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: 

• Over half of households in receipt of housing assistance at risk of poverty in 2020: New CSO figures show that nearly one million people were at risk of poverty in 2020 when housing costs were taken into account. https://www.thejournal.ie/cso-new-figures-at-risk-of-poverty-household-subsidies-5649789-Jan2022/?amp=1

 

• The poverty risk of households in receipt of housing subsidies is two and a half times greater after they have paid their rent, according to Social Justice Ireland’s latest study, titled ‘Housing and Poverty 2022’  https://dublinpeople.com/news/dublin/articles/2022/01/10/urgent-review-needed-hap-limits-moynihan-36335/?amp

 

• SVP handover of homeless services to Depaul complete: The homeless charity Depaul has taken over the running of two hostels that provide accommodation for more than 120 men in Cork. https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1272843/

 

• Over €2bn went unspent on housing, health and transport last year https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/over-e2bn-went-unspent-on-housing-health-and-transport-last-year-1241694.html

 

• Derelict and vacant property owners must use it or lose it: Shortage of housing in this country is an artificial scarcity. There is an untapped supply of housing being hoarded by property owners, who allow it lie vacant or derelict. Policy half-measures will not suffice, it is time for action  https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-40781061.html Also: Penalty warning to owners of derelict properties in Cork towns: Cobh Municipal District Council say levies will be applied next year if owners don’t start renovating  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40781439.html 

 

• Sinn Féin brings new legislation aimed at tackling derelict sites  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40783596.html

 

• Irish first-time buyer experience to be compared to other countries by new Commission  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/irish-first-time-buyer-experience-to-be-compared-to-other-countries-by-new-commission-41233256.html

 

• Roscommon estate takes prestigious heritage award: Dating to the High Kings of Ireland, Clonalis House wins O’Flynn Group Heritage Prize  https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/roscommon-estate-takes-prestigious-heritage-award-1.4770324

 

• Sunday Read: City-wide effects of new housing supply: Evidence from moving chains https://ideas.repec.org/p/fer/wpaper/146.html

 

• How property investors are set to save more than €500m in tax: Some investors have saved more than €2m due to CGT waiver introduced during crash https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/how-property-investors-are-set-to-save-more-than-500m-in-tax-1.4774022

 

• ‘Discriminatory’ rent laws favour overseas funds over private landlords: Property owners’ lobby group told politicians Reits should be subject to a flat 25% tax to level the playing field in the rental sector https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/discriminatory-rent-laws-favour-overseas-funds-over-private-landlords-9b82270c

 

• Margaret Sweeney: the woman at the helm of Ireland’s biggest private landlord: Ires Reit has built up a €1.5bn property portfolio of 4,000 homes and is on the hunt for more. Kim Bielenberg profiles the chief executive of the controversial investment fund  https://m.independent.ie/entertainment/margaret-sweeney-the-woman-at-the-helm-of-irelands-biggest-private-landlord-41237811.html

 

• How do sellers rate their estate agent’s performance?  https://propertyindustryeye.com/how-do-recent-buyers-and-sellers-rate-their-estate-agents-performance/

 

• The Subplot | Irish money, Hut Group, Liverpool co-living https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/the-subplot-irish-money-hut-group-liverpool-co-living/

 

• Sneaky scammers advertising same flat for rent in Cork, Dublin, Oslo and Amsterdam: The scammers are targeting students by posting scam ads in housing groups for University cities  https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/sneaky-scammers-advertising-same-flat-22727695

 

• €10K reward offered after arsonist set over 20 fires at new children’s hospital  https://amp.extra.ie/2022/01/10/news/irish-news/reward-set-at-e10k-after-over-20-fires-set-at-new-childrens-hospital

 

• EirGrid confirms it will not connect more data centres in Dublin until 2028: It comes as Cllr Francis Timmons raises concerns over the potential strain that data centres put on the environment https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/eirgrid-confirms-not-connect-more-22712605

 

• Data centres ‘scapegoated’ for electricity supply crisis, IDA records show: IDA briefing note points to issues around energy provision, especially in Dublin area https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/data-centres-scapegoated-for-electricity-supply-crisis-ida-records-show-1.4772426

 

• Data centres getting to grips with EirGrid’s Dublin ban  https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1273819/

 

• Late arrival of crowdfunding rules hits peer-to-peer lending  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/late-arrival-of-crowdfunding-rules-hits-peer-to-peer-lending-pntw3b5s8

 

• Strong measures must be put in place for Ireland to achieve climate targets  https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/strong-measures-must-be-put-in-place-for-ireland-to-achieve-climate-targets-41223458.html

 

