Thursday 9 December 2010
REA welcome stamp duty reform
The Group believe it will help the residential sector recover somewhat in volume and give the property sector a much needed boost. Although stamp duty reduction makes movement easier the Group are unsure if it applies to commercial property which is key for business flow . According to Board Member Michael Gavigan, “the u turn on s 23 expiring in 2014 has not factored in that most investors are heavily in debt on their investments which were made in good faith at inflated values to factor in the tax benefit . The government promoted these schemes which created much employment & revenue for the country and now announce that they expire in 2014 which will greatly reduce their value and lead to a far higher rate of default which the taxpayer will ultimately have to foot the bill. This u turn is ill considered and does not factor in peoples risk taking and debt”
Monday 6 December 2010
National Property Policy
"In view of the severe downturn in the property market, it would be grossly unfair to expect property owners to sustain such proposed increases in Taxes and Reductions in Tax Allowances as indicated in the Four Year National Recovery Plan. It is important for the Government to realise that Property can contribute to the Recovery. It would be our suggestion that a National Property Policy be prepared by Business owners, Landlords & Tenants, Property Professionals as well as the Legal community”, according to Patrick J. Riney.
Monday 29 November 2010
REA welcome new Chairman at AGM
REA held their AGM in Buswells Hotel in Dublin, on Friday, 26th November 2010. The appointment of Patrick J. Riney, Director of Orchard Real Estate Alliance in Rathfarnham as Chairperson of the national property group and Seamus Carthy of Carthy Real Estate Alliance, Roscommon as Vice-Chairperson were ratified by the grou
Tuesday 23 November 2010
Monday 22 November 2010
Eoin Dillon reports some recent sales
Eoin Dillon REA in Nenagh has reported a number of sales in the last few weeks. Afew were bought by first time buyers. One was a 2 bed end of terrace for €110,000 and the other was a 3 bed mid terrace for €107,500 which was only on the market 3 weeks.
Also a 5 bed new detached dormer was sold for €285,000 and a 4 bed bungalow for €165,000. A 3 bed detached holiday home was sold on the lake for €150,000
Also a 5 bed new detached dormer was sold for €285,000 and a 4 bed bungalow for €165,000. A 3 bed detached holiday home was sold on the lake for €150,000
Monday 8 November 2010
Paul Grimes auction success raised €20,500 for Charity
Paul Grimes, Director of Grimes REA in Ashbourne & Skerries and Board member of REA conducted a Charity Auction on behalf of The Paul Stafford Foundation in the Mansion House on Friday the 5th of November. He raised €20,500 alone in the Auction and all proceeds will be given to 1Life, a suicide prevention 24 hour helpline
The Paul Stafford Foundation was established in 2007 to raise awareness and address the serious issue of suicide in Ireland. It was founded by a group of people who were directly affected themselves by suicide and had lost someone they loved to this ever increasing problem. www.paulstaffordfoundation.com
1life is a dedicated 24 hour freephone national suicide prevention helpline 1800 247 100 www.1life.ie
The Paul Stafford Foundation was established in 2007 to raise awareness and address the serious issue of suicide in Ireland. It was founded by a group of people who were directly affected themselves by suicide and had lost someone they loved to this ever increasing problem. www.paulstaffordfoundation.com
1life is a dedicated 24 hour freephone national suicide prevention helpline 1800 247 100 www.1life.ie
Thursday 4 November 2010
Good time to Buy
AN economist who was the only person in the property industry to label the housing market a bubble said yesterday that now is the right time for new buyers to enter the market.Derek Brawn, whose book on the property market predicted the bursting of the bubble, said first-time buyers should buy now once they find a property at the right price.The optimal time to buy a house was not at the bottom of the market but just before the market hit the bottom, Mr Brawn said. A year before the bottom of the housing market is the ideal time to buy, he said.
