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: 

*Important read for the industry (and for every industry): It’s not enough anymore to say…. I’m not that guy! https://townmore.ie/news/its-not-enough-anymore-to-say-im-not-that-guy/ 

 

 

 

• The following appeared in an Irish Times opinion piece this week, I fully appreciate that it refers to a minority of sites or workers on sites but that is still too many, what are we (#irishconstruction) going to do to change this? “… construction sites are notorious as safe spaces for men who verbally abuse women as they jog or walk past…” https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/r%C3%B3is%C3%ADn-ingle-here-s-the-thing-about-harmless-sexist-fun-1.4778545

 

• Why Ireland’s housing bubble burst – “Myth #3: Ireland’s experience refutes the laws of supply and demand” https://www.worksinprogress.co/issue/why-irelands-housing-bubble-burst/

 

• Ireland’s nine billionaires added €18bn to wealth during Covid, Oxfam says: Charity calls for special tax on ‘extreme wealth’ to help fund recovery from pandemic https://www.irishtimes.com/business/ireland-s-nine-billionaires-added-18bn-to-wealth-during-covid-oxfam-says-1.4777931

 

• Republic of Ireland ‘16th most expensive’ place to live: Latest rankings from price comparison site Numbeo contrasts living costs in 139 countries https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/republic-of-ireland-16th-most-expensive-place-to-live-1.4782359

 

• Will increased housing supply solve the affordability problem?  https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2022/0118/1274408-ireland-housing-supply-affordability-government-policy/

 

• What exactly is an affordable home and who benefits from the definition? The government’s home building plan, Housing For All, promises to deliver affordable housing for purchase and rent, but its methodology has been questioned and criticised for linking affordability to market prices instead of income  https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/killian-woods-what-exactly-is-an-affordable-home-and-who-benefits-from-the-definition-4bb2d69d

 

• Investors ‘frustrated’ by Govt intervention in property  https://amp-rte-ie.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.rte.ie/amp/1274361/

 

• Property funds gearing up to fight Central Bank rules on borrowing: Industry says residential investors use more leverage than retail and commercial funds https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/property-funds-gearing-up-to-fight-central-bank-rules-on-borrowing-41253928.html

 

• Credit union money finally seems to have found a home: Asset manager Gresham House is tapping funds to help build or acquire property for social housing https://www.irishtimes.com/business/financial-services/credit-union-money-finally-seems-to-have-found-a-home-1.4782390

 

• The Land Development Agency is unlikely to deliver any homes for the open private market, the Oireachtas Housing Committee has been told. https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1274709/

 

• Mismanagement of State property led to waste of ‘hundreds of millions’: Calling for an end to the culture of “budgets matter but money does not”, perceived as being endemic to the public service https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40789806.html

 

• Roll-on, roll-off: How Dublin Port is ‘staying put’, coping with Brexit and trying to be a good neighbour: It’s described as the country’s ‘single most important transport infrastructure asset’. Now Dublin Port is planning new container terminals and a bridge to link them to the Port Tunnel, as part of a strategy also incorporating cultural activities to attract more visitors to the area  https://www.businesspost.ie/transport/roll-on-roll-off-how-dublin-port-is-staying-put-coping-with-brexit-and-trying-to-be-a-good-neighbour-54e695d4

 

• Ireland’s data centers are an economic lifeline. Environmentalists say they’re wrecking the planet  https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2022/01/23/tech/ireland-data-centers-climate-intl-cmd/index.html

 

• Nearly every home built in Ireland over the past six years has been given the most energy efficient rating, almost completely flipping the picture from those built during the noughties.  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40787133.html

 

• New LGBTQ+ CATU group launched to fight for housing rights in Ireland: Fighting the oppression of queer people in the housing system: Introducing the Community Action Tenants Union (CATU) LGBTQ+ caucus. https://gcn.ie/lgbtq-caucus-catu-fight-housing-rights/

 

• Travellers bear the brunt of the homeless crisis https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-40785600.html

 

• Opinion: the language used to sell property to potential buyers is linguistically rich, unique and usually downright odd  https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2022/0117/1274087-property-ads-language-copywriting/

 

• NBI network rollout set to miss revised deadline for second year: Targets not yet set for number of premises to receive high-speed internet network over the next 12 months https://www.businesspost.ie/infrastructure/nbi-network-rollout-set-to-miss-revised-deadline-for-second-year-3b1ed7c4

 

