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: 

 

• Ireland’s Development Boom Shrugs Off Inflation And War  https://www.bisnow.com/dublin/news/construction-development/commercial-real-estate-demand-keeps-irelands-construction-boom-on-track-112225

 

• David McWilliams: To gain from global power shift Ireland must get its housing in order: Most stubborn contributor to cost of living has nothing to do with Putin or sanctions https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/david-mcwilliams-to-gain-from-global-power-shift-ireland-must-get-its-housing-in-order-1.4830289

 

• The impact of social housing on population in Ireland since 1911 | VOX, CEPR Policy Portal https://voxeu.org/article/impact-social-housing-population-ireland-1911

 

• Government could mandate use of holiday homes for refugees: Around 5,500 Ukrainian refugees have been welcomed in Ireland so far https://www.newstalk.com/news/government-could-mandate-use-of-holiday-homes-for-refugees-1321606

 

• Michael Lynn trial hears how bank’s approval limits changed during Celtic Tiger  https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/business/michael-lynn-trial-hears-how-banks-approval-limits-changed-during-celtic-tiger-1273934.html

 

• Irish SMEs not doing enough to protect customer data, report finds: Research shows pandemic has accelerated Ireland’s move towards cashless society https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/irish-smes-not-doing-enough-to-protect-customer-data-report-finds-1.4826763

 

• This article could equally apply to solicitors or engineers, but it is accurate: The traditional model of architecture education does not equip us to practice. It breeds academics, thinkers, researchers, writers, designers, visionaries but not business people.  https://www.archdaily.com/978740/if-as-an-architect-you-dont-know-about-business-you-are-out

 

• Cramping my style: street art that highlights London living conditions – in pictures https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2022/mar/12/cramping-my-style-street-art-that-highlights-london-living-conditions-in-pictures (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.

Produced by Hear Me Roar Media

In the Proptech Hot Seat this week are Marcus Ginn and James Shaw of edozo. Topics covered include the evolution of Edozo, from bootstrapped startup to scaling company exploring markets outside the UK, and adding real value to real clients.

Watch back: https://youtu.be/VchamXR7GGA 

 

 

👉 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

• Planning needs more public input, new RIAI president says: Strategic Housing Development scheme a ‘knee-jerk reaction’ to accommodation crisis https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/planning-needs-more-public-input-new-riai-president-says-1.4825872

 

• Block on development in parts of Dalkey and Killiney set to be reviewed: Move may ultimately require intervention by Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/block-on-development-in-parts-of-dalkey-and-killiney-set-to-be-reviewed-1.4826825

 

• Plans for long-term public access to Cabinteely dolmen under discussion: Neolithic portal tomb surrounded by development land is comparable to Poulnabrone  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/plans-for-long-term-public-access-to-cabinteely-dolmen-under-discussion-1.4825835

 

• Competition to re-imagine Cork City sees winning entry give Kent Station a dramatic make-over: The call went out for big, bold and sustainable ideas for Cork City – and that’s what they got https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/competition-re-imagine-cork-city-23403545

 

• Team of architects to tackle a new Georgian Quarter in North Cork town: €360,000 in funding is to go towards public realm improvements in the town centre https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/team-architects-tackle-new-georgian-23404861

 

• Engineers’ vision for Cork over the next 80 years  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-40831760.html

 

• Public urged to engage with survey on future of Headford https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/public-urged-to-engage-with-survey-on-future-of-headford/

 

• Garbally House ‘could be the Galway answer to Westport House’  https://connachttribune.ie/garbally-house-could-be-the-galway-answer-to-westport-house/amp/

 

• Environmentally unfriendly wind farm to be dismantled  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/environmentally-unfriendly-wind-farm-to-be-dismantled-djmlhh5bt

 

• Limerick is “lagging behind” compared to Galway and Cork  https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/limerick-is-lagging-behind-compared-to-galway-and-cork/

 

• Applications open for ‘affordable homes’ in Limerick town under new government-backed scheme  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/local-news/768000/applications-open-for-affordable-homes-in-limerick-town-under-new-government-backed-scheme.html

 

