Before we get stuck into the general property news of the week, below are a few local and international stories that might be of particular interest:
- Make what you will of the Ronan Group’s latest half-page advert across the broadsheets today (above).
- Some positive news – The VacantHomes.ie initiative by Mayo Co. Co. (now across all 31 local authorities) sees great results: Almost 300 Vacant Local Authority Homes Returned To Use. https://kfmradio.com/news/25072019-1345/almost-300-vacant-local-authority-homes-returned-use
- *Special thanks to the Apartment Owners’ Network for pointing me in the direction of Barry Lenihan’s report for Drivetime on RTE Radio 1 (with Sarah McInerney) about the tens of thousands of so-called ‘Celtic Tiger’ constructed homes with building defects, link here: https://www.rte.ie/radio/
radioplayer/html5/#/radio1/ 21592915
- Council hails ‘overwhelmingly positive’ traffic-free College Green with plan to double space this Sunday (today!) https://www.thejournal.ie/college-green-traffic-pedestrianisation-4738147-Jul2019/?amp=1 and update here: ‘There’s loads of space for people’: Can Dublin break down the barriers to pedestrianisation? https://www.thejournal.ie/college-green-pedestrianisation-dublin-city-council-4742903-Jul2019/?amp=1
- Paschal Donohoe extends Nama’s life to 2025 https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/paschal-donohoe-extends-nama-s-life-to-2025-1.3967227?mode=amp
- Ireland’s love affair with multinationals is set to change – but how can we adapt? https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/ireland-s-love-affair-with-multinationals-is-set-to-change-but-how-can-we-adapt-1.3967201?mode=amp
- What sort of prime minister will Boris Johnson be for the housing sector? https://www.insidehousing.co.uk/insight/insight/what-sort-of-prime-minister-will-boris-johnson-be-for-the-housing-sector-62373
- Rightmove hit by estate agency closures https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/rightmove-hit-by-estate-agency-closures-8nbdq6vd2
- The Guardian view on housing inequality: the young are paying | Housing | The Guardian https://amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jul/21/the-guardian-view-on-housing-inequality-the-young-are-paying
- US perspective: Seattle shows San Francisco and New York how to fix the housing crisis https://www.reddit.com/r/urbanplanning/comments/cg26bg/seattle_shows_san_francisco_and_new_york_how_to/
- The housing crisis could be solved by 3D printing and growing homes from seeds https://thespinoff.co.nz/future/22-07-2019/the-housing-crisis-could-be-solved-by-3d-printing-and-growing-homes-from-seeds/?amp
- Amazon-Realogy Partnership Ripples Across the Housing Market https://www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/articles/2019-07-23/amazon-partners-with-realogy-cnbc?__twitter_impression=true
- Are there more pros than cons to modular construction? https://archinect.com/news/article/150147433/are-there-more-pros-than-cons-to-modular-construction
- How To Solve The Affordable Housing Shortage? Winner Of Design Competition Offers A Solution https://www.forbes.com/sites/brendarichardson/2019/07/24/how-to-solve-the-affordable-housing-shortage-winner-of-design-competition-offers-a-solution/amp/
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@caroltallon.com.
(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
#PropertyMatters 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 (@iPropertyRadio). Seasoned political journalist and broadcaster, Bryan Fox, and I (Carol Tallon) team up to deliver 60 minutes of industry chat with guests from the areas of planning, construction, property and proptech. Produced by Katie Tallon of Hear Me Roar Media.
Joining us in studio to talk all things proptech, contech, project management tools, social change and placemaking:
- Houssem Jerbi: Founder of of SmartPMO
- Niamh McKenna: Co-Founder of ChangeX
- Neasa Ni Bhriain: Creative Director of A Playful City
- Ciaran Brennan-Commercial Director at LiveCosts
Listen back to the most episode here: https://anchor.fm/ipropertyradio/episodes/Property-Matters–July-23rd–2019-e4o0u7
*Listen back to all #PropertyMatters episodes here: https://anchor.fm/ipropertyradio
Email the Property Matters team at hello@iPropertyRadio.com
PLACEMAKING
Public Consultation and Community Engagement
- Thanks to Rosin Murphy for finding/sharing this public consultation and community engagement gem from the 1980’s (postcard above)!
