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

 

 

Before we get stuck into the general property news of the week, below are the local and international stories that might be of particular interest: 

• Cost-of-living rise overtakes housing crisis as main worry: Poll shows public have new set of priorities  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/cost-of-living-rise-overtakes-housing-crisis-as-main-worry-41317989.html 

 

• Banning of bedsits set in train housing disaster:  At the time, there was pushback from landlords and others who said that while there were obviously issues with standards, cheap accommodation serves a purpose… https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/una-mullally-banning-of-bedsits-set-in-train-housing-disaster-1.4789198

 

• Dublin city council seeks to turn back the clock on build-to-rents: Moves to restrict rental-only schemes come amid a rash of applications for BTRs https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/dublin-city-council-seeks-to-turn-back-the-clock-on-build-to-rents-1.4789909 Also: The Irish Times view on build-to-rent flats: out of favour: Build-to-rent has become the totem for all that’s wrong with the housing system https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/editorial/the-irish-times-view-on-build-to-rent-flats-out-of-favour-1.4793169 

 

• Viewers unimpressed by by the caliber of content within Darrah O’Brien and Eoin O’Broin’s much-hyped housing debate https://extra.ie/2022/02/03/property/watch-darragh-obrien-and-eoin-obroin-in-furious-prime-time-row-over-housing-crisis?amp=1

 

• Ireland’s housing market may finally be building momentum to solve the supply/ demand mismatch: Despite rising costs and lack of supply, there is optimism that new initiatives coming from government and the industry itself will help the housing market to turn a corner https://www.businesspost.ie/residential/irelands-housing-market-may-finally-be-building-momentum-to-solve-the-supply-versus-demand-dilemma-25c784d1

 

• Government is missing the links between the housing crisis and growing pension problem: Rory McNab says Ireland’s unaffordable housing means a whole generation will be without pension cover in years to come.  https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/ireland-state-pension-5650396-Feb2022/

 

• Give credit union cash a fine home in social housing  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/give-credit-union-cash-a-fine-home-in-social-housing-xkdjtk55w

 

• Whistleblower accuses board of ‘unlawful’ property leases worth millions  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/whistleblower-accuses-board-of-unlawful-property-leases-worth-millions-bvr7q3m5s

 

• Zoning for Dalkey and Killiney rejected by planning regulator: Councillors in stand-off over draft plan for zero buildings on south Dublin Dart corridor  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/zoning-for-dalkey-and-killiney-rejected-by-planning-regulator-1.4790111?mode=sample&auth-failed=1&pw-origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishtimes.com%2Fnews%2Fireland%2Firish-news%2Fzoning-for-dalkey-and-killiney-rejected-by-planning-regulator-1.4790111

 

• Public urged to share experiences of defects in apartments and duplexes  https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/a8063-public-urged-to-share-experiences-of-defects-in-apartments-and-duplexes/ More: Independent working group to examine defects in apartments and duplexes: Problems with fire safety, structural safety and water ingress in purpose-built apartment and duplex buildings are being scrutinised.  https://www.thejournal.ie/defects-apartments-duplexes-5669211-Jan2022/?amp=1 

 

• Law used to evict Travellers from public land may need review: Legislation in breach of Supreme Court ruling and should be amended, say rights advocates  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/law-used-to-evict-travellers-from-public-land-may-need-review-1.4791241

 

• Research reveals 199 vacant properties in one Irish town and nowhere to rent  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/research-reveals-199-vacant-properties-in-one-irish-town-and-nowhere-to-rent-1.4794907

 

• €3bn Dublin Airport Metrolink project unlikely to be in use before 2035  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40799475.html

 

• Approval granted for Waterford Airport’s €12m runway extension: Business groups hope the extension will help attract commercial carriers for the airport. https://www.thejournal.ie/waterford-airport-runway-extension-an-bord-pleanala-5674056-Feb2022/

 

• The new €25 million deep-water harbour planned for Ros a’ Mhíl can be the spark to ignite a golden era for the west coast – on a journey to become Europe’s power bank for renewable energy. https://connachttribune.ie/west-can-be-eus-power-bank/

