Housing policy is more soundbite than science, say auctioneers

Commenting on the CSO Residential Property Price Index for December, IPAV, the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers, which has already warned of the risks associated with continuing house price rises of the current magnitude, said that while the new approach the Government seems to be taking on housing policy is to be welcomed time is of the essence. 

Pat Davitt, IPAV’s Chief Executive said, sadly up to now it would appear that much of housing policy was informed by “soundbite rather than science.” 

“It is concerning to hear discussion around consideration of re-introducing a Section 23 type initiative, which IPAV had proposed some time ago,  debated on the extremes rather than the facts,” he said. 

He said housing policy has become a prisoner of political correctness. 

“The previous Section 23 initiative was a very successful one in stimulating building at a time when that is what was badly needed. The fact that it was expanded far beyond what it should have been, to the extent that inappropriate structures were built in unsuitable locations doesn’t negate that fact, and it should not mean it should never again be considered,” he said. 

Mr Davitt said, equally, the issue of Rent Pressure Zones, is being debated largely on the basis that one who wants to see them ended is pro-landlord and anti-tenant and visa versa. 

“The Government needs to act on the basis of the copious amount of research, national and international, and real market data that points to the severe negative consequences of continuing indefinitely with a policy that should only ever be temporary.  And the approach needs to be measured with regard to existing tenants,” he said. 

He said “time is of the essence” and the Government needs to act urgently.