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: 

• Rising interest rates give unexpected boost to social housing charities: Tuath Housing says the hikes, along with inflation, have presented opportunities for the sector as private investors pull back from the market https://www.businesspost.ie/news/rising-interest-rates-give-unexpected-boost-to-social-housing-charities/

• State has lost €150m in abandoned transport projects, PAC report finds: Despite €300m investment, physical construction yet to begin on metro system for Greater Dublin Area https://www.irishtimes.com/transport/2023/07/04/state-has-lost-150m-in-abandoned-transport   Also: Bonkers bureaucracy: from MetroLink to pedestrianisation – and poles: The Business Post takes aim at the macro and micro crippling inefficiencies and inconsistencies in administration that are holding Ireland back https://www.businesspost.ie/article/bonkers-bureaucracy-from-metrolink-to-pedestrianisation-and-poles/ 

• Housing crisis in Ireland undermining new investment – IDA https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c885xelwpgeo.amp Also: US multinationals warn Government to sort out housing crisis and energy supplies: Majority of American Chamber companies plan to increase staff in the next 12 months but worry about headwinds https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/2023/07/04/us-multinationals-warn-government-to-sort-out-housing-crisis-and-energy-supplies/ 

• Negotiations among State bodies delay plan for 3,000 homes across Dublin, Cork and Limerick: Housing Minister tells Cabinet of hold-up in transfers of three sites to the Land Development Agency https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2023/07/05/negotiations-among-state-bodies-delay-plan-for-3000-homes-across-dublin-cork-and-limerick/

• *[INSTITUTIONAL] funds blocked from buying 31,000 homes in two years: Thousands of houses and duplexes have been ringfenced for individual buyers after a measure was introduced by Government following a public outcry *incorrect terminology removed https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41175823.html

• How Ireland’s land transfers hit €1bn in 2022 https://m.independent.ie/farming/farm-property/how-irelands-land-transfers-hit-1bn-in-2022/a1953296229.html

• Podcast: Former deputy chair of An Bord Pleanála sentenced to jail for failing to declare conflicts of interest (believed to be the first time a civil servant has been prosecuted for such a crime). Why is this controversy so significant and has it brought the authority’s reputation into question? https://m.independent.ie/podcasts/the-indo-daily/the-indo-daily-an-bord-pleanala-conflicts-of-interest-and-the-sentencing-of-paul-hyde/a436021798.html

• Also: An Bord Pleanála introduces new code of conduct to tighten internal rules: Move comes after former deputy chairman was convicted for failing to declare property interests https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2023/07/04/an-bord-pleanala-introduces-new-code-of-conduct-to-tighten-internal-rules/

• Paul McNeive: Corporate governance in Irish property is robust, despite distractions https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/paul-mcneive-corporate-governance-in-irish-property-is-robust-despite-distractions/a691785869.html

• Data centres are ‘key to Ireland’s economic model’, says IDA head: Benefits of data centres extend beyond the jobs created when they were being built, Michael Lohan has said https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/07/07/data-centres-are-key-to-irelands-economic-model-says-ida-head/

• Uncharacteristically irresponsible reporting by the Irish Times with this piece: Pregnant tenant claimed stress that led to Caesarean section was landlord’s fault https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2023/07/04/pregnant-tenant-claimed-stress-that-led-to-caesarean-section-was-landlords-fault/

• Irish government sets aside €5.5 billion for supporting Ukrainian refugees https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/irish-government-sets-aside-5-5-billion-for-supporting-ukrainian-refugees-t2fh3sqvf

• Relaxed planning rules put refugees in converted commercial units at risk: Inspectors urged to improve oversight of companies offering industrial properties for emergency accommodation https://www.businesspost.ie/news/relaxed-planning-rules-put-refugees-in-converted-commercial-units-at-risk/

• Associated Hardware and National Hardware Merge to Create Ireland’s Largest Independent Co-operative Hardware Group https://irishbuildingmagazine.ie/2023/07/03/associated-hardware-and-national-hardware-merge-to-create-irelands-largest-independent-co-operative-hardware-group/