 

• No HSE climate plan currently in place, but focus first on reducing emissions from buildings: A plan to decarbonise HSE buildings will be published in March with a wider climate action plan to follow.  https://www.thejournal.ie/hse-climate-plan-5671254-Feb2022/?amp=1

 

• Offaly company big winner in new power generation auction  https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/home/737286/offaly-company-big-winner-in-new-power-generation-auction.html

 

• Irish buildings that pay homage to the great designers: in Clontarf, Creeslough, Cork: Ireland has openly acknowledged architectural recreations and subtle inspirations https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/irish-buildings-that-pay-homage-to-the-great-designers-in-clontarf-creeslough-cork-1.4791900

 

• 100 Buildings: Carlow’s monument to social change https://www.rte.ie/culture/2022/0201/1277186-100-buildings-carlows-monument-to-social-change/

 

• State-owned firm sells off site for gas project that is against official policy  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/state-owned-firm-sells-off-site-for-gas-project-that-is-against-official-policy-41294207.html

 

• Ireland doubled use of coal for energy last year as wind use fell: Gas remained the backbone of Ireland’s energy mix, generating 46% of electricity  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/energy-and-resources/ireland-doubled-use-of-coal-for-energy-last-year-as-wind-use-fell-1.4793552

 

 

• Campaigners could take Cork flood opposition to the Supreme Court: Planning for the Morrison’s Island public realm and flood defence scheme was first granted by An Bord Pleanála in 2019  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40798470.html

 

• The make-up of stateboards under Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/07771-stateboards-under-department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/

 

• ESG factors bring ‘a fundamental change’ to the valuation process:  It’s not a surprise in that the green agenda has been becoming more prominent, and is now formally part of the valuation process https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/esg-factors-bring-a-fundamental-change-to-the-valuation-process-41306542.html

 

• IPAV: Land prices increased by around 10% in 2021  https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/ipav-land-prices-increased-by-around-10-in-2021/

 

• The Big Tech Show: Are tech graduates who earn six figure salaries making Dublin a boring city?  https://m.independent.ie/podcasts/the-big-tech-show/the-big-tech-show-are-tech-graduates-who-earn-six-figure-salaries-making-dublin-a-boring-city-41309020.html

 

• Metaverse real estate sales top $500 million, and are projected to double this year https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/01/metaverse-real-estate-sales-top-500-million-metametric-solutions-says.html

 

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.

On Property Matters https://ipropertyradio.com  this week, we chat to Mike Turlin of Bentley Mental Health and founder of Construction Buddies about promoting positive mental health across construction. We also explore proptech for faster, better commercial leasing with Nicholas Kirby and Leon Ballard, co-founders of Least.  

Watch back, Construction Buddies: https://youtu.be/MDZzZ6_bdKE 

 

 

Watch back, Least: https://youtu.be/sbQVZ_Yubu0 

 

 

👉 Listen back to this and all shows at: https://ipropertyradio.com  

Email the Property Matters team at info@propertydistrict.ie 

 

 

PLACEMAKING

PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Go directly to court, do not pass go: Developers are sick of judicial reviews putting plans out of play but residents feel they are the only way to be heard https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/go-directly-to-court-do-not-pass-go-sdrv2fqzs

 

• ‘A more compact city’: Dublin should look at a more European housing model, says city planner: John O’Hara said that people need to want to live in these apartments, and that they should be of high standard. https://www.thejournal.ie/compact-city-european-style-housing-5665244-Jan2022/

 

• Three of the country’s biggest drinks producers have expressed their displeasure at plans to develop 1,700 acres of land in the Naas Road area of Dublin. The City Edge project proposes to grow the local population from 5,000 people to 80,000 over 40 years https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/drinks-makers-in-low-spirits-over-proposed-city-edge-project-fmpmr06z5 (Pictured)

 

• Street trader lodges appeal against €500m Hammerson Dublin redevelopment scheme: Former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams also opposes plan which has the support of Fáilte Ireland  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/street-trader-lodges-appeal-against-500m-hammerson-dublin-redevelopment-scheme-1.4791295

