June 2026

Understanding Rent Pressure Zones

If you’re a landlord or tenant in Cork, it’s crucial to understand the regulations surrounding Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) and rent reviews. According to the 2024 Housing Commission Report, a significant 74% of Ireland’s private rental properties are located within RPZs, designed to protect tenants from excessive rent hikes. And with the government's announcement yesterday evening, the rest of...

How to Prevent Mould in Winter

Cork is no stranger to wet winters, and all this damp raises the likelihood for mould to develop in your home - especially if you live in an older building or historic home! Preventing mould from getting a footing your home is key, so read our best tips for preventing mould below: 💧Tip 1: Avoid Condensation as Much as Possible Through a Combination of Heating and Ventilation When moist air is...

Top 5 Benefits of Investing in Property Through Your Pension

If you are thinking about bulking up your retirement fund or looking for ways to diversify your pension portfolio, purchasing property is an option worth considering.  Investing in property as part of your pension strategy is a wise and stable method to prepare for retirement, and in Ireland, it offers numerous benefits, both financial and otherwise. Before making any decisions, it's important to...

How to Choose the Right Property Management Agency

Tips for Choosing the Right Property Management Company to Protect Your Investment Choosing the right property management company to look after your investment property is a crucial decision, especially in Cork, where there are so many agencies to choose from. If your agency is not on the ball, it can quickly result in a loss of income for you – whether that’s through unpaid rent, costly repairs,...

What are the Steps to Buying a House?

Buying a house is an exciting time for anyone, full of plans and ideas for what your future home will look like and what memories you will make while living there. The actual process can be a bit daunting, especially for first-time buyers. There is so much to learn as you go, but understanding each step can make your home-buying journey less stressful. Here is our comprehensive guide to help you navigate...

From RPZs to Rolling Tenancies: Proposed Changes to Rent Pressure Zones Explained

In June 2025, the Government proposed a major overhaul of Ireland’s rental regulations, due to come into effect in March 2026. Their stated goal is to create more secure housing for tenants while encouraging long-term investment in the private rental market. However, the new proposed regulations are going to cause significant changes for both landlords and tenants, so understanding the proposals is...

Why Are the Council Inspecting Rental Properties?

With the council inspecting rental properties across the country, we take a look at why they are doing it and what they are looking for. By Michael Powell Principal, Powell Property Estate Agents, Cork Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, you have likely heard something recently about the Cork City and County Councils conducting inspections of rental properties. Essentially, the councils are...

Budget 2025 Housing Updates

Budget 2025 is here! Here is our summary of all the housing and property-related updates from the government's announcement: Vacant and Derelict Property Tax: The tax on vacant and derelict properties will increase, going to 7x the rate of Local Property Tax (up from 5x). Landlords: The existing tax relief for pre-letting expenses for landlords who are bringing vacant homes into the rental...