- With hotels and student accommodation being built on every corner of #Dublin are we in danger of losing the heart of the city and the people that make it so vibrant and unique?
Part of Docland, a new online short-form documentary strand presented by RTÉ Documentaries: https://www.rte.ie/player/movie/cranes-vs-creatives/107065896290
- Nama puts building blocks in place at D4 glass bottle site https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/nama-puts-building-blocks-in-place-at-d4-glass-bottle-site-1.3967514?mode=amp
- Planning is rife with conflict, so this startup built a ‘virtual town hall’ to settle disputes https://www.thejournal.ie/placeengage-planning-2-4730486-Jul2019/
- Green light for apartments and housing proposal next door to Pat Kenny’s home https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/green-light-for-apartments-and-housing-proposal-next-door-to-pat-kennys-home-938602.html . Niamh Horan has an interview with Pat Kenny on page 3 of the Sunday Independent and, it is fair to say, it is an angry interview. The broadcaster refers to the application as being “a bit like co-living” (which it categorically is not) and “a greedy application”. He rejects the accusation that his objection is based on NIMBY-ism (not in my back yard). One of the pulled quotes from the interview reads “Developers do what developers do. Why does a fox kill chickens”. This is pretty unhelpful rhetoric coming from a respected national broadcaster at this time of a national housing crisis and it sums up the reputational bias that contemporary developers and placemakers have to overcome.
- Calls for bodies with planning powers to validate identities of those objecting to planning applications | Radio Kerry https://www.radiokerry.ie/calls-kerry-county-council-validate-identities-objecting-planning-applications/
- Parnell Square cultural quarter plans collapse after costs soar https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/parnell-square-cultural-quarter-plans-collapse-after-costs-soar-1.3967648?mode=amp
- Demolition takes Dublin close to point of no return https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/una-mullally-demolition-takes-dublin-close-to-point-of-no-return-1.3963011?mode=amp
- Plan for College Green plaza to be ready by end of year https://www.rte.ie/amp/1064382/
- Planning granted on housing scheme – Tipp FM https://tippfm.com/news/planning-granted-housing-scheme/
- Limerick Council identifies seven housing sites for scheme https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/433396/limerick-council-identifies-seven-housing-sites-for-scheme.html
- Cork docklands plan getting slammed by campaigners | PLACEengage #publicconsultation #communityengagement https://placeengage.com/cork-docklands-plan-getting-slammed-by-campaigners/
- Dublin’s northside to get four new playgrounds next year https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/dublin-northside-playground-construction-2020-16647638.amp #placemaking
- Trackless trams proposed as cheaper alternative to light rail in Cork https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/Trackless-trams-proposed-as-cheaper-alternative-to-light-rail-in-Cork-4238d1ff-f476-432f-a433-392ad5b68562-ds
- Review finds local authorities biggest obstacles for Traveller housing https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/review-finds-local-authorities-biggest-obstacles-for-traveller-housing-939036.html
- The health advantages of green spaces in urban areas https://www-irishtimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.irishtimes.com/news/science/the-health-advantages-of-green-spaces-in-urban-areas-1.3954054?mode=amp
*PLACEengage: The future of speedy, successful placemaking for property developers is here – Property developers and project owners ready Public Consultation are encouraged to contact the PLACEengage team for full details*
OTHER PROPERTY NEWS
- In the Sunday Independent today (a follow on piece from last week), Philip Ryan reports that ‘Housing charity regulator will have right to raid offices’. This report refers to the powers of the newly-created Approved Housing Body Regulator (AHBR), this office is due to be in place before the end of the year.