 

• An Bord Pleanála unable to reach a decision on the €1bn Corballis East housing development within the statutory time limit: Plans for 1,365 housing units near Donabate, which went straight to the Bord as an SHD, provoked strong opposition locally https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1277762/

 

• Residents’ group challenges 1,221 apartment scheme in Baldoyle: An Bord Pleanála granted fast-track planning permission for Dublin development https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/high-court/residents-group-challenges-1-221-apartment-scheme-in-baldoyle-1.4790925

 

• A battle in Ballyboden: Strategic Housing Developments, judicial reviews, and allegations of “defamation”: In a south Dublin suburb, a row is escalating between Ardstone, a property firm that builds Strategic Housing Developments, and a local community group that raises funds online to stop them from being built in the area. https://thecurrency.news/articles/72605/a-battle-in-ballyboden-strategic-housing-developments-judicial-reviews-and-allegations-of-defamation/

 

• Sandyford national mint site set to be designated for social and affordable housing: Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council voted for the site to be zoned for residential and open space purposes https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/sandyford-national-mint-site-set-22994380.amp

 

• Blackrock residents oppose seven-storey Frascati apartment scheme: Locals argue value of their homes would suffer due to scale of proposed development  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/blackrock-residents-oppose-seven-storey-frascati-apartment-scheme-1.4792076

 

• The Matt Damon effect: Should Dalkey be exempt from large-scale development Councillors believe coast is unsuited to such house-building but regulator disagrees https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/the-matt-damon-effect-should-dalkey-be-exempt-from-large-scale-development-1.4793731

 

• Milltown residents say build-to-rent scheme will create ‘a ghettoised population’: Development of 97 apartments on three blocks planned for former Murphy & Gunn site https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/milltown-residents-say-build-to-rent-scheme-will-create-a-ghettoised-population-1.4793023

 

• Tree-planting ceremony to mark 100 years of the Tenters housing scheme in Dublin 8  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/southside/news/tree-planting-ceremony-to-mark-100-years-of-the-tenters-housing-scheme-in-dublin-8-41297276.html

 

• New Liffey Street plaza won’t stop Capel Street pedestrianisation, Dublin City Council confirm: There were fears the project would scupper the current pedestrianisation of Capel Street – which runs parallel to Liffey Street – because of issues around deliveries to shops and restaurants https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/new-liffey-street-plaza-wont-22944253

 

• ‘There’s always time for a chat’: Locals on what makes Balbriggan a great place to live – Residents, business owners and more share what they love about the north county Dublin town.  https://www.thejournal.ie/balbriggan-glenveagh-homes-5669227-Jan2022/?amp=1

 

• Plan that would tackle derelict buildings in towns is launched: Town Centre First policy will see regeneration officers employed in all councils https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/plan-that-would-tackle-derelict-buildings-in-towns-is-launched-1.4794034

 

• Plans to co-locate schools in Cork town as search for site continues: The plan is for the Le Chéile Secondary School to be temporarily placed on a grassed area behind main playing pitch of Ballincollig Community School https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40797387.html

 

• Phoenix-like rebuild of Leeside’s 200-year old Carrig House 20 years after devastating fire: Tivoli house is one of Cork city’s very few period gems to come back to life after being gutted by fire https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-40800057.html

 

• City Council working through 7 thousand submissions on controversial Salthill Cycleway https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/city-council-working-through-7-thousand-submissions-on-controversial-salthill-cycleway/

 

• Oranhill residents in call to develop new park  https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/oranhill-residents-in-call-to-develop-new-park/

 

• Residents oppose Council move to allow houses up to 15 metres from seafront https://connachttribune.ie/residents-oppose-council-move-to-allow-houses-up-to-15-metres-from-seafront/amp/

 

 

 

*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

 

• DCC plans to update building height limits for Dublin city, with potential for 25 storeys or more: Currently, the tallest building in Dublin is the Capital Dock, which was completed in 2018. https://www.thejournal.ie/new-height-limits-dublin-city-5669206-Feb2022/

