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:
- Property District West: All PR and communications (ghostwriting, social media management, public consultation and community engagement for placemaking) available through Irish from our Galway base in An Cheathrú Rua. Email brid@propertydistrict.ie for further information.
- Outrageous policy, not defensible at all. Will healthcare workers in scrubs be excluded? Or farmers, or office workers in dog-friendly offices? #Nonsense: ‘Fresh defends policy of not allowing construction workwear in seating areas’ https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/news/construction-workers-are-always-welcome-in-our-stores-fresh-defends-policy-of-not-allowing-construction-workwear-in-seating-areas-41966042.html
- Thursday marks the anniversary of the 2008 crash. As financial storm clouds gather again, economists talk about whether Ireland is prepared for a downturn, the new factors that could trigger a shock, and ask how long a new recession could last. https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/news/experts-view-on-anniversary-of-2008-crash-economists-feel-next-big-shock-is-imminent-41979523.html
- Rising prices overtake housing and health as biggest worry: Irish people are also more fearful than most of their EU counterparts https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/rising-prices-overtake-housing-and-health-as-biggest-worry-41965337.html
- ECB raises interest rate by three quarters of a percentage point: Second substantial interest rate rise adds to pain for homeowners https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2022/09/08/ecb-raises-interest-rate-by-three-quarters-of-a-percentage-point/
- The philosophers with the answers to Ireland’s housing crisis. Unthinkable: Political theorists from past centuries have some advice ahead of a planned referendum on housing https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/2022/09/08/marx-locke-or-rawls-which-philosopher-has-the-answer-to-irelands-housing-crisis/
- UK scheme is different to Ireland’s shared equity, but what can we learn from the experience: Shared ownership: a low-cost way to buy a home – but is there a catch? It is touted as a cheaper way to get on the property ladder, but there can be drawbacks https://amp.theguardian.com/money/2022/sep/10/shared-ownership-cost-buy-home-property
- Complaints against property service providers up by a third, report finds: Penalties of up to €100,000 imposed but majority of cases concluded without an investigation https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2022/09/09/complaints-against-property-service-providers-up-by-a-third-report-finds/
- Property prices will continue to soar beyond Celtic Tiger levels in the coming months, banks claim: A strong supply is needed to improve affordability, the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland says https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/property-prices-will-continue-to-soar-beyond-celtic-tiger-levels-in-the-coming-months-banks-claim-41963785.html
- Land owners capture the value uplift that is owed to the rest of us. There are ways to fix this – Ireland needs to fix the leak through which value created by society slips into private hands – starting with a register of land ownership. https://thecurrency.news/articles/95204/land-owners-capture-the-value-uplift-that-is-owed-to-the-rest-of-us-there-are-ways-to-fix-this/
- Constitutional right to housing ‘means people have to stop objecting to developments’: Over half of respondents to an opinion poll are in favour of inserting the right to housing into the Constitution https://www.newstalk.com/news/constitutional-right-to-housing-means-people-have-to-stop-objecting-to-developments-1379333
- ‘Where is Darragh O’Brien?’ – Dublin is fast running out of shelter for the homeless as families sent way from capital: New figures show 63 families had to be placed in accommodation outside of capital https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/where-is-darragh-obrien-dublin-is-fast-running-out-of-shelter-for-the-homeless-as-families-sent-way-from-capital-41970457.html
- Over 85% of properties pledged for Ukrainian refugees not ‘activated’: Some 1,440 accommodation pledges brought on stream with difficulties encountered filling properties in remote or rural locations https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2022/09/07/over-85pc-of-properties-pledged-for-use-by-ukrainian-refugees-and-given-to-local-authorities-not-activated/
- How did Ireland’s asylum and refugee accommodation system reach breaking point? https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/in-the-news/how-did-irelands-asylum-and-refugee-accommodation-system-reach-breaking-point/