• The New Gaelgeoirs: Listening to the debate on our native tongue you’d think it’s like Schrödinger’s cat: both dead and alive. But forecasts of its demise are greatly exaggerated – if not entirely wrong  https://m.independent.ie/life/the-new-gaelgeoirs-forecasts-of-the-irish-languages-demise-are-greatly-exaggerated-41264786.html

 

• Property portals (UK) . In commercial terms they seem to have become the equivalent of lending your mate something and then having to pay to get it back – and with little thanks for your trouble in lending it in the first place.  https://propertyindustryeye.com/opinion-the-main-property-portals-should-all-be-free/

 

• Clane and Rathcoffey Parish has announced a new sponsorship deal with a well-known auctioneer, Sherry FitzGerald Reilly, who will be partnering with the Parish Lotto in 2022 to provide funding to assist in the promotion and development of the lotto.  https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/721332/clane-and-rathcoffey-parish-announces-sponsorship-deal-with-well-known-kildare-auctioneer.html

 

• Leitrim men flying high with exciting new Aeropods company: Huge demand already  https://www.leitrimobserver.ie/news/home/723030/leitrim-men-flying-high-with-exciting-new-aeropods-company.html

 

• Ireland has the wind and seas to become an offshore superpower  https://theconversation.com/amp/ireland-has-the-wind-and-seas-to-become-an-offshore-superpower-174553

 

• Cost escalation warning on Dublin’s MetroLink if officials fail to co-operate  https://m.independent.ie/news/environment/cost-escalation-warning-on-dublins-metrolink-if-officials-fail-to-co-operate-41258251.html

 

• ‘Virtual reality is genuine reality’ so embrace it, says US philosopher: In his book Reality+ David Chalmers says the material world may lose its allure as VR technology advances https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/jan/17/virtual-reality-is-genuine-reality-so-embrace-it-says-us-philosopher  Also: The rich will own the metaverse. Our children will live in it:  ‘What worries moralists about the future are the very things that are exciting investors’ https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/david-mcwilliams-the-rich-will-own-the-metaverse-our-children-will-live-in-it-1.4781562 

 

• Gentle Paddy’s family in frame for artful €800,000 tax break  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/gentle-paddys-family-in-frame-for-artful-800-000-tax-break-nd9pn7n96

 

• Just a few days to go until the Cushman & Wakefield Outlook 2022 Event! Check out the speaker line up and register for access to this live virtual event taking place on Wednesday 26th from 9-11am: https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/ireland   (Pictured)

 

 

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.

40 years of property technology? 

On Property Matters @ipropertyradio this week, we chat to early proptech pioneer, Ben Lerner, MD at Lerner Associates about his two decades spent helping real estate organisations to embrace and adopt technology. We also discuss M&A activity over the past 12 months and learn what type of innovators, startups and scale-ups are in demand for M&A in 2022.

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

 

 *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

 

• Dublin rally hears calls for Government intervention to ‘save’ Moore Street: The area housed the headquarters for the leaders of the Easter Rising in the final stages of the 1916 insurrection. https://www.thejournal.ie/save-moore-street-protest-5662343-Jan2022/

 

• Plans for St Teresa’s Gardens redevelopment scaled back: Number of homes delivered in development to be reduced, councillors told  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/plans-for-st-teresa-s-gardens-redevelopment-scaled-back-1.4778573 

 

• Anger as almost 100 apartments get green light at Beaumont drive-in site  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/northside/news/anger-as-almost-100-apartments-get-green-light-at-beaumont-drive-in-site-41247488.html

 

• Delgany residents oppose demolition of 1700s cottage: New plan for four storey apartments and commercial block with communal roof space https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/delgany-residents-oppose-demolition-of-1700s-cottage-1.4778516

 

• Dublin and Kerry among most Instagrammable places in the world  https://www.breakingnews.ie/lifestyle/dublin-and-kerry-among-most-instagrammable-places-in-the-world-1244738.html

 

• Cork city mural in the running for world’s Best Street Art title: The ‘What is home?’ art piece is up against 99 other street murals from across the world https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/cork-city-mural-running-worlds-22776238 (pictured)

 

• West Cork’s railways could run again claims new study: Silent since the 1950s – the historic railway lines of West Cork could bring new life and new opportunities to many communities https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/west-corks-railways-could-run-22789151

 

• Blow-ins since Thackeray rate what they see on Cork’s Grattan Hill: Sunny 200 years old terrace has always been favoured by artists, writers, poets, and creatives — so why don’t the locals wise up? https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-40789623.html

 