• People living in Mungret, Dooradoyle and Raheen have until the end of the month to have their say on whether the area needs a new community centre.  https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/people-in-three-limerick-communities-asked-if-their-area-needs-new-community-centre/

 

• Companies invited to build a beach resort in land-locked Laois  https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/local-news/768825/laois-s-first-beach-resort-goes-to-tender.html

 

• Meet the new islanders: Following decades of decline, a campaign to lure the diaspora back home has completely changed the fate of Arranmore. We head to the island to meet some of the people who answered the Donegal island’s call https://m.independent.ie/life/meet-the-new-islanders-the-only-thing-i-miss-is-being-able-to-pop-to-the-shop-at-9pm-for-milk-other-than-that-its-great-41454303.html

 

• Next City and the High Line are proud to announce the release of “The Future of Monumentality,” a curated ebook that shows us what truly equitable and inclusive public spaces look like. https://nextcity.org/ebooks/the-future-of-monumentality-a-next-city-ebook

 

 

 

 

*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

• Wage rises likely to add to construction cost pressures:  Labour costs could be on course to rise in the construction industry as some firms in the sector report difficulties in recruiting staff. https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/0314/1286200-wage-rises-likely-to-add-to-construction-cost-pressures/

 

• Housing targets at risk as developers cite lack of zoned and serviced land: The low level of homes in the pipeline has raised concerns over the state’s target to promote the construction of between 300,000 and 400,000 homes over the next decade to address the acute shortage of accommodation.  https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/housing-targets-at-risk-as-developers-cite-lack-of-zoned-and-serviced-land-09d1c3a0 (pictured)

 

• Viability of student housing under threat despite escalating demand: The supply of new units was being held up by increasing construction costs, labour shortages and judicial reviews of planning decisions. https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/viability-of-student-housing-under-threat-despite-escalating-demand-says-study-41463572.html

 

• Government expects to pay €109m before MetroLink build even begins  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40831892.html

 

• Ronan group seeks six months’ grace as receiver appointed: RGRE looks to refinance €142m worth of loans linked to portfolio of 12 properties https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/ronan-group-seeks-six-months-grace-as-receiver-appointed-1.4826838

 

• Also, Court to rule on row over Harry Clarke windows in Bewley’s Cafe: Developer Johnny Ronan firm, RGRE, in dispute with Bewleys Cafe Grafton Street and Bewleys Ltd https://www.irishtimes.com/business/agribusiness-and-food/court-to-rule-on-row-over-harry-clarke-windows-in-bewley-s-cafe-1.4828955

 

• Brand new 106 bed luxury hotel for Dublin’s Docklands given green light: It will be one of only three hotels in the north Docklands area which is home to such blue-chip business as Central Bank, Google, Facebook, Yahoo and Version https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/brand-new-106-bed-luxury-23388571

 

• Nuns sold Donnybrook convent in deal that put ‘conservative’ €20m valuation on site: Muckross Park House site is next to and shares entrance with Muckross Park College  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/nuns-sold-donnybrook-convent-in-deal-that-put-conservative-20m-valuation-on-site-1.4830522

 

• Frascati Centre apartments and Kilkenny development get permission: Blackrock residents argued Frascati scheme would mean ‘life-changing’ privacy loss https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/frascati-centre-apartments-and-kilkenny-development-get-permission-1.4828744

 

• Zoning decisions could deliver 20,000 homes across Cork City: Land next to an unsafe Traveller halting site has been rezoned for housing as part of a plan to tackle living conditions there https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40829798.html

 

• Objections stall plans for port investment at former IFI site in Cork Harbour  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40830116.html

 

• Four-storey Cork City apartment block refused as BnB and Direct Provision building owners object: The height of the planned apartment building and a lack of parking facilities were brought up as local residents and businesses objected https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/four-storey-cork-city-apartment-23387785

 

• Appeals board rejects €70m build-to-rent apartment scheme for Cork: Distillery Quarter proposal lodged by Eichsfeld’s Frank Sheahan snr and Joseph Carey https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/appeals-board-rejects-70m-build-to-rent-apartment-scheme-for-cork-1.4827920

 

• New €8m brewery and distillery for Kinsale: The development will comprise a brewery, distillery, visitor experience, and bar and will create 15 new jobs in the company. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40828808.html.   (Pictured)