- Ordnance Survey Ireland welcomes the publication of the Tailte Éireann Bill 2022, providing for the establishment of Tailte Éireann to provide access to innovative, customer-focused, and unified land and property information services in Ireland https://osi.ie/
- How SF would fix the housing crisis – Who will build the houses? https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2022/09/05/how-sf-would-fix-the-housing-crisis/
- Average age of Irish people moving out of their childhood home is now 27.9 as housing crisis bites https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/average-age-of-irish-people-moving-out-of-their-childhood-home-is-now-279-as-housing-crisis-bites-41960854.html
- Kilkenny TD defends handling of tenancy not currently registered with Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/local-news/904901/kilkenny-td-defends-handling-of-tenancy-not-currently-registered-with-residential-tenancies-board-rtb.html
- If Ireland has no musicians, no artists, no athletes, no young people, no fun, there will be no entrepreneurs: Even if we fix our education system to create superstars, and we make immigration seamless for the world’s best and brightest, and we develop an investment management class akin to Sequoia – nobody can actually afford and nobody actually wants to live here https://thecurrency.news/articles/95019/if-ireland-has-no-musicians-no-artists-no-athletes-no-young-people-no-fun-there-will-be-no-entrepreneurs/
- Underwater data centre set to make a splash by end of year https://www.siliconrepublic.com/enterprise/underwater-data-centre-subsea-cloud
- Brian Carey explores how a harassment scandal at AMP has led to a €1bn auction of the Irish Infrastructure Fund https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/water-under-the-bridge-hcw7hxjzk
- US: Homebuyer’s remorse: most people who bought a house recently have regrets https://fortune.com/2022/09/07/homebuyers-remorse-most-people-who-bought-a-house-recently-regret-the-process/
- ‘Brutally honest’ for sale signs highlighting housing crisis surface around Dublin https://extra.ie/2022/09/06/property/brutally-honest-for-sale-signs-highlighting-housing-crisis-surface-around-dublin

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 #PropertyMatters on @ipropertyradio this week…

Igor Fleming, Managing Director of Dublin Lettings, joins host Carol Tallon to discuss Dublin’s rental market, landlord trends and how renters can set themselves apart from the crowd when it comes to securing a home (less tech and more old school rapport building!).
Watch back: https://youtu.be/dYO1Kxkorrk
Produced by Hear Me Roar Media
Listen back to all shows on https://ipropertyradio.com
ALSO: Tenants are in line for a first-of-its-kind tax credit on their monthly rent under measures being considered for the Budget later this month. And despite recent controversy over the number of landlords in the Dáil, there may also be new incentives for property owners who agree to long-term leases.
To discuss this further, Newstalk Breakfast spoke to Carol Tallon CEO of Property District https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/tenants-are-in-line-for-a-first-of-its-kind-tax/id92316752?i=1000578703704

PLACEMAKING
OPEN PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

- Céard é Comhfhorbairt Áite? “Teastaíonn dea-áitíocht saineolaithe ildisciplíneacha freagraí a chur ar fáil, ach tugann áitíocht maith guth don phobal chun na ceisteanna cearta a chur ar bun.” 👉https://placeengage.com/ceard-e-comhfhorbairt-aite/
- Ag crúthú Luach Sóisialta Trí Comhforbairt Áite (Creating Social Value Through Placemaking) 👉https://placeengage.com/ag-cruthu-luach-soisialta-tri-comhforbairt-aite/
- Homeowners offering vacant properties to Ukrainian refugees to be offered enhanced payments under new plans: Minister for Justice Helen McEntee voices concern over rising anti-refugee sentiment in Ireland https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2022/09/09/homeowners-offering-vacant-properties-to-ukrainian-refugees-to-be-offered-enhanced-payments-under-new-plans/
- Moving to Ireland from abroad: ‘The price point is shocking to people’: The number of people moving here may be at a 15-year high, but the high property prices and dearth of rental accommodation can be difficult to digest https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/2022/09/03/the-price-point-is-shocking-relocators-on-moving-to-ireland/
- Faith of ordinary citizens in the integrity of Ireland’s planning process has collapsed: Privatised planning system is forcing local authorities to grant permission for schemes that contravene their own policies https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2022/09/06/mandatory-ministerial-planning-regulations-have-created-poorer-housing-standards/
