Weekly Irish property market news and insights – for the industry, by the industry
WALL OF KINDNESS INITIATIVE: Earlier this month, Host in Ireland’s Garry Connolly shared a photo from Sweden showing a ‘Wall of Kindness’ – where people can leave a coat or take a coat, in order to help people withstand the winter weather. Inspired by this, Mascott Construction erected such a kindness wall using the outside of its hoarding at Cornmarket in Belfast City (pictured below). We are urging other construction companies with city centre based sites to do something similar over the Christmas period and help to keep people warm at this time of year.
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:
- Sticking with the books has put Ireland at the top of the class: Ireland has retained its place as the most educated country in Europe. This, along with a ‘brain gain’ of highly able immigrants, is good news for everyone https://www.businesspost.ie/economics/dan-obrien-sticking-with-the-books-has-put-ireland-at-the-top-of-the-class-8c47e595
- Foreign direct investment to Ireland rises by more than €70bn: Stock of FDI in Ireland exceeded €1tn for the first time in 2019, CSO data shows https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/foreign-direct-investment-to-ireland-rises-by-more-than-70bn-1.4757005
- Stripe co-founder John Collison gripes over work permit delays: Fintech billionaire also flags up cost of construction in meeting to discuss expansion plans with the taoiseach https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/stripe-co-founder-john-collison-gripes-over-work-permit-delays-b6xbtx57n
- Editorial: Mixed messages from state agencies do nothing for our national standing – Eirgrid’s announcement that new data centres will not be connected to the national grid is the latest muddled policy message sent to important investors https://www.businesspost.ie/business-posts-view/editorial-mixed-messages-from-state-agencies-do-nothing-for-our-national-standing-8ceb7b15
- ‘Don’t despair’: Housing Minister on his ‘radical’ plans to solve Ireland’s housing issues: State-backed mortgages, Airbnb regulations, and new law for Mica scheme – Minister Darragh O’Brien tells The Journal that people shouldn’t despair about housing. https://www.thejournal.ie/interview-darragh-obrien-grants-above-shop-units-5631186-Dec2021/
- Darragh O’Brien interview: ‘There are no rubber chickens. It’s about bricks and mortar’: The Minister for Housing is adamant that 2022 will be ‘a year for delivery’ and a turning point in the seemingly endless housing crisis https://www.businesspost.ie/politics-extra/darragh-obrien-interview-there-are-no-rubber-chickens-its-about-bricks-and-mortar-63381ce8
- New Dublin city development plan will end apartment construction: Pleasing the people who want to own homes should not come at the cost of punishing renters https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/new-dublin-city-development-plan-will-end-apartment-construction-1.4752272
- Landowners to be hit with 30% property rezoning tax: Councils set to benefit from ‘radical’ new tariff with proceeds to be used to pay for local social and road infrastructure https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/landowners-to-be-hit-with-30-property-rezoning-tax-fb1e0e08
- Bord Pleanála was successfully challenged in 63% of cases: There were 51 cases decided last year and the board lost 32. In 19 cases the High Court quashed the planning permission while in 13 cases the board admitted to defects in its decision-making process. https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1266932/
- In the decades preceding 1916, British rulers subsidised homes to dampen the demand for Irish independence – with long-lasting consequences. What the Free State did next with this social housing stock helps explain the national property psyche. https://thecurrency.news/articles/69225/emigration-the-pre-independence-labourers-acts-and-lessons-for-todays-housing-policy/
- Derelict homes ‘show state not abiding by social contract’: The agency will call for more derelict and vacant buildings to be brought back into use: “Extreme” levels of derelict and vacant homes show the state is not abiding by the social contract, a systems design agency tells an Oireachtas committee https://www.thetimes oh.co.uk/article/derelict-homes-show-state-not-abiding-by-social-contract-jfw28nzk3
- Tenants demand registry to check on landlords before moving in https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tenants-demand-registry-to-check-on-landlords-before-moving-in-6hlp9nwzl
- Dutch fintech Bunq looks to sell services in Irish market: Capitalflow owner’s deal may give access to cheaper funds and bring loan book to €1.2bn https://www.irishtimes.com/business/financial-services/dutch-fintech-bunq-looks-to-sell-services-in-irish-market-1.4753402