 

• CIF awards Tom Parlon contract extension until the end of 2023, when he will retire after 16 years leading the organisation. The builders’ lobby group has also named Hubert Fitzpatrick, its current chief operating officer, as director general-designate https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/tom-parlon-s-new-cif-contract-alongside-his-successor-s-reveals-lobby-s-political-priorities-1.4791797

 

• Minister says ‘tens of thousands’ of homes held up due to legal challenges: Peter Burke says one in four housing developments are subject of judicial challenges https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/minister-says-tens-of-thousands-of-homes-held-up-due-to-legal-challenges-1.4789971 Also:  A major overhaul of planning laws is being sought to reduce legal red tape and accelerate the delivery of thousands of new homes. The Irish Independent can reveal the crackdown on what has been described as an “industry” of judicial reviews. https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/planning-overhaul-to-cut-red-tape-and-curb-housing-delays-41294437.html

 

• Standard design brought in to speed up delivery of social housing: Councils given template layouts to expedite process, though critics say other approval hurdles also need to be removed https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/standard-design-brought-in-to-speed-up-delivery-of-social-housing-7a9852bb

 

• The Irish Plant Contractors Association (IPCA) has raised serious concerns that local authorities, state bodies and major construction firms are hiring rogue construction plant operators who pay illegally low wages. https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/plant-contractors-group-alleges-state-bodies-are-hiring-cowboy-operators-41313277.html

 

• Ardstone cements €400m fund to help build social housing: Property developer lands support from Patrizia for ESG-focused construction https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ardstone-cements-400m-fund-to-help-build-social-housing-ng6k2blq9 (pictured)

 

• Children’s hospital board expressed grave concerns about completion date of project  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40796781.html

 

• Schools repair bill of €400m a ‘rough ballpark figure’, senior official says: Figure put to departmental official in action against building firm over alleged defects https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/high-court/schools-repair-bill-of-400m-a-rough-ballpark-figure-senior-official-says-1.4790199

 

• Three of Dublin’s best property assets to come on the market after deal between Johnny Ronan and Fortress: Johnny Ronan’s development company had been involved in a legal battle over the future of three prime sites. Now, the two sides have resolved their differences and plan to bring the three high profile property projects to market jointly. https://thecurrency.news/articles/73060/three-of-dublins-best-property-assets-to-come-on-the-market-after-deal-between-johnny-ronan-and-fortress/ (pictured)

 

• Ronan to make new play for Dublin portfolio after legal case dropped: Developer may be seeking a new partner to bid for three landmark properties after ongoing dispute with US group Fortress is resolved out of court  https://www.businesspost.ie/legal/ronan-to-make-new-play-for-dublin-portfolio-after-legal-case-dropped-7ab4b27c

 

• Google gets green light to develop new office campus in Dublin for 1,700 workers: Council grants permission to increase height of Treasury Building on Grand Canal Street to eight storeys  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/google-gets-green-light-to-develop-new-office-campus-in-dublin-for-1-700-workers-1.4791172

 

• National mint site in Sandyford set for social and affordable housing designation: Land Development Agency preparing list of public lands suitable for housing https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/national-mint-site-in-sandyford-set-for-social-and-affordable-housing-designation-1.4791306

 

• Court dispute between Bain Capital Investment and Mapelwood Homes is settled: Disagreement over development of 500 houses in south Dublin  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/court-dispute-between-bain-capital-investment-and-mapelwood-homes-is-settled-1.4790096

 

• Proposed 13-storey build-to-rent Prussia Street tower ‘monstrous’: Randelswood Construction wants to build 107 one-bed, 53 two-bed and two three-bed units https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/proposed-13-storey-build-to-rent-prussia-street-tower-monstrous-1.4791282

 

• Tetrarch teams up with Wright hospitality to redevelop Howth Castle: Transformation of castle and site into retail, food and tourist destination to cost €10m https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/tetrarch-teams-up-with-wright-hospitality-to-redevelop-howth-castle-1.4792171

 

