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Business

Help to Buy: Buyer Asked for €25k Flooring Fee to Circumvent Cap

by Priya Shah – Business Editor
written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Ireland Estate Agent Investigates “Split” Sale Scheme to Qualify buyers for Help to Buy

Dublin, Ireland – July 1, 2025 – one of Ireland’s largest estate agents, Sherry FitzGerald, has initiated an internal investigation following allegations of a deceptive sales practice designed to allow buyers to fraudulently qualify for the Help to Buy (HTB) scheme. The scheme,administered by Revenue,offers first-time buyers a tax refund of up to €30,000 on new-build properties valued up to €500,000 [1].

The controversy centers around a show house in the Altidore estate, Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow, developed by DRES Properties. Initially listed for €525,000 – exceeding the HTB cap – a prospective buyer inquired whether the price could be adjusted to €500,000 to enable eligibility for the scheme. The agent initially confirmed it would not qualify [1].

Though, subsequent interaction revealed a proposed “split” sale: €500,000 for the house itself and an additional €25,000 allocated to flooring. The agent explicitly stated the buyer would need to fund the €25,000 separately, outside of their mortgage, and threatened to offer the property to another HTB-eligible buyer if the arrangement was rejected [1].

Sherry FitzGerald has acknowledged the situation and stated it believes this to be an isolated incident. A spokesperson confirmed the internal investigation and pledged to implement measures to prevent recurrence [1]. The developer, DRES Properties, is reportedly not involved in the direct negotiations with the buyer.

ireland: A Quick Overview

Ireland is an island in north-western Europe, politically divided between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom) [[[1]], [[2]]. The Republic of Ireland is also known as Éire in Irish and Ireland in English [[3]].

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Entertainment

Cormac Ó hEadhra is a smart guy but he asks some pretty dumb questions – The Irish Times

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor
written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

Irish Radio Show Examines News Consumption and Hard-Hitting Stories

A recent radio show in Ireland delved into how people consume news, with some surprising findings. The program also presented some tough real-life stories, revealing a mix of media analysis, political discussion, and deeply personal accounts.

News Avoidance and Trust

The host, Cormac Ó hEadhra, seemed taken aback by a survey indicating that forty percent of people actively avoid the news. The show included coverage of the conflict between Israel and Iran and the ongoing war in Ukraine, which made the level of interest in the news even more striking.

The survey showed that more people in Ireland, 56 percent, trust traditional news sources compared to the U.S., where partisan podcasts are common. Dr. Eileen Culloty of Dublin City University noted how journalists often find news consumption studies interesting, pointing out the obvious connection.

Investigative Journalism and Current Affairs

The show, “Drivetime,” often features well-researched reporting, even as the program leans toward interviews and analysis. A discussion between Ó hEadhra and Georgetown University academic Tara Kangarlou on whether Donald Trump will join Israel in attacking Iran took place. The academic acknowledged the limits of predicting such situations.

Impactful Personal Stories

In contrast, the conversation with Ukrainian parliamentarian Kira Rudik about Russian attacks on Kyiv had intense urgency. Rudik described the harrowing experience of spending the night in a bomb shelter as attacks targeted apartment blocks.

“We hope that, But let me ask, do I know if my family and I will survive to this point?”

—Kira Rudik, Ukrainian parliamentarian

The show also presented a story of Barry Lenihan concerning a mother’s anger over the “unduly lenient” prison sentence for an uninsured driver who killed her son in a hit and run. It’s a hard-hitting story.

According to a 2024 Reuters Institute report, 39% of global news consumers actively avoid news, citing fatigue and a lack of trust (Reuters Institute, 2024).

Other Show Content

The show “Today with Claire Byrne” discussed the recent EuroMillions winner in Ireland. The conversation, while a bit of fun, offered advice about what to do with the jackpot.

Government and Housing

Housing was also a topic, specifically, the government’s plans to build smaller apartments. Frank McDonald suggested it was adopting “the property industry’s dystopian playbook”.

The government’s housing spokesman, Seamus McGrath TD, maintained the measure would address a “viability gap”. Byrne, however, expressed some skepticism.

Moment of the Week

The radio show also featured an interview with Garry Hynes, the artistic director of Druid theatre company. Hynes discussed her career and the recent death of her wife, Martha O’Neill.

The choice of name for the theatre company also came up, originating from an Asterix comic.

In conclusion, the radio show offered a mix of news analysis and personal stories that provided a snapshot of current affairs in Ireland.