- New UK report looks at how letting agents could improve their reputation https://propertyindustryeye.com/new-report-looks-at-how-letting-agents-could-improve-their-reputation/
- Department of Housing to send fake phishing emails to staff to see if they fall for scams https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40768227.html
- Reaching for Zero Energy in High Density Housing https://www.archdaily.com/973657/reaching-for-zero-energy-in-high-density-housing
- Director involved in Dolphin Trust ‘Ponzi’ scandal left €6.2m in will https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/director-involved-in-dolphin-trust-ponzi-scandal-left-62m-in-will-41154547.html
- A blockbuster year for deals: With international money pouring in, what are the hot M&A areas for 2022 — and who will buy and sell, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/a-blockbuster-year-for-deals-b30skmfxx
- Value is in the eye of the beholder! ‘Mission accomplished: Woman swaps hairpin for dream home after mastering ‘trading up’: Millions have been following Demi Skipper since she began with a bobby pin in May 2020’ https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/mission-accomplished-woman-swaps-hairpin-for-dream-home-after-mastering-trading-up-1.4753977
If you missed last week’s round-up, you can catch up here: https://propertydistrict.ie/sunday-roundup/
As always, you might let me know if I have missed out on any relevant property news by emailing carol@propertydistrict.ie.
(Apologies in advance for any typos, it’s difficult to get good help on a Sunday. Also, I use voice to text dictation so just sound out anything that really doesn’t make sense in a strong rural accent and that should help!)
SUNDAY LISTEN
Property Matters: Ireland’s first weekly property radio show and podcast, which launched in January 2019 on Dublin South FM 93.9 and is now available internationally via iTunes and Spotify podcast (www.iPropertyRadio.com), returned last month for a fourth season. The team delivers 60 minutes of industry chat weekly with guests from the areas of planning, construction, property and proptech.
Listen back to a selection of our shows this year at: https://ipropertyradio.com
Or watch…
CIF & Irish Home Builders Association: https://youtu.be/g1vINqcsTUA
Bartra’s Sally Anne Sherry: https://youtu.be/VtFKug_Wb_A
Fergus Merriman: https://youtu.be/h-dX3dN5Cc8
Anya Martin of London Yimby: https://youtu.be/vmo5JbjKC0g
John Moran – https://youtu.be/Sd9U_TDaZJ4
Email the Property Matters team at info@propertydistrict.ie
PLACEMAKING
PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- Senior cycle students and schools have just a few weeks left to enter the CIF Build the Future – Schools Challenge,’ which can be entered via www.cif.ie/cifchallenge. The deadline for entries is January 31, 2022. https://www.nenaghguardian.ie/2021/12/12/schools-urged-to-enter-build-the-future-challenge/
- Plan for major cycling network set out in climate action strategy: Annex of Actions on the 2021 Climate Action Plan approved at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/plan-for-major-cycling-network-set-out-in-climate-action-strategy-1.4755508
- A guide to Dublin city’s modern architectural treasures – ‘finally’: A new guide encourages readers to get out and experience great architecture first-hand https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/art-and-design/a-guide-to-dublin-city-s-modern-architectural-treasures-finally-1.4750081
- Dublin city centre is crying out for an outdoor swimming pool: George’s Dock site is ideal for a public pool using waste heat from Ringsend plant https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/dublin-city-centre-is-crying-out-for-an-outdoor-swimming-pool-1.4753420
- €12M new road opens on the fringes of Fingal providing a new link with Dublin city https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/fingal/12m-new-road-opens-on-the-fringes-of-fingal-providing-a-new-link-with-dublin-city-41145919.html
- Locals concerned church will sell Drumcondra parish hall: Community groups denied access to Corpus Christi hall due to ‘fire safety concerns’ https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/locals-concerned-church-will-sell-drumcondra-parish-hall-1.4757380
- Inside the new Dún Laoghaire Baths (spoiler: don’t expect baths) https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/art-and-design/inside-the-new-d%C3%BAn-laoghaire-baths-spoiler-don-t-expect-baths-1.4755168
- New plans for cycle lane on Deansgrange road sees 200m detour through cemetery: The plan will be discussed during Monday’s council meeting https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/new-plans-cycle-lane-deansgrange-22436063
- Trial cycleway in Salthill to get underway in March https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/trial-cycleway-in-salthill-to-get-underway-in-march/