 

• Residents fail to block extension of north Cork quarry where blasting will be used: It is estimated 70,000 tonnes of material will be extracted each year from the quarry, which could rise to 150,000 tonnes annually subject to market demand  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40830911.html

 

• Developer appeals rejection of city centre hotel plans  https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/developer-appeals-rejection-of-city-centre-hotel-plans/

 

• Ireland to get €12bn Intel investment, but not new European fabrication plants  https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/0315/1286548-intel-investment/

 

• New defects found in Laois housing estate built nearly 20 years ago causes anger: Council called on to be more “rigid and strict” with builders  https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/property/764575/new-defects-found-in-laois-housing-estate-built-nearly-20-years-ago-causes-anger.html

 

• Work continuing on 167 new homes near Kill village in Kildare  https://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/home/767174/work-continuing-on-167-new-homes-near-kill-village-in-kildare.html

 

• Naas town centre site with approval for 20 homes seeks €1.5m: Planning permission provides for 12 houses and block of eight apartments on Main Street https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/naas-town-centre-site-with-approval-for-20-homes-seeks-1-5m-1.4824339

 

• Mixed-use site on Bray’s main street on sale for €1.5 million:The site at 22-24 Main Street in the Co Wicklow town extends to about 0.3 acres, comes with a number of storage units and outbuildings, and has full planning permission for six large townhouses https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/mixed-use-site-on-brays-main-street-on-sale-for-eur15-million-a53833d7

 

• Lidl goes large on land, sites and partners search: €100m spend in Cork as part of Lidl’s €550m expansion plan to 2024  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-40830848.html

 

• PLANS by Lidl Ireland to develop a €20 million new store and mixed use development in Ennis “represents a significant threat to the vitality and viability of the town centre and should not be permitted,”   https://clarechampion.ie/lidl-plans-labelled-a-threat-to-town-centre/

 

• Roadbridge workers face delay in accessing income supports: Staff told they should not apply to Department of Social Protection or seek employment for 30 days as it may affect their redundancy entitlements https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/roadbridge-workers-face-delay-in-accessing-income-supports-1.4826899

 

• ‘Communication of ideas helps people see the need for and the logic of a change’: Richard Warner, head of strategy and performance Ireland & Europe at John Sisk & Son https://www.irishtimes.com/advertising-feature/ucd-smurfit-school/communication-of-ideas-helps-people-see-the-need-for-and-the-logic-of-a-change-1.4823759?mode=amp

 

• Probate Office: Mr Cosgrave, one of Ireland’s biggest housebuilders — through family companies owned with his brothers — died suddenly last month at the age of just 62. https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/news/dublin-builder-joe-cosgrave-leaves-71m-fortune-41467138.html

 

• CRH seen with €10.9bn ‘war chest’ after latest unit sale: Disposal of North American glass unit due to complete shortly  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/crh-seen-with-10-9bn-war-chest-after-latest-unit-sale-1.4828639

 

• Funds sell over €30m worth of Glenveagh shares as other shareholders up stakes: Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund has boosted its stake in the listed Irish homebuilder, while a London hedge fund has reduced its holding  https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/funds-sell-over-eur30m-worth-of-glenveagh-shares-as-other-shareholders-up-stakes-73e3f3c4

 

• Is it a window or is it art? Johnny Ronan court case over Bewley’s Clarke windows inspires colourful sparring: The dispute, which has played out in the High Court in Dublin over the past two weeks, centres on the ownership of the six stained glass windows made by Clarke in the 1920s  https://www.businesspost.ie/legal/is-it-a-window-or-is-it-art-johnny-ronan-court-case-over-bewleys-clarke-windows-inspires-colourful-sparring-fac23c30

 

• SIPTU secures payments for workers made redundant by Roadbridge receivership  https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/0316/1286860-siptu-secures-payments-for-roadbridge-workers/

 

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: *https://prop-tech.ie/register/ * and email product or service details to hello@prop-tech.ie.