Monday 4 October 2010
Real Estate Alliance defer National Property Auction
Real Estate Alliance, the national property group, who held the first National Property Auction in April 2010, has announced that they are deferring their next National Property Auction until Spring 2011. In a statement, the group point out that "the current economic climate is not conducive for such an auction".
The Real Estate Alliance group have extensive knowledge of the market and have concluded that "the time is not right due to a myriad of reasons from the upcoming budget to availability of suitability properties.
The Real Estate Alliance group have extensive knowledge of the market and have concluded that "the time is not right due to a myriad of reasons from the upcoming budget to availability of suitability properties.
Thursday 30 September 2010
AGRICULTURAL LAND SELLS FOR €16,000 PER ACRE AT STRAFFAN, CO. KILDARE
AGRICULTURAL LAND SELLS FOR €16,000 PER ACRE
AT STRAFFAN, CO. KILDARE
Coonan Real Estate Alliance of Maynooth and Celbridge have sold 38 acres of land located at Barberstown, Straffan, Co. Kildare at Auction today for € 610,000 which represents € 16,000 per acre.
Will Coonan, Auctioneer, looked for bids and bidding opened at €400,000 and moved quickly to the €610,000 when it was put on the market and subsequently sold. There were five active bidders most of whom were farmers.
The land is in one large rectangular field on the Celbridge/ Barberstown road c. 4 miles Celbridge, 5 miles Maynooth and 1.5 miles from Straffan,. Dublin City is just 13 miles away. The land is of prime quality and is presently in tillage.
The price achieved is a healthy one particularly in the present economic climate and is a good indication of the value of agricultural land in the North Kildare area.
AT STRAFFAN, CO. KILDARE
Coonan Real Estate Alliance of Maynooth and Celbridge have sold 38 acres of land located at Barberstown, Straffan, Co. Kildare at Auction today for € 610,000 which represents € 16,000 per acre.
Will Coonan, Auctioneer, looked for bids and bidding opened at €400,000 and moved quickly to the €610,000 when it was put on the market and subsequently sold. There were five active bidders most of whom were farmers.
The land is in one large rectangular field on the Celbridge/ Barberstown road c. 4 miles Celbridge, 5 miles Maynooth and 1.5 miles from Straffan,. Dublin City is just 13 miles away. The land is of prime quality and is presently in tillage.
The price achieved is a healthy one particularly in the present economic climate and is a good indication of the value of agricultural land in the North Kildare area.
Wednesday 29 September 2010
Hynes REA selling former PTSB offices in Athlone
The unusual octagon-shaped former Permanent TSB offices at 22 Mardyke Street, Athlone, is being offered for sale with an €850,000 price guide. The 310 sqm three-storey over-basement premises became surplus to requirements following the bank's consolidation into the John Broderick Street premises.The Mardyke Street property offers about 170 sqm of retail and financial services space at ground floor as well as access to first and second floor office suites, so it could suit a retailer with an option to generate investment income.Healy Hynes, of agents Hynes Real Estate Alliance, says the building is located in the heart of Athlone's commercial area, near the Athlone Town Centre and Sheraton Hotel, and there are more than 2,000 parking spaces available within a five-minute walk.
Monday 13 September 2010
A good time to buy Irish Commercial property?
Tuesday 31 August 2010
TE Potterton REA in Trim sold Farm at Auction
T E Potterton Real Estate Alliance Trim
52 acres at Clongowney Crossakiel Kells with Full Planning Permission for a residence of c.2,800 sq ft SOLD AT AUCTION for €360,000
52 acres at Clongowney Crossakiel Kells with Full Planning Permission for a residence of c.2,800 sq ft SOLD AT AUCTION for €360,000
Monday 9 August 2010
REA commercial listing for Dublin area online now
Check out our lastest listing for Dublin Commercial Property http://www.realestatealliance.ie/assets/files/commerciallisting.pdf
T&J Gavigan Kells reporting 14 sales over last three months
T&J Gavigan REA in Kells are reporting an increase in sales activity over the last few months. According to Cara Gavigan, "if the price is right, the properties are moving". Since the M3 opened, we are experiencing an increase in the level of inquiries".
