Weekly Irish property market news and insights – for the industry, by the industry

Happy New Year to all! 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:
- Social media? Traditional PR? New Year, new media strategies? TikTok 🤯 If you don’t know where to start, start here: https://propertydistrict.ie
- Difference in affluence between those who own their own homes and those who rent in Ireland is off the scale | David McWilliams “Median net wealth of families who own their own home reached €304,000 in 2020. But for families who rent, the median wealth is €5,300. Families who own their homes are about 55 times wealthier than families who rent” https://davidmcwilliams.ie/difference-in-affluence-between-those-who-own-their-own-homes-and-those-who-rent-in-ireland-is-off-the-scale/
- World economy is headed for a recession in 2023, researchers say: High-interest rates take a toll as inflation remains a threat. https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41036156.html
- Ireland’s economic outlook for 2023: four commentators give their views: Ireland finds itself in the grip of an inflation crisis, just one of several challenges that must be addressed effectively https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/2022/12/30/the-economic-outlook-for-2023-four-commentators-give-their-views/?
- Permacrisis gives way to the polycrisis… The economic outlook for 2023: four commentators give their views: Ireland finds itself in the grip of an inflation crisis, just one of several challenges that must be addressed effectively https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/2022/12/30/the-economic-outlook-for-2023-four-commentators-give-their-views/
- Businesses and FDI on the west coast of Ireland, 1965 – from the oil refinery in Cobh, through Limerick, Galway, Mayo and right the way up to the fisheries in Killybegs https://youtu.be/JWY8ucN1BVk
- IDA officials anxious about impact of housing crisis on inward investment, emails show: Internal records from State agency show firms’ perceptions of ‘unfavourable’ situation https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2022/12/30/ida-officials-anxious-about-housing-crisis-effect-on-inward-investment-emails-show/
- Government housing body has not built one house on state lands: All 270 homes delivered by the Land Development Agency to date have been bought from private developers. Sinn Féin’s Eoin Ó Broin claims the agency is competing with first-time buyers and approved housing bodies for limited number of new builds https://www.businesspost.ie/news/government-housing-body-has-not-built-one-house-on-state-lands/
- Irish property: the boom that shows no signs of slowing – While other markets cool off, Ireland is facing a housing shortage that is driving up the cost of renting and buying https://www.ft.com/content/ad969594-cb0e-483d-a761-b50b161fd428
- In 2009, 60% of people thought it was a ‘good time’ to buy a house. Now? That figure is 14% https://www.thejournal.ie/amarach-research-opinions-housing-crisis-ireland-5952152-Dec2022/
- Department of Housing spent almost €80,000 on social media ads in 2022: Dramatic rise in amounts forked out, with ads placed across Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and YouTube https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41034545.html
- Nimbys need to realise their objections to new housing harms all of society: People do not equate the impact that stalling a new housing development in their area has on the inability of their adult children to find a home https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41032490.html
- Owen Keegan: We disagree fundamentally with those groups… who continue to promote and sustain rough sleeping’: With just nine months left in his job as Dublin City Council chief executive, Owen Keegan remains direct and unapologetic about his views https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2022/12/29/we-disagree-fundamentally-with-those-groups-who-continue-to-promote-and-sustain-rough-sleeping/
- 2023 –Time for Ireland to take a new direction in housing: The housing expert says as the new year approaches, it’s time we reevaluate our approach to housing across the board. https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/irelands-housing-crisis-5951541-Dec2022/
- ‘Modern Modular’ – One of the top construction stories of 2022: Are modular homes about to have a moment? https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/2022/06/18/are-modular-homes-about-to-have-a-moment/
- The Office of Public Works (OPW) has refused to clarify how it underestimated the capacity needs for the new €86.6m Garda Dublin control centre by a factor of more than 500 personnel. https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41033300.html
- Rents are at a record high, so why are private landlords quitting the market in droves? Penalties outweigh any incentives for small landlords https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-41038079.html
- Personal details of clients at Cork letting agency leaked in data breach at the Residential Tenancies Board – Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) dealing with complaint after details of clients of one letting agency were sent in error to a different agency https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41033033.html