- City council urged to consider pedestrian crossing for Rahoon Road as part of Millar’s Lane upgrade https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/city-council-urged-to-consider-pedestrian-crossing-for-rahoon-road-as-part-of-millars-lane-upgrade/. (Pictured)
- New tourist hub and enterprise development planned for Donegal Town https://www.donegaldaily.com/2021/12/16/new-tourist-hub-and-enterprise-development-planned-for-donegal-town/
- Plan to link Inistioge with greenway https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/news/plan-to-link-inistioge-with-greenway-41147163.html
- Remote working in Mayo rural communities ‘very important’ https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2021/12/12/remote-working-in-mayo-rural-communities-very-important/
- Mature trees are key to liveable cities – housing intensification plans must ensure they survive https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2021/dec/14/mature-trees-are-key-to-liveable-cities-housing-intensification-plans-must-ensure-they-survive
- Landowners who help with delivery of greenway schemes may be paid https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40767546.html
- Appeal made to save Knocklofty House near Clonmel before it is lost to dereliction forever https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/home/708039/appeal-made-to-save-knocklofty-house-near-clonmel-before-it-is-lost-to-dereliction-forever.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* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdwwKy4MA_4
CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT NEWS
- Don’t shut down building sites again, warns industry chief: Tom Parlon says Covid restrictions would impact on State’s housebuilding programme https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/don-t-shut-down-building-sites-again-warns-industry-chief-1.4755468
- Recovery of construction continues despite sharp rise in prices: Index figures show continuation of strong growth through middle of the fourth quarter https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/recovery-of-construction-continues-despite-sharp-rise-in-prices-1.4753408
- No leeway for inflation in public sector infrastructure projects https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/no-leeway-for-inflation-in-public-sector-infrastructure-projects-0ns2cckv3
- Fast-track homes ‘won’t work without proper staffing resources’: Construction consultancy warns that local authorities will need extra workers if the new system for fast-track homes is to be effective https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/fast-track-homes-wont-work-without-proper-staffing-resources-cc82997c
- CSO figures reveal a significant drop in new planning permissions: Stats show year-on-year drop of almost 21% in Cork https://m.independent.ie/regionals/corkman/news/cso-figures-reveal-a-significant-drop-in-new-planning-permissions-41149259.html
- Building costs ‘could push house prices even higher’: The Deloitte report said that “ultimately there is a ceiling at which potential purchasers can afford to buy” https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-40765842.html
- ‘There’s a serious opportunity here’: Meet the builder learning new skills for the green economy: Keith McGrory is one of many Irish builders who is now specialising in retrofitting, thanks to world-class training. https://www.thejournal.ie/retrofitting-wwetb-decc-5625022-Dec2021/?amp=1
- CIF claims Irish Water’s ‘chronic delays’ adding €6k to the prices of new homes: The hold-ups in getting developments connected to water services are posing a huge problem to builders, says Tom Parlon https://www.businesspost.ie/construction/cif-claims-irish-waters-chronic-delays-adding-eur6k-to-the-prices-of-new-homes-f6327882
- Emergency measures needed to address housing crisis, developer says: Michael O’Flynn urges reform of zoning, planning administration and infrastructure https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/emergency-measures-needed-to-address-housing-crisis-developer-says-1.4753392. (Pictured)
- Children’s Hospital has cost €873m to-date https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40766484.html Also: Children’s hospital: ‘Fair assumption’ construction will cost more than €1.7bn estimate: Watt criticised at PAC as he refuses to provide estimates for final cost of project https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/children-s-hospital-fair-assumption-construction-will-cost-more-than-1-7bn-estimate-1.4756979
- Seven years on, ‘not a sod turned’ on family courts site https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40766943.html