Tuesday 20 July 2010
Ashfield house, Slane on the market for €465,000
Ashfield Cottage & Mews, Beauparc, Slane is a delightful original stone built cottage which has been sympathetically restored and extended (196 sq m / 2,110 sq ft) with an abundance of style and attention to detail and incorporating all the requirements for a most comfortable 21st century lifestyle. Ashfield Cottage is on the market with an asking price of €465,000 and viewings are by appointment through the joint selling agents O’Brien Collins REA (041 987 5444) & TJ Gavigan REA (046 902 3232).
Monday 5 July 2010
REA reviews property market for first six months of 2010
A new survey by nationwide property consultants Real Estate Alliance agents reports signs of increased demand for properties from First Time Buyers Market in recent weeks. While the group agrees that prices “achieved” are down by an average of 50% from early 2007, they predict that prices are levelling off and expect very little decrease in prices for the remainder of 2010 as there are signs of stability in certain sectors of the property market.Real Estate Alliance sale agreed over 600 properties in first six months of 2010 with levels tailing off slightly in the month of April after an encouraging first three months of the year. In recent weeks, levels of activity have increased again and members are reporting over 150 sale agreeds for the month of May and approximately 115 for the month of June.
Thursday 17 June 2010
Stunning House new to market in Ardmore, Co. Waterford
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/property/2010/0617/1224272686208.html
Tuesday 8 June 2010
Coonan REA sell 68 acre farm for €1.26m
The 68 acre tillage farm at Broomfield, Ballyboughal, North Co. Dublin attracted considerable interest over the past few weeks in the run up to the auction particularly from the local farming community.
Coonan Real Estate Alliance offered the farm for sale in lots as follows
LOT 1 : Farmyard on 23 acres
LOT 2 : Lands c. 30 acres
LOT 3: Lands c. 15 acres
LOT 4:|Entire , yard and lands c. 68 acres
The lots were put up first and then the entire was offered.
Initially, the lots were bid as follows by 8/9 bidders;
LOT 1 ; Bid to €420,000
LOT 2: Bid to €380,000
LOT 3: Bid to €230,000
The entire was then offered looking for bids over these cumulatives.
Three bidders for the entire then battled it out until the hammer finally fell at
€ 1,260,000 representing € 18,529 per acre
The farm located just 1 mile from the village of Ballyboughal, 6 miles from Swords and 13 miles from the city centre is a superb tillage farm with over a mile of road frontage and five gateway access points to road. The farm was in five main divisions and was primarily in tillage with 8 acres in pasture. There was a farm yard with cattle shed, crush , outhouse and sheep pen along with an old mobile home in yard.
The purchaser was believed to be a farmer from North County Dublin.
Coonan Real Estate Alliance 2nd June 2010
Coonan Real Estate Alliance offered the farm for sale in lots as follows
LOT 1 : Farmyard on 23 acres
LOT 2 : Lands c. 30 acres
LOT 3: Lands c. 15 acres
LOT 4:|Entire , yard and lands c. 68 acres
The lots were put up first and then the entire was offered.
Initially, the lots were bid as follows by 8/9 bidders;
LOT 1 ; Bid to €420,000
LOT 2: Bid to €380,000
LOT 3: Bid to €230,000
The entire was then offered looking for bids over these cumulatives.
Three bidders for the entire then battled it out until the hammer finally fell at
€ 1,260,000 representing € 18,529 per acre
The farm located just 1 mile from the village of Ballyboughal, 6 miles from Swords and 13 miles from the city centre is a superb tillage farm with over a mile of road frontage and five gateway access points to road. The farm was in five main divisions and was primarily in tillage with 8 acres in pasture. There was a farm yard with cattle shed, crush , outhouse and sheep pen along with an old mobile home in yard.
