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: 

 

 

• One of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs is poised to take control of Sherry FitzGerald: Tommy Kelly, the founder of e-commerce platform eShopWorld, built a business worth more than €1bn. He is now in advanced talks to acquire a majority stake https://thecurrency.news/articles/83457/one-of-the-countrys-most-successful-entrepreneurs-is-poised-to-take-control-of-irelands-largest-estate-agent/

 

• Pat Davitt: Law Society’s opposition to conveyancing bill is misguided – The Seller’s Legal Pack for Property Buyers Bill 2021 should be deemed priority legislation, a situation that will help everyone https://www.businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/pat-davitt-law-societys-opposition-to-conveyancing-bill-is-misguided-cb584974

 

• Four boys raise funds to buy family home after losing both parents within five months – iRadio https://www.iradio.ie/gofundme-clifford/

 

• Galway deputy renews call for supports to help people buy and renovate derelict homes  https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/galway-deputy-renews-call-for-supports-to-help-people-buy-and-renovate-derelict-homes/

 

• Social homes not at risk due to interest rate hike – O’Brien: Minister for Housing says Government will find extra funding if required https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/social-homes-not-at-risk-due-to-interest-rate-hike-o-brien-1.4872644

 

• An Taoiseach Officially Opens New Homes for the People of Kildare: https://www.irishrealestate.news/an-taoiseach-officially-opens-new-homes-for-the-people-of-kildare/

 

 

• The key to “making a dent” in the housing and rental crisis is “supply of all forms”, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said.  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40872716.html

 

• Private rental model will see number of older homeless people increase – Alone: Older person’s support group to tell Oireachtas committee 20.5% of people they support have housing issues  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/private-rental-model-will-see-number-of-older-homeless-people-increase-alone-1.4873520

 

• ‘At best unfruitful and at worst a waste’: Charities hit out at changes to Fair Deal scheme: The Government changed the Fair Deal Scheme hoping to bring 8,000 properties onto the rental market.  https://www.thejournal.ie/fair-deal-vacant-properties-concerns-5758628-May2022/

 

• Basic housing is a basic right not yet granted to our young  https://m.independent.ie/opinion/letters/basic-housing-is-a-basic-right-not-yet-granted-to-our-young-41632396.html

 

• Government’s vacant housing unit has just one full-time staff member  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40870181.html

 

• Revealed: How many affordable homes will be built in each county a year: Under-pressure counties will see only a ‘tiny’ number of affordable purchase homes being built between now and 2026 under the Government’s targets https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/revealed-how-many-affordable-homes-will-be-built-in-each-county-a-year-41629319.html

 

• Irish Government Urged To Use Emergency Powers To Green Light 80,000 Homes — Or Investors Might Disappear  https://www.bisnow.com/dublin/news/investment/irish-government-urged-to-use-emergency-powers-to-green-light-80k-homes-112977

 

• Building earmarked for Ukrainian refugees illegally taken over by alleged Socialist/Republican group court told: Counsel said that the occupiers have also renamed the building as James Connolly House. https://www.thejournal.ie/ukraine-refugee-lefroy-house-high-court-5763594-May2022/

 

• How An Bord Pleanála got stuck between ministers, local authorities, judges and developers: Public trust has been eroded in An Bord Pleanála due to unimplemented institutional reforms, controversial government housing policies and relentless legal challenges. Now, as a senior official temporarily steps aside, it faces a potential crisis. https://thecurrency.news/articles/82363/caught-in-the-middle-how-an-bord-pleanala-got-stuck-between-ministers-local-authorities-judges-and-developers/ Also: An Bord Pleanála official steps aside amid claims of impropriety: Paul Hyde temporarily vacates role as unease grows around undeclared conflict of interest  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/an-bord-plean%C3%A1la-official-steps-aside-amid-claims-of-impropriety-1.4874051

 

• The Croí Cónaithe housing scheme explained The scheme will see developers handed up to €144,000 for every apartment they build. https://www.newstalk.com/news/croi-conaithe-housing-scheme-explained-1340577 But: Combined incomes of €100,000-plus required to buy Croí Cónaithe apartments: Despite government subsidies to developers, apartments built under the scheme will be out of reach for most households https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/combined-incomes-of-eur100000-plus-required-to-buy-croi-conaithe-apartments-4f48ba00 

 

• Dublin city councillors back motion opposing sale of homes at former O’Devaney flats complex to *INSTITUTIONAL* funds [*incorrect terminology removed] https://m.independent.ie/news/environment/dublin-city-councillors-back-motion-opposing-sale-of-homes-at-former-odevaney-flats-complex-to-cuckoo-funds-41641245.html