• Cork locals demand answers as mystery buyer snaps up 22 acres of forest: A large section of the woods has gotten to the ‘sale agreed’ stage but locals say Coillte haven’t given them anymore details  https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/cork-locals-demand-answers-mystery-22808570

 

• Two weeks remaining to submit feedback on preferred route corridor for Athlone to Galway greenway  https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/two-weeks-remaining-to-submit-feedback-on-preferred-route-corridor-for-athlone-to-galway-greenway/

 

• West Waterford town opens Ireland’s first outdoor cycle learning track: The facility will give young children the opportunity to learn to cycle on a track designed to replicate a real roadway, with lines, signs, and a pedestrian crossing https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40786968.html

 

• Tenants in Hallidays Mill ‘a significant milestone’ says Louth CEO: Tenants moving into Hallidays Mill this week https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/home/721404/tenants-in-hallidays-mill-a-significant-milestone-says-louth-ceo.html

 

• ‘Last chance’ to demand return of rail to Donegal  https://www.donegaldaily.com/2022/01/17/last-chance-to-demand-return-of-rail-to-donegal/

 

• Donegal launches public consultation on first Outdoor Recreation Strategy  https://www.donegaldaily.com/2022/01/18/donegal-launches-public-consultation-on-first-outdoor-recreation-strategy/

 

• ‘Happy Days’ – Online Guide to Donegal’s best activities goes live  https://www.donegaldaily.com/2022/01/17/happy-days-online-guide-to-donegals-best-activities-goes-live/

 

• Offaly town suggested for pilot project to revamp vacant homes  https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/local-news/721005/offaly-town-suggested-for-pilot-project-to-revamp-vacant-homes.html

 

 

• Green Party Senator objects to wind farm overlooking Wild Atlantic Way  https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/green-party-senator-objects-to-wind-farm-overlooking-wild-atlantic-way-1244956.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

• Builders’ register inspectors will have power to enter sites and search homes: The first ever legally required register of building contractors aims to weed out rogue operators and prevent faulty builds https://www.businesspost.ie/construction/builders-register-inspectors-will-have-power-to-enter-sites-and-search-homes-e5325bd3 (featured picture)

 

• Fewer new homes recorded in 2021 but increase in construction by end of year: 16.5% more dwellings were under construction in the final quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.  https://www.thejournal.ie/residential-construction-ireland-2021-5657137-Jan2022/

 

• Number of new housing starts up sharply to almost 31,000: Official figures show annual rate of housebuilding is close to Government targets https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/number-of-new-housing-starts-up-sharply-to-almost-31-000-1.4780739

 

• Housing to fall short of demand this year despite boost to supply: The construction sector output will be worth €32bn  https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/housing-to-fall-short-of-demand-this-year-despite-boost-to-supply-41262500.html

 

• Productivity in construction has been ‘poor’ — new LDA boss: Cormac O’Rourke says builders ‘continue to execute a traditional site-based approach’ and the LDA will ‘encourage standardisation and modular construction’ https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/productivity-in-construction-has-been-poor-new-lda-boss-02219ef9

 

• More than four out of every five builders across the country expect the prices they charge for projects will rise in the first three months of the year when compared to the same period last year, a new survey of the industry has revealed.  https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1274063/ Also: Builders predict ‘significant’ material hikes and problems in 2022: Some 83% endured a rise in labour costs last year and most expect trend to continue https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/builders-predict-significant-material-hikes-and-problems-in-2022-1.4777972

 

• Timber and steel lead significant rises in construction materials: Cairn Homes said this month that inflation in construction materials was adding €15,000 to the cost of an average home https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-40790634.html

 

• Construction output to grow by 18.5% this year: AECOM – If there are no further lockdowns, output nationally should increase to €32bn, with capital investment by the Government providing a backbone for growth in Munster https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-40788939.html

 

• Echelon receives €855m in funding to complete four Irish data centres  https://www.siliconrepublic.com/enterprise/data-centres-echelon-ireland-funding

 

• Mediators seeing more disputes over building delays and rising costs  https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/mediators-seeing-more-disputes-over-building-delays-and-rising-costs-41266024.html

 

• Settlement talks between property developer and lender break down: Dispute relates to properties in Dublin 2 https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/settlement-talks-between-property-developer-and-lender-break-down-1.4782712

 

• Central case in Johnny Ronan dispute with DigitalBridge adjourned: Dispute arose over co-investor’s intentions to sell its stakes in three Dublin developments https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/central-case-in-johnny-ronan-dispute-with-digitalbridge-adjourned-1.4779554

 