• Dublin 15 landbank primed for industrial and logistics guiding at €35m: 118-acre Killamonan Business Park occupies prime location next to M2 at Blanchardstown https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/dublin-15-landbank-primed-for-industrial-and-logistics-guiding-at-35m-1.4787870

 

• Foxrock site with scope for new homes guiding at €3.25m https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/foxrock-site-with-scope-for-new-homes-guiding-at-3-25m-1.4790788

 

• Dunkettle ‘roadblock moving on’ as 800 new homes planned in €300m project: With the Dunkettle interchange project showing tangible progress, developer Michael O’Flynn is ready to move forward https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-40799223.html

 

• Go-ahead for residential scheme at site of former Cork city Garda station. Cork City Council has given the green light for the development, with 11 routine conditions attached. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40798488.html

 

• Appeal lodged against planning approval for the redevelopment of Cork’s historic Queen’s Old Castle  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40799547.html

 

• Planning application lodged for more than 100 homes in Cork village  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40799694.html

 

• An Bord Pleanála gives go-ahead for controversial €30m windfarm in Cork  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40799643.html

 

• Briarhill 5-storey apartment development gets green light  https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/briarhill-5-storey-apartment-development-gets-green-light/

 

• Council identifies Limerick sites for more than 500 new homes https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/736875/council-identifies-limerick-sites-for-more-than-500-new-homes.html

 

• Nursing home operator fails in bid to stop Glenveagh development: An Bord Pleanála approves 120-bed nursing home in Blessington, Co Wicklow https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/nursing-home-operator-fails-in-bid-to-stop-glenveagh-development-1.4790148

 

• Proposal to build 20 bungalows alongside Tramore nursing home site  https://www.wlrfm.com/news/tramore-bungalow-plans-233462

 

• Kildare Co Council blocks 39 new homes for Naas  https://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/home/736544/kildare-co-council-blocks-39-new-homes-for-naas.html

 

• Planning granted for primary care centre in Kilbeggan  https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2022/01/31/planning-granted-for-primary-care-centre-in-kilbeggan/

 

• A beach resort has been granted planning permission in Laois – the only doubly landlocked county in Ireland, meaning it does not even border another county touching the coast.  https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/beach-resort-planned-for-doubly-landlocked-laois-1251020.html

 

• Councillors questioned legality of dezoning lands in Killenard  https://laois-nationalist.ie/2022/02/05/councillors-questioned-legality-of-dezoning-lands-in-killenard/

 

• Home Building Finance Ireland doubled loan approvals in 2021  https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/0202/1277234-home-building-finance-doubled-loan-approvals-in-2021/

 

• EDC has appointed Sara Steele as Executive Director of its Cork Office. Sara has over 25 years of experience in the industry and has worked on a range of large-scale projects with previous roles at John Sisk and Sons, Dornan’s Engineering, BAM Contractors…https://irishbuildingmagazine.ie/2022/01/31/edc-engineers-appoints-new-executive-director/

 

• Spanish engineering giant Ayesa acquires ByrneLooby: Irish company employs over 225 people and has annual revenues of €24m https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/spanish-engineering-giant-ayesa-acquires-byrnelooby-1.4792057

 

• Kilsaran announces partnership with Carbon Cure to deliver a lower carbon concrete solution  https://irishbuildingmagazine.ie/2022/02/02/kilsaran-announces-partnership-with-carbon-cure-to-deliver-a-lower-carbon-concrete-solution/

 

PROPTECH, MMC & CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION

 

 

• Proptech Ireland is updating the database of 2022 Irish technology providers for the built environment – From smart design and planning right through to the smart property transaction, where does your Irish-led or Ireland-based proptech  or MMC business sit?  Pease take five minutes to add or update your details to our internationally-shared listing here: SIGN UP HERE: *PROPTECH INNOVATORS and STARTUPS * 

 

• Sharing third-level research banks with cash-poor, ideas-rich SMEs: The numbers prove there is no shortage of great ideas in Ireland and these produce tangible results when business and State research work together https://m.independent.ie/business/small-business/sharing-third-level-research-banks-with-cash-poor-ideas-rich-smes-41314869.html

