Sir, – The recent announcement that the Government intends to scrap build-to-rent (BTR) guidelines in favour of a more onerous system is well intentioned but misguided and will not help young people looking for affordable rental accommodation so they can finally move out of the family home.
The scrapping of bedsits and shared accommodation, the strict limits on studio and one- bed apartments and the ever increasing standards applied to new apartments only have the affect of reducing supply and ensuring that whatever projects eventually make it through the dysfunctional planning system and get built are too expensive.
If a twentysomething has a choice between living at home or moving into a bedsit with a pal, they will most likely take the bedsit option as opposed to living in their bedroom.
It’s a bit like telling the motor industry that they can only make medium and large size cars with big boots because no one should have to drive around in a small car.
READ MORE
My daughter is 25 with a good degree and a good job but lives in her bedroom at home because she can’t afford to move out and is heading to Australia in November.
What people need is more choice and what the construction industry needs is fewer obstacles so it can get on with the business of providing that choice.
I won’t hold my breath as I drive my daughter to the airport. – Yours, etc,
JOHN LOMBARD,
Dublin 14.