• Former Nama advisers plead not guilty to Project Eagle fraud:  Frank Cushnahan and Ian Coulter face trial next year over N Ireland property deal https://www.irishtimes.com/business/financial-services/former-nama-advisers-plead-not-guilty-to-project-eagle-fraud-1.4774208

 

• From Wellbeing in Interiors to the Future of Cities: The Most Relevant Architecture Themes of 2021  https://www.archdaily.com/974756/from-wellbeing-in-interiors-to-the-future-of-cities-the-most-relevant-architecture-themes-of-2021 (pictured)

 

• A beginner’s guide to the metaverse (and making money in it): Why has the metaverse become such a hot buzzword? Is it completely overhyped? What even is it, really? We answer your questions https://sifted.eu/articles/metaverse-what-is-it-guide/  (Before you skip this article, check out: Metaverse fans are paying $300,000 for a virtual property instead of buying a real house  https://finbold.com/metaverse-fans-are-paying-300000-for-a-virtual-property-instead-of-buying-a-real-house/ )

 

 

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.

Season 5 of Property Matters on iPropertyRadio Kicks off!

Hosts Bryan Fox and Carol Tallon chat to Meave O’Connell, Fine Gael Councillor (Stillorgan Ward), and to John Shannon, Associate Director and Tenant Rep at Cushman & Wakefield about the role of the community in local development and about the huge range of sustainability initiatives being delivered by the SCSI – Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) for real estate and #Irishconstruction in 2022.

 Watch back: https://youtu.be/L0vFnpHqRlc 

 

 *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

 

• Radical Participation: Leuven Demonstrates Collaborative Placemaking in Action https://placeengage.com/radical-participation-leuven-demonstrates-collaborative-placemaking-in-action/

 

• Public space design needs to address safety concerns: Planners and architects need to ask people where they feel unsafe, when, and why  https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-40784613.html

 

• Malton’s views of Dublin: a city for our dreams: Historian essays broaden our understanding of the impact of James Malton on our city https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/malton-s-views-of-dublin-a-city-for-our-dreams-1.4757280 

 

• Planners should be able to ignore some objections to housing schemes: Tackling the interests of existing residents will always be tricky  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/planners-should-be-able-to-ignore-some-objections-to-housing-schemes-1.4774662

 

• Social contract at heart of planning process is broken: Successive ministers have left us with a mockery of the usual democratic process https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/social-contract-at-heart-of-planning-process-is-broken-1.4776775

 

• Plans for development of O’Connell Street and Moore Street get green light: Local campaigners to appeal approval for mixed scheme which would ‘destroy’ Moore Street  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/plans-for-development-of-o-connell-street-and-moore-street-get-green-light-1.4775837

 

• Bulloch Harbour scheme to ‘enhance public realm’, says Bartra: Proposal will remove ‘eye sore’, according to Richard Barrett-led company https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/bulloch-harbour-scheme-to-enhance-public-realm-says-bartra-1.4774759

 

• Imagining what Cork will be like in 2101: What will Cork look like in 2101? That’s the idea behind a new design competition. https://www.echolive.ie/corklives/arid-40785027.html

 

• Public to have their say on plans to develop Cork Fort as arts and cultural venue: Council architects have designed an outline scheme, which has been informed by engagement with arts professionals as well as conservation and archaeology staff.  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40783353.html

 

• Cork City urged to take the plunge with a new city lido: Having once enjoyed an outdoor pool at the Lee Baths, momentum is building in Cork City to develop a modern lido https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40783911.html

 

• Shelving of multi-million euro upgrade of Cork road ‘must be reversed’: Officials say they are in shock over the decision and are due to meet with Transport Infrastructure Ireland officials to discuss why the upgrade has been dropped https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40782291.html

 

• New images show how commuting in Cork City centre is set to change: MacCurtain Street Public Transport Improvement Scheme moves the focus from cars to public transport, walking, and cycling  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40783206.html

 

• Heritage group say green light for major development in Blarney will spoil view from Cork’s most famous castle: They are speaking out against An Bord Pleanala giving plans for hotel, supermarket and more on site of former hotel the go ahead  https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/heritage-group-say-green-light-22718496

 

• A new era in Connacht, how the world’s largest sports air dome was built: The NUIG Connacht Air Dome is an impressive structure. https://www.the42.ie/connacht-air-dome-5651118-Jan2022/?amp=1

 

• Gort set for transformation under regeneration plans  https://connachttribune.ie/gort-set-for-transformation-under-regeneration-plans/

 

• Cost of refurbishing dilapidated ice rink would be up to €1 million, says Dundalk IT president: The Ice Dome property was first purchased by DkIT in 2014.  https://www.thejournal.ie/dkit-ice-rink-cost-5654404-Jan2022/?amp=1

 