The purchaser was believed to be a farmer from North County Dublin.
Coonan Real Estate Alliance 2nd June 2010
Sothern REA sell 41.5 acreas of land at Auction for €466,000
At the auction of a 41.5 acre holding on the edge of Rathdowney it was apparent that most Irish men or women still want to own an acre. Over 50 people attended the auction and there were 5 active bidders. The hammer eventually fell at a figure of €466,000 or an average price of over €11,000 per acre.
The holding bordered on one side by the Erkina River and the other side by Rathdowney Golf Club has been in permanent pasture for many years.
All of the bidders were farmers and it shows that people are still of the opinion that land is best as no more of it is being made and as a long term investment is better than shares or other funds which we have seen decimated over the last couple of years.
George Sothern of Sothern REA was obviously very pleased with the result and he feels that this shows the sound investment land is and the backbone of our economy and country
The holding bordered on one side by the Erkina River and the other side by Rathdowney Golf Club has been in permanent pasture for many years.
All of the bidders were farmers and it shows that people are still of the opinion that land is best as no more of it is being made and as a long term investment is better than shares or other funds which we have seen decimated over the last couple of years.
George Sothern of Sothern REA was obviously very pleased with the result and he feels that this shows the sound investment land is and the backbone of our economy and country
Wednesday 26 May 2010
Coonan REA sold Pub & Adjoining Land for €900,000
The Royal Oak public house at Mainham, Clane, Co Kildare, together with three small adjoining lots of land, has been sold for around €900,000. It is one of a number of licensed properties which have changed hands in the Greater Dublin Area in recent times.
The Royal Oak, on 19 acres of agricultural land near Clongowes Wood College, went for auction last month and one of the lots -- consisting of 3.5 acres -- went under the hammer for €125,000
http://www.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/pub-and-adjoining-land-lots-pull-in-8364900000-2194086.html
The Royal Oak, on 19 acres of agricultural land near Clongowes Wood College, went for auction last month and one of the lots -- consisting of 3.5 acres -- went under the hammer for €125,000
http://www.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/pub-and-adjoining-land-lots-pull-in-8364900000-2194086.html
Thursday 13 May 2010
Real Estate Alliance now on Facebook
Visit our facebook page set up as Real Estate Alliance Ireland http://www.facebook.com/realestatealliance
Wednesday 5 May 2010
At least 10 further properties under offer
Real Estate Alliance hope to announce a further 10 sale agreeds in the next week or so as at least 10 lots are currently under offer.
Saturday 1 May 2010
REA National Auction deemed a success despite difficult market conditions
Real Estate Alliance held the first ever giant property auction in Ireland today at Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel. The auction was deemed a success with 27% of the 61 lots selling amounting to 16 properties raising €3.9 million. In summary, a total of 16 lots were sold on the day today, with further lots potentially being sold post auction in the coming days
Monday 26 April 2010
Tuesday 13 April 2010
REA Auction - Online Catalogue available now
Check out our online catalogue on http://www.realestatealliance.ie/national-property-auction/
Thursday 1 April 2010
71 LOTS Confirmed for REA National Auction.
Real Estate Alliance, has received a phenomenal response from those looking to sell property. Real Estate Alliance has just announced that a massive 71 lots have just been confirmed. 65% of the 70 lots comprise of residential properties presenting superb value for those looking to capitalise on low prices, ranging in AMV from just €60,000 to €1.5 million. Commercial properties comprise of commercial, retail opportunities, industrial units and land. The auction, the first of its kind, will take place in Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel on Friday 30th April and is expected to attract a broad mix of buyers including those looking for good commercial business opportunities and also those hoping to secure a residential bargain.
http://www.realestatealliance.ie/national-property-auction/
http://www.realestatealliance.ie/national-property-auction/
Friday 26 March 2010
First Carlow Land Auction 2010 was a successful outcome
Dawson Real Estate Alliance held their first land auction of 2010 this week on the 24th of March offering 24.6 acres in three divisions. There was good interest on the day mostly coming from local and neighbouring farmers. The lands were sold to three purchasers from the locality and made an average of €10,264 per acre.