- Siobhán Quinlan planning almost 700 build-to-let apartments in Dublin suburbs: Companies controlled by the wife of Celtic Tiger-era mogul Derek Quinlan aim to fast-track construction on Tallaght and Sandyford sites https://www.businesspost.ie/business/siobhan-quinlan-planning-almost-700-build-to-let-apartments-in-dublin-suburbs-a6669c65
- Lioncor, which is headed by John Maxwell, will apply for permission for 531 build-to-rent apartments at Marmalade Lane in Dundrum. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/1-000-homes-round-capital-in-fast-track-programme-677qrp5wp
- Apartment scheme on former Blackrock College land approved: Bórd Pleanála backs 241-unit development of up to nine storeys under fast-track rules https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/apartment-scheme-on-former-blackrock-college-land-approved-1.4755340
- Killiney residents secure leave to challenge 255-home plan: In rival action, developer says appeal should be blocked as it is being funded by third party https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/killiney-residents-secure-leave-to-challenge-255-home-plan-1.4755235 Also: Killiney residents opposed to housing plan claim legal actions are bid to intimidate them: Developers say the three actions are legitimate and question funding of residents’ case https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/killiney-residents-opposed-to-housing-plan-claim-legal-actions-are-bid-to-intimidate-them-1.4753456
- Legal challenge over former Eason’s warehouse withdrawn: Local residents sought to quash the fast-track approval of the Crumlin site scheme https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/legal-challenge-over-former-eason-s-warehouse-withdrawn-1.4754494
- Appeals board turns down Bartra’s 74-unit Kilmainham apartment scheme: An Bord Pleanála refuses planning permission for eight-storey development https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/appeals-board-turns-down-bartra-s-74-unit-kilmainham-apartment-scheme-1.4758284
- TikTok’s €420m data centre won’t be ready until late 2022: Delay in delivering data centre for Chinese social media company due to construction industry shutdown earlier this year https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/tiktoks-eur420m-data-centre-wont-be-ready-until-late-2022-69ecb11b
- Ballymore suffers setback in plan to develop former Bray Golf Club lands https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/ballymore-suffers-setback-in-plan-to-develop-former-bray-golf-club-lands-1229482.html
- ‘A real vote of confidence for Cork’: design work on event centre project has begun: It will be autumn next year before that design work is complete and there is still no indication of when construction work on the proposed 6,000 capacity venue on the city’s South Main St will start https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40765257.html
- New houses in Cork: Green light for 67 family homes as part of next phase of big Carrigtwohill development: The latest plan that’s just been approved will see 34 four-beds, 30 three-beds, and three two-beds built https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/new-houses-cork-green-light-22469439
- Major development on site of derelict Blarney Park Hotel gets go-ahead: The mixed-use development includes a hotel, 70 residential units, a supermarket, cafe and an office building https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40766514.html
- Greenlight for €25m nursing home development in Cork’s Rochestown: Plan includes 47 independent living housing units https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-40767012.html
- Benny McCabe plans coffee shop on Cork’s Pembroke St: Further expansion of hospitality venues on the recently pedestrianised street https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-40767174.html
- Council acquires two derelict properties in Cork city: It was not clear last night what route the council will take – whether it will seek to redevelop the sites itself or place them on the open market https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40767714.html
- Galway Harbour Company secures permission for changes at Ice House building https://connachttribune.ie/galway-harbour-company-secures-permission-for-changes-at-ice-house-building/
- Galway-based development company, O’Malley Construction, is planning to build 300 new homes on a recently-purchased landbank on the western side of the city. https://connachttribune.ie/300-new-homes-to-be-built-in-the-city/
- Approval given to build 39 houses in Oranmore https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/housing/approval-given-to-build-39-houses-in-oranmore/
- LISTEN: Proposal that County Council would buy out the Galway Airport site from the City Council deferred to February https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/listen-proposal-that-county-council-would-buy-out-the-galway-airport-site-from-the-city-council-deferred-to-february/