- As housing crisis bites, plans for new developments are attracting objections https://m.independent.ie/opinion/comment/as-housing-crisis-bites-plans-for-new-developments-are-attracting-objections-41967459.html
- Planning application for Oscar Traynor Road site to be submitted in the ‘coming months’: Development on the site was officially agreed last November, with 35 councillors voting in favour https://www.thejournal.ie/oscar-traynor-road-site-planning-5861242-Sep2022/
- A new style of housing activism is building up momentum: With Government failing to tackle the housing crisis, grassroots movements are starting to exert their influence https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2022/09/05/una-mullally-a-new-style-of-housing-activism-is-building-up-momentum/
- The Complex: A Dublin arts centre comes together against the odds: Vanessa Fielding has brought a large, multipurpose art space into being in Smithfield. It’s not her first achievement https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/2022/09/07/the-complex-how-a-smithfield-arts-centre-came-to-fruition/
- Litter levels increase at beaches and harbours, study finds: Noticeable fall in cleanliness at Dublin’s Grand Canal Dock area would not be “allowed persist in other European capitals” https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2022/09/05/litter-levels-increase-at-beaches-and-harbours-study-finds/
- In Pictures: Knight’s of Glin Experience opens in Limerick village https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/905292/in-pictures-knight-s-of-glin-experience-opens-in-limerick-village.html
- From big city to small city: Kilkenny beats the capital in lifestyle stakes – Why a compact city like Kilkenny is the perfect place to live for a happier, calmer and greener life https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/home/900762/from-big-city-to-small-city-kilkenny-beats-the-capital-in-lifestyle-stakes.html
- ‘Housing for All’ has delivered for Donegal – Minister O’Brien https://www.donegaldaily.com/2022/09/04/housing-for-all-has-delivered-for-donegal-minister-obrien/amp/
- Plan to unite three of Ireland’s most popular greenways could attract 1.5m walkers and cyclists every year: Waterford and Tipperary councils are now examining proposals to connect the hugely popular Waterford Greenway with the Suir Blueway – while the new Cork Greenway is expected to be opened by late 2022/early 2023 https://m.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-news/plan-to-unite-three-of-irelands-most-popular-greenways-could-attract-15m-walkers-and-cyclists-every-year-41962670.html
- Comhlach na Feirme Limited has applied to Laois County Council to carry out major refurbishment works on the building known as Steward’s House and associated grounds of Abbeyleix Estate. https://laois-nationalist.ie/2022/09/05/major-development-planned-on-abbeyleix-estate/
- Anger over lack of action on transforming former industrial school https://connachttribune.ie/anger-over-lack-of-action-on-transforming-former-industrial-school/
- Listen to the Land Speak: History and mythology meet in a remarkable work of research: Manchán Magan argues that while modern historical accounts are ‘a neat and easy way to digest reality’, they don’t tell the whole story https://www.businesspost.ie/life-arts/listen-to-the-land-speak-history-and-mythology-meet-in-a-remarkable-work-of-research/
- Sensory urbanism is a form of investigation of how non-visual information defines a city’s character and affects its livability. Using methods that range from sound tracks and smell maps, wearables and virtual reality, researchers in this area have introduced other senses to urban centers. https://www.archdaily.com/987764/what-is-sensory-urbanism
CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT NEWS

- CSO reports annual increase of 2% in planning granted in Q2: 11,374 units were granted planning permission in the three months from April to June, up from 11,150 units the same time last year. Of these, 39.8% were for houses and 60.2% were for apartments https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/0909/1321547-cso-planning-permissions/
- Building and construction output falls by 4.5% in Q3, but CSO figures also showed a 3.2% annual increase in construction volume recorded https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-40956422.html
- Housing needs huge output but, worryingly, house commencements have dipped: The main fallout from global challenges has been the construction sector, yet it will be a busy selling season in the months ahead, says Sherry FitzGerald’s Ann O’Mahony https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-40957499.html