- Crisis Communications in the event of a data breach https://propertydistrict.ie/crisis-communications-in-the-event-of-data-breach/
- ‘TV doesn’t pay’ – Dermot Bannon on anxiety, parenting, and why he won’t be giving up the day job any time soon: With the new Room to Improve airing this week, Ireland’s most famous architect opens up to Donal Lynch about self-doubt, driving ambition, and why the economy is heading for a slowdown https://m.independent.ie/life/tv-doesnt-pay-dermot-bannon-on-anxiety-parenting-and-why-he-wont-be-giving-up-the-day-job-any-time-soon-42252770.html
- Why write about architecture? ChatGPT has ideas. https://www.archpaper.com/2022/12/why-write-about-architecture-chatgpt-has-ideas/?amp=1
- Call for Government to act on ‘rogue operators taking advantage’ of Ukrainian refugees https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41033045.html
- Farmers are warned over new land deals with developers: Legal expert flags tax liabilities and the risk of being underpaid https://www.independent.ie/news/farmers-are-warned-over-new-land-deals-with-developers-42245386.html
- Model-maker exposes derelict properties through detailed miniature models https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41037212.html
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 the show on iPropertyRadio.com, email hello@ipropertyradio.com
Some of our 2022 highlights on iPropertyRadio

Watch back and listen back: https://ipropertyradio.com/
Produced by Hear Me Roar Media https://hearmeroarmedia.com/
PLACEMAKING
OPEN PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

- How to engage the community in placemaking in 2023 | PLACEengage https://placeengage.com/how-to-engage-the-community-in-placemaking-in-2023/
- ‘Serious overhaul’ needed for historic Dublin bridge as €1.5 million conservation works set to begin: Repair works for the single-span cast-iron girder bridge, which was commissioned by the Guinness family in the 1870s, will take five months https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/serious-overhaul-needed-historic-dublin-25847156.amp
- 2021 Planning application statistics released for Cork city and county council: 86% of all planning applications were granted permission while 14% were refused. The numbers for Cork County Council were 93% and 7% respectively. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41038790.html
- A tale of two cities…Does Cork City Council spend more on the northside or southside? For decades, northsiders and southsiders in Cork have argued over which part of the city saw preferential treatment https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-41026778.html
- Repair works carried out after ‘small sinkhole’ opens up on busy road in Cork City: A member of Cork City Fire Brigade told The Echo that Fire Brigade crew attended the incident shortly after 4pm yesterday. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41037143.html
- Environmentalist Peter Sweetman appeals plans for 96 homes in Mallow: The plans include four-bed semi-detached homes, three-bed semis, three-bed townhouses, two-bed townhouses as well as duplex and apartment units https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41033741.html
- ‘I just want to go home’: Housing shortage threatens very existence of island life: West Cork islands face real threat of permanent depopulation if the housing issue is not addressed https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2022/12/27/i-just-want-to-go-home-housing-shortage-threatens-very-existence-of-island-life/
- West Cork’s Rosscarbery beach to be assessed as part of new pollution study: Warren Strand was shut to the public for a week in August due to a sewage plume https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41035397.html
- Cork people are above average in rating their quality of life highly https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41037479.html
- Thousands of West Cork properties getting hooked up to €314 million high speed fibre network: The plan is to get even the most rural and remote of spots connected to enable remote working, learning, monitoring of livestock and better energy efficiency https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/thousands-west-cork-properties-getting-25861945
- Latest Galway house prices and mortgages needed to buy as city properties ‘beyond their budget’: And houses in the county have risen by over 20% in the past 12 months too https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/galway-news/latest-galway-house-prices-mortgages-7971937.amp
- Major Galway college green project plan to update protected structure – Council will soon decide on whether the project gets the greenlight https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/ireland-news/major-galway-college-green-project-7980419
- Galway Heritage Officer halts unauthorised Mud Dock works https://connachttribune.ie/galway-heritage-officer-halts-unauthorised-mud-dock-works/
- UK stag parties have fallen out of love with Las Vegas – preferring to whoop it up in Galway instead! Bookings to Galway were up by 68 per cent in 2022 over 2019 –the last year without Covid restrictions https://connachttribune.ie/stags-pack-their-bags-for-galway-487/
- Work begins on Ros a’ Mhil pier redevelopment https://connachttribune.ie/work-begins-on-ros-a-mhil-pier-redevelopment/amp/