• Eircom appeals decision to refuse planning permission for communications tower in centre of Donegal village: Planners say 18-metre mast would have ‘unacceptable visual impact’ https://www.donegallive.ie/news/donegal-news/716150/eircom-appeals-decision-to-refuse-planning-permission-for-communications-tower-in-centre-of-donegal-village.html

 

• Irish Government Consults Public on Geothermal Energy https://www.publicconsultation.ie/open-public-consultations/irish-government-consults-public-on-geothermal-energy

 

 

*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

• Legislation requiring providers of building services to register with Construction Industry Register Ireland published  https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/971b7-legislation-requiring-providers-of-building-services-to-register-with-construction-industry-register-ireland-published/

 

• Bord Pleanála reversed one-third of appeals following council planning decision during 2021  https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/bord-pleanala-reversed-one-third-of-appeals-following-council-planning-decision-during-2021-265252

 

• Special project: A dog’s love brings Cian’s Kennels to CHI Crumlin:  Building work is getting under way at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, which will see the construction of kennel facilities, along with a seating area for families. https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1272780/ (pictured) 

 

• SDCC AGREES TO EMPLOYMENT INSPECTIONS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE COUNTY  https://dublinpeople.com/news/southside/articles/2022/01/11/sdcc-agrees-to-employment-inspections-on-construction-sites-in-the-county/?amp

 

• Corporate financiers and economic advisers are being hired by partners behind plans for a €2bn deep-water port north of Dublin to drum up funding from international banks and private investors for the project.  https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/corporate-financiers-hired-for-new-2bn-port-north-of-dublin-41227614.html

 

• Costs, completions, and the real data behind the cracks in the Irish housing market – Startling new data on house completions, prices, and costs over a 50-year period paints a stark, sobering picture. To achieve the government target of 30,000 new completions a year, prices must either increase by 24% or construction costs will have to fall by 40% https://thecurrency.news/articles/71020/costs-completions-credit-the-true-challenge-of-hitting-irelands-national-housing-targets/

 

• Workers to get pay hikes of 20pc in ‘bidding wars’ for talent as skill shortage grows  https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/workers-to-get-pay-hikes-of-20pc-in-bidding-wars-for-talent-as-skill-shortage-grows-41231297.html

 

• Developers lodged high numbers of SHD applications just before fast-track planning scheme expired: Between October and December 2021, a total of 65 pre-applications were made to An Bord Pleanála, compared to 33 in the same three-month period of 2020 https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/developers-lodged-high-numbers-of-shd-applications-just-before-fast-track-planning-scheme-expired-5ef409b3

 

• Developers tell council that three-bed flats are not viable in south Dublin: Savills report said a family would have to earn over €150,000 to rent an affordable apartment in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/developers-tell-council-that-three-bed-flats-are-not-viable-in-south-dublin-822f7320

 

• Ronan bids to overturn refusal of 10-storey Appian Way apartments: Architects in favour of project argue that proposed building would be ‘local landmark’ https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/ronan-bids-to-overturn-refusal-of-10-storey-appian-way-apartments-1.4773208

 

• Apartment scheme for Heuston South Quarter described as ‘outrageous’ and ‘grotesque’  https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/apartment-scheme-for-heuston-south-quarter-described-as-outrageous-and-grotesque-1242004.html

 

• OPW warns of plan’s ‘unacceptable impact’ on Royal Hospital: Developer envisages 18-storey apartment scheme of 399 units in Kilmainham https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/opw-warns-of-plan-s-unacceptable-impact-on-royal-hospital-1.4775831

 

• Dunsink landfill to be rezoned by Fingal to allow for 7,000 new homes  https://m.independent.ie/business/dunsink-landfill-to-be-rezoned-by-fingal-to-allow-for-7000-new-homes-41240024.html

 

• Bord Pleanála clears way for Goodman build-to-rent scheme for Beaumont: Urban Life project attracted strong local opposition https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/bord-plean%C3%A1la-clears-way-for-goodman-build-to-rent-scheme-for-beaumont-1.4775772

 

• Developer wins leave to challenge refusal of Carrickmines planning permission: Council refused development at Priorsland last year https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/developer-wins-leave-to-challenge-refusal-of-carrickmines-planning-permission-1.4774809

 

• Planning approval for Rathfarnham apartment scheme quashed by court: Judge quashes planning consent for scheme in Dublin 16 by developer Shannon Homes  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/planning-approval-for-rathfarnham-apartment-scheme-quashed-by-court-1.4773250

 

• Balgriffin residents feel ‘betrayal’ over plan for 730-unit Cairn apartment scheme: Plan would see new nine-storey block at Parkside  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/balgriffin-residents-feel-betrayal-over-plan-for-730-unit-cairn-apartment-scheme-1.4776815