- Mandatory ministerial planning regulations have led to poorer housing standards: Privatised planning system is forcing local authorities to grant permission for schemes that contravene their own policies https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2022/09/06/mandatory-ministerial-planning-regulations-have-created-poorer-housing-standards/
- 64 court cases linked to Hyde decisions cost An Bord Pleanála €5.2m https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40954442.html
- Fórsa criticises Bord Pleanála plans to outsource governance services: Trade union claims move to hire external advisors at embattled planning body would create ‘serious personal discord’ and ‘alienate’ staff from board https://www.businesspost.ie/news/forsa-slams-bord-pleanala-plans-to-outsource-governance-services/
- Student accommodation construction slows down as college numbers rise – Cushman & Wakefield says just 600 bed spaces will be built this year as students scramble for accommodation https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2022/09/04/student-accommodation-construction-slows-down-as-college-numbers-rise/
- Construction Industry Calls For Three Year Extension To Help-To-Buy Scheme https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/construction-industry-calls-for-three-year-extension-to-help-to-buy-scheme/
- Calls for increased focus on insulation measures welcomed by construction federation https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/calls-for-increased-focus-on-insulation-measures-welcomed-by-construction-federation-1360207.html
- Residential lags other sectors in booming Sandyford Business District: Office, warehousing and retail are on the up, but only one housing development is currently under way in the area https://www.businesspost.ie/property/residential-lags-other-sectors-in-booming-sandyford-business-district/
- Marlet prepares fresh apartment plans for north Dublin site – Judge rejected previous plans for site near St. Anne’s Park https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2022/09/05/marlet-prepares-fresh-apartment-plans-for-north-dublin-site/
- Council recommends planning refusal for senior living scheme on former Blackrock RFC lands: Tetrarch wants to construct 108 build-to-rent units on site sold by club last year https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2022/09/09/council-recommends-planning-refusal-for-blackrock-senior-living-scheme/
- DRES gears up €800m development on Dublin Mercedes-Benz site: Developer swoops on Naas Road landmark to build up to 2,000 homes https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dres-gears-up-800m-development-on-dublin-mercedes-benz-site-29h0hklww
- Howth Church of Ireland opposes planned ‘destination’ hotel https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/howth-church-of-ireland-opposes-planned-destination-hotel-1360762.html
- Injunction sought over alleged illegal occupation of building earmarked for housing: The property was formerly operated by a fabric wholesalers Hickey and Company Ltd, which vacated the site two years ago. https://www.thejournal.ie/injunction-sought-illegal-occupation-5862270-Sep2022/
- Dublin 4 neighbours in legal row over future homes worth €15m: Solicitor and neighbour in affluent Dublin suburb are locked into High Court battle over extent of the homeowner’s right of way https://www.businesspost.ie/news/dublin-4-neighbours-in-legal-row-over-future-homes-worth-e15m/
- Permission granted to change new Cork hotel plans: The developer previously had permission for a 191-bedroom hotel https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-40956236.html
- Irish Distillers invests €250m in new Midleton distillery https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/0905/1320664-250m-investment-for-midelton/
- Thumbs-up for low-density housing despite lack of public transport https://connachttribune.ie/thumbs-up-for-low-density-housing-despite-lack-of-public-transport/
- Refusal for planned housing development in Gort https://connachttribune.ie/refusal-for-planned-housing-development-in-gort/amp/
- Galway firm wins £41m Havant new reservoir pipeline job https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/09/05/galway-firm-wins-41m-havant-new-reservoir-pipeline-job/
- Appeal lodged against permission for €450 million data centre campus in Clare: The plan includes the construction of six data centres. https://www.thejournal.ie/clare-data-centres-2-5860387-Sep2022/
- Over 1,300 planning permissions for homes granted in Tipperary: 376 new homes built in the county up to June 2022 https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/home/904444/1-322-planning-permissions-for-homes-granted-as-government-claims-housing-for-all-has-delivered-for-tipperary.html
- Over 100 houses and apartments proposed for development in Tullamore https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/home/905587/over-100-houses-and-apartments-proposed-for-development-in-tullamore.html