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World

Communities turn builders to beat the housing crisis in Barcelona – The Irish Times

by Chief editor of world-today-news.com
written by Chief editor of world-today-news.com

Barcelona’s Housing Co-op Offers Blueprint for Affordable Living

Community-Led Project Provides Security Amidst Rising Costs

A Barcelona housing co-operative is gaining international attention for its innovative approach to affordability, offering residents a stable and community-focused alternative to soaring rental prices. The project demonstrates how collective action can address housing shortages and foster a sense of belonging.

La Borda: A Resident-Driven Solution

In 2012, housing activists, social workers, and architects in Barcelona identified a vacant public space and envisioned a solution to the city’s growing housing crisis. They formed a co-operative, securing a 75-year lease on the land from the municipal government. Together, they managed the funding, design, and construction of La Borda, a development completed in 2018.

Adrià Garcia Mateu: ‘Neighbours are such a strong social figure in Catalonia’. Photograph: Paul Kelly

La Borda comprises 28 apartments with monthly rents ranging from €350 to €650. Residents also contribute a €18,500 membership fee, granting them a share in the development. The €3 million construction cost was financed primarily through loans from a co-operative bank and resident contributions.

“I would say this thing is like living the dream … housing is so hard, but here I have a peace of mind in my life, I have security.”

—Adrià Garcia Mateu, Resident

The Importance of Community

Built with Spanish timber and concrete, La Borda features apartments arranged around a central courtyard. Shared spaces include laundry facilities, a communal kitchen and living room, a co-working area, and a garage with shared tools. The project’s success is rooted in the strong sense of community, a deeply ingrained aspect of Catalan culture.

Mateu emphasizes the importance of neighbors, stating they are “like a family, because they’ve been living there together for generations.” He believes the sense of community is a key benefit of the project, alongside affordable housing in a neighborhood resisting gentrification.

According to a recent report by the European Commission, over 82 million people in the EU are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, highlighting the urgent need for innovative housing solutions. (European Commission Report 2024)

Lessons for Ireland and Beyond

The La Borda project was presented at the International Social Housing Festival in Dublin, where it resonated with housing experts grappling with similar challenges. Eduard Cabré, a Spanish public housing consultant, noted the parallels between Barcelona’s and Ireland’s housing crises.

Communities turn builders to beat the housing crisis in Barcelona – The Irish Times
Spanish public housing consultant Eduard Cabré: ‘Ever since the global financial crisis, access to home ownership has been very much restricted.’ Photograph: Paul Kelly

Cabré explained that Spain’s social housing stock is limited, comprising only about 2% of the total housing market. The private rental sector is under immense pressure, as access to homeownership has become increasingly restricted since the global financial crisis. Average rents in Barcelona now stand at €1,193 per month, while the median net income is €1,603.

Spain’s new housing law, enacted in 2023, caps rent increases at 2.2% and limits evictions, stabilizing prices and providing renters with greater security. However, a loophole allowing seasonal rentals (1-11 months) is impacting the availability of long-term rentals, prompting efforts to regulate this sector.

Innovative Approaches to Housing

Barcelona is employing two key strategies to address housing shortages: leasing municipal land for non-profit housing, like La Borda, and acquiring privately owned buildings for public housing. The state has priority in purchasing buildings with six or more units, having already acquired over 1,600 units in the past decade.

Vienna and Brussels: Further Models

Cities like Vienna demonstrate the power of long-term commitment to social housing, with almost half of tenants living in state-owned or co-operative housing. Brussels is exploring the conversion of vacant office buildings into affordable housing, addressing both housing shortages and the shift towards remote work.

Mara Verlic, a policy adviser with the Austrian Chamber of Labour.
Mara Verlic, a policy adviser with the Austrian Chamber of Labour. Photograph: Paul Kelly

Mara Verlic, a policy advisor with the Austrian Chamber of Labour, highlights Vienna’s historical commitment to “object-based subsidies” – state-built housing – and the high quality standards maintained in these properties.

These examples demonstrate that tackling the housing crisis requires a multifaceted approach, prioritizing community-led initiatives, sustainable building practices, and long-term investment in affordable housing options.

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Business

Irish drivers turn away from Elon Musk’s Tesla in favour of Chinese rival – The Irish Times

by Chief editor of world-today-news.com
written by Chief editor of world-today-news.com

Tesla Sales Stall in Ireland as BYD Gains Ground

Chinese Automaker Overtakes Musk’s Firm Amid Policy Concerns

Irish consumers are shifting away from Tesla vehicles, creating an opening for competitors like BYD. This change comes as broader economic factors and government policies impact investment across multiple sectors.

