Derrick

From late July 2026, certain detached habitable accommodation, including back-garden modular structures and granny flats, can now be built without planning permission, provided they meet a range of strict conditions. The Irish Times. These changes are part of wider planning regulation reforms introduced by the Department of Housing and hope to give homeowners greater flexibility. […]

New GeoDirectory figures reported by RTÉ show a strong rise in residential construction activity. More than 30,000 residential buildings were under construction in June 2026, almost 28% more than a year earlier. RTE News There are positive signs elsewhere too. After years of housing shortages, rising rents and growing house prices, I have to admit

Ireland’s housing crisis has rightly focused attention on increasing the number of homes being built. However, recent developments involving Circle Voluntary Housing Association, an Approved Housing Body, raise another important question. ”As housing organisations continue to expand, are we asking every organisation to do the jobs they are best equipped to perform?” Following a regulatory

Ireland’s housing debate has often focused on one question: how do we build more homes? And for the last few years, finding a solution that’s a win-win for everyone has been one of my goals. A recent announcement by Dublin City Council (DCC) may offer an interesting glimpse into one possible answer. DCC has launched

Since Covid 19, Ireland’s housing news has been dominated by headlines about skyhigh prices, record rents, and a severe housing shortage. Recently, however, there has finally been some encouraging news. According to a recent Irish Times analysis by property economist John McCartney, both rent inflation and house price inflation have begun to slow. New home

The Irish Government has published draft planning guidelines that could change how one-off rural housing applications are assessed across Ireland. The proposals aim to replace the existing 2005 Rural Housing guidelines with a more consistent, national approach, while also making it easier for people with genuine local ties to build in rural communities. Irish Times.

Key Takeaways Key Point What It Means State and investors are buying a growing share of new homes Fewer newly built homes are available to first-time buyers Housing supply remains too low Competition for available homes continues to push prices higher The State is helping people through social housing purchases But it is often buying