Irish property market news and insights – for the industry, by the industry
Welcome to our first Round-Up of 2021! I hope you all found a way to have a peaceful break – despite the pandemic chaos – and are ready to launch into the New Year with gusto… 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:
- Investors ride out rollercoaster year: There have been plenty of ups and downs in the pandemic-hit equity markets, but what does 2021 hold for your portfolio? https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/investors-ride-out-rollercoaster-year-jbk59gmjd
- ‘Cinderella’ assets like social housing and warehouses could lead to fairytale recovery in 2021 https://amp-independent-ie.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/cinderella-assets-like-social-housing-and-warehouses-could-lead-to-fairytale-recovery-in-2021-39922448.html
- Profits more than double at Fallons’ Daft group https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1187137/
- Irish is the fastest growing language on Duolingo https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/education/irish-fastest-growing-language-duolingo
- Design – urban planning – placemaking – carbon literacy – sustainability+: ‘21 trends for 2021 | Consumer trends and business opportunities’ https://info.trendwatching.com/21-trends-for-2021
- The 10 Most Impressive Buildings in Dublin https://theculturetrip.com/europe/ireland/articles/the-5-most-impressive-buildings-in-dublin/
- Dezeen’s top 10 talks and panel discussions of 2020 https://www.dezeen.com/2020/12/28/dezeens-top-10-talks-panel-discussions-2020/
- Twelve buildings to look forward to in 2021 https://www.dezeen.com/2021/01/02/top-buildings-complete-2021-dezeen-review-2020/
- Teens called on to design ‘home for everyone’ in construction competition – Winners will have the option of taking a Construction Industry Federation scholarship or access to its apprenticeship programme. https://www.thejournal.ie/teen-competition-construction-5304250-Jan2021/?amp=1
If you missed last week’s round-up, you can catch up here: https://propertydistrict.ie/category/sunday-property-review/
As always, you might let me know if I have missed out on any relevant property news by emailing carol@propertydistrict.ie.
(Apologies in advance for any typos, it’s difficult to get good help on a Sunday. Also, I use voice to text dictation so just sound out anything that really doesn’t make sense in a strong rural accent and that should help!)
SUNDAY LISTEN
Property Matters: Ireland’s First Weekly Property Radio Show (& Podcast!):
Ireland’s first weekly property radio show, Property Matters, launched In January 2019 on Dublin South FM 93.9 and is now available internationally via iTunes and Spotify podcast (www.iPropertyRadio.com). The team delivers 60 minutes of industry chat weekly with guests from the areas of planning, construction, property and proptech.
Produced by Katie Tallon of Hear Me Roar Media.
*Listen back to all shows at: https://ipropertyradio.com/property-matters/
Email the Property Matters team at hello@iPropertyRadio.com
PLACEMAKING
PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- The good, the bad and the useless: How bike infrastructure has changed in the era of Covid https://www.thejournal.ie/bicycle-blackspots-update-5309962-Jan2021/
- Plans for City Library at Parnell Square proceed with project manager set to take up role this month https://www-thejournal-ie.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.thejournal.ie/plans-for-city-library-at-parnell-square-proceed-with-project-manager-set-to-take-up-role-in-january-5294787-Jan2021/?amp=1
- Dublin 8 house prices: Dolphin’s Barn, Inchicore, Kilmainham, Portobello and more https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/irish-property-price-guide/dublin-8-house-prices-dolphins-barn-inchicore-kilmainham-portobello-and-more-brqdv6q62
- Country’s newest technological university with campuses in Cork and Kerry established today https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40199256.html
- Homes, offices, and more: Cork’s docklands reborn https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-40198110.html
- Redeveloped Village Green in Malahide is open to the public – The Irish coastal village attracts affluent settlers and day-trippers alike https://www.themayor.eu/en/redeveloped-village-green-in-malahide-is-open-to-the-public
- A further 50 rural towns to share €2 million funding to help attract people to live in town centres – Six towns were originally selected as part of a pilot scheme to receive €100,000 to see what methods would help entice people back to town centres.https://www.thejournal.ie/town-centre-living-5276109-Dec2020/?amp=1
- KCC continuing South Kerry Greenway development planning | Radio Kerry https://www.radiokerry.ie/kcc-continuing-south-kerry-greenway-development-planning/
- Plans will ‘modernise the streets of Clonmel,’ Tipperary’s largest town https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/home/597836/plans-will-modernise-the-streets-of-clonmel-tipperary-s-largest-town.html