 

• New €12m music campus to bring musicians from around the world to Dublin: A new €12m music campus in Dublin say it offers new ways for people to engage with Irish music and culture.  https://www.newstalk.com/news/new-e12m-music-campus-to-bring-musicians-from-around-the-world-to-dublin-1299276

 

• Dublin pubs: Landmark Finglas boozer set to be demolished and replaced by five-storey apartment block: Locals are worried that there are already too many apartment blocks in the area. https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/dublin-pubs-landmark-finglas-boozer-22726191

 

• Dispute between project management firm and Castlethorn Construction is resolved: Issue was over development land worth €18.5m at Killeen Castle  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/dispute-between-project-management-firm-and-castlethorn-construction-is-resolved-1.4774062

 

• ‘Shovel-ready’ south Dublin residential site seeking €9m: Walkinstown House land comes with full planning permission for 163 apartments https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/shovel-ready-south-dublin-residential-site-seeking-9m-1.4773038

 

• UCC to retain and refurbish landmark Cork Distillers building in riverside redevelopment  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40785345.html

 

• Penneys secures permission for revamp of city centre flagship store  https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/penneys-secures-permission-for-revamp-of-city-centre-flagship-store/

 

• County planners set to issue decision next month on Clifden residential development https://connachttribune.ie/county-planners-set-to-issue-decision-next-month-on-clifden-residential-development/amp/

 

• An Bord Pleanála approves enlargement of Loughrea housing plans  https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/housing/an-bord-pleanala-approves-enlargement-of-loughrea-housing-plans/

 

• Council may ‘intervene’ at Waterford’s once iconic Ard Rí site: Council chief executive said the site’s “close proximity to the city centre”, at 1.5km away, makes it “an absolute priority for development” https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40782738.html

 

• Planning permission received by Douglas Wallace Consultants for large scale residential SHD application at Coleville Road, Clonmel. Co, Tipperary https://www.irishrealestate.news/planning-permission-received-by-douglas-wallace-consultants/

 

• Former Tipperary hotel to be demolished – businessman welcomes decision  https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/home/719336/former-tipperary-hotel-to-be-demolished-businessman-welcomes-decision.html

 

• Avaio to buy two plots of land in County Mayo, Ireland for data centers: Company aims to develop on land close to AquaComms cable landing station and former acrylic fiber factory https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/avaio-to-buy-two-plots-of-land-in-county-mayo-ireland-for-data-centers/

 

• Planning permission sought for alterations to several retail units in Monaghan Town  https://www.northernsound.ie/news/planning-permission-sought-for-alterations-to-several-retail-units-in-monaghan-town-187575

 

• Plans submitted for high-tech Alpha Innovation Centre in Letterkenny  https://www.donegaldaily.com/2022/01/09/plans-submitted-for-high-tech-alpha-innovation-centre-in-letterkenny/ (pictured) 

 

• Burtonport Harbour Redevelopment works to begin this January  https://www.donegaldaily.com/2022/01/12/burtonport-harbour-redevelopment-works-to-begin-this-january/

 

• Further extension sought for housing development at Baltray https://m.independent.ie/regionals/louth/news/further-extension-sought-for-housing-development-at-baltray-41229859.html

 

• Plans for two separate accommodation developments in South Tipperary  https://tippfm.com/news/plans-two-separate-accommodation-developments-south-tipperary/

 

• Ruling on controversial Roscommon flood relief scheme unlikely for months  https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/ruling-on-controversial-roscommon-flood-relief-scheme-unlikely-for-months-1242752.html

 

• Cairn Homes records ‘strongest ever performance’ in second half of 2021 https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/cairn-homes-records-strongest-ever-performance-in-second-half-of-2021-41231578.html Also: Cairn Homes to return €95m to shareholders this year: House builder earns €58m profit on strongest ever performance and upgrades its forecasts for 2022  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/cairn-homes-to-return-95m-to-shareholders-this-year-1.4774560

 

• The builders of Ireland’s tallest office block, the EXO in Dublin, Bennett Construction last year sustained a €89m hit to its Irish business due to the impact of Covid-19 shutdowns here on the construction industry.  https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1273536/ 

 

• Builders merchanting and DIY group Grafton Group said that total revenue from continuing operations rose by 25.7% to £2.11 billion in 2021 from £1.68 billion in 2020 and by 28.4% from £1.64 billion in 2019.  https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1273180/

 

• UK building services firm SIG sees boost in Irish revenues: SIG said its Irish division generated like-for-like sales of £88m (€105m) in 2021 https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-40782756.html

 

