employer is on pandemic support?  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/personal-finance/can-we-get-a-mortgage-when-my-employer-is-on-pandemic-support-1.4643070?mode=amp

 

• Occupants refusing to leave Dublin properties in contempt of court, judge says: Around 20 people are living in two houses formerly owned by businessman Jerry Beades  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/high-court/occupants-refusing-to-leave-dublin-properties-in-contempt-of-court-judge-says-1.4646468?mode=amp

 

• 11 houses you could buy today for less than 50k in Ireland: If you are in the market for a house for less than 50k, we may have just found the one for you https://www.irishmirror.ie/lifestyle/homes-and-property/11-houses-you-could-buy-24755895.amp

 

• Thatched cottage restoration was family’s lockdown project  https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/thatched-cottage-restoration-was-familys-lockdown-project/

 

• Want to get away from it all? How about a private island of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way?  https://www.irishcentral.com/dream-homes/inis-saimer-private-island-ireland-wild-atlantic-way.amp

 

• Tax bill on inheritance of a house that originally passed to mother  https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/tax-billon-inheritance-of-a-house-that-originally-passed-tomother-40749890.html

 

 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

 

• Irish Life lifts fund limits as pandemic uncertainty retreats: Insurance company says demand for office space is returning after Covid  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/irish-life-lifts-fund-limits-as-pandemic-uncertainty-retreats-z0nw7v3wl

 

• Wealthy shoppers deterred from Dublin city, says business group: Council’s pedestrianisation plan puts independent retailers at risk, group claims  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/consumer/wealthy-shoppers-deterred-from-dublin-city-says-business-group-1.4642241?mode=amp

 

• Hammerson, a UK-listed property group, has written down the value of its property portfolio in Ireland by almost 7 per cent to £679 million https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/value-of-hammerson-estate-is-cut-by-7-per-cent-8qw73s78r

 

• Sports Direct and Frasers to take over vacant Debenhams unit in Cork’s Mahon Point: The group is to open two locations in Ireland, in Cork’s Mahon Point and Whitewater Shopping Centre in Kildare, in units previously occupied by Debenhams: https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-40358438.html?type=amp

 

• The Shelbourne Hotel’s owner, US property giant Kennedy Wilson, has reported that the hotel generated $3m (€2.5m) for the six months ended June 30, down from $7.3m (€6.2m) in the same period last year https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/hard-hit-hospitality-even-the-shelbourne-takes-a-half-year-bath-from-covid-40749851.html

 

• This Working Life: Hybrid working requires a rethink of our office spaces: While full remote working is not sustainable in the future, we’ll never go back to the way we used to work, and our workspaces need to be adapted to reflect that https://www.businesspost.ie/world-at-work/this-working-life-hybrid-working-requires-a-rethink-of-our-office-spaces-9fa6a454

 

• Having fallen into disrepair, a high stakes battle has erupted over a deal to buy the City Arts Centre: It is a drama worthy of its former incarnation as a home for the performing arts, but this time it is real… https://thecurrency.news/articles/56989/centre-stage-having-fallen-into-disrepair-a-high-stakes-battle-has-erupted-over-a-deal-to-buy-the-city-arts-centre/

 

• Landmark properties on the market  https://www.anglocelt.ie/2021/08/08/landmark-properties-on-the-market/

 

• Retailer Jysk confirms six Irish store openings in 2021 and more next year: Danish homewares retailer aiming to make up for time lost during the pandemic  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/retailer-jysk-confirms-six-irish-store-openings-in-2021-and-more-next-year-1.4643165?mode=amp

 

• Irish retail powerhouse Paul Kelly to retire at end of the year: Veteran worked with Weston family and transformed Brown Thomas and Selfridges  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/irish-retail-powerhouse-paul-kelly-to-retire-at-end-of-the-year-1.4644124?mode=amp

 

 

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

 

• UK Estate Agency Regulation – House of Commons publishes update https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2021/8/estate-agency-regulation–house-of-commons-publishes-update

 

• Exclusive: ‘Realtor franchise’ scheme launched by long-standing UK agency  https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2021/8/exclusive-long-standing-agency-launches-realtor-franchise-model

 

• Two prominent UK estate agencies are amongst those piloting a new financial product that allows aspiring buyers to purchase property with just a five per cent deposit.  https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2021/8/prominent-estate-agents-trial-low-deposit-mortgage-concept

 

• Warehouses: the latest boom in the UK real estate sector – A record-breaking area almost twice the size of Hyde Park is slated for construction this year  https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/aug/12/warehouses-the-latest-boom-in-the-uk-real-estate-sector

 

• Purplebricks to move to fully employed status for its local property agents  https://propertyindustryeye.com/newsflash-purplebricks-to-move-to-fully-employed-status-for-its-local-property-agents/

 

• Morgan Sindall report recommends employees set their own salary  https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/contractors/morgan-sindall/morgan-sindall-report-recommends-employees-set-their-own-salary-09-08-2021/

 

• Blackstone Buys Industrial REIT WPT in $3.1B Deal: WPT’s portfolio includes 37.5 million square feet across 19 states https://commercialobserver.com/2021/08/blackstone-wpt-industrial-real-estate-investment-trust/

 

• Five Overseas Properties for Under £100k  https://www.propertista.co.uk/five-overseas-properties-for-under-100k/

 

• Georgia’s First Tiny Home Village Now Open, and Sold Out: Eight single-family houses on a half-acre of land.  https://www-planetizen-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.planetizen.com/news/2021/07/114113-georgias-first-tiny-home-village-now-open-and-sold-out?amp

 

• Young people are missing the office – here’s how they can thrive in a post-pandemic workplace  https://theconversation.com/young-people-are-missing-the-office-heres-how-they-can-thrive-in-a-post-pandemic-workplace-165629

 

• ‘It’s very cool, but not intimidatingly cool’ – how London’s King’s Cross nailed the future of shopping: Claire Spreadbury rediscovers the joys of real-life retail in London’s coolest part of town  https://m.independent.ie/life/travel/europe/its-very-cool-but-not-intimidatingly-cool-how-londons-kings-cross-nailed-the-future-of-shopping-40735478.html

 

• How New York Real Estate Is Embracing Wellness In 2021  https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/08/08/how-new-york-real-estate-is-embracing-wellness-in-2021/amp/

 

 

FACEBOOK GROUP FOR IRISH PROPERTY BUYERS & INVESTORS

Crowd-sourcing answers topical property questions:    

Irish Property Buyers Handbook annuals

 

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/