- Planning permission granted to 95% of planning applications in Donegal in 2021: There were 1,750 planning applications approved and 101 refused by Donegal County Council in 2021 https://www.donegallive.ie/news/local-news/999790/planning-permission-granted-to-95-of-planning-applicationsin-donegal-in-2021.html
- Carbon credits to rewet Ireland’s bogs? https://www.irishexaminer.com/farming/arid-41037260.html
- Translations: Language and Ireland’s Ecological Transformation https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2022/12/27/news/platform_dr_peter_doran_translations_language_and_ireland_s_ecological_transformation-2959289/
- Preferred route for north Mayo town by-pass early in 2023 https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2022/12/28/preferred-route-for-north-mayo-town-by-pass-early-in-2023/
- Laois received 7 submissions for the vacant properties refurbishment grant – with only two being granted, while two others are still under review. Almost half of the applications for funding to renovate vacant properties in Laois were turned down https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/sparse-midlands-vacant-properties-grant-applications-turned-away/
- Demand made to knock Laois house built in ‘horse and cart’ era https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/local-news/993963/demand-made-to-knock-laois-house-built-in-horse-and-cart-era.html
- Cathaoirleach of Baltinglass Municipal District outlines New Year hopes and aspirations https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/news/cathaoirleach-of-baltinglass-municipal-district-outlines-new-year-hopes-and-aspirations-42247072.html
- Street art in Ireland: The thorny issue of what is permitted: Spray-painted walls aren’t always welcome but striking the right balance is proving tricky for artists and inflexible local councils https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2022/12/28/artists-vs-council-bureaucrats-how-tight-regulations-are-stopping-street-art-from-taking-off/
- An extension of the Carlingford Lough Greenway from Omeath to the border is a step closer after An Bord Pleanála gave Louth County Council the go-ahead for a Compulsory Purchase Order for the scheme https://m.independent.ie/regionals/louth/news/greenway-moves-step-closer-with-approval-for-cpo-of-land-42247144.html
CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT NEWS

- Government to review spending rules as concern mounts over delayed projects: Lengthy checks and balances are being blamed by ministers for slowing down large public infrastructure projects costing over €100 million https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/government-to-review-spending-rules-as-concern-mounts-over-delayed-projects/
- Construction and farming account for most workplace deaths as 26 fatal accidents reported in 2022 https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/construction-and-farming-account-for-most-workplace-deaths-as-26-fatal-accidents-reported-in-2022-42251861.html
- Financial, tech and construction sectors see biggest rise in wages: More than three-quarters of employers surveyed say they will raise salaries next year https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2022/12/28/financial-tech-and-construction-sectors-see-biggest-rise-in-wages/
- Minister announces 10 new apprenticeships across different sectors https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41037710.html
- 100% redress for construction defects in Celtic Tiger homes to be proposed: Darragh O’Brien wants the State to fund the repair works, which could cost up to €2.5bn https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2022/12/27/minister-wants-100-redress-for-fire-safety-in-defective-apartments/
- The funding model for development of apartments is broken: Construction costs have increased to unprecedented levels https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2022/12/27/the-funding-model-for-development-of-apartments-is-broken/
- The real issues holding back housing supply: The challenge of affordability https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2022/12/28/the-real-issues-holding-back-housing-supply/
- Varadkar won’t take builders’ claims apartments are financially unviable as ‘truth’: Taoiseach said the housing crisis was holding the country back and causing an intergenerational division https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41037383.html
- Jim Power: Responsibility for housing should be given to the Taoiseach – Housing is not just a social issue but also an economic one https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41036795.html
- Viability challenges threaten vitally needed housing supply in 2023 and beyond: Refugee crisis putting additional strain on both the housing system, public system and hospitality. https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-41038688.html
- Housing minister admits government will struggle to hit own targets https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/housing-minister-admits-government-will-struggle-to-hit-own-targets-lsls37xqs
- OPW warned Government of risks to successful delivery of modular homes for refugees: The first 200 rapid build units, for 800 people from Ukraine, were expected to be ready in November 2022 https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2022/12/30/opw-warned-government-of-risks-to-successful-delivery-of-modular-homes-for-refugees/