- Longford County Council has apologised for demanding that a local landowner remove an unauthorised fence which the council itself had erected. https://www.businesspost.ie/news/longford-county-council-apologises-for-telling-man-to-remove-fence-it-erected/
- New plans have been revealed for the cutting edge headquarters for the Education Training Board, which will be situated on the St Oliver’s Community College campus on the Rathmullen Road in Drogheda. https://m.independent.ie/regionals/louth/news/new-lmetb-headquarters-in-drogheda-now-at-planning-stage-41966667.html
- Planning refused for 228 new homes in Killarney: Some 50 observations were submitted regarding the plans, including concerns about density, access, and its impact on green spaces https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-40956239.html
- Planning approved for waste facility in East Kerry https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/planning-approved-for-waste-facility-in-east-kerry-296543
- Ballybofey’s new €7 million apartment complex almost ready: Early Christmas present for those seeking housing https://www.donegallive.ie/news/local-news/906062/ballybofeys-new-7-million-apartment-complex-almost-ready.html
- 164 new dwellings granted planning permission in Donegal https://highlandradio.com/2022/09/09/164-new-dwellings-granted-planning-permission-in-donegal/
- The death of Cyrus Mistry, the youngest scion of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, in a fatal car accident is a double loss as the group patriarch passed away in June. The SP Group has a net worth of nearly $30bn, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index https://www.livemint.com/news/india/cyrus-mistry-s-death-shapoorji-pallonji-group-s-second-personal-loss-in-2022/amp-11662335377308.html
- EnerMech invests €9.2 million in first Irish facility, creating 170 jobs: The move to an Athlone business park is backed by the Irish Government https://www.insider.co.uk/news/enermech-invests-92-million-first-27948498.amp
- Data Centre Specialist LPI Group Opens Swedish Office https://businessplus.ie/news/lpi-group/
- David Bolton from Farrans Construction has won Irish Construction Manager of the Year at the CIOB Awards Ireland 2022. https://constructionmanagement.co.uk/irish-construction-manager/
- A Lisburn-based stock-holding company selling aluminium and PVCu products to the construction industry has secured backing from Panoramic Growth Equity. https://www.insidermedia.com/news/ireland/panoramic-investment-for-architectural-aluminium-and-plastics-firm
- Chadwicks Bray makes shortlist for Builders Merchants Excellence Awards https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/business/chadwicks-bray-makes-shortlist-for-builders-merchants-excellence-awards-41972261.html
- Inflation slowing rate of housebuilding — Cairn: Cairn Homes chief warns of rising costs as company reports €32m profit https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2022/09/08/profit-quadruples-to-318m-at-housebuilder-cairn-homes/ Also: Cairn Homes in ‘unique position’ in undersupplied Irish market, say analysts – Fears around inflation have depressed valuations and the housing group’s share price ‘is not adequately reflected in its current valuation’ https://www.businesspost.ie/news/cairn-homes-in-unique-position-in-undersupplied-irish-market-say-analysts/
PROPTECH, ESG, 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
- US software company Procore to hire staff at new EMEA hub in Dublin https://www.siliconrepublic.com/jobs-news/procore-dublin-emea-hub-software
- Property sales chain tool re-launched with slicker features: The revamped tool, ViewMyChain, has earned approval from conveyancers with its new ‘pre-built chains’ https://thenegotiator.co.uk/property-sales-chain-tool-launched-again-with-slicker-features/
- PlaceTech partners with inaugural MEA Proptech event in Bahrain https://placetech.net/news/bahrain-set-to-host-inaugural-mea-proptech-event/
- Oliver Muller on building PropertyCard, prop-tech market, long-term thinking, and the volume-experience-collection https://futurestartup.com/2022/09/05/oliver-muller-on-building-propertycard-prop-tech-market-long-term-thinking-and-the-volume-experience-collection/
- Why aren’t we 3D-printing houses in the UK? Construction companies across the globe are embracing the technology, but British firms remain wary of taking the plunge https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/why-arent-we-3d-printing-houses-in-the-uk-thcxb5pxm
- Wind and solar won’t help building sites to ditch diesel. But this will https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/agenda/wind-and-solar-wont-help-building-sites-to-ditch-diesel-but-this-will-05-09-2022/