 

• Proptech Ireland: The Business Case for Healthy Buildings https://prop-tech.ie/proptech-ireland-the-business-case-for-healthy-buildings/

 

• Founders — here’s everything you need to know about term sheets: Mountside Ventures surveyed more than 200 investors to find out what founders can expect to see https://sifted.eu/articles/founders-vc-standard-term-sheet/

 

• Has your proptech product or service excelled in what has been an extremely challenging year for the property sector? *Nominations for the National Property Awards 2022 are now open!* The Proptech Award, sponsored by Proptech Ireland, aims to reward industry innovation and impact. Apply now  👉https://www.nationalpropertyawards.ie/proptech-nomination-category-criteria/

 

• Real estate is one of the largest asset classes in the world ($225 trillion+) but historically slow to adapt to new technologies due to its capital intensity and illiquidity, the longevity of assets, stakeholders, and disjointed workflows… Enter #proptech https://www.forbes.com/sites/columbiabusinessschool/2022/03/15/real-estate-in-the-digital-age/

 

• The term ‘proptech’ will become so embedded in the real estate culture and processes that it won’t even be necessary for us to use it. Embedding tech will become a mindset—a given that no building can be planned, leased or managed without it https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/03/16/why-the-term-proptech-will-disappear/

 

• The Impact Of PropTech And Digital Transformation In Multifamily Real Estate https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/03/16/the-impact-of-proptech-and-digital-transformation-in-multifamily-real-estate/

 

• The real money is in real estate: That looks true of proptech too, as global and European venture funding floods into startups helping investors and managers make data-driven decisions and giving consumers access to digital mortgages and investment platforms https://sifted.eu/articles/proptech-players-trends-sector/

 

• PropTech VCs and CEOs Mostly Bullish on 2022: MetaProp’s year-end 2021 confidence check index finds record-high investor and strong founder enthusiasm in the face of inflation  https://commercialobserver.com/2022/03/proptech-vc-confidence-2022/ Also: M&A will define proptech landscape in 2022: MetaProp survey: After wave of IPO and SPAC hype, proptech investors expect strategic combinations to define sector https://therealdeal.com/national/2022/03/18/ma-will-define-proptech-landscape-in-2022-metaprop-survey/ 

 

• Matter smart home standard delayed until fall 2022: The latest setback is due to ‘unprecedented interest’ says the CSA https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/17/22982166/matter-smart-home-standard-postponed-fall-2022

 

• Property platform launches photo service that checks images for GDPR compliance: FocalAgent’s new PropertyBox tech is designed to offer smaller agents the ability to upgrade images and blur out any sensitive information  https://thenegotiator.co.uk/property-platform-launches-photo-service-that-checks-images-for-gdpr-compliance/

 

• Half of all house hunters now use virtual tours, new poll reveals: Research reveals that property portals remain the main way for 75% of house hunters to find their next home. https://thenegotiator.co.uk/half-of-all-house-hunters-now-use-virtual-tours-new-poll-reveals/

 

• What Industrious’ New Mobile App Says About The Future Of Proptech – Allwork.Space https://allwork.space/2022/03/what-industrious-new-mobile-app-says-about-the-future-of-proptech/ (pictured) 

 

• Why climate-tech is the new proptech  | Property Week https://www.propertyweek.com/insight/why-climate-tech-is-the-new-proptech/5119419.article

 

• VC Money Continues to Pour into Proptech Investments: It’s a race to fund the eventual winners, but that could mean a lot of green going down the tubes… https://www.globest.com/2022/03/11/vc-money-continues-to-pour-into-proptech-investments/

 

• JLL’s New Proptech Tool Aims To Optimize The Valuation Process – Allwork.Space https://allwork.space/2022/03/jlls-new-proptech-tool-aims-to-optimize-the-valuation-process/

 

• Proptech Greets Another Unicorn With Roofstock’s $240 Million Series E Fundraise  https://www.forbes.com/sites/amydobson/2022/03/11/proptech-greets-another-unicorn-with-roofstocks-additional-240m-series-e/

 

• Infrastructure bill could promote lean construction via data capture – Versatile: a construction technology startup using AI and IoT to help construction professionals in making data-driven decisions to support job site safety and productivity https://techcrunch.com/2022/03/15/infrastructure-bill-could-promote-lean-construction-via-data-capture/

 