- New Aghoo recreational walk gets approval in Ballinamore https://www.leitrimobserver.ie/news/home/597894/new-aghoo-recreational-walk-gets-approval-in-ballinamore.html
- Transport Minister says case for extending Western Rail Corridor from Athenry to Claremorris is weak – Galway Bay FM https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/transport-minister-says-case-for-extending-western-rail-corridor-from-athenry-to-claremorris-is-weak/
- 2020 news review: Massive Kildare solar farm gets green light https://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/home/599136/2020-news-review-massive-kildare-solar-farm-gets-green-light.html
- Irish farmers treading a fine line over walkers’ claims – Plans for legislation to give landowners indemnity in injury cases dropped for being ‘too complex’ https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/irish-farmers-treading-a-fine-line-over-walkers-claims-6bg3wkllp
*PLACEengage: The future of speedy, successful placemaking for property developers is here – Property developers and project owners ready Public Consultation are encouraged to contact the PLACEengage team for full details*
CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT NEWS
- Conor O’Connell: Munster construction can rebuild if the political will allows https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-40198206.html?type=amp
- O’Brien was given four options to restrict co-living months before ban: The Minister for Housing eventually issued the de facto ban on co-living schemes on November 23 https://www.businesspost.ie/housing/obrien-was-given-four-options-to-restrict-co-living-months-before-ban-61f46725
- Noel Smyth firm pushes to deliver Dun Laoghaire development https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/ireland/noel-smyth-firm-pushes-to-deliver-dun-laoghaire-development-ffd279wkg
- Glenveagh told to pay €350k levy over ‘vacant’ site https://m.independent.ie/business/glenveagh-told-to-pay-350k-levy-over-vacant-site-39919755.html
- Publican Martin Keane alleges move by Lord Iveagh to repossess Iveagh Market is ‘illegal’ https://m.independent.ie/news/publican-martin-keane-alleges-move-by-lord-iveagh-to-repossess-iveagh-market-is-illegal-39922442.html
- Ronan Group wants meeting with O’Brien over dockland projects – The developer wants the Minister for Housing to get involved in his company’s long-running dispute with Dublin City Council https://www.businesspost.ie/housing/ronan-group-wants-meeting-with-obrien-over-dockland-projects-3adc4e68
- Contentious apartment block appealed to An Bord Pleanala: CONTENTIOUS plans for the construction of a three-storey apartment block at Carrigmore View in Aylesbury, Tallaght, have been appealed to An Bord Pleanála. https://www.echo.ie/show/article/contentious-apartment-block-appealed-to-an-bord-pleanala
- Developer Cotter downsizes ambitions for Ballyogan project – Builder requests planning change to allow for ‘more affordable’ houses in anticipation of Covid-19 recession https://www.businesspost.ie/news/developer-cotter-downsizes-ambitions-for-ballyogan-project-bf0976f9
- TCD gets permission for €9m revamp of Rubrics building: Imposing building featured in TV adaptation of Normal People https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/tcd-gets-permission-for-9m-revamp-of-rubrics-building-1.4446484?mode=amp
- House building capacity in the city 2020/2021: Local Authority plays catch-up after years of little provision https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-40197021.html
- Residents raise Covid-19 fears in appeals against controversial co-living scheme https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40197654.html
- CORK City Council has given the green light for 48 apartments to be developed at a site on the Model Farm Road. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40197699.html
- Mixed reaction to plans for former Ford site at docklands https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40197375.html
- Some housing plans welcome in Cork, others not https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40197684.html
- THE County Retail Outlet Village project has been halted by a direction from Planning Minister Peter Burke to delete a stipulation on the County Development Plan that would allow for such a development. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40197369.html
- Green light for Cork city residential development https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40197699.html
- Plans for new hotel at Cork’s Victorian Quarter put on hold https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40199250.html
- Second run made at multi-million city centre office development https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/second-run-made-at-multi-million-city-centre-office-development/
- Extension of planning permission sought for 61 houses in Oranmore https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/extension-of-planning-permission-sought-for-61-houses-in-oranmore/