• Yew Grove executive lands top role with property trust’s Canadian buyer: Charles Peach to join Slate Office Reit as chief financial officer on completion of takeover https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/yew-grove-executive-lands-top-role-with-property-trust-s-canadian-buyer-1.4774193

 

• Collen Construction develops €8.38m profit: Even Covid couldn’t stop Collen from building a nice profit. The company reported a profit of over €8.38m, up from over €5.9m the previous year. https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/move-next-door-to-the-rich-and-famous-41241765.html

 

• The widow, the tycoon and the disputed shares: Laura Roddy explores how the Munster Joinery owner Donal Ring became embroiled in a very public High Court share dispute with the family of a dead associate https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-widow-the-tycoon-and-the-disputed-shares-mdq3bj228

 

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 * 

 

• Surveyors lobby legal regulator to build e-conveyancing system: Conveyancing delays are a source of continued frustration among buyers and sellers  https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/surveyors-lobby-legal-regulator-to-build-e-conveyancing-system-41241562.html

 

• Gamma, web-based API service with access to more than 3bn data points across Ireland, will deliver property-based insights including building variables, location perils and proximity to services https://www.siliconrepublic.com/jobs-news/gamma-location-intelligence-service-lis-new-hires-addresslink (pictured) 

 

• University of Limerick appoints new Adjunct Professor of Smart Energy Systems https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/education/717834/university-of-limerick-appoints-new-adjunct-professor-of-smart-energy-systems.html

 

• Limerick City and County Council fined over ‘unlawful’ use of CCTV  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/breaking-news/718826/breaking-limerick-city-and-county-council-fined-over-unlawful-use-of-cctv.html

 

• OnTheMarket reveals new PropTech tool for member agents  https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2022/1/onthemarket-reveals-new-proptech-tool-for-members-agents

 

• PropTech Today – open APIs, not the plug and go that you may think  https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2022/1/proptech-today–open-apis-not-the-plug-and-go-that-you-may-think

 

• Support for Architects and Planners: Specifications, CAD Drawings, BIM Objects, and Other Design Tools  https://www.archdaily.com/965151/support-for-architects-and-planners-specifications-cad-drawings-bim-objects-and-other-design-tools

 

• Measuring #Construction Activity and AI Analysis Can Control Overtime: Study used artificial intelligence to analyze jobsite activity  and found correlations that would allow contractors to plan overtime and control its use for maximum benefit https://www.forconstructionpros.com/construction-technology/press-release/21992912/versatile-measuring-construction-activity-and-ai-analysis-can-control-overtime

 

• What PropTech Has To Offer The ESG Investment Boom https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/01/11/what-proptech-has-to-offer-the-esg-investment-boom/

 

• Proptech and the Metaverse: Virtually No One Thinks It’s There Yet: That’s not stopping some important names from circling the hot new thing https://commercialobserver.com/2022/01/metaverse-real-estate-brokers-proptech/

 

• The best smart home security products at CES 2022  https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/smart-home-security-products-announced-at-ces-2022/

 

• Germany PropTech Market Sees Rise in Revenue of up to US$ 444.39 million by 2028 | Analysis by Business Market Insights – Industrial IT https://industrialit.com.au/germany-proptech-market-sees-rise-in-revenue-of-up-to-us-444-39-million-by-2028-analysis-by-business-market-insights/

 

• Berlin’s PropTech1 Ventures announces final close of inaugural fund at €50 million  https://tech.eu/brief/berlins-proptech1-ventures-announces-final-close-of-inaugural-fund-at-e50-million/

 

• Placer.ai, a location analytics startup, finds $100M at a $1B valuation  https://techcrunch.com/2022/01/12/placer-ai-a-location-analytics-startup-finds-100m-at-a-1b-valuation/

 

• Berlin-based proptech McMakler raises $56.5M – AIM Group https://aimgroup.com/2022/01/10/berlin-based-proptech-mcmakler-raises-56-5m/

 

• Proptech company partners with international agency | Iamproperty will provide compliance services through its movebulter platform, as well as auction services to its remote agents. https://www.insidermedia.com/news/north-east/proptech-expert-partners-with-international-agency

 

• PropTech pledge: Agents can onboard a landlord in under 10 minutes  https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2022/1/proptech-pledge-agents-can-onboarding-a-landlord-in-under-10-minutes

 

• German proptech startup Evernest closes €13M Series A round to build its technology platform and expand  https://siliconcanals.com/news/startups/evernest-german-proptech-funding/

 

• Company Raises $34M to Streamline Smart Building Development: PassiveLogic’s Autonomy Studio software environment allows users to build digital twins by simply drawing https://www.iotworldtoday.com/2022/01/13/company-raises-34m-to-streamline-smart-building-development/

 

