Eddie Byrne has predicted that the changes to the rent regime that are being introduced by the Government, coupled with the increased amount of investment by the State in the residential property sector, will have a positive impact on housing supply.
“We’re going to make significant inroads,” he said, pointing out that housing shortages are “a problem all over the world.”
Ires Reit owns about 3,600 units, mostly apartments, with the bulk of those located in Dublin. Its occupancy rate is virtually 100pc. Its portfolio is valued at €1.24bn.
“Any conversations we have had with large, international capital providers – sovereign wealth funds and large insurance companies – those institutions have said Ireland is back on the radar for investing again under the new rent regulations,” Mr Byrne said.
“To me, that’s a very significant indicator of whether this suite of regulations is helpful or not.”
He pointed out that these are “long-term, patient investors who like low-risk investments”.
“That’s exactly the kind of capital that we want to come into Ireland to help in terms of alleviating the housing crisis,” said Mr Byrne.
The new rules introduce six-year tenancies, and permit landlords to re-set rents for new tenancies to the market rate where the previous rent was below market level. Thereafter, rent increases will be capped at the lower of the rate of inflation according to the consumer price index, or 2pc.
The Ires Reit boss also wants to see proposed changes to building design requirements for apartments implemented. The Government’s plans are currently being challenged before the courts.
“We need more one-beds, because the number of people choosing to live on their own is significantly greater than what we can accommodate, and three-bed [apartments] are not economical,” he said.
Mr Byrne was speaking as Ires Reit released preliminary full-year results, which were positively viewed by analysts. Adjusted net earnings rose 7.4pc to €32.8m, while its net rental income was €66.7m, a 1.9pc increase.
It made a pre-tax profit of €49.8m as it benefited from a €17m revaluation gain.
Ires Reit is currently engaged in a disposal programme to sell 315 units. In 2025, it sold 41 units with a net book value of €13m and achieved a more than 25pc premium on sales. A total of 82 units had been sold under the programme by the end of 2025.
Shares in Ires Reit have languished in recent years. On Thursday morning they were trading at €1.09, while the company has a net asset value per share of almost €1.32.
“Do I think the share price is an accurate reflection of the business? Absolutely not,” said Mr Byrne. “I think where it has been for the last number of years was absolutely a reflection of the rent regulation as it was then.
“It was reflected in our share price and in the amount of new development starts in Ireland and Dublin. The rent regulations strangled development and our business is probably just the most visible part of that.”