 

• Do we treat trades with snobbery? https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/highlights-from-lunchtime-live/do-we-treat-trades-with-snobbery Also: 34,000 more skilled trade workers needed to deliver 2030 housing targets – Simon Harris https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/34000-more-skilled-trade-workers-needed-to-deliver-2030-housing-targets-simon-harris-41649347.html

 

• Ireland: The Munster funds industry  https://www.funds-europe.com/may-2022/ireland-the-munster-funds-industry

 

• Image retrofit for construction industry is needed in order to attract workers  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/news/image-retrofit-for-construction-industry-is-needed-in-order-to-attract-workers-41637331.html

 

• Lisney taps into global network with acquisition of Sotheby’s franchise: Clients of Sotheby’s International Realty’s Irish office include Chris de Burgh  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/lisney-taps-into-global-network-with-acquisition-of-sotheby-s-franchise-1.4877758

 

• Wexford property firm handed €55,000 fine for ‘fraudulent activity’  https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/wexford-property-firm-handed-e55000-fine-for-fraudulent-activity-1302027.html

 

• ILIM seeking more investors for European property fund: Fund makes its first two property investments in Belgium and France https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/ilim-seeking-more-investors-for-european-property-fund-1.4872753

 

• Retail, construction, and hospitality: The sectors ‘warehousing’ a looming €3bn debt problem  https://thecurrency.news/articles/83067/retail-construction-and-hospitality-the-sectors-and-companies-warehousing-a-looming-e3bn-debt-problem/

 

• Bank building in Waterford town bought to house Ukrainian refugees: Former Bank of Ireland in Lismore to be adapted to create ‘between 10 and 12 small family units’ https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40871876.html

 

• Data centres get green light to connect with solar and wind farms: The centres’ electricity usage increased by 32 per cent last year, and now accounts for 14 per cent of total national electricity consumption https://www.businesspost.ie/energy/data-centres-get-green-light-to-connect-with-solar-and-wind-farms-734d3417

 

• Flooding will threaten more than 8,500 Dublin buildings, climate summit hears: Damaged areas would be concentrated in an area around the mouth of the river Liffey  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/flooding-will-threaten-more-than-8-500-dublin-buildings-climate-summit-hears-1.4876658

 

• Landlords renting out to holidaymakers could be in with a chance of winning £10,000 as part of a nationwide search for the best holiday lets across the UK and Ireland  https://www.landlordtoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2022/5/do-you-run-the-best-holiday-let-in-the-uk-and-ireland?source=newsticke

 

• Top property firms make a splash for Simon: The Dragons at the Docks charity boat race, in aid of Dublin Simon Community, is back on September 1 after two years as a virtual event due to the pandemic  https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/top-property-firms-make-a-splash-for-simon-0a847428

 

• Inside the lucrative business of a metaverse landlord, where monthly rent can hit $60,000 per property: With global brands renting space and profit margins near 70%, leasing virtual land is big business https://www.fastcompany.com/90749937/inside-the-lucrative-business-of-a-metaverse-landlord-where-monthly-rent-can-hit-60000-per-property

 

• 3 Ways Metaverse ‘Land’ Acts as Quasi-Commercial Real Estate https://www.loopnet.com/learn/3-ways-metaverse-land-acts-as-quasi-commercial-real-estate/283264623/

 

• I have never given cinema recommendations here but this is possibly the best Irish movie ever made – particularly for farming kids who grew up in the 1980s: ‘I fell in love with it in a profound way’: how The Quiet Girl’s fostering story captured its director’s heart  https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/may/12/quiet-girl-irish-language-film-colm-bairead-foster-claire-keegan

 

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

What started as #PropertyMatters, a single 60-minute show on Dublin South FM 93.9FM every Tuesday night, has now evolved into an online station hosting the very best construction, urban planning, property and proptech radio shows and podcasts from around the world. Our new website – produced by Hear Me Roar Media – offers audiences live and recorded access to global built environment content. To have your industry podcast included in the iPropertyRadio line-up, or to contribute as a guest on any of our shows, email the iPropertyRadio team at info@propertydistrict.ie

 

On iPropertyRadio this week…

Part 1 – Property Matters: Ivan Gaine Managing Director of Sherry Fitzgerald New Homes and newly appointed chair of industry representative body, Property Industry Ireland (PII), discusses Housing for All and 2022 market expectations. 

