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: 

 

• Call out to planners with expertise in this area, is a crowdfunded challenge to the EU the next step [contact carol@caroltallon.com]? ‘There’ll be blood on the streets’ –  confusion as guidelines for one-off homes remain stalled: Planners and families hoping to build a house left in limbo by lack of clarity over ‘locals only’ rules  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/therell-be-blood-on-the-streets-confusion-as-guidelines-for-one-off-homes-remain-stalled-40709601.html

 

• LDA chair’s frustration laid bare in resignation letter: Moran outlined concerns over poor communication, policy direction and future of agency in letter to O’Brien  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/news/lda-chairs-frustration-laid-bare-in-resignation-letter-40708952.html

 

• Land Development Agency voices concern over delays: Stalled deliveries of housing on State-owned land focus of board meeting, minutes reveal  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/land-development-agency-voices-concern-over-delays-1.4638237?mode=amp

 

• Government’s radical land sale plans potentially contentious: Constitutionality likely to be tested given potentially large sums at stake for landowners  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/government-s-radical-land-sale-plans-potentially-contentious-1.4636450?mode=amp

 

• Minister seeks to bypass pre-legislative scrutiny on draft planning laws: Darragh O’Brien’s waiver request meets resistance from Oireachtas housing committee  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/minister-seeks-to-bypass-pre-legislative-scrutiny-on-draft-planning-laws-1.4638202?mode=amp

 

• Dublin Port spurns Minister’s demands to use lands for housing: State company tells Eamon Ryan that property marked for infrastructure ‘unavailable’  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/dublin-port-spurns-minister-s-demands-to-use-lands-for-housing-1.4638116?mode=amp

 

• David McWilliams: A new Dublin Port City is an obvious solution for the housing crisis: We need to be thinking about the right thing to do for Ireland 2060, not Ireland 2021  https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/david-mcwilliams-a-new-dublin-port-city-is-an-obvious-solution-for-the-housing-crisis-1.4640477?mode=amp

 

• New stamp duty rules will slow housing development, say Irish investors  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/new-stamp-duty-rules-will-slow-housing-development-say-irish-investors-7pghfkhgc

 

• Mixed fortunes for landlord giants- Cantillon: Kennedy Wilson’s take slips as Ires Reit reaps healthy revenues from Irish units  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/mixed-fortunes-for-landlord-giants-1.4641024

 

• New business and office ventilation legislation proposed today  https://www.highlandradio.com/2021/08/04/new-business-and-office-ventilation-legislation-proposed-today/

 

• The heroes need help: The volunteers of Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery make one simple promise to the families of missing persons: “We will never give up” – Now they are asking Cork City Council to help find them a home. https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/people/arid-40351013.html

 

• Salthill native appointed coordinator of city’s new Irish Language Plan https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/salthill-native-appointed-coordinator-of-citys-new-irish-language-plan/

 

• Search engine optimization (SEO): Google trends reveal most searched property terms  https://propertyindustryeye.com/google-trends-reveal-most-searched-property-terms/ 

 

• Would you live in a home on the high street? It’s now easier to turn shops into houses — but there are questions over the quality of the housing and whether it is good for business.  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/would-you-live-in-a-home-on-the-high-street-625gdw2qm

 

 

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. 

 

 

*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

• UK MHCLG is launching a PropTech Engagement Fund to support the widespread adoption of digital citizen engagement tools and services within the planning process https://localdigital.gov.uk/fund/proptech-engagement-fund/

 

• Aidan Regan: Could a ‘duplex maisonette’ design help to solve the capital’s housing crisis? An innovative design based on Victorian row houses could deliver better quality, cheaper, high density and low rise housing than high-rise apartment blocks  https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/aidan-regan-could-a-duplex-maisonette-design-help-to-solve-the-capitals-housing-crisis-9f51912e

 

• Q&A: Is Dublin losing its cultural soul in the rush to build hotels?  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/q-and-a-is-dublin-losing-its-cultural-soul-in-the-rush-to-build-hotels-40715654.html

 

• The controversial reasons behind Dublin Quays names from British queen to rebel leader: Sarsfield Quay… never heard of it mate but there should be an Arthur Guinness Quay https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/controversial-reasons-behind-dublin-quays-21167718.amp

 

• Yellow ribbon protest against tree felling for BusConnects project in north Dublin: Navan Road group says scheme will damage quality of life and climate change goals  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/yellow-ribbon-protest-against-tree-felling-for-busconnects-project-in-north-dublin-1.4638917?mode=amp