John Dawson commented after the auction that he was satisfied with the outcome and that the land values appear to be settling, and he also said he had a number of clients looking for good quality land.
John Dawson commented after the auction that he was satisfied with the outcome and that the land values appear to be settling, and he also said he had a number of clients looking for good quality land.
Wednesday 24 March 2010
ACC bank sells within four weeks
ACC bank sells within four weeks
The former ACC bank premises at Main Street, Roscommon, was sold this
week by Carthy and Associates Real Estate Alliance, with the sale being agreed within four weeks of going to the market.
The building was sold for €575,000, €75,000 over the guide price of €500,000. The purchaser was a local professional businessman.
Speaking to Roscommon People, auctioneer Seamus Carthy
of Carthy & Associates REA in Castlerea, said, “I can confirm that we
agreed the sale within four weeks of it going on the market. The
property, without any huge advertising campaign, generated substantial interest and Carthy and Associates conducted in excess of
20 viewings.
“Due to the quality of the building and the attractive guide price of €500,000, over sixteen bids came in on the property. As part of the requirement from ACC Bank, each bid had to confirm that they had funds in place. All interest in the property was local as it preceded any national advertising campaign.
“ACC Bank comprised of a relatively new building measuring 255 sq. metres, over three floors, finished internally and externally to a very high specification. As such from any potential purchaser’s point of view, it was a building that was ready to go with very little outlay to be incurred once purchased.”
The three storey end-of-terrace building with a single storey extension to the rear enjoys a prime location on the Main Street of the county town. Noting that the former bank premises achieved in excess of €100,000 over the guide price, Mr. Carthy said, “If properties are priced correctly, there is substantial interest out there from buyers who have funds in place.”
Carthy and Associates now have a substantial list of people who have expressed interest in quality properties at the right price. These people have funds in place and are actively seeking property opportunities. Seamus Carthy is available in confidence to talk to any parties who wish to sell properties in the currently climate. Good advice and approaching the market correctly is the key to successfully selling property in the current climate. Sellers need quality professional advice and Seamus Carthy is available at (094) 96 25990 (office) or (086) 8035538.
The former ACC bank premises at Main Street, Roscommon, was sold this
week by Carthy and Associates Real Estate Alliance, with the sale being agreed within four weeks of going to the market.
The building was sold for €575,000, €75,000 over the guide price of €500,000. The purchaser was a local professional businessman.
Speaking to Roscommon People, auctioneer Seamus Carthy
of Carthy & Associates REA in Castlerea, said, “I can confirm that we
agreed the sale within four weeks of it going on the market. The
property, without any huge advertising campaign, generated substantial interest and Carthy and Associates conducted in excess of
20 viewings.
“Due to the quality of the building and the attractive guide price of €500,000, over sixteen bids came in on the property. As part of the requirement from ACC Bank, each bid had to confirm that they had funds in place. All interest in the property was local as it preceded any national advertising campaign.
“ACC Bank comprised of a relatively new building measuring 255 sq. metres, over three floors, finished internally and externally to a very high specification. As such from any potential purchaser’s point of view, it was a building that was ready to go with very little outlay to be incurred once purchased.”
The three storey end-of-terrace building with a single storey extension to the rear enjoys a prime location on the Main Street of the county town. Noting that the former bank premises achieved in excess of €100,000 over the guide price, Mr. Carthy said, “If properties are priced correctly, there is substantial interest out there from buyers who have funds in place.”
