Parkview Stepaside Belarmine

sergiomartinez

Hi All,

Wanted to ask here, what you guys know about fire-safety issues found on Belarmine apartments?
Is there known solution and cost for fixing the problem?

Regards,
Sergio

LucyGrace

Hi, I was bidding on apartments in this complex this year. They had no concrete answers on the fire issues and costs. I went sale agreed and when my bank went to underwrite they would not. They were not going to offer a mortgage on these properties. I am not sure if you are looking as a buyer or as a resident but if its a buyer I would check with your bank even if you were willing to spend the money to fix the fire issue they may not support the mortgage.

j_d_lawler

Hi - any further information on this? I'm about to make an offer on a place there.

I was speaking with my bank and they said they couldn't see any potential issues. I believe the issues there are much more close to being resolved now.

Thanks,
Justin

Edgware

It may be worthwhile contacting the Management Company or its agency on this matter.
Fire Prevention issues have arisen in many complexes as a result of Insurance Companies inspections. In many cases it is a matter of upgrading the present systems. While this can cost a bit well managed companies will have a Sinking Fund built up to cover such eventualities without resorting to increased management fees or levies.
The Insurance Companies in my experience are being fair with the Management Companies who engage with them and produce plans for improvement even when these may be two/three year plans. The relevant Management Company should be able to provide full knowledge on fire prevention and any imroveents sought by Insurance Company.

If they wont provide or are very reluctant to disclose the necessary information you will have decisions to make about progressing the sale

ElBastardo1

Rockview/ Sandyford view/ Bracken hill have similar issues at the moment.
Anyone have any insight to whats going on there? Survey carried out recently.

averagejoe123

j_d_lawler wrote: »

Hi - any further information on this? I'm about to make an offer on a place there.

I was speaking with my bank and they said they couldn't see any potential issues. I believe the issues there are much more close to being resolved now.

Thanks,
Justin

I know that many estate agents won't touch park view as apartments always go sale agreed and fall through at mortgage stage.

KBC are the only bank I have heard of lending to purchasers there but there may be others.

I used an electrician who has an apartment there and he said that because nama own a load of these apartments that the tenants are holding out in the hope that they will do the required upgrades. They estimate it will be 10-15k per unit.

syndrome777

averagejoe123 wrote: »

I know that many estate agents won't touch park view as apartments always go sale agreed and fall through at mortgage stage.

KBC are the only bank I have heard of lending to purchasers there but there may be others.

I used an electrician who has an apartment there and he said that because nama own a load of these apartments that the tenants are holding out in the hope that they will do the required upgrades. They estimate it will be 10-15k per unit.

we were looking at one of the apartments in Parkview arround Christmas time and was told by EA that it's close to being resolved. He had no idea how much the final figure for each resident would be, could 1k could 10k to pay out.

He also said only KBC and maaaaybe Ulster were giving mortgages for this development.

We were with AIB and all of it just sounded like a big mess so didn't even bid in the end.

Bluefoam

Why would you buy a property that has fire issues? If the developer skimped on life protection, they were capable of skimping on allot more...

Fire safety is easy to implement, there are very rigourous regulations around it... if they were not implemented correctly, that was by a concerted effort to avoid them...

Never ever ever buy a place that wasn't built properly... it will always be a nightmare. Very unfortunate for those who bought there, but you have the coice not to become one of those people.

ElBastardo1

Bluefoam wrote: »

Why would you buy a property that has fire issues? If the developer skimped on life protection, they were capable of skimping on allot more...

Fire safety is easy to implement, there are very rigourous regulations around it... if they were not implemented correctly, that was by a concerted effort to avoid them...

Never ever ever buy a place that wasn't built properly... it will always be a nightmare. Very unfortunate for those who bought there, but you have the coice not to become one of those people.

While I agree with you to some extent, apartments that have signs of structural problems or water ingress problems will come to light if they exist. The fire protection problems will only appear if they are investigated or there is a fire. Apartments that have fire requlation problems that need to be fixed maybe better to buy/ invest in over an apartment that no issues have been investigated in. Certainly if there was issues of Pyrite or major structural issues I'd avoid them.