- GWM enters Irish market via €58.4m loan https://www.recapitalnews.com/gwm-enters-ireland-via-e58-4m-loan/
- Ballymore Irish property subsidiary accumulates losses of €87m: Company made loss of €1.8m in the year to the end of March 2022, according to latest accounts https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2022/12/27/ballymore-irish-property-subsidiary-records-loss-of-18m/
- Ronan firm sells Paris property to help reduce group’s debt – Senior and junior debt amounted to a combined €194.88 million https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2022/12/27/ronan-firm-sells-paris-property-to-help-reduce-groups-debt/
- Council to target Dublin church sites in major land-buying programme: Existing low-rise estates may be considered for demolition to make better use of land for housing, Dublin City Council chief executive says https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2022/12/29/council-to-target-dublin-church-sites-in-land-buying-programme/
- Dublin City Council give green light for Diageo HQ scheme at Guinness Brewery lands: The building, which was once part of Guinness’s brewery operations, will extend to just under 13,000sq ft. https://www.thejournal.ie/diageo-new-headquarters-approved-5956806-Dec2022/ Also: Guinness Quarter developer ordered to survey historic railway system – Dublin council says €1 billion project cannot proceed until archaeology assessment completed on train tunnel system at St James’s Gate https://www.businesspost.ie/news/guinness-quarter-developer-ordered-to-survey-historic-railway-system/
- Developer takes constitutional challenge over decision to dezone land – Pat Crean to draw Attorney General into bitter legal saga over future of his multimillion-euro site beside St Anne’s Park, Raheny https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2022/12/29/constitutional-challenge-being-taken-by-marlet-group-chief-against-dublin-city-council-decision-to-dezone-land/
- Construction Information Services round-up: The Construction Information Service offers the latest on projects on the ground and in the pipeline https://www.businesspost.ie/property/construction-information-services-round-up-52/
- Out with dingy bedsits, in with slick apartment blocks: student living grew up in Cork City this year: Partnership approach helps make apartments more affordable https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-41038073.html
- Galway city major housing development as over 220 new homes await green light https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/galway-city-major-housing-development-7966237
- Planning sought for Oranmore housing development https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/planning-sought-for-oranmore-housing-development/
- Planning permission granted for Ballinasloe housing estate https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/housing/planning-permission-granted-for-ballinasloe-housing-estate/?amp
- ‘Take 2’ for film studios plan at Galway Airport https://connachttribune.ie/take-2-for-film-studios-plan-at-galway-airport/
- 158 bedroom hotel proposed for Kildare, planning permission documents show https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/999603/158-bedroom-hotel-proposed-for-kildare-planning-permission-documents-show.html
- Lidl seeks planning permission for new Wicklow store in Kilcoole https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/news/lidl-seeks-planning-permission-for-new-wicklow-store-in-kilcoole-42247148.html
- Care Property Invest acquires a yet-to-be-developed residential care centre in Kilmacanogue https://www.laingbuissonnews.com/healthcare-markets-international-content/ireland-care-property-invest-acquires-a-yet-to-be-developed-residential-care-centre-in-kilmacanogue/
- Green light for 60 new social houses in Gorey https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/news/green-light-for-60-new-social-houses-in-gorey-42246770.html
- Major housing development approved in Laois town https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/local-news/998620/major-housing-development-approved-in-laois-town.html
- Belfast Harbour turns to residential development for new City Quays 4 project: The build-to-rent apartments will be built on a site between the M3 bridge and AC Marriott Hotel https://www.business-live.co.uk/commercial-property/belfast-harbour-turns-residential-development-25839355.amp
- Europe’s top construction stories of 2022 https://www.construction-europe.com/news/what-were-the-top-construction-stories-of-2022-/8025128.article
- 📢 MMC Ireland is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as our new Chief Executive Officer. Interested candidates are invited to email an expression of interest by Monday, January 23rd, 2023 to info@mmcireland.ie Further information about MMC Ireland 👉 https://mmcireland.ie/
- BAM Nuttall names new chief https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/12/31/bam-nuttall-names-new-chief-2/

PROPTECH, ESG, MMC & CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION

- Proptech Ireland is updating the database of 2023 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