 

Watch back: https://youtu.be/dZU7-l5SPNM

 

Listen back: https://ipropertyradio.com/matters/ 

 

Part 2 – Proptech Hot Seat: Ross Griffin, Founder of Kosmos, the digital QS, and Fifth Dimension, joins host Carol Tallon this week in the Proptech Hot Seat to talk about challenges in digitising pre-construction and construction.  

 

Watch back: https://youtu.be/bPCFsvc_7aQ

 

Listen back: https://ipropertyradio.com/proptech-hot-seat/ 

 

 

Produced by Hear Me Roar Media 

👉 Listen back to all shows at: https://ipropertyradio.com

 

PLACEMAKING

PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• One of the most popular initiatives regarding public space, participatory design and activism in the city is the so-called citizen urbanism or tactical urbanism. The approach proposes to trigger, through limited and low-cost interventions, long-term changes in public space  https://www.archdaily.com/980981/tactical-urbanism-the-teleton-of-public-space

 

• 15-minute city? For many Irish people, that’s the time by which the bus or train is late  https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio-web/15-minute-city-for-many-irish-people-that-s-the-time-by-which-the-bus-or-train-is-late-1.4876571

 

• Jennifer Sheahan steps back in time to research her Rathmines neighbourhood’s past: From Persian poetry to bells linking cottages to the fire station, the ‘Home of the Year’ 2021 winner is fascinated by her locality  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-40860032.html

 

• Senior living community and 150 affordable homes in plan for Howth Estate: Tetrarch Capital is seeking rezoning of amenity lands in parts of the former hotel and golf course to build homes https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/senior-living-community-and-150-affordable-homes-in-plan-for-howth-estate-1.4874061

 

• Fingal has been been chosen as the first host of Ireland’s first ever pop-up swimming pool. This initiative will see the pool be moved to a new location around Ireland every 12-weeks, with a target of providing 750 swimming experiences per week. https://dublinpeople.com/news/northsideeast/articles/2022/05/09/fingal-chosen-host-ireland-first-swimming-39442/?amp

 

• Private bus operators concerned at plan to revamp MacCurtain St: ‘This will be the worst thing to happen to transport in Cork since they dismantled railways’ https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/private-bus-operators-concerned-at-plan-to-revamp-maccurtain-st-1.4872579

 

• Cabinet to sign off on major plan to upgrade Cork’s rail network: Some of the €74m in EU funds will be used for the electrification and upgrade of the network.  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40868693.html

 

• Long-awaited Cork-Ringaskiddy motorway moves a step closer  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40867331.html

 

• Boom-time predicted for Macroom as Minister opens housing development  https://www.independent.ie/regionals/corkman/news/boom-time-predicted-for-macroom-as-minister-opens-housing-development-41647994.html

 

• Minister for Housing, visits six newly constructed Social Housing Developments in Skibbereen, Clonakilty and Macroom.  These developments consist of three Public Private Partnership (PPP) Schemes, two Turnkey Developments and one Own Build Development.   https://corksafetyalerts.com/news/ministerial-visit-to-six-newly-constructed-housing-developments-235-units-across-cork-county/

 

• Escape to the west: ‘Everything we had in Dublin we have here’: https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/escape-to-the-west-everything-we-had-in-dublin-we-have-here-1.4870422

 

• Masterplan for Galway Airport site ‘in next few years’  https://connachttribune.ie/masterplan-for-galway-airport-site-in-next-few-years/

 

• New strategy to revive urban Gaeltacht area  https://connachttribune.ie/new-strategy-to-revive-urban-gaeltacht-area/

 

• Call for active travel measures to be “ramped up” in Connemara  https://connachttribune.ie/call-for-active-travel-measures-to-be-ramped-up-in-connemara/

 

• Plan mooted for urban beach in Limerick  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/808108/plan-mooted-for-urban-beach-in-limerick.html

 

• Almost €180,000 allocated to develop outdoor recreation facilities in Kerry https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/almost-e180000-allocated-to-develop-outdoor-recreation-facilities-in-kerry-281496

 

• ‘Dismayed’ Killarney residents object to large-scale housing plans: Proposal is for a 15-acre infill site off the N71 Port Road, opposite the Killarney National Park  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40869281.html

 

• 80% of planning applications in West Kerry Gaeltacht granted over six-year period  https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/80-of-planning-applications-in-west-kerry-gaeltacht-granted-over-six-year-period-280759

 

• Public consultation on Mayo Greenway proposal  https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2022/05/08/public-consultation-on-mayo-greenway-proposal/

 

 