- Top Benefits of Using BIM for Modular Construction Projects https://www.aechive.net/truecadd/top-benefits-of-using-bim-for-modular-construction-projects-1o7o
- RentSpree lands funding to cater to a growing nation of renters https://member.fintech.global/2022/09/05/rentspree-lands-funding-to-cater-to-a-growing-nation-of-renters/
- Proptech startups get $100mn fund support Credai and Venture Catalysts have partnered to set up the fund so as to bring in innovative disruption in the real estate sector https://www.bizzbuzz.news/markets/proptech-startups-get-100mn-fund-support-1165859
- PropTech unicorn VTS bags $125m https://member.fintech.global/2022/09/08/proptech-unicorn-vts-bags-125m/
- Proptech Ireland: Ireland’s CONSTRUCTION and REAL ESTATE ESG technologies resource hub. Confused about how and where to start on your ESG journey? Contact us 👉https://prop-tech.ie
CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
- This crisis is an opportunity to do things differently https://m.independent.ie/opinion/letters/this-crisis-is-an-opportunity-to-do-things-differently-41960765.html
- Temperatures in buildings could be slashed this winter under new energy plan https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2022/09/06/new-government-plan-to-slash-temperatures-in-buildings-as-energy-crisis-escalates-in-europe/
- ‘World First’ Renewable Energy Project Launched In The Midlands: The €130m facility is set to strengthen Ireland’s ability to produce solar and wind energy. https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/world-first-renewable-energy-project-launched-in-the-midlands/
- Decision on LNG plant in Shannon Estuary delayed again: An Bord Pleanála has requested further information on capacity of proposed terminal in the context of projected national future gas demand https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40957289.html
- Carrigaline solar farm will power 16,000 homes https://www.southernstar.ie/news/carrigaline-solar-farm-will-power-16000-homes-4248864
- Planning permission granted for Co Donegal wind farm https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/0905/1320656-drumnahough-wind-farm/
- Is it possible to build homes with no energy bills? Smart grids, solar panel roofs and zero carbon emissions — the race to build Britain’s greenest houses https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/is-it-possible-to-build-homes-with-no-energy-bills-lk5g3f368
- Keeping the lights on: How EU countries are responding to the energy crisis – With Russia edging closer to a full shut-off of gas exports, European governments are in full crisis mode as winter approaches. But countries as powerful as Germany are in a bind when it comes to reducing energy demands, and less wealthy nations such as Spain and Italy face their own particular difficulties. How can this once-in-a-generation problem be overcome? https://www.businesspost.ie/news-focus/keeping-the-lights-on-how-eu-countries-are-responding-to-the-energy-crisis/
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

- City council paid €34m to hotel group to take in homeless https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/city-council-paid-34m-to-hotel-group-to-take-in-homeless-8b7pdlfmp
- Property prices ‘at similar levels to 2007 peak’ – BPFI: There was a 14.1% n increase in residential property prices in the year to June https://www.newstalk.com/news/property-prices-at-similar-levels-to-2007-peak-bpfi-1379383
- House prices likely to increase in coming months despite ‘significant’ increase in supply: Banking and Payments Federation Ireland says housing supply must increase to improve affordability. https://www.thejournal.ie/house-prices-likely-to-increase-in-coming-months-despite-increase-in-supply-saus-bpfi-banking-and-payments-federation-ireland-5858094-Sep2022/?amp=1
- Average first-time buyers’ mortgage is now at its highest on record – surpassing even Celtic Tiger boom-time levels, new figures show. It rose by more than €30,000 in the past 12 months to almost €263,500, a 13% increase https://businessplus.ie/news/first-time-buyers-loans/
- Irish mortgage market is shrinking but there are reasons to be hopeful: Higher rates and less choice loom in the near term for borrowers as KBC and Ulster Bank exit but there’s scope to attract new entrants https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2022/09/05/irish-mortgage-market-is-shrinking-but-there-are-reasons-to-be-hopeful/
- Mortgage-to-rent scheme fails to tempt distressed homeowners: Scheme allows homeowners with unsustainable arrears to hand over home and rent it long term with option to buy it back https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2022/09/06/mortgage-to-rent-scheme-fails-to-tempt-distressed-homeowners/