• PropTech Startup Knock Cancels IPO – Propmodo https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-15/startup-knock-scraps-plans-to-go-public-lays-off-half-its-staff

 

• Canadian PropTech Platform HonestDoor Raises $2.2M in Seed Funding https://storeys.com/canadian-proptech-platform-honestdoor-seed-funding/

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

• PROPERTY prices shot up again in January as the pressure on potential buyers shows no signs of abating. They were up by 14.8pc in the year nationally. https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/property-prices-rise-at-their-fastest-pace-in-seven-years-41453257.html

 

• €1.7bn was pumped last year into the building of apartments  https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/17bn-was-pumped-last-year-into-the-building-of-apartments-41452122.html

 

 

• Buyers get moving again with strong activity coming from overseas: A prevailing trend right now is that buyers are returning to Dublin from overseas with healthy deposits and cash balances in place https://www.businesspost.ie/residential/buyers-get-moving-again-with-strong-activity-coming-from-overseas-c6fb19e1

 

• CARVAL, a prolific buyer of Irish distressed loans, is being bought for at least $750m (€675m) by US asset manager AllianceBernstein.  https://m.independent.ie/business/world/buyer-of-distressed-irish-housing-loans-is-sold-to-us-asset-manager-in-multimillion-dollar-deal-41459408.html

 

• Almost 300 people apply to buy 16 homes in Dublin affordable housing scheme: Kilcarbery, Clondalkin: South Dublin County Council selling houses from €245,600 to €285,300 https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/almost-300-people-apply-to-buy-16-homes-in-dublin-affordable-housing-scheme-1.4828773

 

• Retrofitting of 2,690 Dublin council houses to cost €83 million: BER to go from F to B2, with potential savings of up to €800 a year amid rising fuel costs https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/retrofitting-of-2-690-dublin-council-houses-to-cost-83-million-1.4830662

 

• State may enforce inspection of rental properties before they are listed: It is understood the inspections would apply to both real estate agents and websites used to advertise rentals. https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/state-may-enforce-inspection-of-rental-properties-before-they-are-listed-d3096f55

 

• What will a revamped State mortgage scheme do for single buyers? Single homebuyers on incomes of up to €65,000 will now qualify for State assistance https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/what-will-a-revamped-state-mortgage-scheme-do-for-single-buyers-1.4824452

 

• ICS Mortgages increases its fixed interest rate for homeowners: Move is a result of ‘considerable rate movements’ in capital markets, lender says https://www.irishtimes.com/business/financial-services/ics-mortgages-increases-its-fixed-interest-rate-for-homeowners-1.4826223

 

• Act now to beat mortgage rate rise: Borrowers urged to fix home loans for longer terms as inflation looms  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/act-now-to-beat-mortgage-rate-rise-c5g2dpgr3

 

• Making the switch – beat the looming scramble as KBC and Ulster Bank exit the market https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/making-the-switch-beat-the-looming-scramble-as-kbc-and-ulster-bank-exit-the-market-41463625.html

 

• First Citizen Finance unlikely to enter mortgage market: Non-bank lender considered home lending after news Ulster and KBC would exit Ireland https://www.irishtimes.com/business/financial-services/first-citizen-finance-unlikely-to-enter-mortgage-market-1.4829770

 

• Up to 350,000 households face penalty for not submitting property tax valuation: The Revenue Commissioners say they have encountered a higher-than-expected level of non-compliance with the requirement in recent months https://www.businesspost.ie/tax/up-to-350000-households-face-penalty-for-not-submitting-property-tax-valuation-ce06ebed 

 

• Irish housing crisis: New vacant property tax to be introduced ‘as soon as possible’ and ‘has to be punitive’ – Ireland has one of the highest rates of vacant properties in the developed world, even as demand for housing far outstrips supply, creating a generation locked out of ownership https://news.sky.com/story/amp/irish-housing-crisis-new-vacant-property-tax-to-be-introduced-as-soon-as-possible-and-has-to-be-punitive-says-govt-12570896

 

• We did it! First-time buyers on how they bought their homes  https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/interiors/we-did-it-first-time-buyers-on-how-they-bought-their-homes-1.4826251

 