- The same journalist also reports that the ‘New land agency could lose powers over EU rules fear: Attorney General’s warning about powerful new State body’. He writes: “The Land Development Agency (LDA) was intended to have sweeping compulsory purchase powers to buy land banks” but these powers might need to be “watered down” if they are found to be in breach of EU competition rules.
- In the business section of The Sunday Times today, Brian Carey reports that BlackRock Real Assets (partnered with Michael O’Flynn) looks “close to selling the biggest private student accommodation block in Ireland” – Point Village in Dublin’s docklands.
- The same journalist reports that Pollen Street Capital is “exploring a number of options for non-bank lender Castlehaven Finance, including a possible sale of the business or its loan book”.
- Also in The Sunday Times, Marlet looks set to reapply for planning 530+ homes close to St. Anne’s Park in Raheny.
- It appears that planners are not onboard with Johnny Ronan seeking a more novel way around the new Airbnb rules by trying to turn his ‘magical embassy villa’ into a live/work development, according to The Sunday Business Post.
- Also in the SBP, bank lending to the building sector is down 77% over the past eight years, “international capital has largely replaced domestic bank funding in sector as a whole”.
- Michael Brennan reports in the SBP today that ‘Carbon footprint test coming for new housing developments’. New guidelines – that will be legally binding – are being drawn up by Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy and are due to be published in the autumn.
- Permanent TSB hints of interest rate cut – Independent.ie https://amp.independent.ie/business/permanent-tsb-hints-of-interest-rate-cut-38345761.html This is also the lead story in the business section of The Sunday Tmes today. (UK perspective on this: ECB opens door to interest rate cut as outlook gets ‘worse and worse’ https://news.sky.com/story/amp/ecb-opens-door-to-rate-cut-as-outlook-darkens-11770351)
- Mortgage activity ‘returning to 2008 levels’ as draw-down figures at highest level in 10 years https://www.thejournal.ie/mortgage-activity-2019-banking-payments-federation-ireland-4736742-Jul2019/?amp=1
- Fifth of all mortgages in 2018 availed of rule exemptions, study finds https://www.irishtimes.com/business/financial-services/fifth-of-all-mortgages-in-2018-availed-of-rule-exemptions-study-finds-1.3968337?mode=amp
- Taoiseach raises prospect of changes to rules on mortgage lending https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/taoiseach-raises-prospect-of-changes-to-rules-on-mortgage-lending-1.3968813?mode=amp
- New ‘boutique’ housing developments to be built in three parts of South Dublin https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/dream-homes-dublin-ireland-new-16643256.amp
- #Househunting in Dublin?
‘A home for less than €300k in Dublin? Here’s 30 to get you started’ https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/a-home-for-less-than-300k-in-dublin-here-s-30-to-get-you-started-1.3967080?mode=amp
- Rents are driven up as shift from home ownership risks pension timebomb – Independent.ie https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/rents-are-driven-up-as-shift-from-home-ownership-risks-pension-timebomb-38341150.html
- Plans shelved to build social housing without permission https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/plans-shelved-to-build-social-housing-without-permission-1.3962997?mode=amp
- Bank of Ireland accused of ‘marketing gimmick’ on new deal – Independent.ie https://amp.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/bank-of-ireland-accused-of-marketing-gimmick-on-new-deal-38333100.html
- Remedial work begins on ‘poor quality’ council homes with mould issues in south Dublin https://www.thejournal.ie/balgaddy-remedial-work-4736421-Jul2019/
- Housing body buys 84 units off Citywest http://www.echo.ie/tallaght/article/housing-body-buys-84-units-off-citywest
- Tenancies board apologises for mishandling of tenants’ case https://amp.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/tenancies-board-apologises-for-mishandling-of-tenants-case-939265.html
- Developers team up for new 132-bedroom #coliving building in Dublin city centre – with rooftop communal garden and gym https://www.thesun.ie/news/4368928/developers-coliving-dublin-communal-garden/amp