• Ronan braced for long legal battle after negotiations with US funds founder: The developer will now proceed with his case against two US-based investment groups https://www.businesspost.ie/legal/ronan-braced-for-long-legal-battle-after-negotiations-with-us-funds-founder-523c0ca1

 

• Co-living comes to Cork Street, Dublin, as site sells for €27.5m: Total of 378 bed spaces to be delivered at city scheme approved prior to December 2020 ban https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/co-living-comes-to-cork-street-dublin-as-site-sells-for-27-5m-1.4779779 (pictured) 

 

• Ballsbridge residents try to halt 64-unit build-to-rent scheme: Plan involves repurposing a nursing home and building three new apartment blocks https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/ballsbridge-residents-try-to-halt-64-unit-build-to-rent-scheme-1.4781566

 

• Couple not allowed to include alleged impact on bats in planning challenge: Case concerns permission for 482 apartments in Carrickmines https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/couple-not-allowed-to-include-alleged-impact-on-bats-in-planning-challenge-1.4780613

 

• Strong local opposition to 12-storey Phibsborough apartment block: Developer Garvagh Homes seeks to demolish former cinema, once site of Des Kelly Carpets https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/strong-local-opposition-to-12-storey-phibsborough-apartment-block-1.4779821

 

• Planners advise that 18-storey Kilmainham scheme be scaled back: Office of Public Works warns of ‘detrimental’ impact on the Royal Hospital Kilmainham  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/planners-advise-that-18-storey-kilmainham-scheme-be-scaled-back-1.4782617

 

• Appeals board clears way for new CitizenM hotel in Dublin  https://www.breakingnews.ie/business/appeals-board-clears-way-for-new-citizenm-hotel-in-dublin-1244090.html

 

• Planning application for over 100 build-to-rent apartments in Cork city given the green light: The plans also include the construction of a 313sq m retail unit. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40788351.html

 

• Plans for derelict inner Cork city site to be transformed into five storey apartment building with roof terrace: The plans to bring 23 apartments would bring this street corner back to life  https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/plans-derelict-inner-cork-city-22822528

 

• Rare chance to buy 14-acre Fermoy riverside and town centre profile €2.85m site: River Blackwater bounds this €2.85m development site next to town’s leisure centre and public park  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-40788918.html

 

• €53m Bandon Road student accommodation ready for 2022 academic year: ‘The light gauge steel – manufactured by www.horizonoffsite.ie – used in building the apartment blocks was delivered ready for installation, reducing the work on site, where small teams of six were used to erect the steel, which helped with social distancing’ https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-40788690.html

 

• Plans for €25m Cork nursing home on hold following objections  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40788411.html

 

• Cork City flood scheme could start construction this autumn: The project, running from Parliament Bridge to Parnell Bridge, has been designed to remove an estimated 80% of the tidal flood threat to city centre businesses  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40788000.html

 

• Plan for almost 100 new West Cork homes refused as Irish Water ‘not in position to facilitate’: Irish Water’s submission on the plan said that it ‘does not reflect the up-to-date position on the ground’ and said there are ‘supply deficiencies’ in the area https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/plan-almost-100-new-west-22831895

 

• CPO could trigger major development of housing  https://connachttribune.ie/cpo%E2%80%88could-trigger-major-development-of-housing/amp/

 

• The site of the former Corrib Great Southern will no longer be ring-fenced for educational purposes if a clause removed in a draft of the next development plan is eventually adopted.  https://connachttribune.ie/former-hotel-wont-be-ring-fenced-for-college/

 

• Plans for boutique hotel in Galway city centre  https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/plans-for-boutique-hotel-in-galway-city-centre/

 

• Galway County Council votes to allow development to take place in Barna village just 15m from the foreshore – as opposed to 30m as recommended by senior officials, despite fears that developments within 15m of the shore could be hit by flooding https://connachttribune.ie/barna-homes-can-be-closer-to-sea/

 

• ‘Shovel ready’ site on Limerick’s NCR can be yours for €650k  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/724325/shovel-ready-site-on-limerick-s-ncr-can-be-yours-for-650k.html

 

• Shannon Group announces multi-million euro property investment  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/business/721856/shannon-group-announce-multi-million-euro-property-investment.html

 

• Over 100 homes planned for Limerick village as deal is struck on land  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/719401/over-100-homes-planned-for-limerick-village-as-deal-is-struck-on-land.html

 

