A computer-generated image of the apartments approved for Cookstown Cross in Tallaght, Dublin 24.Based on Central Statistics Office filings, the average price paid by household purchasers of apartments in Dublin last year was €381,892. We know, however, that the main purchasers of the 4,000 apartments in the capital in 2021 were not households but institutional buyers.
Demographic pressures, investor-friendly housing policies, and even the recent loosening of the Housing Assistance Payment scheme thresholds also speak in favour of investing here. Hence we have a greater proportion of institutional investors in the market — we had practically none prior to 2008 — and a higher proportion of the population renting as a result.
If an institution buys an apartment block that never comes to the market for first-time buyers, is that a bad thing in absolute terms? They are adding units to an undersupplied rental market. And is an owner-occupier more preferential than a renter? You could argue that both ways. Home ownership is preferential but the needs of renters in a housing crisis may be more immediate.
Government policy to create smaller living spaces, at higher prices, and make sure you never own the little rats box you live in
IrishTimes Why are so many blocks vacant?
Taxpayers funding it..we're a nation of fools.
IrishTimes Government policies are enabling it…..”own nothing & be happy”
IrishTimes Government policy