NormanStanley Fletcher

As somebody who bought back in 2006, I advise anyone looking at Parkview to stay away, there's nothing but issues. It is a cluster**** of issues, which in the end will end up costing every apt owner thousands and thousands of euro. This includes renting as the build quality IMO is poor.

ElBastardo1

NormanStanley Fletcher wrote: »

As somebody who bought back in 2006, I advise anyone looking at Parkview to stay away, there's nothing but issues. It is a cluster**** of issues, which in the end will end up costing every apt owner thousands and thousands of euro. This includes renting as the build quality IMO is poor.

Any sign of the problems getting remidied? Has there been a Levy put in place yet for problems to get repaired?

NormanStanley Fletcher

ElBastardo1 wrote: »

Any sign of the problems getting remidied? Has there been a Levy put in place yet for problems to get repaired?

There has been some work over the years Re water issues from the roofs of all the blocks, but the most important one, the fire issue is still dragging on, the legal process and the process of dealing with everyone at the table is astonishingly slow, we had/have a fire warden on site 24/7 for insurance purposes. There doesn't seem to be any sign of a conclusion to any of it, never mind actually getting to the point that there would be an actual figure put to people. Extremely frustrating situation to be in as an owner. I've tried to sell twice with both falling through in the end due to above issues, and don't even mention the negative equity

NormanStanley Fletcher

syndrome777 wrote: »

we were looking at one of the apartments in Parkview arround Christmas time and was told by EA that it's close to being resolved. He had no idea how much the final figure for each resident would be, could 1k could 10k to pay out.

He also said only KBC and maaaaybe Ulster were giving mortgages for this development.

We were with AIB and all of it just sounded like a big mess so didn't even bid in the end.

You definitely made the right decision. The EA was spoofing or clueless, all it would take would be to get in touch with the management company (Core) and immediately you would feel the veil of secrecy they're working under, the lack of giving out the info or the hassle producing certs etc for solicitors/EA's etc. Count yourself lucky. Would you mind if i asked what block you were looking at?

ElBastardo1

If its any consolation, most apartments built in the last 15 years have these issues. You only have to Google Fire Issues and see there is scores of developments in Dublin alone that have similar issues. I've looked at the PPR website and a good few apartments have still sold in the development in the past 6 months. Is your apartment a 1 or 2 bed? The 2 beds seems to be getting decent prices still.

NormanStanley Fletcher

ElBastardo1 wrote: »

If its any consolation, most apartments built in the last 15 years have these issues. You only have to Google Fire Issues and see there is scores of developments in Dublin alone that have similar issues. I've looked at the PPR website and a good few apartments have still sold in the development in the past 6 months. Is your apartment a 1 or 2 bed? The 2 beds seems to be getting decent prices still.

Absolutely, there's going to be some serious bills for a lot of apartment owners in the future, and the sad thing is that most owners are scared to speak out about it, because in the end all they're doing is devaluing their own property/investment. Theres a lot to be answered IMO, especially the laws/rules back then RE self certification etc. We as a whole are suing everybody that was connected to any defects etc here i believe, but will anything come of it...........I wouldn't hold my breath. A little surprised at the sales alright on the PPR, goes against what's the norm when talking about the situation. Must be cash buyers the majority of them, although still think some of the values are too high IMO.

hmmm

I don't know anything about these apartments, but sometimes these problems can be overblown. There has been several developments in the news where the owners are getting bills of 5k to 10k to remedy problems - and while that's not nice it's a drop in the ocean compared to the purchase price. Usually the hold up with dealing with it is attempts to sue builders etc., and the other issue is the wasters in the complex who decide they aren't going to contribute. I can easily see sales going through if cash buyers think there is a discount to be had.

ElBastardo1

NormanStanley Fletcher wrote:

Absolutely, there's going to be some serious bills for a lot of apartment owners in the future, and the sad thing is that most owners are scared to speak out about it, because in the end all they're doing is devaluing their own property/investment. Theres a lot to be answered IMO, especially the laws/rules back then RE self certification etc. We as a whole are suing everybody that was connected to any defects etc here i believe, but will anything come of it...........I wouldn't hold my breath. A little surprised at the sales alright on the PPR, goes against what's the norm when talking about the situation. Must be cash buyers the majority of them, although still think some of the values are too high IMO.