- Third of renters spending ‘at least 50% of their income’ on rent https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/third-of-renters-spending-at-least-50-of-their-income-on-rent-1360193.html
- Two groups representing landlords have called for a number of measures to stem the flow of landlords from the rental market. https://www.anglocelt.ie/2022/09/08/landlord-groups-call-for-tax-measures-in-budget/
- A woman was asked for intimate photos of herself in her underwear by her landlord, who cut contact with her after she tried to get her deposit back from him. The student was also offered a bed-sharing arrangement with a different landlord just weeks later https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40958570.html
- Matea Leka (32) has written to the Taoiseach to highlight her personal experience of the housing crisis – from scammers to mouldy rooms. https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/housing-crisis-the-majority-of-landlords-are-like-the-government-itself-they-just-dont-care-41960880.html
- Is now the time to walk away from a tracker mortgage as ECB interest rates are rising? Q&A: Many unknowns on what will happen on interest rates, even for professional finance people, but a 1.25% margin is still attractive https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2022/09/05/is-now-the-time-to-walk-away-from-a-tracker-mortgage-as-ecb-interest-rates-are-rising/
- Staff shortages at creches prompt ‘job plus housing’ offers: Childcare industry hit especially hard by staffing shortages due to low wages and lack of housing https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2022/09/05/staff-shortages-at-creches-prompt-job-plus-housing-offers/
- All landlords should be ‘acutely aware’ of obligations to tenants – Minister https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/all-landlords-are-acutely-aware-of-obligations-to-tenants-housing-minister-1360203.html
- Local authorities urged to purchase homes where tenants face eviction: Department circular says ‘limited scope’ for acquisitions and these should be focused on ‘priority areas’ https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2022/09/06/minister-for-housing-urges-local-authorities-to-purchase-homes-where-tenants-face-eviction/
- No Airbnbs in Westmeath have been registered with council, despite 50 listed for short term rental – only 13 long term rentals available in the county https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2022/09/09/no-airbnbs-in-westmeath-have-been-registered-with-council/
- My tenants are advertising my property on Airbnb – Property Clinic: As the owner, you are exposed on many fronts through the indefensible actions of your tenants and should terminate the agreement https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2022/09/06/my-tenants-are-advertising-my-property-on-airbnb/
- Nearly €11m Of Residential Property Sold Around Tralee In July http://traleetoday.ie/nearly-e11m-of-residential-property-sold-around-tralee-in-july/
- What is the going rate for a home in . . . Co Limerick? From new homes to fixer-uppers — a county-by-county guide to what’s new on the market https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2022/09/10/what-is-the-going-rate-for-a-home-in-co-limerick/
- Georgian gem with colourful history on the market for €650,000: Donnybrook House, on 4.45 hectares near Nenagh, in Co Tipperary, has been partly modernised by its current owners https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2022/09/06/georgian-house-built-for-cromwell-lieutenant-on-the-market-for-650000/
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

- Retail property investment shows signs of turning corner https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/retail-property-investment-shows-signs-of-turning-corner-41970143.html
- Citi close to €100mn deal for new European headquarters in Dublin: Bank has already hired 300 additional staff in Ireland https://www.ft.com/content/f0e3cbf2-9fa0-496f-9c97-392411b27bc1
- Glandore selects the Bottleworks for 10th Dublin office location: Irish-owned flexible workspace provider signs 20-year lease with Jones Investments for building in city’s Silicon Docks https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2022/09/07/glandore-selects-the-bottleworks-for-10th-dublin-office-location/
- French investor pays €8.5m for Bank of Ireland branch portfolio – Iroko ZEN acquires five premises let and occupied to bank in Wexford, Longford, Tipperary, Cork and Galway https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2022/09/07/french-investor-pays-85m-for-bank-of-ireland-branch-portfolio/
- European investor M7 acquires Swords Enterprise Park: Acquisition brings property investor’s overall Irish portfolio to 26 assets extending to 1.24m sq ft https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2022/09/07/european-investor-m7-acquires-swords-enterprise-park-for-undisclosed-sum/
