Irish property market - more independent market information needed
Amid unprecedented turmoil in the Irish property markets, there are still some major barriers to investment – most notably, the lack of finance. Securing debt remains the biggest stumbling block for the property market, according to a new research paper by the College of Estate Management.
But despite this, the Irish love affair with property – though severely tested – has not gone away. The research finds that the Irish commercial property market would really benefit from greater transparency, achieved through producing more independent market reports on commercial real estate in Ireland.
CEM’s study is based on two online surveys on Irish property investors’ attitudes towards investment in commercial property. One survey was carried out in 2008 and the other in 2011 to see how investors’ attitudes had changed amid the global economic crisis.
Secondary research found that market transparency in terms of transactional evidence and research in the Irish home property market is relatively opaque compared with other larger European property markets.
Currently most commercial property investment reports on the Irish market for public consumption, while helpful, cannot be viewed as impartial commentary.
The home market would greatly benefit if more independent research and accurate transactional evidence were available, to give a more complete picture of the market to both domestic and foreign investors. Such information would allow occupiers and owners to operate with greater confidence.
Survey results also indicate that over the next three years, modern, well-let city centre offices will be sought after, whereas modern suburban offices, older city centre offices, Georgian offices and retail properties in the Irish investment market will be most prone to further falls in value.
Meanwhile those Irish investors in a position to acquire international property investments will be extremely cautious, and will only be seeking modern, fully-let properties in prime locations. There is now a clear shift in preference among Irish investors to prime investments in mature Western European markets as opposed to investments in the emerging markets.
The Irish Investor’s Attitude Towards Commercial Property Investments in 2011 And Beyond by David Hourihan is published by the College of Estate Management.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.