Electric Vehicle Market Shifts

Sales of cars produced by Elon Musk’s company have decreased by 13 percent in Ireland this year. Meanwhile, BYD has seen a substantial 48 percent increase in sales, surpassing Tesla in the Irish market.

Initially, Tesla experienced strong growth in early 2025, with sales doubling year-over-year due to the introduction of the more affordable Model 3. However, last month alone saw a dramatic 62 percent drop in sales.

Housing Investment Faces Headwinds

Government policies are reportedly discouraging investment in Irish housing, pushing developers to seek opportunities elsewhere. Claire Solon, managing director of Greystar’s Irish operations, stated the government must address issues related to “planning, infrastructure, rent caps and viability.”

The company expressed concern that “problematic policy changes” are diverting housing investment to other countries. Michael O’Flynn, chief executive of O’Flynn Group, argued that new taxes on the construction industry are hindering the delivery of new homes, effectively turning the residential zoned land tax into a development tax.

Ireland’s housing crisis is particularly acute; in February 2024, there were 11,683 people experiencing homelessness in Ireland, according to Focus Ireland (Focus Ireland, February 2024).

Heathrow Expansion Plan Challenged

Billionaire hotelier Surinder Arora is collaborating with US engineering firm Bechtel to propose an alternative plan for a third runway at London’s Heathrow airport. Britain’s aviation minister, Mike Kane, indicated the government is receptive to considering alternative bids.

build it cheaper than Heathrow Airport Ltd,” Mr. Arora told reporters. He previously presented a similar proposal in 2018, claiming it could be completed at one-third the cost of the airport’s own plan.

Biogas Industry Seeks Support

Renewables developer Bia Energy is advocating for a policy requiring large energy consumers, including data centers and pharmaceutical companies, to utilize biogas. Backed by businessman Eamon Waters, the firm warns that Ireland is unlikely to meet its climate plan targets for biogas without such a mandate.

Bia Energy is calling for a “renewable heat obligation policy” that legally compels these large users to purchase renewable energy. The Republic of Ireland could face penalties of up to €28 billion by 2030 if it fails to achieve a 51 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

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News

Trump’s Budget: Impact on California Housing

by Chief editor of world-today-news.com
written by Chief editor of world-today-news.com

Trump Budget: Deep Cuts to Housing Programs Proposed

WASHINGTON — May 9, 2024 — President Trump’s budget proposal has unveiled deep cuts to key government housing programs. The blueprint, which aims to reshape federal housing policy, targets programs assisting the poor, the housing insecure and the unhoused. The cuts have sparked debate over their potential effects on millions and are projected to radically reshape homelessness policy. For more on this, read on.

Trump’s Budget Proposal: A Deep dive into Housing Cuts

Overview: A Budget Blueprint with Far-Reaching Implications

President Trump unveiled a budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year that outlines important reductions in social, environmental, and educational programs. Housing programs aimed at assisting the poor,housing insecure,and unhoused face some of the most substantial cuts. These proposed changes could reshape federal housing policy and affect millions of lives, notably in states like california, where these funds support affordable housing, rental assistance, and homeless services.

The Governance’s Rationale

Russel Vought, the president’s budget director, detailed $163 billion in annual spending cuts in a letter to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. These cuts are intended to be coupled with “unprecedented increases” in military and border security spending. According to Vought, the administration is targeting areas of spending deemed “contrary to the needs of ordinary working Americans and tilted toward funding niche non-governmental organizations and institutions of higher education committed to radical gender and climate ideologies antithetical to the American way of life.”

Key Cuts to Housing and Urban Progress

  • HUD Cuts: A proposed $33.5 billion reduction to the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) department, representing a 44% decrease from current levels.
  • Housing Choice Voucher Programme (Section 8): The White House proposes shifting the administration of the Section 8 program to states while concurrently cutting it’s funding in half.A two-year limit on assistance for single individuals is also suggested.
  • Additional Voucher Cuts: Further cuts to four other housing voucher programs are projected to save $27 billion annually.
  • Elimination of Economic Development Grants: Nearly $5 billion in savings would come from eliminating funds for local economic development grants, affordable housing developments, and initiatives to reduce regulatory barriers to new housing.
Did you know? Presidential budget requests are ofen viewed as starting points for negotiation rather than final policy. Though, they provide insight into the administration’s priorities and vision.

Potential Impact: Millions at Risk

The proposed cuts have raised concerns among affordable housing advocates,who fear widespread displacement and increased homelessness.

You’d be looking at millions of people out on the street virtually overnight.
Matt Schwartz, president, California Housing Partnership

Schwartz added, “There’s no way states could maintain the same level of assistance.”