*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

• Construction firms to receive Government funding to off-set inflation:  The Cabinet has agreed to provide funding to contractors working on public projects in order to off-set the rising cost of materials due to inflation. The Irish Examiner reports the Government could offer up to €160 million by the end of the year under the new scheme, aiming to ensure public projects, such as new roads, public buildings and civil infrastructure, remain viable and are delivered on time. https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/construction-firms-to-receive-government-funding-to-off-set-inflation-1302637.html

 

• Government to access €800m of unspent capital for NDP projects: Public Expenditure Minister has announced that the state will pay 70 per cent of construction cost inflation on recently signed public works contracts to safeguard key projects  https://www.businesspost.ie/infrastructure/government-to-access-eur800m-of-unspent-capital-for-ndp-projects-eea88259

 

• Government considers plan to bypass scrutiny on mica blocks bill: Housing Dept. keen to pass bill to underpin defective blocks scheme before the Dáil’s summer recess, but campaigners believe scrutiny is vital to make sure the legislation is satisfactory  https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/government-considering-plan-to-bypass-scrutiny-on-mica-blocks-bill-b9c8ac0a

 

• Construction body calls for ‘major changes’ in budget to combat rising costs: Delays in infrastructural investment will lead to ‘wider economic and societal problems’ claims Construction Industry Federation Cork chairman  https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-40872209.html

 

• Developer calls for 0% Vat on building materials to deal with inflation crisis: The heads of a property development and construction materials company also want the government to abolish Vat on new housing developments  https://www.businesspost.ie/construction/developer-calls-for-0-vat-on-building-materials-to-deal-with-inflation-crisis-d9149c74

 

• Ireland risks missing emissions reduction targets without more construction workers: ‘Clear challenge’ in sector to recruit and retain staff, Oireachtas Committee hears  https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/ireland-risks-missing-emissions-reduction-targets-without-more-construction-workers-1.4874768

 

• Huge ‘black hole’ in workforce as 50,000 building workers are needed to tackle housing  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/education/huge-black-hole-in-workforce-as-50000-building-workers-are-needed-to-tackle-housing-41641243.html

 

• Construction workers reveal how poor pay and conditions at home led them to seek jobs abroad  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/news/construction-workers-reveal-how-poor-pay-and-conditions-at-home-led-them-to-seek-jobs-abroad-41641260.html

 

• Interest rate rises to hit first-time house buyers, warns Cairn Homes chief: House builder expects construction inflation of 6%  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/interest-rate-rises-to-hit-first-time-house-buyers-warns-cairn-homes-chief-1.4876505

 

• Timber homes could help alleviate housing crisis, say foresters: Greenhouse gas emissions could also be cut by move to timber homes, industry body says  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/timber-homes-could-help-alleviate-housing-crisis-say-foresters-1.4875901

 

• BNP Paribas Real Estate Ireland Construction PMI® https://www.irishrealestate.news/bnp-paribas-real-estate-ireland-construction-pmi/ 

 

• CIS round-up: what’s being built, when and where around the country: The Construction Information Service offers the latest on building schemes across Ireland https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/cis-round-up-whats-being-built-when-and-where-around-the-country-8cd4342c

 

• Ronan to fight ‘unthinkable’ sale of prize property assets: The chief executive of the developer’s real estate group has said the company is meeting interest payments in full and finalising a funding package to repay its creditor M&G Investments https://www.businesspost.ie/legal/ronan-to-fight-unthinkable-sale-of-prize-property-assets-00d81f63 Also: Ronan consortium won’t sell part of Glass Bottle site to the state: An affordable homes plan at the site in Dublin 4 is still up in the air after the first phase was given the green light  https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/ronan-consortium-wont-sell-part-of-glass-bottle-site-to-the-state-a8c40d31 

 

• TDs support locals’ concerns over Marlet’s €63m Howth apartment scheme: Plan envisages demolition of Baily Court Hotel to make way for 180 apartments https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/tds-support-locals-concerns-over-marlet-s-63m-howth-apartment-scheme-1.4877884

 

• An Bord Pleanála clears way for 236 student bed-space scheme: Inspector considers plan for site next to TU Dublin’s Grangegorman campus is suitable https://www.irishtimes.com/business/innovation/an-bord-plean%C3%A1la-clears-way-for-236-student-bed-space-scheme-1.4873879

 

• Developer to sell 532 social housing units to Dublin councils for €243m: Gerry Gannon Properties lodges plans for SHD scheme at Belcamp in north Dublin https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/developer-to-sell-532-social-housing-units-to-dublin-councils-for-243m-1.4874883

 