• Is it too late to get the builder to fix major defects in an apartment block? Property Clinic: A six-year limit is set on actions taken due to property damage https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/is-it-too-late-to-get-the-builder-to-fix-major-defects-in-an-apartment-block-1.4823405

 

• Tech entrepreneur Mark Roden, of mobile phone company Ding, has emerged as the buyer of “the finest home on Ailesbury Road”. Roden and his wife, Nicola, bought No 73 last month for €11.7 million, coming in €2.3 million below its asking price https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ding-boss-rings-up-11-7m-ailesbury-road-mansion-djr35d8s0

 

• Architect Hugh Wallace claims Ballymun flats were ‘architecturally fabulous’  https://extra.ie/2022/03/13/property/architect-hugh-wallace-claims-ballymun-flats-were-architecturally-fabulous?amp=1

 

• Longford house prices lowest in country as new CSO report reveals 15% rise in one year  https://www.longfordleader.ie/news/home/770546/longford-house-prices-lowest-in-country-as-new-cso-report-reveals-15-rise-in-one-year.html

 

• Expert tips: Advice on home changes that may help as we age: With arthritis it’s important not to put stress on joints, so use gadgets to assist you like bottle openers and cap turners https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/expert-tips-advice-on-home-changes-that-may-help-as-we-age-1.4820521

 

• Design and environment top home improvers’ agenda: The spring permanent tsb Ideal Home Show takes place April 1st to 3rd with energy efficiency and sustainability centre stage https://www.irishtimes.com/sponsored/ideal-home-show/design-and-environment-top-home-improvers-agenda-1.4822609?mode=amp

 

• Iamsold sees significant increase in demand for online auctions from vendors and partner auctioneers. Over the past month, the levels of new stock coming to the market has seen a significant uplift and demand from buyers also remains very strong.  https://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/128345/online-auction-firm-see-big-increase-in-demand-for-service

 

• O’Donnellan & Joyce auctions are back with a live audience  https://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/128279/odonnellan-joyce-auctions-are-back-with-a-live-audience

 

• Hot property: five homes in Irish landscapes – From a cliffside villa on Dublin’s Howth Head to a thatched cottage near the Wild Atlantic Way  https://amp.ft.com/content/8d257843-edf6-40e2-a429-086376852a0e

 

• On the market – four properties for auction in Wexford, Carlow, Clare and Cavan https://m.independent.ie/life/home-garden/homes/on-the-market-four-properties-for-auction-in-wexford-carlow-clare-and-cavan-41459171.html

 

• Ireland’s seven most expensive homes – country piles and modern classics in south Dublin  https://m.independent.ie/life/home-garden/homes/irelands-seven-most-expensive-homes-country-piles-and-modern-classics-in-south-dublin-41461957.html

 

• Price of farmland in Carlow and Kilkenny continues to rise: The average price per acre locally is now more than €13,000 https://kclr96fm.com/price-of-farmland-in-carlow-and-kilkenny-continues-to-rise/

 

• Buy your perfect plot of land in Ireland from anywhere in the world  https://www.irishpost.com/life-style/buy-your-perfect-plot-of-land-in-ireland-from-anywhere-in-the-world-231398

 

• Eleven ways to help a good cause while interiors shopping: Charity begins at home  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/eleven-ways-to-help-a-good-cause-while-interiors-shopping-hrgzn5lq6

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

• International law firms plant more boots in Dublin: The increase in legal work since Brexit has drawn companies that need to keep a foothold in the EU https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/international-law-firms-plant-more-boots-in-dublin-m5hchrxgk

 

• Gresham House, a UK-listed asset management group, has announced a deal to buy Burlington Real Estate Property Management for €1.8m https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/0315/1286467-gresham-house-deal/

 

• Hibernia REIT has exchanged contracts to sell the Forum in Dublin to a company controlled by Spear Street Capital for €30.8m.https://www.insidermedia.com/news/ireland/hibernia-sells-the-forum-for-30.8m 

 

• Dawson House in D2 comes to the market for €3.8m: The property represents a fully let mixed-use investment which is producing rent of €263,000 each year  https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/dawson-house-in-d2-comes-to-the-market-for-eur38m-ad4f58cb

 