- Green light for new estate with over 100 homes in Kilkenny city https://kilkennynow.ie/green-light-for-new-estate-with-over-100-homes-in-kilkenny-city/
- Laois Offaly to get new retrofitting training centres of excellence for household insulation https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/-keeplaoisinbusiness/599122/laois-offaly-to-get-new-retrofitting-training-centres-of-excellence-for-household-insulation.html
- Final planning approval for Castlestar project as appeal window closes | Westmeath Independent https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2020/12/31/final-planning-approval-for-castlestar-project-as-appeal-window-closes/
- 2020 Remembered: Developer withdraws application to build 262 new homes in Portlaoise – Laois Today https://www.laoistoday.ie/2020/12/28/2020-remembered-developer-withdraws-application-to-build-262-new-homes-in-portlaoise/
- Aperee nursing home chain expands with Waterford deal https://amp-independent-ie.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/aperee-nursing-home-chain-expands-with-waterford-deal-39819927.html
- Permission sought for 13 apartments in Tralee | Radio Kerry https://www.radiokerry.ie/permission-sought-13-apartments-tralee/
- Granny flat of singer Mary Coughlan faces demolition as An Bord Pleanála rejects appeal for planning permission https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/granny-flat-of-singer-mary-coughlan-faces-demolition-as-an-bord-pleanala-rejects-appeal-for-planning-permission-39905420.html
PROPTECH, MMC & CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION
- Proptech Ireland is updating the database of 2020 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 *
- Great to see Ireland-based proptech https://standardaccess.co/ featured among the 50 Irish start-ups to watch in 2021! https://www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/irish-startups-entrepreneurs-to-watch-2021/?_lrsc=46e5a3ef-c184-4caa-bb3c-d796fd65dd9b&utm_source=elevate&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=LinkedIn
- Six community geoheritage projects to benefit from GSI funding https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/77fce-six-community-geoheritage-projects-to-benefit-from-gsi-funding/#
- Irish Property Price Guide 2021, Dublin: agents seek wins with rising values – Ups and downs in last year’s market followed the progress of the Covid pandemic. Estate agents turned to tech to bring in viewers and builders responded to new demands from home-working buyers. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/irish-property-price-guide/irish-property-price-guide-2021-dublin-agents-seek-wins-with-rising-values-dwfvl2s0j
- Winners and Losers of Proptech in 2020 https://therealdeal.com/national/2020/12/31/proptechs-winners-and-losers-in-2020/
- 4 Major Predictions For PropTech In 2021 | AllWork.Space https://allwork.space/2020/12/4-major-predictions-for-proptech-in-2021/
- UK Proptech businesses to watch out for in 2021 – PropertyWire https://www.propertywire.com/news/uk-proptech-businesses-to-watch-out-for-in-2021/
- Estonian proptech startup Rendin raises €1.2 million to do away with security deposits – Tech.eu https://tech.eu/brief/rendin-seed-funding/
- VCs predict that ‘proptech,’ a hybrid work model, and a return to Silicon Valley are the big tech trends to watch in 2021 https://www.businessinsider.com/venture-capital-tech-trends-2021?r=US&IR=T
- 10 biggest proptech funding rounds of 2020: Investors poured nearly $2B into top real estate tech deals https://therealdeal.com/national/2020/12/24/10-biggest-proptech-funding-rounds-of-2020/
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)
- 2020 saw the worst collapse in sales of Irish property since records began… but prices rose https://extra.ie/2021/01/03/must-see/2020-saw-the-worst-collapse-in-sales-of-irish-property-since-records-began-but-prices-rose/amp
- Residential sector emerges in good shape from pandemic – Many agents say that since reopening in June, they have recorded the strongest Q3 sales in decades, while the highest price paid for a private residence was once again outside Dublin https://www.businesspost.ie/property-insight/residential-sector-emerges-in-good-shape-from-pandemic-e81a36c7
- Martin: We’re ‘not where we want to be on housing delivery’ https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40197744.html
- Coronavirus pandemic predictions for property: Planners might want to reassess their demands for high-density delivery in suburban settings given shifts in working from home https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/arid-40197063.html?type=amp
- Irish property values increased in 2020 despite Covid-19 challenges https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-40199439.html?type=amp
- More than 225k homeowners to see jump in mortgages as interest relief ends: This means some people could see their mortgage payments jump by €150 or more https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/more-225k-homeowners-see-jump-19547540