• Developer’s proceedings against Killiney residents a ‘weapon’ to deny justice, court told  https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/developers-proceedings-against-killiney-residents-a-weapon-to-deny-justice-court-told-1303960.html

 

• Fletcher Priest receives planning permission for new homes in Cherrywood  https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/planning-construction-news/fletcher-priest-designed-new-homes-in-cherrywood-dublin-planning-permission/110707/

 

• Row over €25m hotel planned for Dublin’s James Street is settled in High Court  https://www.breakingnews.ie/business/row-over-e25m-hotel-planned-for-dublins-james-street-is-settled-in-high-court-1301943.html

 

• Chancerygate enters Irish market with €4.5m deal for Swords Road site: UK developer and partner Bridges Fund Management plan major logistics scheme  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/chancerygate-enters-irish-market-with-4-5m-deal-for-swords-road-site-1.4870377

 

• Ringsend RTG development site on market for €3m: The York Road property comes with full planning permission for 26 apartments in a seven-storey block https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/ringsend-rtg-development-site-on-market-for-eur3m-f6a90c9b

 

• Equinix joins plans for a district heating scheme in Blanchardstown, Dublin: Launches feasibility study with Dublin energy agency Codema  https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/equinix-joins-plans-for-a-district-heating-scheme-in-blanchardstown-dublin/

 

• Appeals lodged against plans for apartments in Cork city:   Majestic Property Developers Limited had been granted permission to develop 27 apartments at a site at Old Market Place, Gurranabraher, Cork City and Blarney Street.  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40867412.html

 

• Plan for 60 apartments at Direct Provision centre site refused as it’d result in ‘significant loss of trees’: A plan had been put forward for 94 housing units at the site of Ashbourne House in Glounthaune, but the council say only 30 of those can go ahead https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/direct-provision-apartments-cork-plan-23955090

 

• Eight solar farms planned for Cork as part of new Bord Gáis Energy/Amarenco partnership  https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/eight-solar-farms-planned-for-cork-as-part-of-new-bord-gais-energy-amarenco-partnership-1303778.html

 

• Board considering plan for major student complex in Westside, Galway https://connachttribune.ie/board-considering-plan-for-major-student-complex-in-westside/

 

• 76-house development planned for north Mayo town  https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2022/05/11/76-house-development-planned-for-north-mayo-town/

 

• Planning permission refused for 18-unit housing development in South Kerry https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/planning-permission-refused-for-18-unit-housing-development-in-south-kerry-281548

 

• Cairn Homes to earn €100m profits this year: House builder expects construction inflation of 6%  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/cairn-homes-to-earn-100m-profits-this-year-1.4876505

 

• Johnny Ronan strikes deal to refinance €300m portfolio: Agreement to call halt to sale of Bewley’s Grafton St cafe and Connaught House  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/johnny-ronan-strikes-deal-to-refinance-300m-portfolio-1.4874815

 

• Short and sweet for Cairn Homes as it awaits €100m profit for 2022: A ten-minute agm in Dublin last week, with no awkward questions or thorny issues in evidence, signalled how promising the future looks for the housebuilding firm https://www.businesspost.ie/company-watch/short-and-sweet-for-cairn-homes-as-it-awaits-eur100m-profit-for-2022-09ed92bf

 

• Irish construction industry comes together once again at Irish Construction Industry Awards 2021: The industry has remained focused throughout the pandemic https://www.irishtimes.com/advertising-feature/businessriver/irish-construction-industry-comes-together-once-again-at-irish-construction-industry-awards-2021-1.4869217?mode=amp

 

• Developer Paddy McKillen jnr plans Birmingham hotel venture  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/developer-paddy-mckillen-jnr-plans-birmingham-hotel-venture-1.4872562

 

• Elliott Group has announced the appointment of Eddie Campion to its Board of Directors as Regional Director for the Midlands and North for Elliott Building and Civil Engineering UK Ltd.  https://irishbuildingmagazine.ie/2022/05/10/elliott-group-welcomes-new-uk-regional-director/

 

• Woodie’s and Chadwicks owner Grafton Group has begun a £100m share buyback programme, following shareholder approval last month.  https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/woodies-owner-grafton-group-launches-100m-share-buyback-41629879.html

 

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.