• NoBroker’s Journey To Becoming India’s First Proptech Unicorn: NoBroker clocks more than 5, 00,000 transactions every year and more than 75 lakh properties are registered on the portal https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/412932

 

• In the Colombian market, a proptech startup called Habi buys, renovates, and sells homes in Colombia. The iBuyer is a proptech leader and plans to expand to other Latin American countries  https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=c379eccf-e1d0-4847-b3d9-982089a70e9c

 

• Will blockchain fulfil its democratic promise or will it become a tool of big tech?  https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jan/15/will-blockchain-fulfil-its-democratic-promise-or-will-it-become-a-tool-of-big-tech

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

• Will 2022 finally put a dent in the housing crisis?  https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1273796/

 

• Irish Property Price Guide 2022 — country price hikes beat the capital: Buyers are now much more focused and know what they are looking for, but opportunities come at a premium https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/irish-property-price-guide-2022-country-price-hikes-beat-the-capital-5w88t2f8p 
  • Co Kildare house prices 2022 — incomers push up home costs  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/co-kildare-house-prices-2022-incomers-push-up-home-costs-br67hj6gc
  • Co Kerry house prices 2022 — lack of homes ups prices https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/co-kerry-house-prices-2022-lack-of-homes-ups-prices-zc23w8d83
  • Co Clare house prices 2022 — seaside setting draws buyers  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/co-clare-house-prices-2022-seaside-setting-draws-buyers-t226l25nm
  • North Co Tipperary house prices 2022 — rural buyers plug in to country life  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/north-co-tipperary-house-prices-2022-rural-buyers-plug-in-to-country-life-thffdgxpq
  • Co Offaly house prices 2022 — commuters hit midlands in search of affordable homes  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/co-offaly-house-prices-2022-commuters-hit-midlands-in-search-of-affordable-homes-80jf9w6vl
  • Co Wexford house prices 2022 — more beach and less rush makes a real gem  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/co-wexford-house-prices-2022-more-beach-and-less-rush-makes-a-real-gem-jmpmg0clq 

 

 

• SCSI expects property prices to rise by 5% in 2022: The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) has said it expects the median price of a home in Ireland to increase by almost €14,000 this year. https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1273551/ 

 

• Rising rents and surging prices trigger ‘collapse’ in home ownership: Housing in Ireland is ‘severely unaffordable’, report by Parliamentary Budget Office says https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/rising-rents-and-surging-prices-trigger-collapse-in-home-ownership-1.4775729

 

• Ireland is building more homes but it’s harder than ever for people to buy them:  Would-be first-time buyers must now compete with State, funds and AHBs https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/ireland-is-building-more-homes-but-it-s-harder-than-ever-for-people-to-buy-them-1.4774057

 

• 36% of people aged 25-29 lived with their parents in 2020. Housing in Ireland has become “severely unaffordable” in Ireland, according to the Parliamentary Budget Office. https://www.joe.ie/news/young-people-housing-740016

 

• Darragh O’Brien denies shared equity scheme will push up house prices as happened in Britain  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40782885.html

 

• Deposits double for Dublin house buyers in just ten years https://amp.extra.ie/2022/01/10/news/irish-news/average-deposit-first-time-buyers-dublin

 

• Property prices in the west expected to increase further  https://connachttribune.ie/property-prices-in-the-west-expected-to-increase-further/amp/

 

• Irish mortgage approvals drop almost 5% in November: Value of loans rises marginally despite drop in number of approvals https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/irish-mortgage-approvals-drop-almost-5-in-november-1.4774133 Yet: Mortgage approvals near ‘historically high levels’ with €1.3 billion approved in November  https://www.breakingnews.ie/business/mortgage-approvals-near-historically-high-levels-with-e13bn-approved-in-year-to-november-1241228.html

 

• Land maps ‘key’ to new tax but could allow property owners to challenge inclusion: The new tax will kick in from January 2024 and will be enforced by Revenue  https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/land-maps-key-to-new-tax-but-could-allow-property-owners-to-challenge-inclusion-b145ad2a

 

• Airbnb landlords ‘running scared’ as Council issue over a thousand warnings: The restrictions on short-term lets were introduced to alleviate the housing crisis by increasing supply https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/dodgy-airbnb-landlords-running-scared-22762643

 

• Firm rents 23 family homes in Dublin 4 to tourists https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/firm-rents-23-family-homes-in-dublin-4-to-tourists-41227372.html

 

• Legal row that delayed the use of social housing units for 18 months is settled: Apartments bought by large investment fund RediResi had been left empty due to a dispute with South Dublin County Councilf https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/legal-row-that-delayed-the-use-of-social-housing-units-for-18-months-is-settled-35a7d14a

 

