Brian Gaffney Featured in The Irish Times on How to Invest in Property in Ireland
Brian Gaffney, Director, was recently featured in The Irish Times in relation to How to Invest Property in Ireland. It guides readers through the key considerations when investing in property and the evolving choices facing Irish investors.
Buy a Commercial Property:
Commercial property continues to appeal to private investors seeking tangible assets and reliable income streams. Recent transactions highlight sustained demand for well‑located commercial buildings with strong tenants, delivering attractive yields relative to other asset classes.
Brian highlights that much of the current activity is driven by private investors, typically investing between €1 million and €5 million. Above this level, family offices and institutional investors tend to dominate. He notes that investment decisions are underpinned by core fundamentals, including location, tenant quality, income security and opportunities to enhance value.
There is also increasing competition in the market, with international buyers, particularly French SCPI funds, actively bidding for Irish commercial assets. While these funds often operate within strict yield parameters, private Irish investors are frequently more flexible, accepting keener yields for properties with strong covenants or long‑term income prospects.
A significant volume of cash remains active in the market, with many transactions completed without third‑party finance, although alternative lenders and pension structures continue to play a role. Yields typically range from the mid‑5% level for institutional‑grade assets to higher returns for properties carrying greater management or leasing risk.
Brian emphasises sustained investor appetite for medical properties, creches, dental practices and neighbourhood retail units, particularly those anchored by convenience operators in areas with strong footfall. Mixed‑use assets, combining commercial and residential elements, are also attractive to investors seeking to diversify income and reduce reliance on a single occupier.
Risk‑averse investors tend to favour stabilised assets with secure tenants and minimal management requirements, while others pursue properties with repositioning or refurbishment potential to drive rental growth and long‑term value.
Buy a Residential Property:
According to Brian, residential investment is now less popular, meaning new entrants may be going against prevailing market sentiment. He highlights key risks for investors, including potential declines in capital values that could result in negative equity, alongside the ongoing challenges of sourcing and retaining tenants. As a result, careful consideration of risk, funding structures and long‑term investment objectives is essential when assessing residential property opportunities.
How do I exit my investment?
Read the full article here