 

• Making It Work: Providing the full service is key to support business for homebuyers: Lintil, co-founder Emmet Creighton says, is an online service that makes it easier to buy a house, as it negotiates with solicitors, mortgage suppliers and other suppliers on behalf of homebuyers https://www.businesspost.ie/making-it-work/making-it-work-providing-the-full-service-is-key-to-support-business-for-homebuyers-31a63b27

 

• Construction tech startup RenoRun lands $142M in Tiger Global-led Series B  https://techcrunch.com/2022/02/01/construction-tech-startup-renorun-lands-142m-in-tiger-global-led-series-b/amp/ (pictured) 

 

• New Company Turns 100 Tons of Non-Recyclable Plastic Into Building Blocks For Construction  https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/byfusion-turns-100-tons-of-nonrecyclable-plastic-into-building-blocks/

 

• Durst Tower Tallest Multifamily Building to Feature View Smart Windows: Developer and proptech firm added AI-powered portals to the 755-foot Sven tower in Long Island City, Queens  https://commercialobserver.com/2022/02/durst-sven-windows-view-smart/

 

• Laiout raises $1.2M to power-up the design of architectural floor plans  https://www.axeleo.com/laiout-raises-1-2m-to-power-up-the-design-of-architectural-floor-plans/

 

• Proptech firm raises £275,000 to create ‘Airbnb for house shares’ | TheBusinessDesk.com https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2059862-proptech-firm-raises-275000-to-create-%E2%80%98airbnb-for-house-shares%E2%80%99

 

• Proptech startup VendorPM raises $6 million in Bessemer-led seed round https://betakit.com/proptech-startup-vendorpm-raises-6-million-in-bessemer-led-seed-round/

 

• Proptech investment specialist acquires “world class” digital workplace platform: Grosvenor Hill Ventures, the proptech investment subsidiary of global real estate advisory firm Savills, has acquired tenant and workplace experience platform Cureoscity. https://bdaily.co.uk/articles/2022/02/03/proptech-investment-specialist-acquires-world-class-digital-workplace-platform

 

• How PropTech can boost your ROI: What are the benefits of BIM for your portfolio? https://www.propertyinvestortoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2022/2/time-to-smarten-up–how-proptech-can-boost-your-roi

 

• Rightmove reveals new feature promoting property lists  https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2022/2/rightmove-reveals-new-feature-promoting-property-lists

 

• Docklands Ventures acquires SA parking startup, ParkUpp  https://ventureburn.com/2022/02/docklands-ventures-acquires-parking-startup/

 

• Property technology and surveying company BVS has been sold to specialist professional services and technology business Davies.  https://www.insidermedia.com/news/national/proptech-firm-sold-to-multi-national

 

• Meet Russia’s Zillow: It May Make American Proptech Companies Jealous https://www.businessinsider.com/meet-russias-zillow-make-american-proptech-companies-jealous-2022-1

 

• Two Major Real Estate Technology Trends To Watch In 2022 https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2022/02/04/two-major-real-estate-technology-trends-to-watch-in-2022/

 

• Deverellsmith buys estate agency & proptech recruitment specialist • PrimeResi https://primeresi.com/deverellsmith-buys-estate-agency-proptech-recruitment-specialist/

 

• Plans for digital Sales Information Packs scheme boosted by ‘levelling up’: RBLA says its members are pleased that Michael Gove included property logbooks in his plans to ‘level up’ the home buying process.  https://thenegotiator.co.uk/plans-for-digital-sales-information-logbook-scheme-boosted-by-levelling-up/

 

• Local Logic Partners With Coldwell Banker Bain to Bring Location Insights to Consumer Base — RISMedia https://www.rismedia.com/2022/02/04/proptech-in-real-estate/

 

• US CRE Tech Influencers | GlobeSt https://www.globest.com/2022/02/04/cre-tech-influencers-2/

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

• Bricking it – With house prices near their Celtic Tiger peak are we heading for a crash?  https://m.independent.ie/podcasts/the-indo-daily/the-indo-daily-bricking-it-with-house-prices-near-their-celtic-tiger-peak-are-we-heading-for-a-crash-41306240.html

