The Irish Commercial Real Estate Market Quarter 1

There was increased activity in Dublin’s retail investment market in Quarter 1 of this year with a total €524m also invested in Dublin’s office market. The acquisition by Hines and HSBC Alternative Investments of 73% of Liffey Valley Shopping Centre for €253m marked the first significant shopping centre sale of the year. Assets on Dublin city centre prime street, Grafton Street, traded for yields ranging from 4.6% to 6.7%.

Dublin accounted for 94% of Q1 investment. Overseas retailers continue to be attracted to Dublin’s prime pitches with Grafton Street, Henry Street and Dundrum Shopping Centre all in high demand.

It is reported by Davy Research, NAMA was the main source of product in Q1 as it accounted for circa €590m of deal flow. NAMA recently announced its commitment to bring at least €250m of deal flow to the market each quarter.