TAKEOVER OF IRELAND BIGGEST LANDLORD MEANS RENT HIKES ARE LIKELY ON THE CARDS

What happened: US investment firm Barings is set to buy out Ires REIT, Ireland's biggest private landlord, in a €726 million deal covering 3,600 properties, mostly in Dublin. Key numbers: €726 million deal value; 3,600 properties; average monthly rent about €1,850, estimated 20% Why it matters: The sale is described as a live test case of Ireland's new rent rules, which allow rents to be reset to market value between tenancies. The article states the new owner will almost certainly raise rents as quickly as possible, and questions whether extra cash will fund new building or be distributed.

US investment firm Barings is set to buy out Ires REIT, Ireland's biggest private landlord, in a €726 million deal covering 3,600 properties, mostly in Dublin.

The sale is described as a live test case of Ireland's new rent rules, which allow rents to be reset to market value between tenancies. The article states the new owner will almost certainly raise rents as quickly as possible, and questions whether extra cash will fund new building or be distributed.