• New ‘lottery’ system to distribute cost-rental homes: The Minister for Housing, has signed new regulations which require that an “independently-verifiable lottery” should be used to select households for new cost-rental homes when there is excess demand https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/new-lottery-system-to-distribute-cost-rental-homes-332890e8

 

• Exploring the role of BioLPG and gas boilers in heating homes : We discover how BioLPG and high-efficiency gas boilers take their place alongside the heat pump https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandoutdoors/arid-40785381.html

 

• Historic Dalkey home with link to Irish rock group for €2.75m: Subdivided seaside seven-bed is the first on a short terrace built in the early 1800s https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/new-to-market/historic-dalkey-home-with-link-to-irish-rock-group-for-2-75m-1.4772937 (header picture)

 

• Cork Council may provide more accessible housing for people with disabilities: Developers could be required to include a portion of accessible houses in any new developments  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40782159.html

 

• Galway TD says new grants urgently needed to help buyers of derelict properties  https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/galway-td-says-new-grants-urgently-needed-to-help-buyers-of-derelict-properties/

 

• Council bid to acquire derelict site in Limerick village comes off the rails  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/719372/council-bid-to-acquire-derelictsite-in-limerick-village-comes-off-the-rails.html

 

• New to the market: Grainne Rothery’s pick of the properties available to buy in Ireland this week  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/new-to-the-market-pkzx0gmbd

 

• North Leinster farm prices 2021: ‘Perfect storm for farm property’ brings a rake of bumper sales: Farmers and investors competing strongly for rural properties of all kinds https://m.independent.ie/business/farming/farm-property/leinster-farm-sales/north-leinster-farm-prices-2021-perfect-storm-for-farm-property-brings-a-rake-of-bumper-sales-41226788.html. (Pictured) 

 

• Getting your home ready for sale? This is what you need to do – Six simple but vital steps to follow before putting the ‘for sale’ sign outside your door https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/getting-your-home-ready-for-sale-this-is-what-you-need-to-do-1.4773099

 

• Photos: 3-bed traditional farmhouse with ‘charm and character’ for €350k  https://thatsfarming.com/farming-news/the-old-farmhouse/

 

• 3 recently renovated stone cottages in Cavan and Wexford for under €325,000  https://www.image.ie/living/3-stone-cottages-in-cavan-and-wexford-for-under-e325000-383961

 

• Painted furniture ideas – 15 ways to give furniture a new lease of life: For a unique look for your home, consider painted furniture ideas. Easy to do yourself in a matter of hours, they can transform a room with little effort https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/painted-furniture-ideas

 

• Mapping Improvisation: The Role of Call and Response in Urban Planning  https://www.archdaily.com/975058/mapping-improvisation-the-role-of-call-and-response-in-urban-planning

 

• This FREE virtual event is perfect for first-time buyers in or around Dublin  https://lovindublin.com/sponsored/this-free-virtual-event-is-perfect-for-first-time-buyers-in-or-around-dublin

Or,

• Building your first home? You won’t want to miss this free virtual event  https://www.joe.ie/life-style/building-first-home-wont-want-miss-free-virtual-event-738103

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

• Irish property market investment €5.5bn in 2021, says Savills: Blackstone’s transaction at new Meta campus in Ballsbridge was the single largest https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/irish-property-market-investment-5-5bn-in-2021-says-savills-1.4772364

 

• Dire predictions about the ‘future of the office’ prove largely unfounded: Office requirements in the capital had reverted to pre-pandemic peaks  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-40784247.html

 

• There’s a  logic to the boom in logistics and distribution markets – take your pick from pandemics, online retailing, Brexit and economic recovery: Ireland’s bustling industrial sector ‘sheds’ its dowdy shed image as property market’s best  performer  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-40783800.html

 

• Frasers Group and H&M Announce Flagship Stores at Clerys Quarter https://www.savills.ie/research-and-news/savills-news/323888/frasers-group-and-handm-announce-flagship-stores-at-clerys-quarter

 

 

• Low-frills hotel chain eyes up two more Dublin sites: Brexit bumped up the cost of the first Point A hotel in the capital — but Queensway Group is still thinking big https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/low-frills-hotel-chain-eyes-up-dublin-sites-25lrl3lw2 

 

• Landmark Ballsbridge church for €3.75m: St Mary’s on Anglesea Road offers scope for delivery of homes, offices or cultural space https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/landmark-ballsbridge-church-for-3-75m-1.4773003 (pictured) 

 

• Adelaide Chambers offices at €13m offer 5.5% net initial yield: Dublin city scheme generating €785,000 in annual rent from strong tenant line-up https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/adelaide-chambers-offices-at-13m-offer-5-5-net-initial-yield-1.4773040