Carthy and Associates now have a substantial list of people who have expressed interest in quality properties at the right price. These people have funds in place and are actively seeking property opportunities. Seamus Carthy is available in confidence to talk to any parties who wish to sell properties in the currently climate. Good advice and approaching the market correctly is the key to successfully selling property in the current climate. Sellers need quality professional advice and Seamus Carthy is available at (094) 96 25990 (office) or (086) 8035538.
Monday 15 March 2010
Successful Opening Launch at Hazelwood Celbridge Co.Kildare
Hazelwood Celbridge built by Maplewood developments had a very successful opening launch last Saturday and Sunday. With huge crowds around on both days Coonan Real Estate Alliance reserved 17 houses in total and expect to reserve some more over the next day or two. An estimated 400 people viewed the houses over the weekend.
The three and four bedroom showhouses received great praise for their bright and spacious accommodation including a host of standard features such as solar panels, recessed lights on the ground floor, maintenance free exteriors and front and back gardens. The buyers were very impressed with the standard of finish and the fact that each house comes with a minimum B1 energy rating.
With prices from €265,000 buyers felt they were getting good value considering the three bedroom houses measure 1206 sqft and the four bedroom houses 1550 sqft. The buyers were a mix of young families trading up as well as first time buyers and people trading down.
As Phase 1 is now sold out Coonan Real Estate Alliance are taking reservations on the second Phase.
For Further details contact Coonan Real Estate Alliance 01-6288400.
The three and four bedroom showhouses received great praise for their bright and spacious accommodation including a host of standard features such as solar panels, recessed lights on the ground floor, maintenance free exteriors and front and back gardens. The buyers were very impressed with the standard of finish and the fact that each house comes with a minimum B1 energy rating.
With prices from €265,000 buyers felt they were getting good value considering the three bedroom houses measure 1206 sqft and the four bedroom houses 1550 sqft. The buyers were a mix of young families trading up as well as first time buyers and people trading down.
As Phase 1 is now sold out Coonan Real Estate Alliance are taking reservations on the second Phase.
For Further details contact Coonan Real Estate Alliance 01-6288400.
Monday 1 March 2010
First National Property Auction Set To Stimulate Market
REA is to host a National Property Auction featuring a wealth of residential, commercial and investment properties from right across the country. The auction, the largest and first of its kind to be held in Ireland, which will feature both residential and commercial lots, will take place in Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel on Friday 30th April http://www.realestatealliance.ie/national-property-auction/
The auction’s announcement is timely with Real Estate Alliance members having seen positive movement in the market since the turn of the year. The property group believes the formula, having worked particular well in the UK, will act as a positive catalyst to help stimulate the market nationwide.
The April auction will feature a broad mix of both residential and commercial property lots from all sectors of the market but with one thing in common – they will offer excellent value for buyers. The residential opportunities will appeal to first time buyers, those looking to trade up and those looking for renovation projects.
The auction’s announcement is timely with Real Estate Alliance members having seen positive movement in the market since the turn of the year. The property group believes the formula, having worked particular well in the UK, will act as a positive catalyst to help stimulate the market nationwide.
The April auction will feature a broad mix of both residential and commercial property lots from all sectors of the market but with one thing in common – they will offer excellent value for buyers. The residential opportunities will appeal to first time buyers, those looking to trade up and those looking for renovation projects.
Tuesday 16 February 2010
REA, has called on banks not to increase bank interest rates.
National Property Group, Real Estate Alliance, has called on banks not to increase bank interest rates. Commenting on the rising of certain rates, Michael Boyd, recently appointed Chairperson of Real Estate Alliance and Director of Boyd’s Real Estate Alliance in Kilkenny, “the Irish property market is in a precarious position and we believe that raising bank interest rates will be counterproductive”.
Friday 12 February 2010
REA website re-launched
Commenting on the re-launch of Real Estate Alliance, Eimer O’Keeffe, CEO of Real Estate Alliance, commented; “Realestatealliance.ie is designed to be a must see for anyone thinking about buying or selling a property or land, whether they are a first time buyer, trading up or an investor. The website will also be an important marketing tool for our Agents to promote their offices and to inform people of their services.”