 

• Ibec group says Central Bank’s mortgage rules need to be replaced: Body representing property says a generation is being shut out of home ownership https://www.irishtimes.com/business/financial-services/ibec-group-says-central-bank-s-mortgage-rules-need-to-be-replaced-1.4791007

 

 

• Bank of Mum and Dad blamed for pushing up house prices: The Bank of Mum and Dad is partially to blame for Ireland’s housing crisis  https://www.newstalk.com/news/bank-of-mum-and-dad-blamed-for-pushing-up-house-prices-1306029

 

• Enough of the confusion. Hold weekly televised briefings on the housing crisis: Pressure on parents to give up their hard-earned peace is part of the social tapestry now https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/kathy-sheridan-enough-of-the-confusion-hold-weekly-televised-briefings-on-the-housing-crisis-1.4790954

 

• Limerick college in talks to buy derelict apartments for student accommodation: The buildings, built in the 90s, have around 40 apartments and would be able to accommodate around 60 students  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40800675.html

 

• 90 per cent of rental properties unavailable to HAP recipients: Just five properties were available within standard HAP limits for a couple or one parent and one child. https://www.thejournal.ie/hap-rental-housing-simon-report-5668807-Jan2022/

 

• Landlord who refused Hap threatened eviction if complaint made, WRC told: People ‘shouldn’t be allowed to get away with treating tenants like that,’ hearing told https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/landlord-who-refused-hap-threatened-eviction-if-complaint-made-wrc-told-1.4793184 

 

• Ires Reit made €8.7 million from state rent subsidies in 2021: Two-thirds of Ireland’s largest landlord’s growth in income came from Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) last year  https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/ires-reit-made-eur87-million-from-state-rent-subsidies-in-2021-86ec0f52

 

• Yugo says Dublin needs more student accommodation as it announces new 235-bed block: US operator expects its strongest-ever year in Irish market as it reaches full occupancy across its ten properties https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/yugo-says-dublin-needs-more-student-accommodation-as-it-announces-new-235-bed-block-5e28a52f

 

 

• ‘Our life savings were evaporating’ – landlord hits out after tenants fail to pay €10k in rent arrears: ‘We are not dealing with the Residential Tenancies Board anymore as we found the experience frustrating’ – landlord  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/our-life-savings-were-evaporating-landlord-hits-out-after-tenants-fail-to-pay-10k-in-rent-arrears-41295383.html

 

• BREAKING: Limerick billionaires buy another mansion in Laois  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/local-news/733267/breaking-limerick-billionaires-buy-another-mansion-in-laois.html

 

• Ger Killally challenges plan for commercial forest next to his home  https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/ger-killally-challenges-plan-for-commercial-forest-next-to-his-home-1253117.html

 

• My adult son wants to convert my attic to live in it. Do we need planning? Property Clinic: With clever design, it may be possible to create an exempt development  https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/my-adult-son-wants-to-convert-my-attic-to-live-in-it-do-we-need-planning-1.4787274

 

• Dublin Fixer-Uppers: 5 of the best property projects to get stuck into: Imagine what you could do with these places… https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/property/dublin-fixer-uppers-5-best-22855394

 

• Thinking of changing your windows? Here’s what you need to know https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/thinking-of-changing-your-windows-here-s-what-you-need-to-know-1.4791835

 

• Houseplants: Where to buy them in Ireland, and the best apps for keeping them alive  https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/gardens/houseplants-where-to-buy-them-in-ireland-and-the-best-apps-for-keeping-them-alive-1.4790084

 

 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

 

• Pub sales set to rebound after end of restrictions: The Dublin hospitality market had €70 million worth of deals last year, and estate agents expect the healthy trend to continue https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/pub-sales-set-to-rebound-after-end-of-restrictions-2f38e252

 

• Cotdesking? The home office desk that’s dividing the Internet: Capitalism gone mad or a neat stopgap for parents?  https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/parenting/cotdesking-the-home-office-desk-that-s-dividing-the-internet-1.4790779 (pictured) 

