Economic, Planning and International SPC

Kieran Rose, Senior Planner. September 2013

“Property has its Duties as well as its Rights”

Thomas Drummond

The Significant Problem of Neglect of Some Buildings in the City

The Significant Problem of Neglect of Some Buildings in the City

Proposed Study

Examine the behavioural or attitudinal aspects that underpin this problem of neglect of Buildings by some property owners

How can such attitudes and behaviours be changed? 

 International comparisons?

Case study of a particular Street

Models of Good Practice

Aim to publish (first phase) in 3 months

Follows on from Vacant Land Levy report

Behavioural Economics

“A price causing a behavioural change – basic economics.” 

Commercial building occupied: 100% Rates

Vacant commercial building: 50% rates

Vacant commercial buildings not capable of beneficial use: no Rates

Incentivizes property owner's to render their buildings unusable by removing e.g. lifts etc?

 

Commission on Taxation (2009) Rates Recommendation

“That the Rates relief on vacant buildings, …

is time-limited so as not to encourage the owner of premises

to allow it to become dilapidated”

International Comparisons?

The Benefits of Public Information

Openness, Transparency, Accountability

Easily accessible public information on ‘who owns what’ could be a great incentive to property owners to act responsibly

Aim is a behavioural shift, to ‘nudge’ property owners into a mind-set that it is their responsibility to properly look after their buildings

The Benefits of Public Information

New OPW online property register for public buildings and land will be in place by March 2014.

“so that the public can see “for the first time what we own [and] where we own it”

A model of good practice

The Benefits of Public Information

Property Registration Authority. Information on property ownership:

more easily accessible?

http://www.landirect.ie/eng/

Derelict Sites Register is available on www.dublincity.ie and www.dublinked.ie

Civic Responsibilities

Thomas Street: many dilapidated buildings that blight the street,

On the other hand …

The Thomas Street Business Association and others

Volunteering

‘Street Ambassadors’

Lord Mayor Oisín Quinn and City Council supports Thomas Street initiative

Responsible Property Ownership: Before Digital Hub Makes Improvements

8 Thomas Street 7 Thomas Street

Digital Hub Provides Basic Improvements

Thomas Street Improvements by Property Owners

NAMA improves building …

Other Support for Property Owners: Aungier Street Strategy

Dublin City Council and Dublin Civic trust

Model of Good Practice. Heuston South Quarter, Interim Landscaping by Receiver, Reddy Architecture, Mitchell and Associates

Model of Good Practice. Heuston South Quarter, Interim Landscaping by Receiver, Reddy Architecture, Mitchell and Associates

Tom Dunne, Head of School of Real Estate, DIT

“I would imagine that this is being done to enhance the attractiveness of the blocks that have already been built.

A good motivation and this elegantly makes the point that derelict sites depreciate the value of surrounding properties.

Clearly the receiver thinks it worthwhile to spend money ameliorating the visual effects …..”