Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

The Minister stated 70% of landlords own one or two properties. We know all that but the report refers to a new trend, namely, corporate landlords in urban areas – city-centre areas – becoming a real force and having the power to set rents. The report does not pull its punches in stating what these corporate landlords do. They supply apartments to the premium end of the market, and these are unsuitable for people on average incomes. The report states there is a risk that, should buy-to-rent investment continue at current growth rates, market forces will, over the longer term, create socio-economic polarisation in some urban areas. Reference is also made to the possibility of monopolistic or oligopolistic power in price setting. Having been warned, what measures does the Minister intend to take?

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