 

• ID-Pal raised €1m in a funding round led by Act Venture Capital and private investors back in 2020 to accelerate its global expansion.  https://www.siliconrepublic.com/start-ups/id-pal-uk-launch-identity-verification

 

• The proptech trend that lets you co-own a second home: Real estate is stubbornly analogue — but could co-ownership be the next big prop-ortunity? https://sifted.eu/articles/proptech-trend-luxury-second-home-flyway/

 

• Here Comes The Asteroid: Why Proptech Is The Future Of Real Estate https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/05/13/here-comes-the-asteroid-why-proptech-is-the-future-of-real-estate/

 

• How is Real Estate Technology Affecting the Property Sector?  https://www.businessleader.co.uk/how-is-real-estate-technology-affecting-the-property-sector/

 

• What Matter will and won’t do according to a Google smart home exec:  Google’s Michele Turner discusses how Matter started and where it will take Google Nest.  https://www.theverge.com/23065031/matter-google-nest-smart-home-michele-turner-interview

 

• Rightmove CEO to step down after 16 years with firm  https://businesscloud.co.uk/news/rightmove-ceo-to-step-down-after-16-years-with-firm/

 

• PROPERTY TECHNOLOGY: What I learnt … about building maintenance https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/what-i-learnt-about-building-maintenance-btxgp3jwg

 

• Property incubator EGX is looking to put $100 million into proptech startups  https://www.startupdaily.net/2022/05/property-incubator-egx-is-looking-to-put-100-million-into-proptech-startups/

 

• UK offsite construction specialist Premier Modular has announced the business has been awarded Europe’s first ESG certification.https://projectscot.com/2022/05/offsite-specialist-in-landmark-esg-certification/

 

• Barcelona’s Housfy houses in €30 million to make inroads into Portugal and Italy: The Spanish platform is building a cohesive residential services ecosystem to make navigating the property market easier and cheaper for the user https://tech.eu/2022/05/11/barcelonas-housfy-houses-in-eur30-million-to-make-inroads-in-portugal-and-italy/

 

• Flowscape is putting Swedish Proptech on the map by assisting FMs in the shift to Hybrid working  https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/22/05/ab27113531/flowscape-is-putting-swedish-proptech-on-the-map-by-assisting-fms-in-the-shift-to-hybrid-working

 

• Israeli startup Firmus raises $4.5M for AI-based construction  https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-706172

 

• After raising US$200 million, Habi, a Colombian proptech, achieves unicorn status: The real estate startup was valued at more than US$1,000 million in its last round, a Series C led by Homebrew and SoftBank funds.  https://contxto.com/en/colombia/after-raising-us200-million-habi-a-colombian-proptech-achieves-unicorn-status/

 

• The promise of AI in real estate: what’s the verdict?  https://finledger.com/2022/05/09/the-promise-of-ai-in-real-estate-whats-the-verdict/

 

• Why glTF is the JPEG for the metaverse and digital twins  https://venturebeat.com/2022/05/11/why-gltf-is-the-jpeg-for-the-metaverse-and-digital-twins/

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

• Vacant property tax in doubt as Revenue reports fewer empty homes than expected: Analysis by Revenue revealed that levels of vacancy ‘are low across all counties’, leading the Minister for Finance to assess merits and likely impact of introducing such a tax https://www.businesspost.ie/tax/vacant-property-tax-in-doubt-as-revenue-reports-fewer-empty-homes-than-expected-b4edd79c

 

• Average cost of rent across the country up by over 11% on early 2021: There were just 851 properties listed nationwide on Daft.ie on 1 May. https://www.thejournal.ie/daft-rent-report-2022-5760711-May2022/

 

• The Irish Times view on Ireland’s rental crisis: A broken market: With supply picking up Government must ensure it is not stymied by costs or shortages https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/editorial/the-irish-times-view-on-ireland-s-rental-crisis-a-broken-market-1.4877029

 

• Renters on the rack: Pressed tenants lift the lid on stress and greed: ‘We pay €1,600 a month on rent. Trying to save for a mortgage is near impossible’ https://www.irishtimes.com/news/consumer/renters-on-the-rack-pressed-tenants-lift-the-lid-on-stress-and-greed-1.4877709

 

• Mortgage rates creeping up with Lagarde hinting at July ECB rise  https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/mortgage-rates-creeping-up-with-lagarde-hinting-at-july-ecb-rise-41639063.html

 

• Second-time buyers ‘increasingly squeezed’ out of new homes market: Stamp duty analysis shows investment funds bought 40 per cent of new homes in 2021, while state’s share rose to a quarter  https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/second-time-buyers-increasingly-squeezed-out-of-new-homes-market-2ce93956

 

• A couple who claimed they had been left in uninhabitable accommodation for years, have been awarded €30,000 damages in the Circuit Civil Court against Dublin City Council.  https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/couple-left-in-uninhabitable-accommodation-awarded-e30000-against-council-1303878.html

 