- Eleven housing estates remain ‘unfinished’ in Kilkenny – Council https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/property/708633/eleven-housing-estates-remain-unfinished-in-kilkenny-council.html
- Roscommon County Council seeking permisson for 11 new housing units in Lisnamult https://www.shannonside.ie/news/roscommon-county-council-seeking-permisson-for-11-new-housing-units-in-lisnamult-195437
- Planning green light for major €50m new development in Tipperary https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/home/707122/breaking-planning-green-light-for-major-50m-new-development-in-tipperary.html
- Fears for important Offaly building after sale falls through https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/home/706811/fears-for-important-offaly-building-after-sale-falls-through.html
- Planning permission sought for 50 residential units in Naas, County Kildare https://www.kildarenow.com/news/business/707885/planning-permission-sought-for-50-residential-units-in-naas-county-kildare.html
- Grenfell Tower inquiry: Kingspan is accused of ‘gaming’ fire safety body: Senior staff member says insulation manufacturers fostered close relationships with authorities to try to get more latitude on tests https://www.businesspost.ie/news/grenfell-tower-inquiry-kingspan-is-accused-of-gaming-fire-safety-body-ab96c6f2
- Paddy McKillen earned £3.75m from Maybourne last year: Luxury hotel group has five star-facilities in London and Beverly Hills in Los Angeles https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/paddy-mckillen-earned-3-75m-from-maybourne-last-year-1.4755357
- Tipperary civil engineer and business person, Billy Morrissey from Bansha, was recently appointed Chair of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators – Ireland Branch (CIArb) https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/home/708000/big-read-well-known-tipperary-engineer-appointed-to-prestigious-role.html
- Growth at JJ Rhatigan & Company Continues with Two New Senior Appointments https://www.irishrealestate.news/growth-at-jj-rhatigan-company-continues-with-two-new-senior-appointments/ (pictured)
- PM Group to recruit 350 people in full range of roles: PM Group is looking to recruit 350 people during 2022, while increasing its graduate intake to 200 https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-40767534.html
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 *
- Irish contech ConX has been bought by global platform Houzz, which specialises in home renovation and design and has 40 million users worldwide. ConX is a SaaS platform for homebuilders and speciality contractors in the construction industry. https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1266861/
- How ‘ageing in place’ can become the new reality: HaloCare’s smarter home technology can help to take care of people in their golden years, especially if ‘ageing in place’ is the goal https://www.businesspost.ie/residential/how-ageing-in-place-can-become-the-new-reality-e6c45fab
- Mortgage approval ‘in just six minutes’ with new IT system https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/mortgage-approval-in-just-six-minutes-with-new-it-system-41124451.html
- #retailtech Cork firm Everseen increases staff and turnover after securing new contracts: Everseen has developed video-camera technology that monitors self-service checkouts for items that were not scanned, thus reducing errors and thefts https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-40765740.html
- Learning about the real world: Discussions about AI often seem abstruse, but real-world data is transforming our environment https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial-reports/learning-about-the-real-world-f0eabe15
- Proptech duo launch innovative video messaging service for estate agents: Simon Jens and Anna Tonkin say agents who use their Moovie platform to communicate with customers increase response rates by 800%. https://thenegotiator.co.uk/proptech-duo-launch-innovative-video-messaging-service-for-estate-agents/
- MATTER’S PLAN TO SAVE THE SMART HOME: Matter is a new standard that promises to fix smart home interoperability — but can it deliver? https://www.theverge.com/22787729/matter-smart-home-standard-apple-amazon-google
- Smart homes are essential to reducing energy use https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/features/comment/truly-smart-homes-are-essential-to-reducing-energy#
- Boomin officially launched eight months ago aiming to gain a significant share of the homebuyer audience, but how does the portal plan to challenge the dominance of Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket? https://propertyindustryeye.com/interview-boomin-ceo-tells-agents-we-dont-consider-ourselves-to-be-a-portal/