If the developer has gone into liquidation, I think it's a waste of time, these apartments were built close to 15 years ago, it's game over to try sue a builder that far back.

hmmm wrote:

I don't know anything about these apartments, but sometimes these problems can be overblown. There has been several developments in the news where the owners are getting bills of 5k to 10k to remedy problems - and while that's not nice it's a drop in the ocean compared to the purchase price. Usually the hold up with dealing with it is attempts to sue builders etc., and the other issue is the wasters in the complex who decide they aren't going to contribute. I can easily see sales going through if cash buyers think there is a discount to be had.

Very good point, I seen a development in Dublin City Centre were being hit for 5k and the residents were crying like the cost was going to destroy their lives. Turns out most of the development was rented which means the landlord can write it off their tax bill. Don't get me wrong, I know 5k to 10k bill is alot of money, but it's a drop on the ocean of more serious problems you may have, houses with pyrite etc. That could cost you the cost of a total rebuild.

Jwjk

We are looking at an apartment here and have gone sale agreed, however it was only after the fact that we found out by chance regarding the issues mentioned. Any information we or our solicitor has tried to gather on the fact has been met with nothing and avoidance of the subject. We are likely just going to pull out of it appears to be more hassle than it’s worth. Literally no answers and the estate agent has tried to just push us into it saying it will take a leap of faith in our side when they were never forthcoming with any problems regarding the apartment.
Has there been any further development on the issue. We are trying to find out what the actual surveyors report found, how much will it cost to rectify and will it impact on the living situation.

Wurley

I am owner occupier here it’s very frustrating not getting any clear answers from anyone. Some people have a lot to answer for and can’t be touched. Churches estate agents are continually putting leaflets to sell through my letter box saying they have “sold” several apartments. If issues need to be fixed I’d rather pay 1,5,10k to get them done and be safe and be able to resell my property if and when I wanted. Have to say love living here despite all the bs. Lovely area and lovely neighbours.

Uncertainty

I own an apartment with fire defects too but not in this development. I wouldn't buy an apartment unless a fire safety review has been conducted by the management company. We have had to pay €16,000. The developer is still in business and the county council have the power to force them to fix issues before they grant them any further planning permission but they don't do it.

I'm part of a lobbying group to lobby the government into taking action. It's a disgrace this has fallen on the innocent purchaser, who did everything right to remedy these issues. Fire certificates were issued on a good faith basis and the developers took short cuts in the pursuit of profit.

I've heard some estate agents will not longer list apartments until they know a fire safety report has been done.

Banks are also beginning to lend again on these apartments once they know a plan of action to address the issue is in place.

ElBastardo1

Uncertainty wrote: »

I own an apartment with fire defects too but not in this development. I wouldn't buy an apartment unless a fire safety review has been conducted by the management company. We have had to pay €16,000. The developer is still in business and the county council have the power to force them to fix issues before they grant them any further planning permission but they don't do it.

I'm part of a lobbying group to lobby the government into taking action. It's a disgrace this has fallen on the innocent purchaser, who did everything right to remedy these issues. Fire certificates were issued on a good faith basis and the developers took short cuts in the pursuit of profit.

I've heard some estate agents will not longer list apartments until they know a fire safety report has been done.

Banks are also beginning to lend again on these apartments once they know a plan of action to address the issue is in place.

I know of a couple that pulled out of a sale due to fire issues to go and buy in another development which had no defects, well so they think. The develpment they bought in still hasn't been checked. they nearly would have been better off going with the 1st apartment.

Shannon Homes who recently have purchased land in Ballyboden for 20mil should never ever ever be given another planning application approval. Genuinely can't believe that not one builder or labourer working on any of the building sites never raised an issue to why they weren't installing fire collars on the pipes. If one single perspn had of went to the Media back in 2004-2006 and told them of the corners being cut, the council would have acted.