Mr. Michael Boyd of Boyd’s REA and Chairman of REA further commented, “This is a period of unprecedented change right across the spectrum of property from the fluctuating values of your home to the issues NAMA raise for all of us in the years ahead. Real Estate Alliance has set itself the task of being at the forefront of professional advice on every aspect of property in these difficult times. This new website shows the range of advice and services we offer you, the standards to which we aspire and our pride in giving you the best advice available”.
Mr. Michael Boyd of Boyd’s REA and Chairman of REA further commented, “This is a period of unprecedented change right across the spectrum of property from the fluctuating values of your home to the issues NAMA raise for all of us in the years ahead. Real Estate Alliance has set itself the task of being at the forefront of professional advice on every aspect of property in these difficult times. This new website shows the range of advice and services we offer you, the standards to which we aspire and our pride in giving you the best advice available”.
Tuesday 9 February 2010
houses down by over 30%
Mr. Boyd pointed out that there is evidence to indicate some positivity in the market, “With stocks of houses down by over 30% and signs of price stabilisation being seen in parts of the country, the bottom of the market is starting to emerge”. He continued, “Lending levels are at an all time low as indicated by the most recent Central bank reports which showed that there is more being paid back in mortgages on existing mortgages was more than what’s been given out in new mortgages”.
Mr Boyd suggested that, “It’s this stability of ECB rates remaining low, coupled with a continuation of the pattern established in the market over recent months, both in buyer confidence and vendors expectations that will allow the market to return to a more normal activity level over 2010”. He feels, “however, recent increases in rates by PTSB, if followed by other banks may well act to endanger this stability and spark a fresh round of price drops”
According to Vice Chairman Patrick Riney, “the banks are acting against their own best interests by increasing rates when their customers are at their most vulnerable. The ECB has recognised this by leaving base rates at their historic low and by acting against this direction; the banks will endanger any recovery and may precipitate a longer term revival”. “The increase of rates will only act to further punish those in difficulty and frighten those that are reticent to spend,” he continued.
The Real Estate Alliance group are aware that the banks claim they are losing money due to the relatively low interest margin now being achieved by Irish bank.
However true this may be, it’s a relatively new phenomenon for Irish banks that historically enjoyed such high level of margins and deposits that foreign banks and institutions were attracted into the system in recent years.
Real Estate Alliance recommends that reducing deposit rates by 0.5% instead of raising interest rates will widen the spread on rates improving the banks net margins.
According to Real Estate Alliance analysis, 12 months deposit rates in Irish banks are now at 3.2%, 220 basis points above ECB rates, 200 basis points above Euribor lending rates and only 49 points below the new PTSB variable lending rate.
In addition, the most recent figures by Consumer Market Monitor show that Irish savings are at an all-time high with people putting away 11pc of their disposable income in 2009, compared with just 3pc in 2007. According to Mr. Riney, “increased consumer confidence and spending will be the stimulus that drives an overall economic recovery according to Real Estate Alliance and instead of increasing lending rates; the banks should be reducing deposit rates”.
“Banks may argue that they need these deposit to improve their balance sheets however we cannot allow the €400bn of state guarantees, €11bn of recapitalisation and €77bn of assets being acquired by NAMA to go unacknowledged,” according to Mr. Riney. He continued,” we all realise that historically low rates like these cannot continue forever, but the timing of rate rises has to be done in conjunction with a more holistic view of the economy. Raising rates in advance of economic ability to repay can only lead to increased levels of arrears, further erosion of any equity that owners may possess and downward pressure on market recovery.”