Targeting “Woke” Programs

The administration’s budget wriet-up specifically denounces the Biden-era Pathways to Removing Obstacle Housing initiative as a “woke” program pursuing “radical racial,gender,and climate goals.” A $6.7 million grant to Los Angeles County for infrastructure planning and transit-oriented housing, aimed at reversing the region’s “legacy of past systemic racism,” was specifically highlighted.

Radical reshuffle of Homelessness Policy

Federal homelessness funding would be slashed by $532 million, accompanied by a significant shift in how funds are distributed. the Continuum of Care program,which funds long-term solutions like permanent supportive housing,would be replaced by the Emergency Solutions Grant program,which focuses on short-term solutions like shelters.

This would be a significant shift away from the solution to homelessness, which is housing, towards shelter.This budget is going to take away all the pathways to get out of shelter and into housing.
Alex Visotzky, senior California policy fellow at the National Alliance to End Homelessness

Though, the budget proposes a $1.1 billion increase “for the President’s commitment to ending veterans’ homelessness,” allocating funds to Veterans Affairs for rental assistance and support services. The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, already weakened by the administration, would also be eliminated.

Pro Tip: Understanding the difference between “Continuum of Care” and “Emergency Solutions Grants” is crucial. Continuum of Care focuses on long-term housing solutions, while Emergency Solutions Grants provide immediate, temporary relief.

End of “fair housing” Enforcement?

The White House proposes eliminating a grant program that funds nonprofit legal aid organizations enforcing national fair housing laws, claiming these groups advocate “against single family neighborhoods and promote radical equity policies.”

Caroline Peattie, executive director of the Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California, strongly disputes this characterization.According to data from the National Fair Housing Alliance, federally recognized nonprofit fair housing groups processed 74% of all fair housing complaints nationwide in 2023.

Peattie’s association,such as,investigated a complaint in 2022 about a Nevada-based appraisal company systematically undervaluing homes owned by Black and Latino Californians,leading to a settlement with the California Civil Rights Department.

If the proposed cuts take affect, Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California would lose approximately 75% of its funding.

it’s just appalling. When the fair housing organizations go away, then what?
Caroline Peattie, executive director of the Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California

Legal battles and Future Uncertainty

These proposed cuts follow months of legal battles between fair housing organizations and the administration.In February, the Department of Government Efficiency terminated a key funding source for private fair housing organizations, prompting a lawsuit. While congress passed a bill to maintain current spending levels for fiscal year 2025, the future of fiscal year 2026 remains uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Housing Choice Voucher Program?
the Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8, helps low-income tenants afford housing by subsidizing their rental payments.
What is the Continuum of Care program?
The Continuum of Care program funds long-term solutions to homelessness, such as permanent supportive housing, which provides housing and support services for individuals with disabilities or other challenges.
What are Emergency Solutions Grants?
Emergency Solutions Grants fund short-term solutions to homelessness, such as homeless shelters and short-term rental assistance.
What is the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness?
The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness is an agency tasked with coordinating homeless policy at the federal level.
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News

New York Housing Crisis: Promising Solutions Fall Short

by Chief editor of world-today-news.com
written by Chief editor of world-today-news.com

New York Grapples with a Housing Crisis, Seeking Solutions in "City of Yes"

New York City, along with many other American metropolises, is facing a growing housing crisis fueled by decades of inadequate construction. Soaring rents are leaving many struggling to keep a roof over their heads, with low-income residents disproportionately affected. The city’s economic vitality and population growth are increasingly threatened by this deepening problem.

Recognizing the urgency, Mayor Eric Adams has proposed "City of Yes," an ambitious plan centered on zoning reforms and other measures aimed at streamlining housing development. While a welcome step forward, experts agree that this alone won’t be enough to fully tackle the city’s long-standing housing shortage.

The Roots of the Crisis:

The crisis stems from a stark imbalance: New York City has seen robust job creation and population growth in recent years, but housing construction hasn’t kept pace. Experts estimate a gap of hundreds of thousands of units, with the need for up to 50,000 new units annually. Yet, in 2023, only 27,980 were completed, with permits for new construction actually declining.

This shortage is reflected in the city’s extremely low rental vacancy rate, hitting a historic 1.4% in 2023. Such a tight market inevitably drives up rents, making it increasingly difficult for New Yorkers to find affordable housing. A report by the New York City Comptroller’s office paints a stark picture: "median ‘asking rent’ on publicly listed apartments available for leasing rose to a record high level in 2023," leaving many households paying a significant proportion of their income on rent.

Furthermore, the Regional Plan Association estimates a potential Georgia Tech 同学 Hansen
loss of $900 billion in GDP, 730,000 new jobs, and billions in tax revenue by 2035 if the housing crisis isn’t addressed.