• Ireland’s island scheme creates ‘misleading’ global coverage https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41175616.html

• ‘I’m giving these buildings a second chance and giving them the love they never had in life’: What I Do: Nathan Wheeler found creative and professional satisfaction in hand-building models of family homes and derelict buildings https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2023/07/07/im-giving-these-buildings-a-second-chance-and-giving-them-the-love-they-never-had-in-life/

• Park life: How a young Cork graduate transformed a garage into a home with a view: Recent graduate Darragh Scriven (26) and his family spotted an opportunity on Cork’s Mardyke Walk to take on a renovation project https://www.irishtimes.com/property/interiors/2023/06/24/park-life-transforming-a-cork-garage-into-a-home-with-a-view/

*The Property District pack continues to grow (albeit temporarily!) – welcome Jake for #WildWednesday 🐾 (Daisy has some personal work to do to live up to our inclusivity promise!). Also, this is a quick reminder that the Property District offices in Dublin and Galway will close on Wednesdays for July and August as we release our team back into the wild – join us for #WildWednesday here: https://propertydistrict.ie/wildwednesday-challenging-techies-to-disconnect-and-creatives-to-reconnect/ 

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

We are excited to share the growth of iPropertyRadio! What started as #PropertyMatters, a 60-minute weekly show on Dublin South FM 93.9FM over 4 years ago, has now evolved into a global online station for the best construction, urban planning, property and proptech content. Check out our website, iPropertyRadio.com, brought to you by Hear Me Roar Media for live and recorded access to all the week’s built environment news. 

Do you want to have your industry podcast included or be a guest on our shows? Reach out to us at hello@ipropertyradio.com. Last year, we hit a massive 7.5 million digital impressions across our brands and this figure is growing – Q4 2022/Q1 2023 we now have an  average of 765,876 digital impressions each month, not including radio listenership and website visits. Huge thanks to all of you for your continued support!

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and check out all of the other real estate and construction shows on  https://ipropertyradio.com/shows/

This week on iPropertyRadio… 

#Property Roundup

This week on #PropertyRoundup, host Carol Tallon chats to Dr. Kieran McQuinn, Research Professor with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). Kieran joins Property Roundup to discuss the rising house prices and rents across Ireland. He explains that despite 30,000+ houses expected to be completed next year, demand will reach 35,000-40,000 units and that social and affordable housing is crucial for lower-income households without State support.

We need to brace for rising house prices as price decline is unlikely. He also states that we may not see a decline for another 12-24 months. 

Watch/ listen back: https://ipropertyradio.com/property-matters/

#Proptech Hot Seat

https://youtube.com/watch?v=SdJBM1FgDQA%3Ffeature%3Doembed

Watch/ listen back: https://ipropertyradio.com/proptech-hot-seat/

AI for Real Estate Management In the iPropertyRadio.com Proptech Hot Seat with host Carol Tallon this week is Tom Shrive, CEO and Ben Yexely, Head of Business Development for AskPorter, an AI messaging platform that optimises property & facilities management, reducing admin and the cost of management. They both join to talk about how AskPorter utilises AI to improve occupier experience by automating the heavy lifting needed to manage assets so that individuals can focus on the bigger picture. AskPorter is designed specifically for property and facilities management and has the market context to guide operators through unique challenges and pressures that come from managing physical assets. It also minimises errors and inefficiencies.

#BreakingGround

This week on #BreakingGround host Carol Tallon chats to Ulrik raysse, Founding Partner of ARROW Architects to discuss placemaking, Scandinavian design principles and how they integrated the heritage of the Docklands into Dublin Landings.  

Dublin Landings development has won many awards and showcases an innovative collaboration between Scandinavian and Irish design. 