 

• Cork towns and villages to receive funding to enhance streetscapes and shopfronts  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40353872.html

 

• CPOs: Ruling on South Kerry Greenway will have ‘far reaching’ consequences – Legal advice for farmers  https://www.irishexaminer.com/farming/arid-40351688.html?type=amp

 

• Four decades since my first visit, I still have lots to discover here in Connemara: “It’s as if a hidden resilience was there all along, determined to see the people through the worst…” https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-40351088.html

 

• Wind farm operator appeals court order restraining its operation: The Court of Appeal ruled in favour of Barranafaddock Sustainable Electricity against a High Court ruling restricting the operation of the wind farm near Ballyduff, Co Waterford  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40351052.html

 

• Meitheal 21: The house in Co Tipperary that the pandemic helped to build – A safe haven for families of children with Down syndrome  https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/parenting/meitheal-21-the-house-in-co-tipperary-that-the-pandemic-helped-to-build-1.4632843?mode=amp

 

• Dismay as plan for 18-metre mast at main street of Limerick village is approved  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/654354/dismay-as-plan-for-18-metre-mast-at-main-street-of-limerick-village-is-approved.html

 

• Bridges across the river in Tipperary will ‘open up Clonmel’s green heart’: People encouraged to have their say on ambitious plans  https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/home/654309/bridges-across-the-river-in-tipperary-will-open-up-clonmel-s-green-heart.html

 

• High Court orders Kerry builder to remove gates in planning row: The judge ruled builder Michael McElligott did not have planning permission for padlocked timber gates which were erected at the access point to Ross Court on Church Street, Tarbert  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/courtandcrime/arid-40351670.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

 

• State to take a slice of increased value of land rezoned for housing: Move is part of far-reaching measures to rein in speculation and cool property market  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/state-to-take-a-slice-of-increased-value-of-land-rezoned-for-housing-1.4636538?mode=amp

 

• Governments, landowners and developers value their cosy nexus: Proposed planning gain tax aims to send clear message that things have changed https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/governments-landowners-and-developers-value-their-cosy-nexus-1.4639029?mode=amp

 

• Over 700 applicants on apprenticeship waiting lists in Roscommon/Galway area  https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/over-700-applicants-on-apprenticeship-waiting-lists-in-roscommon-galway-area/

 

• Electric vehicle charging points to be required at new buildings: Rule applies to new developments with more than 10 parking spaces and existing ones with more than 20  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/electric-vehicle-charging-points-to-be-required-at-new-buildings-1.4637861?mode=amp

 

• Timber crisis adding ‘€15,000 extra’ to cost of new homes: Warning that the ‘crisis caused by Kildare Street’ may impact on number of houses built this year  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/timber-crisis-adding-15-000-extra-to-cost-of-new-homes-1.4639695?mode=amp

 

• IT Sligo achieves full Chartered Accreditation for Online Masters in Engineering  https://irishbuildingmagazine.ie/2021/08/05/it-sligo-achieves-full-chartered-accreditation-for-online-masters-in-engineering/

 

• ‘State-of-the-art’ or ‘flashy’: Will the spiraling cost of the Children’s Hospital be worth it? Work on the National Children’s Hospital is over 35% complete – with construction work aiming to be finished by the end of 2023. https://www.thejournal.ie/national-childrens-hospital-building-5484212-Aug2021/

 

• Plans to build Ireland’s first national science centre have been hit by a further setback, as a fresh dispute has erupted over the project’s progress. https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/plans-for-new-37m-science-centre-for-children-arehit-by-further-setback-40724166.html

 

• Ireland expected to ride high on Europe’s data centre boom https://www.siliconrepublic.com/enterprise/ireland-data-centre-europe-growth

 

• Also: Meet the diaspora: How Irish companies are milking the global data centre boom https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/meet-the-diaspora-irish-companies-milking-global-data-centre-boom-n0ts9fbns

 

• Construction Company BAM Ireland Appointed As Main Contractor For Construction Of Mixed-Use Development In Dublin That Will Include 151-Bedroom Hotel  https://www.hospitalityireland.com/amp/hotel/construction-company-bam-ireland-appointed-as-main-contractor-for-construction-of-mixed-use-development-in-dublin-that-will-include-151-bedroom-hotel-142041

 