- 2022 PROPTECH VENTURE CAPITAL REPORT: The narrative for the proptech industry has changed as companies across real estate and technology adopt a defensive position in response to market volatility & economic headwinds: https://creti.org/2022-proptech-venture-capital-report
- What to look for in a term sheet as a first-time founder https://techcrunch.com/2022/12/30/what-to-look-for-in-a-term-sheet-as-a-first-time-founder/
- The Potential Immediate Future for Proptech: When markets change, so do startups if they want to survive https://www.globest.com/2022/12/29/the-potential-immediate-future-for-proptech/
- PropTech Companies Need To Get Better at Pitching in 2023 https://www.propmodo.com/proptech-companies-need-to-get-better-at-pitching-in-2023/
- Predictions for the tech sector in 2023 – Has technology sector matured or is it entering a different phase of development? https://www.irishtimes.com/business/innovation/2022/12/30/chris-horn-predictions-for-the-tech-sector-in-2023/ Also: What’s next: Predictions, challenges and IT trends for 2023 – As organizations look to address ongoing ops skills shortages and increasing complexity in their IT environments, they’ll invest in cybersecurity, AI and automation. https://www.techtarget.com/searchitoperations/feature/Whats-next-Predictions-challenges-and-IT-trends-for-2023
- Pimp your pitch deck and watch out for ‘predatory’ VCs: 2022’s best fundraising advice – Sifted wrapped up the best fundraising advice we’ve heard this year from Europe’s founders and investors https://sifted.eu/articles/best-fundraising-advice-2022/
- Proptech is losing money left and right, but Fifth Wall’s Brendan Wallace is ready to spend $866 million as the sector enters its ‘proving ground’ https://www.businessinsider.com/fifth-wall-ready-invest-proptech-sector-hits-skids-2022-12
- Proptech’s Top Trends and Events in 2022: What made the greatest impact on the evolving real estate technology sector? https://commercialobserver.com/2022/12/proptech-2022-trends-events/
- It’s Time To Make Building Data a C-Suite Imperative https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/12/29/its-time-to-make-building-data-a-c-suite-imperative/
- ‘Slack for construction’ Contech startup SymTerra snaps up first 100 subscribers https://buildindigital-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/buildindigital.com/contech-startup-symterra-snaps-up-first-100-subscribers/amp/
- Property Captain appoints new president – AIM Group https://aimgroup.com/2022/12/24/property-captain-appoints-new-president/
- Italy-based IiBuyer Casavo receives $10.7M from UniCredit – AIM Group https://aimgroup.com/2022/12/24/ibuyer-casavo-receives-10-7m-from-unicredit/
- 5 Proptech Innovations That Rocked The Real Estate World in 2022 https://candysdirt.com/2022/12/30/five-proptech-innovations-that-rocked-the-2022-real-estate-world/
ENERGY, CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT

- Demands on government to step up on climate crisis as new action plan takes hold: The Climate Action Plan 2023 contains a suite of measures aimed at cutting emissions – but its performance over the last year was mixed. https://www.thejournal.ie/climate-action-plan-2023-progress-5955626-Dec2022/
- Ireland needs an ‘offshore wind IDA’ to attract foreign energy firms, Cork Chamber says: Two of the largest energy developers in the world have left the market in the last 18 months as concerns have grown about the lack of policy focus https://www.businesspost.ie/news/ireland-needs-an-offshore-wind-ida-to-attract-foreign-energy-firms-cork-chamber-says/
- Dublin Bay and offshore wind farm – A visually intrusive development https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2022/12/31/dublin-bay-and-offshore-wind-farm/
- Planning decision due on North Cork windfarm project: The plans have attracted a considerable number of observations and submissions. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41035790.html
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

- 2022 a turning point for the property market? https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/1230/1343313-2022-a-turning-point-for-the-property-market/
- Ireland’s housing market slowing rapidly – House prices up 2.39% during the year to Q3 2022 https://www.globalpropertyguide.com/news-irelands-housing-market-slowing-rapidly-4392
- Housing market seeing resilient demand and moderating price inflation – Sherry FitzGerald https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2022/1230/1344235-sherry-fitzgerald-on-2022/
- House prices fall slightly in Dublin city as interest rates and energy costs bite – Last quarter figures for 2022 show ‘less frenzied’ market for semi-detached homes https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2022/12/27/house-prices-fall-slightly-in-dublin-city-but-rise-nationally/
- A year of ups and downs for Irish property but what will 2023 bring to the market? https://m.independent.ie/opinion/comment/a-year-of-ups-and-downs-for-irish-property-but-what-will-2023-bring-to-the-market-42245510.html
- Money no object? The top 5 most expensive houses sold in Dublin in 2022 https://extra.ie/2022/12/26/property/dublin-most-expensive-houses
- Inspections of private rental properties in Cork city skyrocket: In the first three quarters of 2022, a total of 5,346 inspections were carried out by or on behalf of the city council https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41036396.html