• SHD gets go-ahead at Coleville Road, Clonmel, Co Tipperary: The scheme, which was designed by Douglas Wallace Consultants and is close to the town centre, comprises 68 houses, 24 duplexes and 23 apartments https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/shd-gets-go-ahead-at-coleville-road-clonmel-co-tipperary-7e9a4567

 

• New town park plan for Ballisodare: River trail also part of the planned development for the village under Government’s rural regeneration funding https://m.independent.ie/regionals/sligochampion/news/new-town-park-plan-for-ballisodare-41247465.html

 

• Donegal drinks company appeals against housing plans close to its factory: Mulrines has appealed the decision to grant planning permission for five houses close to its factory https://www.donegallive.ie/news/donegal-news/725766/donegal-drinks-company-appeals-against-housing-plans-close-to-its-factory.html

 

• End of era as Kildare pub looks to be converted into apartments  https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/720877/latest-end-of-era-as-kildare-pub-looks-to-be-converted-into-apartments.html

 

• 73 new social houses for Naas, Kildare  https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/724675/73-new-social-houses-for-naas-kildare.html

 

• UK development lender Puma Property Finance is gearing up to enter the Irish market. The company will provide loans of between £5 million and £50 million (€6 million and €60 million) to developers looking to build residential or commercial properties. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/puma-lays-foundations-for-big-property-investments-6h3mhrfx6

 

• 8 Ways Architects Are Championing Health and Wellness Through Design: Concerns about sports, recreation, wellness, well-being and general health are at the forefront of science, research, education — and architecture  https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/collections/architecture-of-well-being/

 

• National Construction Summit will take place on the 3rd of March: ‘Building Reputation: Strategic Communications for Construction Leaders in the Digital Age’ Register to attend https://www.nationalconstructionsummit.ie/register/ (Pictured below)

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 * 

 

• AI accelerator holds half its places for female-founded firms: Alsessor scheme’s winning start-up will receive €250,000 equity investment, which can be matched by Enterprise Ireland https://www.businesspost.ie/tech/ai-accelerator-holds-half-its-places-for-female-founded-firms-763c3ee3

 

• “We are going to have more unicorns” – Elkstone set to launch €75m Irish start-up fund: On the back of its success backing companies like LetsGetChecked and Flipdish, Alan Merriman’s Elkstone has convinced the authorities of applying EIIS tax advantages to a multi-company investment fund targeting early-stage companies in Ireland  https://thecurrency.news/articles/71708/we-are-going-to-have-more-unicorns-elkstone-set-to-launch-e75m-irish-start-up-fund/ Also: Elkstone to ‘start writing cheques’ of up to €2m for ‘gritty’ start-ups this year: Firm that backed two Irish unicorns to use most of its €75 million venture fund in next two to three years, says founder Alan Merriman  https://www.businesspost.ie/tech/elkstone-to-start-writing-cheques-of-up-to-eur2m-for-gritty-start-ups-this-year-fdefab0f 

 

• Snapfix looks to the bigger picture with focus on US: Cork founder Paul McCarthy sees Snapfix’s photographic task management tool becoming ‘the global platform for getting things done around the world’ https://www.businesspost.ie/making-it-work/snapfix-looks-to-the-bigger-picture-with-focus-on-us-42bdd220

 

• Tech firm aims to raise €2m for social housing software: Bynaric plans to hire 20 staff and open an office in Manchester https://www.businesspost.ie/tech/tech-firm-aims-to-raise-eur2m-for-social-housing-software-545b7648

 

• CIF Modern Methods of Construction: Tasked with finding solutions to both the housing crisis and the pressures of climate change, the construction industry is increasingly turning to both MMC and offsite construction to meet targets and fulfill demand. Conducted over the course of four months from February to May 2021, the report consists of the insights and experiences from 40 key stakeholders regarding MMC’s use and adoption. https://propertydistrict.ie/cif-modern-methods-of-construction/ (pictured) 

 

• Dublin Neighborhoods Mapped: GISforThought. GIS blog focussed on Open Source GIS https://gisforthought.com/2022/01/15/dublin-neighborhoods-mapped.html 

 

• Irish-founded ProjectMark secures $2m in backing: San Francisco-headquartered start-up is primarily focused on the construction sector  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/irish-founded-projectmark-secures-2m-in-backing-1.4779429

 

• Interested in a smart home? Here’s a guide through the maze of options: You will first need to decide on a core hub, as not all devices work with all infrastructure https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/interested-in-a-smart-home-here-s-a-guide-through-the-maze-of-options-1.4779499

 