- Mountpark to invest €47m on final two logistics units at Baldonnel scheme: Existing units at Dublin 22 scheme already let to Amazon, DB Schenker, United Drug and Home Store + More https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2022/09/07/mountpark-to-invest-47m-on-final-two-logistics-units-at-baldonnel-scheme/
- Dublin motor showroom with scope for residential development seeks €7.5m: Sale of Greenhills Road site comes as Fiat dealership Agnelli Motor Park relocates to new premises https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2022/09/07/dublin-motor-showroom-with-scope-for-residential-development-seeks-75m/
- Insomnia plans to open up to eight cafés per year in plan to target suburbs and towns: Coffee shop company to focus its five-year expansion plans in regions like Kilkenny, Cavan, Mullingar and Mallow, says chief executive Harry O’Kelly https://www.businesspost.ie/news/insomnia-plans-to-open-up-to-eight-cafes-per-year-in-plan-to-target-suburbs-and-towns/
- More smaller nursing homes at risk of closure – report https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/0905/1320551-more-smaller-nursing-homes-at-risk-of-closure-report/
- Developer Gerry Barrett seeks €21m for Scotch Hall Shopping Centre: Proposed sale of Drogheda scheme comes as private investor weighs acquisition of Marshes Shopping Centre in nearby Dundalk https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2022/09/07/developer-gerry-barrett-seeks-21m-for-scotch-hall-shopping-centre/
- New clothing store being planned for Naas https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/903958/kildare-new-clothing-store-being-planned-for-naas.html
- Owners of south Longford hotel lift lid on reasons behind decision to sell up https://www.longfordleader.ie/news/home/904071/owners-of-south-longford-hotel-lift-lid-on-reasons-behind-decision-to-sell-up.html
- Gym+Coffee stretches into a new upsized store at Victoria Square, Belfast https://bdaily.co.uk/articles/2022/09/05/gymcoffee-stretches-into-a-new-upsized-store-at-victoria-square-belfast
- Dalata Hotel Group intends to expand further into Europe off the back of a strong first half of 2022. https://tophotel.news/largest-irish-operator-looking-for-further-european-opportunities/
- CBRE appoints new head of research and consulting: Colin Richardson takes up position following departure of Marie Hunt for new role at Iput https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2022/09/07/cbre-appoints-new-head-of-research-and-consulting/
INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

- UK construction industry shrinks as recession looms: Builders report customers are putting new work on hold as inflation reaches 40-year high https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/sep/06/uk-construction-industry-recession-builders-inflation
- UK housebuilders Vistry Group and Countryside to merge in £1.3bn deal: Former Bovis Homes snaps up smaller rival after campaign by two US activist investors https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/sep/05/vistry-group-countryside-merge-bovis-homes
- Scottish rent freeze – ‘a new low’ says shocked property industry: New policy is part of Scottish government’s attempts to protect tenants from the cost-of-living crisis, but industry commentators argue it will have the opposite effect. https://thenegotiator.co.uk/scottish-rent-freeze-a-new-low-says-property-industry/
- Growing council estate regeneration developer Place Capital Group (PCG) has bought design and regeneration practice MCAU (Modern City Architecture and Urbanism) https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/expanding-housing-regeneration-developer-buys-another-design-studio
- Thirty of London’s most significant buildings from 30 years of Open House https://www.dezeen.com/2022/09/08/londons-most-significant-buildings-architecture-open-house/
- 9m people in a city 170km long; will the world ever be ready for a linear metropolis? Saudi Arabia has unveiled designs for a futuristic megastructure in the desert. But it is an idea that has preoccupied the imaginations of architects for generations https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2022/sep/08/nine-million-people-in-a-city-170km-long-will-the-world-ever-be-ready-for-a-linear-metropolis
- San Francisco Braces for Epic Commercial Real Estate Crash https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-braces-for-epic-commercial-real-estate-crash/
- Is Australia following Ireland into a policy-inflicted rental crisis? https://thepropertytribune.com.au/market-insights/is-australia-following-ireland-into-a-policy-inflicted-rental-crisis/?amp
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/