• Uninest wins approval to convert 571 student beds to tourist accommodation: Accommodation provider said it did not anticipate its international student market recovering in the coming academic year https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/uninest-wins-approval-to-convert-571-student-beds-to-tourist-accommodation-3194cadd

 

• Plan for 350 new apartments in Santry ‘would impact on traffic and local services’ https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/northside/news/plan-for-350-new-apartments-in-santry-would-impact-on-traffic-and-local-services-40719884.html

 

• Irish pubs closed: Plans to demolish iconic Walkinstown pub and build new apartments refused: The landscape of Dublin’s most well-known pieces of infrastructure was set to change  https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/irish-pubs-closed-plans-demolish-21215815

 

• Housing: Delivery of 365 cost-rental homes looks ‘unlikely’ this year: Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien had said homes would be completed this year  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/housing-delivery-of-365-cost-rental-homes-looks-unlikely-this-year-1.4640901?mode=amp

 

• PLANS are in the pipeline for a mixed-use development, which would include almost 100 homes, on the outskirts of Cork. O’Flynn Construction (Horlans) Ltd have lodged a planning application for the development at Coolymurraghue, Upper Leemount, Kerry Pike. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40353797.html

 

• Work underway to market Cork site for foreign direct investment  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40351109.html

 

• Planning granted for 48 houses in Kilkenny town  https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/home/653287/planning-granted-for-48-houses-in-kilkenny-town.html

 

• Setback for Land Development Agency on major housing scheme: Planning board turns down 221-home Naas development over parking concerns https://www-irishtimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/setback-for-land-development-agency-on-major-housing-scheme-1.4639589?mode=amp

 

• Council to probe Johnstown Estate containers as dispute escalates: Meath Co.Co. has been drawn into a row between lodge residents and the hotel owners, after complaints were made over 40-foot shipping containers placed outside the homes  https://www.businesspost.ie/legal/council-to-probe-johnstown-estate-containers-as-dispute-escalates-6d14668b

 

• More than 300 new homes being planned for on outskirts of Newbridge  https://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/home/654311/more-than-300-new-homes-being-planned-for-on-outskirts-of-newbridge.html

 

• Construction starts on National Equine Innovation Centre  https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/653904/construction-starts-on-national-equine-innovation-centre.html

 

• Work to start next week on almost 400 homes, café and gym  https://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/home/654573/naas-work-to-start-next-week-on-almost-400-homes-cafe-and-gym.html

 

• €40m Kerrygold plant on hold after engineer lodges planning objection https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/40m-kerrygold-plant-on-hold-afterengineer-lodges-planning-objection-40709499.html

 

• 167 residential buildings under construction in Longford  https://www.longfordleader.ie/news/home/653800/167-residential-buildings-under-construction-in-longford.html

 

• Council rejects Mount Temple housing plan | Westmeath Independent https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2021/08/02/council-rejects-mount-temple-housing-plan/

 

• Another pile of new homes in pipeline for Portlaoise Celtic Tiger estate: Pre-validation talks underway with Laois County Council  https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/property/653999/another-pile-of-new-homes-in-pipeline-for-portlaoise-celtic-tiger-estate.html

 

• Former millionaire developer, solicitor and accountant accused of €268,000 property registration fraud  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/former-millionaire-developer-solicitorand-accountant-accused-of-268000-property-registration-fraud-40722703.html

 

• Newry-based Murdocks acquires the Brooks Group: Builder’s merchants get green light from competition regulators to buy retail and distribution business in the Republic  https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-40354493.html?type=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 * 

 

• Google unveils ‘smartest ever’ Nest cameras and doorbell: New devices include on-device processing to help protect privacy  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/google-unveils-smartest-ever-nest-cameras-and-doorbell-1.4639887

 

• Virtual reality tech training firm targets €2m funding to continue expansion – VRAI, which uses simulation software to allow organisations to train staff remotely, is aiming to double its headcount in the next 18 months ahead of a US expansion  https://www.businesspost.ie/making-it-work/making-it-work-virtual-reality-tech-training-firm-targets-eur2m-funding-to-continue-expansion-b12761d0

 

• Falling cost of modular building may benefit house building: Modular approach becoming cheaper for some house building than conventional methods  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/falling-cost-of-modular-building-may-benefit-house-building-1.4638083?mode=amp

 