- Metaverse property investors say getting in early will pay dividends: One speculator compares pixel property to “buying on Park Avenue in the 1800s” https://therealdeal.com/2021/12/12/metaverse-property-investors-say-getting-in-early-will-pay-dividends/
- Stepping Up: Tech’s Unique Role In Driving Sustainability Across Industries https://www.forbes.com/sites/deloitte/2021/12/13/stepping-up-techs-unique-role-in-driving-sustainability-across-industries/amp/
- The New Challenges for Property Managers Post-COVID, and How To Meet Them https://commercialobserver.com/2021/12/the-new-challenges-for-property-managers-post-covid-and-how-to-meet-them/
- Purplebricks and the art of disruption https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/purplebricks-shoots-itself-in-the-foot-vhmdks0b8
- PlaceTech | BidX1: Transparency pushes people to proptech https://placetech.net/analysis/bidx1-transparency-pushes-people-to-proptech/
- Spanish proptech Clikalia secures $518M in debt & equity to advance iBuyer model in Europe https://techcrunch.com/2021/12/16/spains-clikalia-secures-518m-in-debt-equity-to-advance-ibuyer-model-in-europe/
- How Location-Based Services Can Help Make Buildings — And Your Business — Smarter https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/12/13/how-location-based-services-can-help-make-buildings—and-your-business—smarter/amp/
- How Proptech Is Changing Property Management https://commercialobserver.com/2021/12/how-proptech-is-changing-property-management/
- German proptech platform casavi brings home €20 million and builds expansion plans: https://www.eu-startups.com/2021/12/german-proptech-platform-casavi-brings-home-e20-million-and-builds-expansion-plans/
- Metatron Announces Agreement With Blockchain PropTech Metrospaces https://www.gurufocus.com/news/1594747/metatron-announces-agreement-with-blockchain-proptech-metrospaces
- Alphabet’s Sidewalk Labs rejoining Google as part of urban sustainability product efforts https://9to5google.com/2021/12/16/sidewalk-labs-google-2/. (Pictured)
- How smart lighting technology creates a brighter future for smart buildings https://www.ledsmagazine.com/blogs/article/14222244/how-smart-lighting-technology-creates-a-brighter-future-for-smart-buildings
- LoRaWAN recognised as international standard by UN agency https://www.siliconrepublic.com/comms/lorawan-international-standard-recognition-itu
- US-Based Property Technology Company Propy Enters Into A Joint Partnership With Saood Al Ghurair To Create Propy MENA https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/402265
- OffSite Construction is Radically Changing the Rules of Architectural Design https://www.archdaily.com/971874/off-site-construction-is-radically-changing-the-rules-of-architectural-design
- Has MMC’s moment finally come? ‘Modern’ methods of construction (MMC) have been the next big thing for building houses since the Romans or earlier. https://www.propertyweek.com/insight/has-mmcs-moment-finally-come/5117852.article
- Technology’s role in the rise of smart cities https://www.cmcmarkets.com/en-gb/opto/technologys-role-in-the-rise-of-smart-cities
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)
- Property prices now surging at a rate of 13.5pc https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/property-prices-now-surging-at-a-rate-of-135pc-41152368.html
- Analysis by Russell Cleere of agents TWM shows the PRS has accounted for only €73.6m or 5pc of the market in the fourth quarter, paring back its full year market share to 39pc or €1.93bn. https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/dominance-of-cuckoo-funds-is-beginning-to-slow-41154846.html
- Rents rise by 8% as number of registered tenancies fall by nearly a third: Tenants now paying an average of €1,397 per month in rent, up €44 versus second quarter, according to RTB https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/rents-rise-by-8-as-number-of-registered-tenancies-fall-by-nearly-a-third-1.4757855
- Renting in Ireland: ‘We’re at the end of our tether. It shouldn’t be this difficult’: We asked readers to share their rental stories. Here’s what they said https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/renting-in-ireland-we-re-at-the-end-of-our-tether-it-shouldn-t-be-this-difficult-1.4758068
- DCC says ‘no low hanging fruit’ when it comes to vacant houses in the capital: The Deputy Chief Executive of the council says the assumption that there are over 30,000 plus vacant units in Dublin City needs to be diffused. https://www.thejournal.ie/vacant-homes-dublin-5628769-Dec2021/
- Asian investors quit Irish property market as Evergrande crisis deepens: Vanke, a Chinese property agency based in Ireland, has brokered property deals for many high-net worth individuals in recent years https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/asian-investors-quit-irish-property-market-as-evergrande-crisis-deepens-f0aef21b