- Baz Ashmawy hits back at critics of DIY SOS episode that helped Ukrainian refugees https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41036654.html
- Buying a home online: ‘It was surreal to walk up to the house you’d only seen in a picture’ – Buying during the Covid-19 pandemic was a risky proposition, but for the Pruitts, taking a chance on Schull, in west Co Cork, has paid off in spades https://www.irishtimes.com/property/interiors/2022/12/29/buying-a-home-online-it-was-surreal-to-walk-up-to-the-house-youd-only-seen-in-a-picture/
- Calls for urgent action on houses left idle in Wexford village for a decade – Clongeen houses remain vacant for 10 years. https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/news/calls-for-urgent-action-on-houses-left-idle-in-wexford-village-for-a-decade-42247017.html
- Five fast and fun ideas to add zing to your life and living space:?Here are our quick picks for a holiday-season refresh and reset in the home as we gear up to welcome the new year https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-41035541.html
- The Ultimate Indoor Plants Trend Forecast for 2023: No matter the aesthetic, a touch of greenery will never go out of style 🌿 https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/indoor-plants-trend-forecast-2023
- How to plan and create the perfect kitchen for your home: A kitchen is a big investment and ought to perform for years with good planning and advice from the professionals https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-41031629.html
- Kitchen island trends 2023 – 9 new looks for your kitchen’s focal point that marry style and functionality – 2023 will see glamorous details, softened edges and modern materials at the forefront of our kitchens https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchens/kitchen-island-trends
- Home of the Year winner shares her January decluttering secrets: ‘I go through my process of decluttering during the usually boring early January downtime,’ says Jennifer Sheahan https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-41032016.html
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

- Changes at work in 2022 that will endure: Office life altered hugely this year, sometimes for the better and this state of things is fast moving https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/2022/12/28/pilita-clark-changes-at-work-in-2022-that-will-endure-thank-god/
- An enthusiastic return to socialising helps hospitality outlets keep their doors open: During the numerous pandemic lockdowns, government subsidies ensured that businesses could keep trading and the closures to date have been quite minimal https://www.businesspost.ie/property/an-enthusiastic-return-to-socialising-helps-hospitality-outlets-keep-their-doors-open/
- BUSINESS in Cork City has returned to pre-pandemic levels this Christmas, the president of the Cork Business Association (CBA) has said https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41035514.html
- Republic of Work expands with first office outside of Cork https://www.echolive.ie/business/arid-41035334.html
- Group want coworking space for historic Kinsale building: A feasibility report said the building could deliver annual turnover of €500,000 following its refurbishment https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41036690.html
- O’Donnellan & Joyce sees proven resilience in commercial market in 2022 https://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/133226/odonnellan-joyce-sees-proven-resilience-in-commercial-market-in-2022
- Council delays decision on expansion of luxury Cashel Palace Hotel redeveloped by millionaire racehorse owner John Magnier https://m.independent.ie/news/council-delays-decision-on-expansion-of-luxury-cashel-palace-hotel-redeveloped-by-millionaire-racehorse-owner-john-magnier-42246143.html
- Singaporeans pay over €15m for luxury Wicklow golf hotel – Singaporeans have paid more than €15 million for golf hotel in Wicklow https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/singaporeans-pay-over-15m-for-luxury-wicklow-golf-hotel-lnr2tgx0n
INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS
- From House Prices to Oat Milk Recycling, Here Are UK Predictions for 2023: The Ukraine crisis, the British economy and global climate talks will face turning points next year https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-26/uk-predictions-2023-house-prices-prospect-of-general-election-chatgpt?leadSource=uverify%20wall
- UK retail spending falls in 2022 amid cost of living crisis: Barclaycard data shows number of transactions was up but high inflation led to smaller basket sizes https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/dec/30/uk-retail-spending-falls-in-2022-amid-cost-of-living-crisis
- Apple data center town heating plan may finally happen, six years later https://9to5mac.com/2022/12/30/apple-data-center-town-heating/
- Australia’s housing crisis is getting worse: ‘We fear there is a tsunami of homelessness about to hit’: Rising rents, 8 interest rate hikes, surging living costs and natural disasters inflamed what was already among world’s least affordable rental markets https://www.irishtimes.com/world/australia/2022/12/28/australias-housing-crisis-is-getting-worse-we-fear-there-is-a-tsunami-of-homelessness-about-to-hit/
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/