• How to prepare for lettings in 2022 and beyond using PropTech  https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/features/2022/1/how-to-prepare-for-lettings-in-2022-and-beyond-using-proptech

 

• Venture capital group that backed Zoopla invests in Homesearch  https://propertyindustryeye.com/venture-capital-group-that-backed-zoopla-invests-in-property-platform/

 

• See Inside Habitat for Humanity’s First 3D-Printed Home—and the Future of Construction: Habitat for Humanity is known for making homeownership a reality. With 3D-printing technology, it’s making homeownership even more affordable. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/habitat-for-humanity-3d-printed-home/

 

• This startup is turning nonrecyclable plastic into building blocks fit for construction: After years of R&D, startup ByFusion is processing 450 tons of plastic a year—with the goal of reaching 100 million tons by 2030 https://www.fastcompany.com/90714272/this-startup-is-turning-non-recyclable-plastic-into-building-blocks-fit-for-construction

 

• Lessons from Notion: How to use your community to grow organically: Don’t underestimate the power of your superfans, says Olivia Nottebohm, chief revenue officer at workplace app Notion https://sifted.eu/articles/how-to-community-grow-organically/

 

• OTM’s Jason Tebb pledges to “continue listening to and delivering” for agents https://propertyindustryeye.com/otm-ceo-jason-tebb-pledges-to-continue-listening-to-and-delivering-for-agents/

 

• Govt-backed digital identity scheme gets agent approval: An industry-wide identity scheme headed up by MyIdentity has received glowing reviews from agents following the roll-out of a beta test project.  https://thenegotiator.co.uk/digital-identity-scheme-gets-agent-approval/

 

• Airbnb Wants To Fix Six Things About Its Business  https://viewfromthewing.com/airbnb-wants-to-fix-six-things-about-its-business/

 

• Top 10 AI-Powered Smart Home Technologies in Use in 2022 https://www.analyticsinsight.net/top-10-ai-powered-smart-home-technologies-in-use-in-2022/ 

 

• AI Cameras: Can They Replace IoT Sensors?  https://www.iotforall.com/ai-cameras-can-they-replace-iot-sensors

 

• Tech in 2022: Building on the unicorn boom: US tech investors are waking up to the potential of Francophone Africa, while agritech, healthtech, cleantech and proptech are the continent’s rising sector stars. https://african.business/2022/01/technology-information/tech-in-2022-where-next-after-pandemic-unicorn-boom/

 

• VR vs. AR vs. MR vs. XR: What’s the difference? It’s no longer just VR vs. AR. There is an alphabet soup of metaverse acronyms, often used imprecisely. So, what do they all mean? https://bigthink.com/the-future/vr-ar-mr-xr-metaverse/

 

• Ryan Simonetti on How Fintech Is Moving into Proptech https://therealdeal.com/2022/01/20/watch-what-happens-when-fintech-blurs-into-proptech/

 

• Spanish proptech Brickbro tackles urban blight  https://aimgroup.com/2022/01/14/spanish-proptech-brickbro-tackles-urban-blight/

 

• Spanish proptech provider Zazume secures $2.8M  https://aimgroup.com/2022/01/21/spanish-proptech-provider-zazume-secures-2-8m/

 

• Portuguese proptech disrupting real estate biz lands €1 million to facilitate hassle-free deals  https://tech.eu/brief/portuguese-proptech-disrupting-real-estate-biz-lands-e1-million-to-facilitate-hassle-free-deals/

 

• Proptech startup PlanRadar snags $69M round  https://pitchbook.com/newsletter/proptech-startup-planradar-snags-69m-round

 

• Facilio, a leading property operations software platform, has been recognised by Frost & Sullivan with the 2021 Best Practices’ Product Leadership Award for its IoT-based solution in the building operations and maintenance industry  http://tradearabia.com/touch/article/CONS/391842

 

• Proptech startup HappyCo raises $72 million in Series B  https://www.startupdaily.net/2022/01/proptech-startup-happyco-has-raises-72-million-in-series-b/

 

• UAE-based start-up Huspy acquires Home Matters – AIM Group https://aimgroup.com/2022/01/14/uae-based-start-up-huspy-acquires-home-matters/

 

• Thai proptech player PropertyScout raises $2.5M – AIM Group https://aimgroup.com/2022/01/16/thai-proptech-player-propertyscout-raises-2-5m/

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

• ‘The property market is going crazy and buyers are chewing each other up in bidding wars’: We talk to five aspiring buyers about the difficulties posed by rising prices and fierce competition as they search for a place to call home https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/how-much-is-your-house-worth/the-property-market-is-going-crazy-and-buyers-are-chewing-each-other-up-in-bidding-wars-41255022.html