• Fully fitted penthouse office to let in Tallaght for €200 per sq m: The open-plan office space extends to about 503 square metres, with basement storage, car parking spaces and is close to the Square shopping centre https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/fully-fitted-penthouse-office-to-let-in-tallaght-for-eur200-per-sq-m-95b4c4dd

 

• Drumcondra mixed-use investment with residential plan in place for €650k: 92/92A Upper Drumcondra Road has full planning permission for two-bed townhouse  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/drumcondra-mixed-use-investment-with-residential-plan-in-place-for-650k-1.4824571 (pictured)

 

• High-end UK retailer Flannels to open at Blanchardstown Centre: Frasers Group subsidiary to occupy ground-floor level of former Debenhams’ premises  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/high-end-uk-retailer-flannels-to-open-at-blanchardstown-centre-1.4826490

 

• Dublin 12 industrial unit sells for €2.52m – 40% over asking price: High demand at Western Industrial Estate as supply falls short in 10,000-20,000sq ft range https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/dublin-12-industrial-unit-sells-for-2-52m-40-over-asking-price-1.4824264

 

• A third Belgian nursing home investor has entered the Irish market with the purchase of nursing homes in Dublin and Cork.  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/belgian-group-finds-room-at-two-irish-nursing-homes-00zhmf0ql

 

• HSE denies conflict of interest in buying Cork property from health chief’s relative https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40827704.html

 

• More time has been given to the Glen Oaks Hotel in Galway City to complete a substantial extension and renovation project.  https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/glen-oaks-hotel-extension/

 

• Two Co. Clare Hospitality Properties Being Sold  https://www.hospitalityireland.com/amp/hotel/two-co-clare-hospitality-properties-being-sold-166890

 

• True cost of lockdowns on Irish towns is laid bare in report: Local businesses struggle to survive as data reveals steep rise in commercial vacancy rates  https://m.independent.ie/business/true-cost-of-lockdowns-on-irish-towns-is-laid-bare-in-report-41461560.html

 

• Jarlath Lynn joins industrial and logistics team at Savills: Former CBRE director has extensive experience advising investors, developers and occupiers  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/jarlath-lynn-joins-industrial-and-logistics-team-at-savills-1.4824412

 

• Mulcahy appointed to Youbid.ie’s Limerick office: The chartered surveyor is returning to his native city after a stint in the capital for work and college-related reasons  https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/mulcahy-appointed-to-youbidies-limerick-office-ba45e056

 

• Microsoft reckons businesses are making a few fatal hybrid working mistakes: Microsoft says it’s the responsibility of businesses to make the office worth the commute  https://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-reckons-businesses-are-making-a-few-fatal-hybrid-working-mistakes

 

• Making remote and hybrid workplace models work is challenging: Firms must align commercial imperatives with possible conflicting employee preferences https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/making-remote-and-hybrid-workplace-models-work-is-challenging-1.4827553

 

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

• This building can be flat-packed like an Ikea bookshelf and moved to a new location: When the London building is no longer needed, it can be unbolted, unscrewed, and put together elsewhere https://www.fastcompany.com/90731595/this-building-can-be-flat-packed-like-an-ikea-bookshelf-and-moved-to-a-new-location (pictured)

 

• BTL tax needs reform to encourage landlords to invest https://www.ftadviser.com/opinion/2022/03/15/btl-tax-needs-reform-to-encourage-landlords-to-invest/

 

• European group takes stake in construction consultancy:  Drees & Sommer has secured an initial minority investment in AA Projects as part of its plans to reinforce its services in the UK and expand into Ireland https://www.insidermedia.com/news/north-west/drees-sommer-takes-stake-in-manchester-firm

 

• $1.1T In U.S. Office Properties At Risk Of Complete Obsolescence https://www.bisnow.com/national/news/office/more-than-1-trillion-in-office-properties-at-risk-in-post-pandemic-world-112245

 

• What Doomed China’s Much-Anticipated Property Market Reform Plan? Once again, China’s government failed to approve a property tax law, seen as a key part of reforming the real estate sector. https://thediplomat.com/2022/03/what-doomed-chinas-much-anticipated-property-market-reform-plan/

 

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/