Watch back and listen back: https://ipropertyradio.com/breaking-ground/

Watch back and listen back to all shows at: https://ipropertyradio.com/shows/

Produced by Hear Me Roar Media https://hearmeroarmedia.com/

PLACEMAKING

OPEN PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Ag crúthú Luach Sóisialta  Trí Comhforbairt Áite (Creating Social Value Through Placemaking) 👉https://placeengage.com/ag-cruthu-luach-soisialta-tri-comhforbairt-aite/ 

• Digital Placemaking Tools for Public Consultation & Community Engagement | PLACEengage https://placeengage.com/digital-placemaking-tools-for-public-consultation-community-engagement/

• Beyond Superstar Cities’: TEDx 2023 https://youtu.be/QKHzJtRNP1s

• Call for entries for 2023 Excellence in Placemaking awards: Urban Land Institute and CBRE join forces again to recognise and reward efforts to improve communities and make them better places to live, work and play https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/07/05/working-hard-to-make-your-community-a-better-place-enter-the-excellence-in-placemaking-awards/

• Dublin Metrolink bill already at €300m despite no construction: The Public Accounts Committee have been left “frustrated” at the lack of progress https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/dublin-metrolink-bill-already-300m-27251973

• Moving Maglin greenway may be solution to local concerns: Locals have objected at what they see as the introduction of a busy throughfare outside their front doors. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41175397.html

• Sign of old Cork to be restored and preserved: Benchmarks resemble a crow’s foot design with a horizontal line on top, and were carved into stones, pillars, corners and buildings, which 19th century engineers used as a surveying guide https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41175355.html

• Minister Humphreys announces next phase in the development of Inis Oírr pier https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/d93c5-minister-humphreys-announces-next-phase-in-the-development-of-inis-oirr-pier/

• Public consultation on Limerick to Scariff Greenway https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/public-consultation-on-limerick-to-scariff-greenway/

• KILDARE: Council unveils a “master plan” for future of Monasterevin https://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/home/1243161/kildare-council-unveils-a-master-plan-for-future-of-monasterevin.html

• New two-storey men’s shed building proposed for Athlone https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2023/07/06/new-two-storey-mens-shed-building-proposed-for-athlone/?utm_source=newsshowcase

• Claremorris modular homes for refugees nearing completion: The development was once branded as ‘Putinism’ by a local county councillor https://www.mayonews.ie/news/home/1240315/claremorris-modular-homes-for-refugees-nearing-completion.html

• Eviction hanging over 52 families in Drogheda: Permission granted for 36 extra apartments which would mean vacating existing ones https://m.independent.ie/regionals/louth/drogheda-news/eviction-hanging-over-52-families-in-drogheda/a1482578405.html

• Former Wexford town community facility in Wolfe Tone Villas to be redeveloped for housing https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/wexford-district/former-wexford-town-community-facility-in-wolfe-tone-villas-to-be-redeveloped-for-housing/a322847986.html

• Designs for accessible Enniscorthy playground at Templeshannon being prepared https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/enniscorthy-news/designs-for-accessible-enniscorthy-playground-at-templeshannon-being-prepared/a1837520422.html

• Woodwork classes showcase creative side at Wexford Men’s Shed https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/enniscorthy-news/woodwork-classes-showcase-creative-side-at-wexford-mens-shed/a1728428213.html

• Very ambitious draft Masterplan for growing Tipperary town revealed: Pedestrian friendly Castle Street and capitalising on the Moneen River among many exciting suggestions https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/nenagh-live/1240666/latest-very-ambitious-draft-masterplan-for-growing-tipperary-town-revealed.html

CONSTRUCTION, MMC & DEVELOPMENT NEWS

• Residential developers pivot to lettings after investment market slumps: Rising interest rates and soaring construction cost inflation have seen prices increase but the uncertainty surrounding the office investment market has led to caution among investors https://www.businesspost.ie/property/residential-developers-pivot-to-lettings-after-investment-market-slumps/
  
• Construction activity in industrial and logistics market hits record level: Take-up levels hit second highest level on record in first six months of 2023 https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/07/06/construction-activity-in-industrial-and-logistics-market-hits-record-level/

• The Building Research Establishment has confirmed it will no longer work with insulation giants Kingspan and Celotex.The testing and research body said its decision was a direct result of evidence which emerged during the Grenfell Tower inquiry. https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2023/07/04/bre-stops-working-with-kingspan-and-celotex/