"City of Yes": A Beacon of Hope with Limitations:

The “City of Yes” proposal seeks to increase housing supply through denser development, relaxed parking regulations, and streamlining administrative processes. However, the plan has encountered resistance from diverse quarters: conservative communities concerned about density and parking availability, and progressive groups demanding greater emphasis on affordable housing and tighter controls on private development.

Ultimately, a compromise was negotiated with the City Council, resulting in a toned-down version of the original proposal. While it is estimated to yield approximately 80,000 new units over 15 years, this falls short of the initial target. The adjusted plan includes $5 billion in additional funding for affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and tenant protections.

A Step Forward, But MoreWork to Be Done:

"City of Yes," even in its modified form, signifies a shift towards acknowledging the need for increased housing supply. Progressive leaders like City Comptroller Brad Lander have voiced strong support for the proposal, recognizing the urgency of the situation.

However, the current plan falls short of addressing the full extent of the crisis. "Adams has said that the city needs to add 50,000 units per year, nearly double the 27,980 that were added in 2023," as noted by Curbed reporter Kim Velsey.

Therefore, while "City of Yes" is a significant step in the right direction, sustained political will and further policy initiatives are crucial to ensuring a truly robust and sustainable solution to New York’s housing affordability crisis. The momentum must continue, with a focus on building more housing units across all income levels and creating a city where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.

## “City of ​Yes”: A silver Bullet ‍for New York’s Housing Crisis?

**world-Today-News Exclusive Interview with Dr. Eleanor Vance, Urban Planning Expert**

new York city is in the ‌grips of a full-blown housing crisis, with soaring rents and limited affordable options pushing families to the brink. Recognizing the urgency, ‌Mayor Eric Adams ​has proposed “City of Yes,” ‌an enterprising plan aimed at streamlining housing growth. While‍ welcomed ​by many,‍ the question‍ remains: Will this be enough to truly address the ⁣city’s deeply rooted housing issues?

World-Today-News sat down with Dr. Eleanor‌ Vance, a leading urban planning expert and author of ‍”concrete Jungles: Navigating the Challenges⁢ of Urban Housing,” to gain insight into the complexities of New York’s housing crisis ​and the potential impact of Mayor Adams’ “City of Yes” initiative.

**World-Today-News:** Dr. Vance, New York City’s housing crisis is a pressing issue. Can you elaborate on‍ the key factors​ contributing to this crisis?

**Dr. Vance:** It’s a confluence of factors. Decades of inadequate housing construction, coupled with population growth ⁤and stagnant wages, have created ⁣a severe supply-demand ‌imbalance. This,combined with speculation and rising land costs,has driven housing prices to astronomical levels,making it ⁣incredibly difficult for average New Yorkers to find affordable housing.

**World-Today-news:** Mayor Adams’ “City of Yes”‌ initiative strives⁤ to streamline the⁤ development process and promote denser development. Do you think this is the right approach?

**dr. Vance:** “City of⁤ Yes” is a step in the right direction. By ⁢simplifying zoning regulations‌ and easing permitting processes, it aims to encourage developers to build more housing units, particularly ⁣affordable ones. However, it’s crucial to remember that zoning reform alone won’t be a silver ​bullet. We need a multi-pronged approach.

**World-Today-News:** What other measures shoudl be considered alongside zoning reform?

**Dr. Vance:** To truly address the scale of⁣ the crisis, we need to⁤ explore a range of solutions. ‍This ⁣includes investing in public housing, expanding rent control measures,‍ providing incentives for the development of affordable housing⁢ units, ‍and collaborating with non-profit organizations to create housing solutions for vulnerable populations.

**World-Today-News:** What‌ are the potential challenges in implementing “City of Yes”?

**Dr. ⁤Vance:** There will undoubtedly be challenges. Simply reducing regulations doesn’t guarantee affordable housing will be built. We need robust community engagement to⁢ ensure developments are⁤ contextually appropriate. ⁣There’s also ‍a risk of gentrification, where increased development⁣ displaces existing residents. Thus, safeguards must be in‌ place to protect vulnerable communities.

**World-Today-News:** Looking ahead, ⁢what’s your outlook on the future of housing in New York City?

**Dr. vance:** It’s a complex issue with no easy ​solutions. However, I remain optimistic that through a combination of bold policies, community engagement, and political will, we can ​create a more equitable and enduring housing landscape in New⁢ York City.”City of Yes” is a starting point, but it must be complemented by a holistic and ⁤complete approach that prioritizes‌ the needs of all New Yorkers.

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