• Tyrone accountant Sarah Friar, who is poised to become one of Ireland’s richest women, is going big on US rentals. I hear that she was one of the investors in a $40 million (€34 million) series B funding round at Belong, a home and apartment rental platform. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/inside-track-friar-tucks-us-rentals-nextdoor-float-ireland-3l8pb5jhx

 

• Top 5 Most Read New Contech Stories of July 2021  https://www.forconstructionpros.com/construction-technology/article/21590555/top-5-most-read-new-contech-stories-of-july-2021

 

• Olympic gold medallist is keynote speaker at Digital Construction Live https://www.irishnews.com/business/2021/08/04/news/olympic-gold-medallist-is-keynote-speaker-at-digital-construction-live-2407644/

 

• 8 construction technology firms that made funding waves: From drones to field printers, tech firms are creating innovations for the construction industry and launching multimillion-dollar fundraising rounds. https://www.constructiondive.com/news/fundraising-technology-construction/604062/

 

• Buildots raises $30M to put eyes on construction sites  https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/04/buildots-raises-30m-to-put-eyes-on-construction-sites/amp/

 

• ConTech Conversations: Automated processes will help construction succeed, CEO says: Construction Dive talks with GeoSlam CEO Graham Hunter about the role technology will play in construction’s future. https://www.constructiondive.com/news/contech-conversations-automated-processes-will-help-construction-succeed/604002/

 

• Tech leaders can be the secret weapon for supercharging ESG goals https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/02/tech-leaders-can-be-the-secret-weapon-for-supercharging-esg-goals/

 

• How tech (and some humans) is changing the face of ESG | “Robust analyses of a framework as dynamic as ESG demands a rigorous technological underpinning” https://www.greenbiz.com/article/how-tech-and-some-humans-changing-face-esg

 

• Don’t charge for viewings – PropTech can prioritise serious tenants, says firm  https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2021/8/forget-pay-for-viewings–proptech-will-prioritise-the-serious-tenants

 

• Rentible.io: A First-Mover Platform Enabling Crypto-Payments between Tenants and Landlords Introduces Deposit Smart Contract to Tackle “Let-and-Run” Schemes https://www.newsbtc.com/news/company/rentible-io-a-first-mover-platform-enabling-crypto-payments-between-tenants-and-landlords-introduces-deposit-smart-contract-to-tackle-let-and-run-schemes/

 

• Fixflo in new PropTech integration with rental software provider https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2021/8/fixflo-in-new-proptech-integration-with-rental-software-provider?source=newsticker

 

• VC Firm Moderne Ventures Launches $200M Fund https://therealdeal.com/2021/08/06/vc-firm-moderne-ventures-raises-200m-for-fund-tapping-proptech/

 

• Shaftesbury completes UK’s first digital commercial leases in partnership with proptech Least http://www.propertyfundsworld.com/2021/08/06/304630/shaftesbury-completes-uks-first-digital-commercial-leases-partnership-proptech

 

• London proptech expands team as revenues increase by 300 per cent | Bdaily https://bdaily.co.uk/articles/2021/08/06/london-proptech-expands-team-as-revenues-increase-by-300-per-cent

 

• AI Powered Proptech Localize Raises $25 Million Series C https://www.crowdfundinsider.com/2021/08/178714-ai-powered-proptech-localize-raises-25-million-series-c/

 

• Why Proptech Startups Still Like SPACs: A lot of it has to do with low interest rates and high amounts of hungry capital https://commercialobserver.com/2021/08/proptech-spacs-investment-2021/

 

• How to Build a Water-Smart City: As water shortages and drought become increasingly common, cities will need to invest in infrastructure and find ways to recycle their supply. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-08-02/how-to-build-a-water-smart-city

 

• Data, Connectivity Keys to Proptech’s Role in Smart Cities: CO Experts – Commercial Observer https://commercialobserver.com/2021/08/data-connectivity-proptech-role-in-fostering-smart-cities-co-experts/

 

• Construction Innovation – international perspective: Growth in Four Technologies Helping Speed Up Multifamily Projects https://urbanland.uli.org/economy-markets-trends/construction-innovation-growth-in-four-technologies-helping-speed-up-multifamily-projects/

 

• Proptech Startup Rentable Raises $22.5 Million Series B Funding https://therealdeal.com/2021/08/03/proptech-startup-rentable-secures-22m-in-series-b-funding/

 