 

• Hibernia Reit is facing a significant loss after agreeing to sell the Forum building in the International Financial Services Centre, Dublin, for a price believed to be less than €30 million  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/hibernia-reit-out-of-pocket-on-forum-j0txcdz6v

 

• Query over use of former Kildare Hewlett Packard building as data centre  https://www.kildarenow.com/news/local-news/719005/query-over-use-of-former-kildare-hewlett-packard-building-as-data-centre.html

 

• Cosgraves seek €35m for Smithfield hotel: Dublin Loft Company seeks buyer for 147-key Hendrick following recent sale of Big Tree Hotel  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/cosgraves-seek-35m-for-smithfield-hotel-1.4773877

 

• Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in Killiney confident of reporting operating profit for 2021: Revenue almost halved in previous year, accounts say  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/fitzpatrick-castle-hotel-in-killiney-confident-of-reporting-operating-profit-for-2021-1.4776621

 

• Family legal dispute involving company with hotels in Galway and Dublin resolved  by https://connachttribune.ie/family-legal-dispute-involving-company-with-hotels-in-galway-and-dublin-resolved/

 

• Apollo Global Management, US private equity firm, is considering the sale of its Travelodge hotel portfolio in Ireland — five in Dublin, two in Limerick and one each in Cork, Galway, Waterford and Belfast, and expected to attract offers of up to €275m https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/travelodge-sale-on-cards-as-buyers-circle-dz53rbz7c

 

• Lovely Cork bar that sits right under seaside town’s landmark goes on sale: The price of the 1,345 sq foot site wasn’t made public, but the package does include three bedrooms upstairs  https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/lovely-cork-bar-sits-right-22715772

 

• Kilkenny city hotel with permission for 66-room extension guiding at €4.8m: Kilkenny Inn currently comprises 30 guest bedrooms in prime location on Medieval Mile https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/kilkenny-city-hotel-with-permission-for-66-room-extension-guiding-at-4-8m-1.4770279

 

• Harvey’s Point set to invest €1.2m in renovations this year: TMR Hotel Collection has already added 28 rooms and renovated the ballroom of the ‘special’ four-star Donegal hotel https://www.businesspost.ie/hospitality/harveys-point-set-to-invest-eur12m-in-renovations-this-year-9fd80ee0

 

• The Talbot Collection has acquired the Clonmel Park Hotel in Tipperary  https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/home/718596/the-talbot-collection-has-acquired-the-clonmel-park-hotel-in-tipperary.html

 

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

• UK Estate agents share their property predictions for 2022 https://propertyindustryeye.com/estate-agents-share-their-property-predictions-for-2022/

 

• One in three sales fall through as market returns to ‘familiar conditions’ https://propertyindustryeye.com/one-in-three-property-sales-fall-through-as-market-returns-to-familiar-conditions/

 

• UK Property valuers accept tougher regulation after conflict of interest row  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/property-valuers-accept-tougher-regulation-after-conflict-of-interest-row-n8qjdr6nm

 

• UK’s biggest secret landlord reveals why he’s selling up most of his portfolio  https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/uks-biggest-secret-landlord-reveals-why-hes-selling-up/

 

• Fears grow as £83m-turnover UK contractor halts onsite work  https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/financial/administrations/fears-grow-as-83m-turnover-contractor-halts-onsite-work-11-01-2022/

 

• Ray O’Rourke’s successor starts work: Laing O’Rourke’s new CEO designate started work at the firm’s Dartford headquarters this week. https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/01/11/ray-orourkes-successor-starts-work/

 

• Gove must spend ‘billions more’ to end UK building fire safety crisis: Campaigners say £4bn package to replace Grenfell-style cladding fails to address other safety problems https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jan/09/gove-must-spend-billions-more-end-building-fire-safety-crisis 

 

• The apartment from ‘And Just Like That’ is on the market for $23 million: The Cass Gilbert-designed home also featured in HBO’s ‘Succession’ – here we tour the historic property  https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/apartment-just-like-that-is-on-the-market (pictured) 

 

FACEBOOK GROUP FOR IRISH PROPERTY BUYERS & INVESTORS

Crowd-sourcing answers topical property questions:    

As many of you might know, my annual property book The Irish Property Buyers’ Handbook (since 2011) was rebranded in 2018 and now appears as part of The Property Insider series, published by Oak Tree Press, the first three titles are now published and available here: https://www.amazon.com/Carol-Tallon/

 

From 2020, the publishers and I wanted to ensure the content remains topical and we are now doing this by crowd-sourcing home buyer and investor queries, with crowd-sourced and editorial team answers. 

 

Join the Facebook Group here to contribute: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IrishPropertyBuyers/