• Concrete levy will stop major infrastructure projects, say developers: One concrete manufacturer described tariff, designed to recoup some of the costs of €3 billion mica redress scheme from the building industry, as a ‘nightmare’ scenario https://www.businesspost.ie/news/concrete-levy-will-stop-major-infrastructure-projects-say-developers/

• Ibec – Skills and investment in MMC critical to addressing housing issues https://irishbuildingmagazine.ie/2023/07/03/ibec-skills-and-investment-in-mmc-critical-to-addressing-housing-issues/

• Construction and farming account for majority of last year’s workplace fatalities https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41175433.html

• Contractors on public works projects to be better protected by state from inflation – Announcing the measure, Paschal Donohoe said that the construction industry had faced significant challenges in the past two years. https://www.thejournal.ie/contractors-protected-inflation-building-materials-6108410-Jul2023/

• Data centre developers to lodge appeal after planning rejected https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41175409.html

• Israeli backer raises its stake in Irish construction lender Lotus, which has lent €400m here over the years to finance a mix of land, construction and renovations. The firm said it has funded construction of almost 4,000 homes over the past decade, making it among the bigger non-bank lenders active in a sector dogged by lack of finances since 2008 in particular for smaller players and developers who had come out of the crash carrying debt. https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/israeli-backer-raises-its-stake-in-construction-lender-lotus/a372927582.html

• Plans to create new ‘town’ of up to 8,000 people in north Dublin: Regeneration of Jamestown Business Park in Finglas will include thousands of homes, a primary school and employment facilities https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2023/07/03/plans-to-create-new-town-of-up-to-8000-people-in-north-dublin/

• Locals object after planning permission granted for 785 apartments in Dublin 3: The apartment blocks are planned for the grounds of St Vincent’s psychiatric hospital in Fairview. https://www.thejournal.ie/st-vincents-hospital-apartments-planning-permission-objections-6111561-Jul2023/

• Up to 2,500 ‘affordable’ homes planned for north Co Dublin under €40m Nama deal: Clongriffin scheme aims to provide cost-rental apartments with rents set 30% below market rates https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2023/07/03/up-to-2500-affordable-homes-planned-for-north-co-dublin-under-40m-nama-deal/

• Despite oppostion, Harry Crosbie ‘determined’ to develop kiosks at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre: Businessman and wife granted permission in May to convert structures in Dublin’s docklands into coffee bar and flower shop https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/07/03/despite-oppostion-harry-crosbie-determined-to-develop-kiosks-at-bord-gais-energy-theatre/

• Property developer owned by Sean Dunne’s son goes into examinership: Collapse of builder Blacklough involved in Celbridge social housing project created funding issues for two Steven Dunne-owned Aterna businesses https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/07/03/property-developer-owned-by-sean-dunnes-son-goes-into-examinership/

• The Greenside Building in Dublin is worth €50m. Its developer is now suing its cement supplier: Developed by KC Capital, the marquee building was coming out of the ground about a year ago, but then stopped before starting again. A new court action might shed light on why. https://thecurrency.news/articles/122397/the-greenside-building-in-dublin-is-worth-e50m-its-developer-is-now-suing-its-cement-supplier/

• Meath entrepreneur plans new Dublin hotel by Stephen’s Green https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/meath-entrepreneur-plans-new-dublin-hotel-by-stephens-green-z5kbpfr82

• 210 homes coming for Kilkenny city after planning permission granted at Poulgour: Cairn Homes Properties is to build 210 new homes after permission was given by Kilkenny Council Council https://kclr96fm.com/210-homes-kk-permission-poulgour/

• Court rejects challenge to permission for 232 homes on former monastery lands: Permission for scheme in Wicklow village of Delgany challenged by 10 local residents in High Court judicial review https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/07/05/court-rejects-challenge-to-permission-for-232-homes-on-former-monastery-lands/

• Permission for almost 200 homes near Cork to be quashed: Bmor warned locals if the judicial challenge is not withdrawn by Friday, it “will have no choice but to comply with the increased density required by the Cork City Development Plan if we go for a renewed permission”. https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41177938.html

• Boost for Ballincollig as 70 new affordable family homes announced: Construction is set to get underway before the end of the year https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/boost-ballincollig-70-new-affordable-27270999