• Five Proptech Startups Influencing The New Age Investment Using Fractional Ownership: Since many Indians are new and inexperienced to this concept, partnering with new age and tech-enabled platforms makes the whole process hassle-free http://bwdisrupt.businessworld.in/article/Five-Proptech-Startups-Influencing-The-New-Age-Investment-Using-Fractional-Ownership/03-08-2021-399222

 

• Founder resources: Creations of the mind: why even the smallest company should protect its big ideas. Intellectual property rights are enshrined in both Irish and European law, and with good reason. Patents, copyright and trademarks are vital tools for SMEs as much as multinationals  https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial-reports/creations-of-the-mind-why-even-the-smallest-company-should-protect-its-big-ideas-bc7c6212

 

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

• How does Ireland compare to the world’s hottest property markets? Global prices are roaring ahead – but is it a bubble or a temporary blip? https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/how-does-ireland-compare-to-the-world-s-hottest-property-markets-1.4634874?mode=amp

 

• Real estate agent and consultancy Knight Frank has reported more than one-fifth of the new home sales worth over €1m it agreed in Dublin in the past 12 months were to Irish expats looking to buy a home in Ireland.  https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/expats-snapping-up-one-in-five-1m-plus-homes-says-knight-frank-40728880.html

 

• Problems plaguing Ireland’s housing market and how they can be fixed: Housing has long been beset by issues of supply and affordability – but there are a number of steps the government can take to help prospective homeowners overcome these challenges  https://www.buzz.ie/news/irish-news/ireland-housing-market-problems-solutions-24638667.amp

 

• ‘Supply is cause of housing crisis, not lending caps’, says Bank of Ireland chief: Francesca McDonagh hopes sale of State’s stake in the bank heralds a new era  https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/francesca-mcdonagh-interview-supply-is-causeof-housing-crisis-not-lending-caps-says-bank-of-ireland-chief-40728741.html

 

• The Social contract in Ireland for housing is broken https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-40351619.html?type=amp

 

• Rory Hearne: Government policy has turned Generation Rent into a revenue-generating asset for *INVESTMENT funds [*Incorrect terminology removed]https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40352195.html?type=amp

 

• Our worst property crash has become the most catastrophic recovery  https://m.independent.ie/opinion/comment/our-worst-property-crash-has-becomethe-most-catastrophic-recovery-40728946.html

 

• State’s biggest private landlord returns to black with profit of €27.4m: Ires Reit saw rental income grow by 5.9% to more than €31m in first six months of year https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/state-s-biggest-private-landlord-returns-to-black-with-profit-of-27-4m-1.4640412

 

• Two former FG advisers successfully lobbied for investor stamp duty exemption: They approached the government to prevent a new 10 per cent stamp duty rate for funds that bulk purchase homes to lease to the state  https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/two-former-fg-advisers-successfully-lobbied-for-investor-stamp-duty-exemption-3dd654b1

 

• ‘Up to 49,000 homes needed in Mid-West by 2036 to meet demand’  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/653657/up-to-49-000-homes-needed-in-mid-west-by-2036-to-meet-demand-limerick-auctioneer.html

 

• ICS cuts mortgage rates to match or better lowest in market: Lender looking to grow its home loan market share as KBC and Ulster Bank exit Republic https://www.irishtimes.com/business/personal-finance/ics-cuts-mortgage-rates-to-match-or-better-lowest-in-market-1.4639031

 

• What happens our mortgage rate if we rent out our home? https://www.irishtimes.com/business/personal-finance/what-happens-our-mortgage-rate-if-we-rent-out-our-home-1.4637040?mode=amp

 

• “It used to be the case in Ireland that if a house wasn’t made of concrete, then it wasn’t considered a real home. Their concept of living and how homes can be used has changed. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40354292.html

 

• Irish tenants’ share of outgoings on rent is sixth highest in world – study: Rent takes bigger slice of spending in only five other countries, says Money.co.uk https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/irish-tenants-share-of-outgoings-on-rent-is-sixth-highest-in-world-study-1.4638702

 

• Big interest in Limerick housing development since planning was approved  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/654788/big-interest-in-limerick-housing-development-since-planning-was-approved.html

 

• Victorian mansion in Co Laois on sale for just €150,000 – but there’s a catch  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/victorian-mansion-in-co-laois-on-sale-for-just-150000-but-theres-a-catch-40711818.html

 

• Why harvesting rainwater for your home is essential: Huge population increases in Irish cities over the coming decades will create a massive demand for drinking water https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandoutdoors/arid-40351112.html?type=amp

 