- German bank sees ‘generation rent’ fuelling Ires, Glenveagh shares https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/german-bank-sees-generation-rent-fuelling-ires-glenveagh-shares-1.3963731?mode=amp
- Ronan looking again to add floors to Dublin docklands tower https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/ronan-looking-again-to-add-floors-to-dublin-docklands-tower-1.3968389?mode=amp
- Oxley closes €154.6m Dublin Landings deal https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/oxley-closes-154-6m-dublin-landings-deal-1.3965852?mode=amp
- Private equity company completes €222m acquisition of Heuston South Quarter https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/private-equity-company-completes-222m-acquisition-of-heuston-south-quarter-1.3964686?mode=amp
- Tristan Capital buys two development sites for rental market for €54.5m https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/tristan-capital-buys-two-development-sites-for-rental-market-for-54-5m-1.3963790?mode=amp
- Dublin’s Central Hotel acquired by Deutsche Finance https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/dublin-s-central-hotel-acquired-by-deutsche-finance-1.3963686?mode=amp
- Kevin Lagan snaps up northern timber frame firm | Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2019/07/25/kevin-lagan-snaps-up-timber-frame-firm/
- UK perspective: Construction equipment mechanic trailblazer apprenticeship approved https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/construction-equipment-mechanic-trailblazer-apprenticeship-approved
THE AGILE AGENT
GETTING IRELAND’S PROPERTY MARKETPLACE DIGITAL BY DEFAULT
The Agile Agent is a 12-month digital transformation programme for independent Irish estate agents and auctioneers, which runs from September – August. This programme will be delivered by a multi-disciplinary Irish and UK team and will go beyond proptech adoption to help agents get their industry digital by default.
Q3. March – May 2019 Agile Agent check-in now available HERE:
To get involved and for free Proptech Prompts, please
*SIGN UP HERE *
PROPTECH AND CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION
- From smart design and planning right through to the smart property transaction, where does your Irish-led or Ireland-based #proptech 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 *
- Estate agents are not embracing online marketing tools – PropertyWire https://www.propertywire.com/news/uk/estate-agents-are-not-embracing-online-marketing-tools/
- The Israeli startups taking NYC property-tech by storm | ISRAEL21c https://www.israel21c.org/the-israeli-startups-taking-nyc-property-tech-by-storm/
- Will the Complexity of Investing in Real Estate Technology Finally Bring the Industry Together? | Propmodo https://www.propmodo.com/will-the-complexity-of-investing-in-real-estate-technology-finally-bring-the-industry-together/
- UK government is beginning to take PropTech seriously
https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2019/7/proptech-today-uk-government-is-beginning-to-take-proptech-seriously?source=newsticker
- The Dawn Of Proptech Is The New Beginning For Obsolete Real Estate Agencies In Canada
http://m.digitaljournal.com/pr/4392384
- Former Vornado Head Mitchell Schear Joins PropTech Venture Capital Firm https://www.bisnow.com/washington-dc/news/technology/former-vornado-exec-mitchell-schear-joins-proptech-venture-capital-firm-100051#ath
- 3 Things You Need to Know About PropTech Today – RealtyBizNews: Real Estate News https://realtybiznews.com/3-things-you-need-to-know-about-proptech-today/98755103/
- Bringing Today’s Renters Closer Together, Literally | Propmodo https://www.propmodo.com/bringing-todays-renters-closer-together-literally/
- GXN explores mobile 3D printing as future of construction https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/gxn-explores-mobile-3d-printing-as-future-of-construction-159049/
- New portal snaps up early PropTech listings site Nethouseprices https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2019/7/new-portal-expands-by-acquiring-early-proptech-site-nethouseprices
- How #Blockchain Will Change Construction https://hbr.org/2019/07/how-blockchain-will-change-construction
NEW 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 will now appear as part of The Property Insider series, published by Oak Tree Press, the first three titles are now published and available here.
From 2019, the publishers and I want to ensure the content remains topical and we are 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/