• Home retrofitting: Costs, grants available and work involved: We contact the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to find out all you need to know to start your energy retrofit journey https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-40872554.html

 

• Restored with love: historic Henrietta Street house with mews site for €3m: Terraced home on Dublin’s oldest Georgian street has served as a politician’s mansion, a tenement, a film set and an art studio https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/new-to-market/restored-with-love-historic-henrietta-street-house-with-mews-site-for-3m-1.4873562

 

• ‘Big houses’ on the double – 18th century homes in Tipperary and Meath: Two historic properties with acreage — the Deanery of Cashel and Thomastown House in Meath — have come to market this week  https://m.independent.ie/life/home-garden/homes/big-houses-on-the-double-18th-century-homes-in-tipperary-and-meath-41644867.html

 

• Jenkinstown House: This property on the site of a 12th-century castle in Co Kilkenny is on the market for €1.05m: With its banquet hall, auditorium and glamping facilities, Jenkinstown House in Co Kilkenny is bursting with potential for its new owners https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/jenkinstown-house-property-12th-century-castle-co-kilkenny-for-sale-nh9rc9dh9

 

• Maryville, the Deanery in Cashel has gone on sale: The 18th-century residence is described as an important landmark in Cashel. https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/home/812179/property-the-deanery-in-cashel-is-going-on-sale.html

 

• 54 potential breaches to short term letting regulations being investigated in Killarney  https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/54-potential-breaches-to-short-term-letting-regulations-being-investigated-in-killarney-281287

 

• Meet ‘flex space’ the latest way to stretch every inch of your home to the max: That neglected and half-forgotten corner of a landing or hall can be turned into ‘flex space’ the ultimate adaptable area for effective modern living  https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/the-flex-space-is-the-latest-way-maximize-space

 

• Top interior designer Geri O’Toole shares all her home decor secrets, from her design regrets, to home pet peeves, how to weed out the good tradespeople from the cowboys and why hiring an interior designer is the best financial decision you could make https://www.rsvplive.ie/life/top-irish-interior-designer-geri-26941691.amp

 

• Victorian splendour with modern finish by Howth cliffs seeks €5.5m: Glenaveena House is an original cliffside property restored as luxury family home https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/new-to-market/victorian-splendour-with-modern-finish-by-howth-cliffs-seeks-5-5m-1.4874842 (pictured) 

 

• Transform your home by bringing the outside in: We talk to interior designer Maura Mackey who shares easy ways we can use biophilia in our living spaces and workplaces   https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-40871606.html

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

• Logistics assets can be a hidden source of fast and flexible capital: Logistics assets offer a stress-free way to free up capital when and as a company owner needs it, writes Mel Sutcliffe https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/comment-logistics-assets-can-be-a-hidden-source-of-fast-and-flexible-capital-15cb6c29

 

• IQ-EQ signs for new offices at 76 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay: Investor services provider’s move follows deal for Davy fund management arm https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/iq-eq-signs-for-new-offices-at-76-sir-john-rogerson-s-quay-1.4873622

 

• Disrepair of Ireland’s first high-rise building shows ‘no one cared enough’  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/disrepair-of-irelands-first-high-rise-building-shows-no-one-cared-enough-sbb56g7pt

 

• 16 Stephen’s Green offers occupiers prime office headquarters opportunity: David Daly’s latest scheme combines historic Georgian building with contemporary block https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/16-stephen-s-green-offers-occupiers-prime-office-headquarters-opportunity-1.4873464

 

• Prized Debenhams sites in Dublin and Cork poised for sale  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/prized-debenhams-sites-dublin-cork-poised-sale-latest-2p2tcr9xd

 

• New units at Northwest Logistics Park available to rent at €10.90 per sq ft: Park Developments seeks occupiers for two buildings of 41,020sq ft and 119,233 sq ft  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/new-units-at-northwest-logistics-park-available-to-rent-at-10-90-per-sq-ft-1.4870487

 

• Founder and executives in dispute over ownership of nursing home group  https://www.breakingnews.ie/business/founder-and-executives-in-dispute-over-ownership-of-nursing-home-group-1302063.html

 

• Dublin 2 mews with development potential on sale for €1.25 million: A self-contained mews for sale at the rear of Merrion Square is currently in commercial use, but could be converted into accommodation https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/dublin-2-mews-with-development-potential-on-sale-for-eur125-million-1fc00d02

 

• Estate Agents sought to sell former Debenhams store on Cork’s Patrick’s St: Redevelopment similar to Dublin’s Clerys a possible option for the future owner https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-40870610.html