 

• House prices rise in every county as property shortage bites  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/national-news/721830/house-prices-rise-in-every-county-as-property-shortage-bites.html

 

• The cost of our great remote working exodus: A wave of buyers relocating from the cities to the regions has led to unprecedented property price rises nationwide https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/how-much-is-your-house-worth/the-cost-of-our-great-remote-working-exodus-41260112.html

 

• Regional property prices continue to rise at faster rate than capital:  House prices in the South East of the country have risen by more than 20% in the 12-month period up to November 2021.  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40788540.html

 

• How much is your house worth? Location matters less as pandemic flung property market on  https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/how-much-is-your-house-worth-location-matters-less-as-pandemic-flung-property-market-on-41266206.html

 

• Cork’s residential property market: While Covid proved to be a ‘substantial speed bump’ sector rallied significantly over second half of 2021  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/corkman/news/report-highlights-impact-of-covid-on-corks-residential-property-market-41251821.html

 

• Property Focus: New developments in Glanmire are eagerly awaited: The Cork suburb saw an increase in home sales last year https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-40787580.html

 

• Covid has been good for high-end Irish country property: Renewed appetite for space is good news for smaller towns and villages in rural Ireland, says estate agent Roseanne De Vere-Hunt  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-40784856.html

 

• About three-quarters of homes to be delivered by LDA are expected to be cost rental: Organisation’s new chairman to outline plans for over 10,000 new homes https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/about-three-quarters-of-homes-to-be-delivered-by-lda-are-expected-to-be-cost-rental-1.4780591

 

• Google’s pledge of subsidised housing in Dublin for frontline staff hit with delays: Apartments to be let at reduced rents to nurses and teachers  https://m.independent.ie/business/technology/news/googles-pledge-of-subsidised-housing-in-dublin-for-frontline-staff-hit-with-delays-41249956.html

 

• Almost 45,000 properties lie empty in west, northwest and Border area: Region faces ‘catastrophic’ economic and population decline if trend is not reversed https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/almost-45-000-properties-lie-empty-in-west-northwest-and-border-area-1.4780786

 

• Cutting red tape could bring 100,000 vacant homes back into use https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/news/cutting-red-tape-could-bring-100000-vacant-homes-back-into-use-41268433.html

 

• New grant for first-time buyers of derelict properties:  New regulations which would allow vacant and derelict pubs to be turned into homes without the requirement for planning permission will come before the Oireachtas at the beginning of next month. https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022/0121/1275019-vacant-pubs/

 

• County by County: Where Ireland’s vacant properties are  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40787250.html

 

• Mayo has second-highest number of vacant houses in the country  https://www.midwestradio.ie/index.php/news/54354-mayo-has-second-highest-number-of-vacant-houses-in-the-country

 

• Most of Limerick’s vacant council houses unavailable to tenants  https://www.limerickpost.ie/2022/01/16/most-of-limericks-vacant-council-houses-unavailable-to-tenants/

 

• Planning on buying a new home in 2022? Here’s what’s coming on the market in Dublin  https://m.independent.ie/life/home-garden/homes/planning-on-buying-a-new-home-in-2022-heres-whats-coming-on-the-market-in-dublin-41264524.html

 

• €6.5m Dublin 4 home thought to be most expensive apartment sold in Ireland: Ex-pat Irish couple pay €1,882 per sq ft for penthouse at Lansdowne Place scheme  https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/6-5m-dublin-4-home-thought-to-be-most-expensive-apartment-sold-in-ireland-1.4782347

 

• House prices in Wexford expected to rise by 5% this year https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/news/house-prices-in-wexford-expected-to-rise-by-5-this-year-41249588.html

 

• Reliefs can knock large sum off capital gains tax bill on selling property: Q&A: Gifting rented property to children will not provide a solution on tax grounds https://www.irishtimes.com/business/personal-finance/reliefs-can-knock-large-sum-off-capital-gains-tax-bill-on-selling-property-1.4778630

 

• Home insurance: What you need to know to cover all bases; ‘Go over your paperwork and relate it to not only your own situation but the current property and construction market’  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandoutdoors/arid-40790688.html

 

• Space to unwind: Elegant Drumcondra redbrick with four floors to explore for €1.1m: Arranmore House currently operates as a B&B, but could make a comfortable family home.  https://www.thejournal.ie/arranmore-house-5657758-Jan2022/

 