• Galway €300 million development approved as new project set to transform city: The project includes the development of hundreds of houses and a a new shopping district https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/galway-300-million-development-approved-8581163

• Planning refused for residential development of 49 houses in Athenry https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/planning-refused-for-residential-development-of-49-houses-in-athenry/

• Plans lodged for restoration works at quarry in Ballymoe https://connachttribune.ie/plans-lodged-for-restoration-works-at-quarry-in-ballymoe/

• Planning granted for two Limerick student accommodation developments https://www.limerickpost.ie/2023/07/04/planning-granted-for-two-limerick-student-accommodation-developments/

• Planning granted for apartments in protected city centre building https://www.limerickpost.ie/2023/07/07/planning-granted-for-apartments-in-protected-city-centre-building/

• Permission sought to knock former post office in Limerick https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/1239444/permission-sought-to-knock-former-post-office-in-limerick.html

• “Big demand” for first tranche of 400-home development In Athlone https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2023/07/05/big-demand-for-first-tranche-of-400-home-development/

• Major new plan to build 245 homes in Westmeath on the Dublin Road https://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/2023/07/05/major-new-plan-to-build-245-homes-on-the-dublin-road/

• Planning has been granted for change of use to allow the redevelopment of Cavan Town’s former Melbourne Bakery as a new healthcare centre. The proposal dovetails with continuing discussions regarding the as yet still undecided Cavan Town Masterplan, but for which there are proposals to build three centrally located apartment blocks. https://www.anglocelt.ie/2023/07/03/planning-for-former-melbourne-site/

• Planning approved for 20 homes in Cavan https://www.northernsound.ie/news/planning-approved-for-20-homes-in-cavan-218052

• Major demolition works at Crescent Quay open up new vista in Wexford town https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/wexford-district/major-demolition-works-at-crescent-quay-open-up-new-vista-in-wexford-town/a426336395.html

• Building works started on 49 housing units in Kerry during May https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/building-works-started-on-49-housing-units-in-kerry-during-may-338047

• Cairn Homes forecasts profits of up to €110m as housing demand shows no let-up: The listed building company said its forward sales pipeline has grown to more than 2,200 homes and that it expects to generate full year revenues of €650m https://www.businesspost.ie/news/cairn-homes-forecasts-profits-of-up-to-e110m-as-housing-demand-shows-no-let-up/

• The Construction Industry Federation welcomes Hubert Fitzpatrick as its new Director General https://cif.ie/2023/06/30/the-construction-industry-federation-welcomes-hubert-fitzpatrick-as-its-new-director-general/

• Lendlease names new Europe CEO: Andrea Ruckstuhl assumed leadership of the Australian contractor and developer’s European business effective July 3. https://www.constructiondive.com/news/lendlease-names-new-europe-ceo-Milan/685326/

• Specifiers’ Guide to Light Gauge Steel Framing External Wall Systems https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Specifiers%27_Guide_to_Light_Gauge_Steel_Framing_External_Wall_Systems

PROPTECH, ESG & 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

• 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

• Dublin-based scientists awarded for revolutionary sound-proofing invention: “All the big players” in the automotive, construction, home appliances and aerospace industries are already reaching out to them https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-based-scientists-awarded-revolutionary-27255390.amp

• The Acceleration of Construction Tech is Not Slowing Down https://readwrite.com/the-acceleration-of-construction-tech-is-not-slowing-down/

• How construction leaders can leverage data innovation in stronger approaches to technology https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/digital-construction-news/construction-technology-news/leverage-data-innovation-stronger-approaches-technology/129484/

• The Emergence of Big Data in Commercial Real Estate – Off Plan Property Exchange https://offplanpropertyexchange.com/news/the-emergence-of-big-data-in-commercial-real-estate/2567/

ENERGY, CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT

• Climate change ‘out of control’, UN says, after hottest week on record: Eamon Ryan sees hope in ‘alternative path’ of embracing wind and solar power https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2023/07/08/un-says-climate-change-out-of-control-after-hottest-week-on-record/