The members of the Group agree as PTSB has not applied to access NAMA funding, nor has it been recapitalised, it remains largely outside the remit of Finance minister and his offices. And whereas if the Minister for Finance cannot explicitly instruct the banks not to increase their rates, as a substantial shareholder and stakeholder in the sector with directors on the boards of most of the major institutions, it can be made clear to the executives that actions such as this will not be tolerated and may endanger the working relationship of the department and the banks.
Mr Boyd suggested that, “It’s this stability of ECB rates remaining low, coupled with a continuation of the pattern established in the market over recent months, both in buyer confidence and vendors expectations that will allow the market to return to a more normal activity level over 2010”. He feels, “however, recent increases in rates by PTSB, if followed by other banks may well act to endanger this stability and spark a fresh round of price drops”
According to Vice Chairman Patrick Riney, “the banks are acting against their own best interests by increasing rates when their customers are at their most vulnerable. The ECB has recognised this by leaving base rates at their historic low and by acting against this direction; the banks will endanger any recovery and may precipitate a longer term revival”. “The increase of rates will only act to further punish those in difficulty and frighten those that are reticent to spend,” he continued.
The Real Estate Alliance group are aware that the banks claim they are losing money due to the relatively low interest margin now being achieved by Irish bank.
However true this may be, it’s a relatively new phenomenon for Irish banks that historically enjoyed such high level of margins and deposits that foreign banks and institutions were attracted into the system in recent years.
Real Estate Alliance recommends that reducing deposit rates by 0.5% instead of raising interest rates will widen the spread on rates improving the banks net margins.
According to Real Estate Alliance analysis, 12 months deposit rates in Irish banks are now at 3.2%, 220 basis points above ECB rates, 200 basis points above Euribor lending rates and only 49 points below the new PTSB variable lending rate.
In addition, the most recent figures by Consumer Market Monitor show that Irish savings are at an all-time high with people putting away 11pc of their disposable income in 2009, compared with just 3pc in 2007. According to Mr. Riney, “increased consumer confidence and spending will be the stimulus that drives an overall economic recovery according to Real Estate Alliance and instead of increasing lending rates; the banks should be reducing deposit rates”.
“Banks may argue that they need these deposit to improve their balance sheets however we cannot allow the €400bn of state guarantees, €11bn of recapitalisation and €77bn of assets being acquired by NAMA to go unacknowledged,” according to Mr. Riney. He continued,” we all realise that historically low rates like these cannot continue forever, but the timing of rate rises has to be done in conjunction with a more holistic view of the economy. Raising rates in advance of economic ability to repay can only lead to increased levels of arrears, further erosion of any equity that owners may possess and downward pressure on market recovery.”
The members of the Group agree as PTSB has not applied to access NAMA funding, nor has it been recapitalised, it remains largely outside the remit of Finance minister and his offices. And whereas if the Minister for Finance cannot explicitly instruct the banks not to increase their rates, as a substantial shareholder and stakeholder in the sector with directors on the boards of most of the major institutions, it can be made clear to the executives that actions such as this will not be tolerated and may endanger the working relationship of the department and the banks.
Monday 25 January 2010
REA shows 30% few homes on the market than 12 months ago
The nationwide survey by Real Estate Alliance shows 30pc fewer homes on the market than 12 months ago. “In all sectors, we are seeing significant decline in homes available.” According to the Real Estate Alliance chairman Michael Boyd. “On average, there are 30% less homes on the market now than there were 12 months ago.”
In the second hand sector, Real Estate Alliance study estimates the supply of apartments fell 19%, bungalows by 32%, detached homes by 35%, terraced by 18 % and semi detached homes by 34%.
With bank lending particularly focussed on the first time buyer sector, this last figure is of particular interest to the national property group.
In the second hand sector, Real Estate Alliance study estimates the supply of apartments fell 19%, bungalows by 32%, detached homes by 35%, terraced by 18 % and semi detached homes by 34%.
With bank lending particularly focussed on the first time buyer sector, this last figure is of particular interest to the national property group.
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