- Combined Value of Ireland’s Residential Properties Tops €536Billion in 2020 https://www.worldpropertyjournal.com/real-estate-news/ireland/dublin/ireland-real-estate-news-dublin-home-prices-in-2020-ireland-housing-data-for-2020-covid-19-impact-on-ireland-housing-market-ronan-lyons-trinity-college-dublin-12272.php
- More than half of applicants for government home loan scheme rejected https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40198065.html
- Making It Work: Finance start-up aims to make funding home loans fair | Business Post https://www.businesspost.ie/smes/making-it-work-finance-start-up-aims-to-make-funding-home-loans-fair-eac86b2b
- Landlords demand would-be tenants show ID and payslips before viewing https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/landlords-demand-would-be-tenants-show-id-and-payslips-before-viewing-39924807.html
- Dublin 18 house prices: Cabinteely, Carrickmines, Foxrock, Sandyford and more https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dublin-18-house-prices-cabinteely-carrickmines-foxrock-sandyford-and-more-zdmfqlmqf
- Dublin 3 house prices: Fairview, East Wall, North Strand, Ballybough, Marino https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/irish-property-price-guide/dublin-3-house-prices-fairview-east-wall-north-strand-ballybough-marino-lxvwxlf0p
- Limerick auctioneers become broadband experts in a resilient residential market https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/599013/limerick-auctioneers-become-broadband-experts-in-a-resilient-residential-market.html
- New houses in Kerry few and far between says auctioneer | Radio Kerry https://www.radiokerry.ie/new-houses-kerry-far-says-auctioneer/
- 6 interior trends set to be big in 2021 https://www.breakingnews.ie/lifestyle/6-interior-trends-set-to-be-big-in-2021-1057583.html
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS
- Developer warns pandemic will not spell the end of Irish office: Michael O’Flynn says reports of the demise of the office are wildly exaggerated. https://amp.independent.ie/business/in-the-workplace/developer-warns-pandemic-will-not-spell-the-end-of-irish-office-39905730.html
- An Post will start fit-out of new HQ early in 2021 https://amp-independent-ie.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/an-post-will-start-fit-out-of-new-hq-early-in-2021-39908563.html
- Liquidators line up sale of former Quinn properties: Pandemic hit may reduce State recovery from wind-up of IBRC https://amp-independent-ie.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.independent.ie/business/irish/liquidators-line-up-sale-of-former-quinn-properties-39922434.html
- Latest Covid restrictions ‘a hammer blow’ to retailers https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2020/1230/1187026-latest-covid-restrictions-a-hammer-blow-to-retailers/
- His home is his castle: Covid won’t kill off Irish castle hotels, says a family that owns four – 2021 could be ‘bumper, bumper’ year for castle getaways if pandemic recedes https://amp.independent.ie/life/travel/staycations/his-home-is-his-castle-covid-wont-kill-off-irish-castle-hotels-says-a-family-that-owns-four-39915083.html
INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS
- How co-living communities will replace our empty offices – In 2021 we will increasingly work and socialise in connected local communities https://www.wired.co.uk/article/co-working-community
- Slow Deals and Shifting Terms Create Quicksand for Commercial Brokers | Propmodo https://www.propmodo.com/slow-deals-and-shifting-terms-create-quicksand-for-commercial-brokers/
- 15 of the world’s most expensive houses that went up for sale in 2020 – realestate.com.au https://www.realestate.com.au/news/15-of-the-worlds-most-expensive-houses-that-went-up-for-sale-in-2020/
- World’s loneliest house: Home on island near Iceland is one of most isolated properties in the globe – realestate.com.au https://www.realestate.com.au/news/worlds-loneliest-house-home-on-island-near-iceland-is-one-of-most-isolated-properties-in-the-globe/
- Fantastical mansion sale to include triceratops head and a flying giraffe – The ‘coolest house in Britain’ is like a museum crossed with the Chronicles of Narnia https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/fine-art-antiques/fantastical-mansion-sale-to-include-triceratops-head-and-a-flying-giraffe-1.4440557?mode=amp
FACEBOOK GROUP FOR IRISH PROPERTY BUYERS & INVESTORS
Crowd-sourcing answers topical property questions:
Irish Property Buyers Handbook annuals
As many of you might know, my annual property book The Irish Property Buyers’ Handbook (since 2011) was rebranded in 2018 and now appears as part of The Property Insider series, published by Oak Tree Press, the first three titles are now published and available here: https://www.amazon.com/Carol-Tallon/
From 2020, the publishers and I wanted to ensure the content remains topical and we are now doing this by crowd-sourcing home buyer and investor queries, with crowd-sourced and editorial team answers.
Join the Facebook Group here to contribute: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IrishPropertyBuyers/