• Wexford summit hears of need to provide zero emission buildings: World’s foremost leaders in energy efficient building sector speak at County Wexford event https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/enniscorthy-news/wexford-summit-hears-of-need-to-provide-zero-emission-buildings/a743969092.html

• Rewilding – ‘The result was amazing’: one man’s mission to reforest a barren Irish hillside: Eoghan Daltun has spent 14 years rewilding part of Beara peninsula into a showcase of diversity https://amp.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/04/reforest-rewilding-beara-peninsula-ireland-eoghan-daltun

• Halfway mark achieved at Viking Energy Wind Farm with installation of 52nd turbine https://www.sse.com/news-and-views/2023/07/halfway-mark-achieved-at-viking-energy-wind-farm-with-installation-of-52nd-turbine/

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7252762075347373339?lang=en-GB&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fpropertydistrict.ie%2Fsunday-property-round-up-july-9th-2023%2F

• Sherry FitzGerald flags thousands of properties lost to rental market: Estate agent estimates loss of up to 6,000 tenancies in the first six months of 2023 https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/07/04/sherry-fitzgerald-flags-thousands-of-properties-lost-to-rental-market/

• Numbers staying in Airbnb accommodation in Dublin down almost 60% since pandemic https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/numbers-staying-in-airbnb-accommodation-in-dublin-down-almost-60-since-pandemic-1497038.html

• Landlords in call for action as dozens of tenants owe more than €350,000 in arrears https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/landlords-in-call-for-action-as-dozens-of-tenants-owe-more-than-350000-in-arrears/a1088427913.html

• Purported conveyance of couple’s Ballsbridge property to West Indies firm was fraudulent, High Court rules: Mr Justice Brian O’Moore describes facts of case around St Mary’s Road building as ‘truly extraordinary’ https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/07/03/purported-conveyance-of-couples-ballsbridge-property-to-west-indies-firm-was-fraudulent-high-court-rules/

• Disused 0.3 acre site trebles in value to €217,000 in online auction bidding warhttps://www.irishrealestate.news/disused-0-3-acre-site-trebles-in-value-to-e217000-in-online-auction-bidding-war/

• Can we get a mortgage on a house that has lain unfinished since 2008? Property Clinic: Will banks or buildings societies lend for a home that is only 70% complete? https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2023/07/05/can-we-get-a-mortgage-on-a-house-that-has-lain-unfinished-since-2008/

• Can I put a bike or bin storage unit at the front of my house? Property Clinic: Does the apparent planning prohibition on storage units only apply to protected structures? https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2023/07/04/can-i-store-my-bike-or-bin-at-the-front-of-my-house/

• Ancient skeletal remains found on site of planned Dublin city centre hotel: Foundations of historic buildings have also been discovered, in what has been called “one of the most significant heritage sites in the city” https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/ancient-skeletal-remains-found-site-27280235

• Housing Minister addresses homelessness and housing supply issues in Galway https://connachttribune.ie/housing-minister-addresses-homelessness-and-housing-supply-issues-in-galway/

• Accountants want budget support for landlords and home building: Submission from CCAB-I also proposes a new 30pc income rate for younger workers https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/accountants-want-budget-support-for-landlords-and-home-building/a1701084756.html

• Meet the architect whisperer who shapes spaces to suit lives: Eve Kelliher talks to design coach Karen Douglas who believes we need to tell our stories before starting work on our homes https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-41179018.html

• Stunning clifftop home in Kinsale on the market for just over €3 million: From its beautiful seaside view to its stylish interior, this paradise house is surely one of Cork’s finest https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/stunning-clifftop-home-kinsale-market-27247536

• North Cork time capsule as nine-bedroom period townhouse and shop for sale in heart of Kanturk: “Unquestionably” one of the “most desirable properties on the market” and “will not fail to impress” interested parties https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/gallery/north-cork-time-capsule-nine-27261201

• Step forward for retrofitting of social housing stock in Limerick https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/step-forward-for-retrofitting-of-social-housing-stock-in-limerick/