- Galway city councillor says housing crisis is having a damaging effect on every generation https://connachttribune.ie/galway-city-councillor-says-housing-crisis-is-having-a-damaging-effect-on-every-generation/amp/
- 179 Limerick council-owned houses retrofitted in two years https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/179-limerick-council-owned-houses-retrofitted-in-two-years/
- Councillors Call For Credible Alternative To Lucrative AirBnB Market In North And West Clare https://www.clare.fm/news/councillors-call-credible-alternative-lucrative-airbnb-market-north-west-clare/
- On the Market: your weekly guide to homes for sale around the country – A large detached bungalow with planning permission in Chapelizod, Dublin 20 and a restored farmhouse in Waterville, Co Kerry are among the residences on sale this week https://www.businesspost.ie/residential/on-the-market-your-weekly-guide-to-homes-for-sale-around-the-country-d0f9d7a8
- From €25K — The 10 cheapest properties on sale in Ireland right now https://amp.extra.ie/2021/12/18/property/10-cheapest-homes-available-ireland
- Four homes for sale in Ireland for less than €50,000 right now with great potential: If you’re willing to look further afield you’ll find some good options for €50,000 or less https://www.irishmirror.ie/lifestyle/four-homes-sale-ireland-less-25705465.amp
- Property Focus: Ever-popular Kenmare continues to attract buyers: The South Kerry town has seen a surge of bidders from Ireland and beyond in 2021 https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-40765554.html (pictured)
- These Are the Home Design Trends That Will Rule 2022: From nature-inspired interiors to vintage furnishings and tactile finishes, here are the design trends that industry experts predict will dominate in the new year. https://www.dwell.com/article/interior-design-home-trends-2022-36e4c66b
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS
- Frustration of Commercial Leases in the context of Covid-19 https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=54ca8caa-93ed-4632-9d79-28dd9df074c0
- Green light for €135m Liffey Valley Shopping Centre extension by Hines: An Bord Pleanála granted permission despite opposition from The Square in Tallaght https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/green-light-for-135m-liffey-valley-shopping-centre-extension-by-hines-1.4754456. (Pictured)
- Liffey Valley landlord and TGI Friday restaurant in rent and lease dispute: Dispute has been accepted on to the fast-track Commercial Court list https://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/liffey-valley-landlord-and-tgi-friday-restaurant-in-rent-and-lease-dispute-1.4754278
- There is still demand for office space but what we want has changed: Pandemic has led to a move towards hybrid working and a redesign of the workplace https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/new-year-new-career/there-is-still-demand-for-office-space-but-what-we-want-has-changed-1.4757032
- Tetrarch Capital mulling sale of Killashee Hotel in Co Kildare: Prospective sale of four-star property close to Naas is understood to be at an early stage https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/tetrarch-capital-mulling-sale-of-killashee-hotel-in-co-kildare-1.4755472
- Also: Winthrop chief acquires Killashee Hotel for €25m: Barry English is understood to have gone sale agreed on popular Kildare hotel https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/winthrop-chief-acquires-killashee-hotel-for-25m-1.4756236
INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS
- UK housing market forecast for 2022? Busy, but less frenetic: Rightmove says strong buyer demand will carry into new year but ‘frenzied’ market of Covid pandemic to ease as more owners look to sell https://amp.theguardian.com/business/2021/dec/13/uk-housing-market-forecast-for-2022-busy-but-less-frenetic.
- How UK leaseholds bought at cost, with mortgages, are still tenancies – and why that should change https://theconversation.com/amp/how-leaseholds-bought-at-cost-with-mortgages-are-still-tenancies-and-why-that-should-change-173360
- Edinburgh leapfrogs Cambridge to become top UK city for property investing https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/edinburgh-leapfrogs-cambridge-to-become-top-city-for-property-investing-mfhtn3bh5
- With 3 Words, Apple Just Announced a Return to the Office Plan That Finally Makes Sense https://www.inc.com/jason-aten/with-3-words-apples-ceo-tim-cook-announced-a-return-to-office-plan-that-finally-makes-sense.html
- World’s second-tallest skyscraper Merdeka 118 tops out in Malaysia https://www.dezeen.com/2021/12/13/worlds-second-tallest-skyscraper-merdeka-118-tops-out/ (pictured)
- 10 architectural facades we enjoyed this week https://archinect.com/news/article/150290843/10-architectural-facades-we-enjoyed-this-week
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/