Heather is a journalist and deputy editor of Selfbuild Magazine. She’s previously edited construction trade publications in Ireland and the UK, along with expat living magazines in the Canary Islands and Tuscany. Now based in Co. Kilkenny, she and her partner are taking on their biggest project yet — turning a former residential outdoor pursuits centre into a family home!
Water connection and local authority development contribution waivers propel one-off building starts by over 100 per cent – doubling last year’s numbers. In this article we cover: The latest Housing Market Monitor Q1 2024, released by the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), highlights a surge in housing commencements. Over 30,000 units (30,138) were started […] More
Self-builds are leading new build mortgages across a quarter of ROI regions; 40 per cent of mover new build mortgages attributed to self-builds. In this article we cover: According to a new report, the number of first-time buyer (FTB) mortgages taken out for self-building or purchasing new homes has increased by 4.2 per cent, totalling […] More
The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) is celebrating 35 years of award ceremonies; here are the self-build entries for the Public Choice Award 2024. In this article we cover: Be inspired by the shortlisted new build, restoration and extension projects included in this year’s RIAI Public Choice Award and vote for your favourite. […] More
This hands-on self-build in Co Laois came to fruition thanks to lots of hard work and help from family and friends. In this article we cover: From designing their dream home to overseeing every detail of its construction, Michael and Edel were in charge of their self-build every step of the way. It’s a project […] More
Local Authority Home Loan extension to support purchase and renovation of eligible properties in ROI for first time buyers and fresh start applicants. In this article we cover: In a bid to support first-time buyers looking to renovate vacant or derelict properties, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, announced the […] More
Recent court ruling against ribbon development in NI indicates self-builders could be denied planning permission in some greenbelt areas. In this article we cover: In a potential landmark legal win, environmental activist Gordon Duff’s challenge to a planning decision by the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council could have “far-reaching” implications for rural development. The […] More
This Co Down home’s change in layout made all the difference to everyday living, thanks to an attic conversion and complete transformation of the ground floor plans. In this article we cover: Leaving the hustle and bustle of London for the idyllic village charm of a town in Co Down marked a significant life change […] More
The Architectural Association of Ireland (AAI) Awards reliably delivers exceptional projects with its awards, and this year is no different. Here, we highlight the winners and notable mentions, offering clever ideas to inspire your self-build plans. In this article we cover: Award Winners High Street, Balbriggan – Robert Bourke Architects This 6sqm all-timber micro extension […] More
The ‘Bringing Back Homes Manual’ provides technical and grant advice to those renovating a vacant or derelict building in ROI. In this article, we cover: The ROI Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has published an updated version of its Bringing Back Homes Manual. The guide reflects changes in policies and grants for property […] More
As the draft Transport Plan for ROI undergoes public consultation, rural advocates are calling for fairness and equitable treatment for people living and wanting to build in rural areas. In this article we cover: The proposed transport plan by the Department of Transport, aiming to reduce emissions, has sparked criticism from rural advocates and TDs […] More
Temporary waiver on development contributions drives the largest increase in new build starts since records began, and Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien indicates it will be extended until the end of 2024. In this article we cover: Incoming Taoiseach Simon Harris has pledged more supports for self-builders in the form of extending both the help […] More
This project in Co Dublin initially started as a small kitchen extension and quickly turned into a major renovation; this is how Marie Behan went about it. In this article we cover: The house Marie originally bought in 2016 was far from ideal for her needs. It was clear back then that it would need […] More