 

• Cute village inn just 30 minutes from Cork city has loads on offer as it hits market: Sellers Killian Doyle Auctioneers described it as a ‘very attractive pub’ and added it has a ‘very large hinterland’ https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/cute-village-inn-just-30-23932728

 

• Limerick city retailer says trade down 20% because of ongoing O’Connell St works  https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/limerick-city-retailer-says-trade-down-20-because-of-ongoing-oconnell-st-works/

 

• Two Irish Accommodation Properties Hit The Market  https://www.hospitalityireland.com/index.php/amp/hotel/two-irish-accommodation-properties-hit-the-market-3-173322

 

• Three Irish Restaurant Properties Hit The Market  https://www.hospitalityireland.com/amp/restaurant/three-irish-restaurant-properties-hit-the-market-173313

 

• Three Irish Pub Properties And An Irish Off Licence Hit The Market  https://www.hospitalityireland.com/amp/pub-bar-nightclub/three-irish-pub-properties-and-an-irish-off-licence-hit-the-market-173318

 

• Delgany office space comes to the market for €395,000: The facility in the Co Wicklow village offers access to Dublin city and to amenities in well-heeled locality  https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/delgany-office-space-comes-to-the-market-for-eur395000-144ae71a

 

• Silver Fox restaurant in Kilmore Quay is going up for auction  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/news/silver-fox-restaurant-in-kilmore-quay-is-going-up-for-auction-41637027.html

 

• Phoenix Cinema Of Dingle, Co. Kerry, Being Sold  https://www.hospitalityireland.com/amp/general-industry/phoenix-cinema-of-dingle-co-kerry-being-sold-172862

 

• Fully-let retail investment in Longford can deliver 8.45pc annual yield  https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/fully-let-retail-investment-in-longford-can-deliver-845pc-annual-yield-41640744.html

 

• HWBC capital markets division targets deals worth €200m this year: Commercial real-estate adviser establishes dedicated team for raising debt and equity https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/hwbc-capital-markets-division-targets-deals-worth-200m-this-year-1.4876799

 

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

• Will the UK housing market crash in 2022? Despite a cost of living crisis, rising inflation and talk of a recession, property prices remain high. Don’t bank on more than a dip https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/will-the-housing-market-crash-in-2022-3wh7c2xkm

 

• UK NEWS: Planning revamp to give locals a say on look of housing developments https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/planning-revamp-give-locals-say-housing-developments-lr7skw5xn But: Street votes on England planning rules ‘will not increase affordable housing’: Charity says mini-referendums to approve bigger extensions will make homes less affordable  https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/may/11/street-votes-on-planning-rules-will-not-increase-affordable-housing 

 

• New landlord licensing scheme given the green light https://propertyindustryeye.com/new-landlord-licensing-scheme-given-the-green-light/

 

• UK estate and letting agents ridiculed in new ‘satirical’ video ad launched by Shelter: Shelter says that while the letting agency is fictional, the properties are based on true stories reported to Shelter by private renters, as it increases pressure on the government to push ahead with its long promised rental reforms. https://propertyindustryeye.com/agents-targeted-in-new-satirical-video-ad-launched-by-shelter/

 

• Trustpilot has issued legal proceedings against two companies, including a UK property firm, after finding evidence of trying to mislead consumers through fake reviews.  https://propertyindustryeye.com/trustpilot-issues-legal-proceedings-against-property-firm/

 

• West End landlords Shaftesbury and Capco confirm £3.5bn merger talks  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/west-end-landlords-shaftesbury-and-capco-confirm-3-5bn-merger-talks-22rhw9jt8

 

• BAM lands largest ever fit-out job https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/05/10/bam-lands-largest-ever-fit-out-job/

 

• Administration confirmed at House by Urban Splash https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/05/12/administration-confirmed-at-house-by-urban-splash/

 

• Landsec launches regen business as U+I’s Upton steps down  https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/landsec-launches-regen-business-as-uis-upton-steps-down/

 

• JCI: Johnson Controls vs. Jacobs Engineering: Which Engineering & Construction Stock is a Better Buy? | StockNews.com https://stocknews.com/news/jci-j-johnson-controls-vs-jacobs-engineering-which-engineering-construction-stock/

 

• Billion-dollar settlement reached over collapse of Florida apartment block | BreakingNews.ie https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/world/billion-dollar-settlement-reached-over-collapse-of-florida-apartment-block-1303630.html

 

• Perth property listings plunge as market cools off https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/perth-property-listings-plunge-as-real-estate-market-cools-off-c-6769200

 

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/