• Sports clubs in Clane plan to raise funds of up to €1m from raffle for €400k home  https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/724041/sports-clubs-in-clane-plan-to-raise-funds-of-up-to-1m-from-raffle-for-400k-home.html

 

• New properties on the market in Co Kildare, Co Cork and Dublin: Grainne Rothery’s pick of the properties available to buy in Ireland this week https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/new-properties-on-the-market-in-co-kildare-co-cork-and-dublin-mdv3nd9fl

 

• Why Farrow & Ball’s Elephant’s Breath is still a smart paint colour choice: The hot hue that sparked a greige revolution in our homes has returned as the shade of contentment https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/why-farrow-amp-balls-elephants-breath-is-still-a-smart-paint-colour-choice-786v9qznc (pictured 

 

 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

 

• Industry optimistic on outlook for commercial property market: Industrial, logistics and hotel sectors are highlighted as offering opportunities for homegrown and international investors https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/industry-optimistic-on-outlook-for-commercial-property-market-dbef644a

 

• CBRE predicts return to pre-pandemic investment levels in Irish real estate: Outlook 2022 report cites growth in demand for alternative investments and premium for ‘green’ assets https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/cbre-predicts-return-to-pre-pandemic-investment-levels-in-irish-real-estate-1.4778739

 

• BNPPRE looks at the year ahead for the commercial property market: BNP Paribas Real Estate Ireland’s outlook report for commercial real estate in 2022 predicts continued growth and opportunities for investors https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/bnppre-looks-at-the-year-ahead-for-the-commercial-property-market-d290ba19

 

• Landmark Temple House hits the market in Blackrock for €9.75m: Sale of south Dublin office block offers buyer initial yield of 8.58% https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/landmark-temple-house-hits-the-market-in-blackrock-for-9-75m-1.4778495

 

• TikTok in talks on office space for 2,500 additional workers in Dublin: Social media giant in negotiations for two new buildings in city’s south docklands https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/tiktok-in-talks-on-office-space-for-2-500-additional-workers-in-dublin-1.4780682 (pictured)

 

• M7 Real Estate acquires south Dublin offices for €15m: Investor completes purchase of Nutley and AIG buildings at Merrion Shopping Centre  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/m7-real-estate-acquires-south-dublin-offices-for-15m-1.4779802

 

• Grafter offers luxury office space with perks included: Founder and chief executive Emma Kennedy days the company is dedicated to ‘bringing the life back into business’ as well as offering members leisure and hospitality perks https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/grafter-offers-luxury-office-space-with-perks-included-44143893

 

• Penneys to open bigger shop in Dundrum Town Centre: Retailer to spend almost €15m on new store – second and third floors of former House of Fraser https://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/penneys-to-open-bigger-shop-in-dundrum-town-centre-1.4778904

 

• Aldi to open a new store at The Crossings in Adamstown: Store forms part of €500m investment by developer Quintain https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/aldi-to-open-a-new-store-at-the-crossings-in-adamstown-1.4778504

 

• Brothers’ dispute over sale of Dublin hotel goes to Commercial Court  https://m.independent.ie/business/brothers-dispute-over-sale-of-dublin-hotel-goes-to-commercial-court-41249756.html

 

• The Central Bar And B&B Of Clifden, Co. Galway, Hits The Market  https://www.hospitalityireland.com/amp/hotel/the-central-bar-and-bb-of-clifden-co-galway-hits-the-market-160001

 

• Questions raised about future of former tourist office building in Limerick  https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/questions-raised-about-future-of-former-tourist-office-building-in-limerick/

 

• Dolphin liquidator in legal action against directors https://m.independent.ie/business/dolphin-liquidator-in-legal-action-against-directors-41264231.html

 

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

• UK House Prices – Latest News https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/personal-finance/2022/01/17/house-prices-updates/?amp=1 

 

• Average UK first-time buyer is now older than 30, says Halifax https://www.theguardian.com/money/2022/jan/22/average-uk-first-time-buyer-is-now-older-than-30-says-halifax

 

• Intel selects Ohio for ‘largest silicon manufacturing location on the planet’: Intel will spend at least $20 billion on new manufacturing hub near Columbus https://www.theverge.com/2022/1/21/22894612/intel-ohio-chip-plant-20-billion-processor-shortage (pictured) 

 

• Microsoft shares updates on its $750M affordable housing effort as homelessness crisis continues  https://www.geekwire.com/2022/microsoft-shares-updates-on-its-750m-affordable-housing-effort-as-homelessness-crisis-continues/

 

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/