• Private island for sale off Donegal for €75k: Bo Island, a 4.8-acre island near Gola Island, is located off the coast of Derrybeg in the Gaeltacht area in northwest Donegal and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.  https://www.irishcentral.com/dream-homes/bo-island-sale-donegal

• Old Coastguard Station in West Sligo hits the market for €1.75million https://m.independent.ie/regionals/sligo/news/old-coastguard-station-in-west-sligo-hits-the-market-for-175million/a774419281.html 

• Derelict cottage sells for huge sum after  214 bids https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/property/1239869/derelict-cottage-sells-for-huge-sum-after-over-200-bids.html

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

• Average cost of a hotel room in Dublin hits new high in May https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2023/0706/1393210-average-cost-of-a-hotel-room-in-dublin-hits-new-high/

• Commercial property market dips sharply in first half of year: Retail is strongest sector as office market suffers worst six months in over a decade amid rising interest rates and post-pandemic work patterns https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/07/05/commercial-property-market-dips-sharply-in-first-half-of-2023/

• Demand for flexible office space up 69% in first six months of year: Key trends in the market for 2023 include a shift in locational focus, term length and sector distribution https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/07/03/demand-for-flexible-office-space-up-69-in-first-six-months-of-year/

• Marlet Property Group Announces €102 Million Re-Financing Facility with Cheyne Capital Real Estate for The Shipping Office https://www.irishrealestate.news/marlet-property-group-announces-e102-million-re-financing-facility-with-cheyne-capitalreal-estate-for-the-shipping-office/

• Less than 1% of office buildings occupied by State are A-rated for energy: With a third of the nation’s carbon emissions coming from the built environment, the Government must lead drive for energy-efficiency and retrofitting https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/07/05/less-than-1-of-office-buildings-occupied-by-state-are-a-rated-for-energy/

• Marlet agrees €102m refinancing deal for Dublin docklands office: Developer signs agreement with London-based Cheyne Capital on 182,158sq ft Shipping Office scheme https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/07/05/marlet-agrees-102m-refinancing-deal-for-dublin-docklands-office/

• Prime retail investment on Wicklow Street for €1.95m: 19 Wicklow Street is generating €140,000 in annual rental income from Cornucopia and Louis Copeland https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/07/05/prime-retail-investment-on-wicklow-street-for-195m/

• Johnny Ronan group appeals ruling over €1m Bewley’s stained-glass windows: High Court judge found only four of set of six Harry Clarke windows in Grafton Street café belonged to landlord RGRE https://www.businesspost.ie/news/johnny-ronan-group-appeals-ruling-over-e1m-bewleys-stained-glass-windows/

• Harvey secures sale and letting deals at Dublin 24 industrial estate: Limerick-headquartered electrical wholesaler buys one unit and leases another at Belgard Road scheme https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/07/05/harvey-secures-sale-and-letting-deals-at-dublin-24-industrial-estate/

• Ikea rival Jysk plans to open a new warehouse in Ireland: It is not yet clear exactly where the new centre will be based but it is set to open in Dublin as Jysk has called on property owners in that area to make them an offer. https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-41177959.html

• Business owner calls for ‘dramatic shakeup’ of Cork city centre as she prepares to close down her store https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41178196.html

• Former Waterford pub added to the list of derelict sites in the city https://www.wlrfm.com/news/former-waterford-pub-added-to-the-list-of-derelict-sites-in-the-city-314056

• Council unable to act on Old Cashel Kings Hotel site due to court proceedings https://tippfm.com/news/council-unable-act-old-cashel-kings-hotel-site-due-court-proceedings/

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

• UK Housebuilding slump drags construction industry into contraction – High interest rates and cost of living squeeze hit demand https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/housebuilding-slump-drags-construction-industry-into-contraction-xc6vmnm8r

• German commercial property deals tumble 50% to five-year low: Standstill in Germany mirrors developments other European countries including Ireland https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/07/05/german-commercial-property-deals-tumble-50-to-five-year-low/

• Local councils warn Victorian government against seizing control of planning laws: Municipal peak body also says more town planners are desperately needed to speed up building approvals https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/07/local-councils-warn-victorian-government-against-seizing-control-of-planning-laws

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/