 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

• 87% of workers say office is still necessary – Savills  https://amp-rte-ie.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.rte.ie/amp/1238943/

 

• DLA Piper’s Molesworth move signals growth plans and return of the office: This is an incredibly exciting time for DLA Piper, and we are absolutely delighted to secure 40 Molesworth Street  https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/dla-pipers-molesworth-move-signals-growth-plans-and-return-of-theoffice-40712877.html

 

• WETHERSPOON will finally open its newest pub and hotel venue in Ireland this month, the British pub chain confirmed this week. The pub, named Keavan’s Port, has an adjoining 89-bedroom hotel, and is located in Dublin. https://www.irishpost.com/business/wetherspoon-finally-confirms-long-awaited-opening-date-for-new-e33m-irish-pub-and-hotel-217417

 

• Hammerson to repurpose vacant units as homes, hotels and offices  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/hammerson-to-repurpose-vacant-units-as-homes-hotels-and-offices-l66d7gvwl And in Ireland: Hammerson eyes its retail sites for residential and other developments  – As well as Dundrum, the company owns stakes in Pavilions in Swords, the Ilac in Dublin, and Kildare Village  https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/hammerson-eyes-its-retail-sites-forresidential-and-other-developments-40723578.html

 

• Also, Dundrum co-owner Hammerson has no time for retail eviction bans: Listed landlord group has a freer hand with enforcement in Ireland than it does in the UK  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/dundrum-co-owner-hammerson-has-no-time-for-retail-eviction-bans-1.4641065?mode=amp

 

• As vacant units mount and online retail bites how can shopping centres survive? Most Dublin shopping centres have bounced back from the pandemic. But to withstand fierce competition from the giants of online retail, they must evolve – quickly https://www.businesspost.ie/retail/as-vacant-units-mount-and-online-retail-bites-how-can-shopping-centres-survive-0903c898

 

• Kate Spade New York, a luxury fashion brand famed for its handbags, is on the lookout for a bargain in Dublin. Representatives for the company have been eyeing up premises on Grafton Street in the capital  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/kate-spade-hoping-to-bag-dublin-premises-brc9rqds8

 

• Amazon has pushed back its return-to-office date for tech and corporate workers until January as Covid-19 cases surge nationally due to the more contagious Delta variant. https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/amazon-pushes-back-office-return-date-to-january-2022-1168026.html

 

• Objection lodged against planning retention permission for alterations at licenced premises on outskirts of Cork city https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40350458.html

 

• Kerry behind closed doors: Work goes on at many empty and seemingly derelict buildings  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-40350656.html?type=amp

 

• North Cork pub ‘refurbished to highest of standards’ goes on market for €135k: There’s a decent function room on its first floor too https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/north-cork-pub-refurbished-highest-21193027

 

• Cork Betting shop relocation gets the go-ahead despite objection by local resident  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40350599.html

 

• Decorative parts of four Bray buildings collapse: Wicklow County Council are engaging with the owners of the properties concerned: https://www.thejournal.ie/decorative-part-of-four-bray-buildings-collapse-5513025-Aug2021/

 

• Former Avoca Handweavers managing director Simon Pratt has returned to retail after opening a new food store in Roundwood, Co Wicklow.  https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/former-avoca-boss-pratt-opens-new-roundwood-shop-40725414.html

 

 

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

 

• Bidding wars for homes continued in July despite tapered stamp duty holiday: More than two-fifths of buyers paid over the initial asking price, as did three in 10 buying million-pound homes, estate agent Hamptons said. https://m.independent.ie/world-news/bidding-wars-for-homes-continued-in-july-despite-tapered-stamp-duty-holiday-40718616.html

 

• Staff and materials shortages slow growth in UK construction sector https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/aug/05/staff-and-materials-shortages-slow-growth-in-uk-construction-sector

 

• 13 UK construction companies in the construction sector went into administration in July, Construction News can reveal. The figure, based on data provided by Creditsafe, was a rise from the seven that went under in June https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/data/revealed-the-13-companies-that-went-into-administration-in-july-06-08-2021/

 

• Offsite construction specialist McAvoy Group has begun site work in Surrey for a school being built as part of a low-carbon initiative.  https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/mcavoy-starts-on-237m-low-carbon-school

 

• Gap Must Pay $24M in Back Rent to Times Square Landlord https://commercialobserver.com/2021/08/gap-must-pay-24m-in-back-rent-to-times-square-landlord/

 

 

 

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/