 

• O’Reilly seeks €34m for Mediahuis Dublin headquarters: Chartered Land chief acquired Independent House and apartments for €24.3m in 2018 https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/o-reilly-seeks-34m-for-mediahuis-dublin-headquarters-1.4790081

 

• French investor acquires Fitzwilliam Hall for €30.4m: Prominent building at Leeson Street Bridge is fully occupied by Glandore https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/french-investor-acquires-fitzwilliam-hall-for-30-4m-1.4791989

 

• Rockfield Central in Dundrum has been placed on the market by Savills and Investi with a guide price of €25.5m.  https://www.insidermedia.com/news/ireland/mixed-use-investment-in-dublin-brought-to-market

 

• RocDoc signs for new HQ facility at Swords Business Campus: Irish healthcare provider agrees to occupy 22,500sq ft of office space on 10-year lease https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/rocdoc-signs-for-new-hq-facility-at-swords-business-campus-1.4788025

 

• Centra agrees to anchor retail centre at St Marnock’s Bay residential scheme: Irish retailer to occupy store at 1,200-home Quintain development in Portmarnock https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/centra-agrees-to-anchor-retail-centre-at-st-marnock-s-bay-residential-scheme-1.4788095

 

• Fully let Sandyford office on market for €1.1 million: The open-plan office, which is in the Apex Business Centre building at the heart of the Sandyford Business District, is let to Allied Pension Trustees Ltd at a rent of €136,908 per annum https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/fully-let-sandyford-office-on-market-for-eur11-million-1dc9222e

 

• Carhartt works on Irish presence: The retailer, which sells men’s and women’s clothing, has agreed a ten-year lease on 20 Exchequer Street in Dublin city centre. Last week it applied for planning permission to alter the 1,500 sq ft premises https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/carhartt-works-on-irish-presence-8vmr9q9jn

 

• A second JYSK store has opened in Cork, with the new store opening its doors on Thursday morning in Little Island.  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40800360.html

 

• Penneys set for expansion into former New Look unit https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/penneys-set-for-expansion-into-former-new-look-unit/

 

• Well-known Longford office building put up for sale  https://www.shannonside.ie/news/well-known-longford-office-building-put-up-for-sale-197691

 

• Lease on Longford industrial unit with Shannon frontage: Mashup Group is developing a master plan for the site, which is attractive due to its location near the border and affordable rent https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/lease-on-longford-industrial-unit-with-shannon-frontage-afdfb0f1

 

• BidX1 bumper sale spotlights potential in the capital: Several lots up for auction on February 17 offer development opportunities in the greater Dublin area https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/bidx1-bumper-sale-spotlights-potential-in-the-capital-6219ae6d

 

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

 

• The UK government’s 12 ‘levelling up’ missions – key points: White paper’s promises range from raising pay to bringing up transport standards and promoting local pride https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/feb/02/government-levelling-up-missions-white-paper-key-points (Pictured)

 

• UK homeowners secure £800bn windfall with house price rise https://amp.ft.com/content/08d0f386-f129-4bac-9bbc-0c17420b92e2

 

• Construction unions launch 10% pay rise claim for site workers https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/02/02/construction-unions-launch-10-pay-rise-claim-for-site-workers/

 

• Laing O’Rourke to replace diesel with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in all its UK plant: Switch will reduce emissions from plant equipment by up to 90 per cent as company works to achieve operational net zero by 2030  https://www.laingorourke.com/company/press-releases/2022/laing-o-rourke-to-replace-diesel-with-hydrotreated-vegetable-oil-hvo-in-all-its-uk-plant/

 

• Movers and shakers: Biggest UK construction and engineering appointments in January 2022 | New Civil Engineer https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/movers-and-shakers-biggest-construction-and-engineering-appointments-in-january-2022-01-02-2022/ 

 

• EXPLAINED: Five things you need to know about Spain’s new Housing Law for 2022 – Olive Press News Spain https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2022/02/02/explained-five-things-you-need-to-know-about-spains-new-housing-law-for-2022/

 

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/