Housing

Rising interest rates give unexpected boost to social housing charities

Tuath Housing says the hikes, along with inflation, have presented opportunities for the sector as private investors pull back from the market

Sean O’Connor of Tuath, which last year delivered 256 new cost rental homes, using government subsidies to improve affordability. Picture: Fergal Phillips.

Inflation and rising interest rates have dampened demand among investment funds for properties in the private rental market, the head of Tuath Housing has said.

Sean O’Connor said the cooldown has presented “more opportunities” for social housing charities such as Tuath.

Last month, a report by Hooke & MacDonald, the property agent, said some private investors had paused deals this year to review potential returns, while certain capital sources “pulled back from investment mandates”.

O’Connor ...