The Council are asleep at the wheel on this issue, and it was them who issued the fire certs originally. I also think these issues are in houses but no is checking.

Mic 1972

Same issues in Blanchardstown, there was a fire in April this year that left one of the Verdemount buildings badly damaged. Owners will have to paid 50K each to fix the fire issues left behind by the builders. Apartments in the block are highlight devaluated and are currently selling at a much lower asking price than average

https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/residents-blanchardstown-apartment-complex-face-16061043

Uncertainty

Ironically the people benefiting from this are the building sector and the government who are receiving VAT from all these remediation works.

My apartment block is pre boom time so I honestly believe the majority of apartment blocks are affected. I've heard from a reliable source that apartments are still being built with fire defects...

The government have set precedent by helping those with Mica and Pyrite problems so they will have to help us too, even tax relief. There were tax breaks up until last year for people who wanted to improve their homes, we want to make ours safe and get nothing. It's really incredible.

I've emailed the council to ask them to use their powers until the Planning Act to force my developer to fix the problems but after first saying it was 'a very serious issue' they are now ignoring my emails.

The government have even given public building contracts to builders who have built defective homes!

Nika Bolokov

It's also a kip internally and the apartments are tiny.

CByrne12

I met with an estate agent last week who said that the total cost of repairs per apartment was €20,000 but that NAMA would be paying half and the owner was to pay the other half. He advised that the fire issues were something to do with no insulation (or something) between the external walls of the building. The €20k covers the repair costs which involve drilling holes in the external walls and pumping the insulation in between the bricks.

ElBastardo1

CByrne12 wrote: »

I met with an estate agent last week who said that the total cost of repairs per apartment was €20,000 but that NAMA would be paying half and the owner was to pay the other half. He advised that the fire issues were something to do with no insulation (or something) between the external walls of the building. The €20k covers the repair costs which involve drilling holes in the external walls and pumping the insulation in between the bricks.

Not sure about the money and costing, but if there is no caivty barrier, pumping in insulation won't fix it.

kooreczka

Any updates in this matter? We are looking to buy in D18 and Parkview in Stepaside is one of the areas we are considering? Is it still possible to get mortgage on apartments in Parkview?

abff

We’ve also been looking at an apartment there, which seems to be quite competitively priced. The EA told us up front about the fire safety issues and indicated it would cost between €5k and €15k per apartment to fix it.

Having read the above thread, I’m now inclined to back out.

Wurley

All this speculation and no actual concrete info. It’s gonna cost x y and z. It’s an ongoing process and it’s frustrating but we as residents have not been told the actual cost.
I’m a owner occupier here and haven’t been informed of any costs if any as of yet. But everyone throwing out figures without factual info is frustrating and misleading and even worrying for some.

ElBastardo1

Wurley wrote: »

All this speculation and no actual concrete info. It’s gonna cost x y and z. It’s an ongoing process and it’s frustrating but we as residents have not been told the actual cost.
I’m a owner occupier here and haven’t been informed of any costs if any as of yet. But everyone throwing out figures without factual info is frustrating and misleading and even worrying for some.

Parkview seems to be in a different position to other developments as there seems to be a great deal of secrecy around what the actual issues are. Simonsridge a stones throw away have a comprehensive report of the issues, costings are debatable though. The Government looked as if they were going to get involved in some type of redress scheme, which could help owners to fix these properties.

The real issues as I see it are if there was a fire in one of these apartments and it spread to 6 adjoining dwellings and people were injured the Government and Councils will be accused (and Rightly) of ignoring the fact people were going to bed in dangerous conditions. Look at the Grenfell tower incident, and think of all the finger pointing in the aftermath.

I can only offer you my sympathies in regards to this. I know all too well what it feels like to be in your position.

Raleha94

Has there been any progress on this since the last post? Also looking at D18 but very cautious about these blocks after reading this thread

Toots

Where are you looking? Remediation is under way in Simonsridge, and as far as I know works in some of the blocks there are complete.

Raleha94

Toots wrote: »

Where are you looking? Remediation is under way in Simonsridge, and as far as I know works in some of the blocks there are complete.

I'm looking at Parkview in Stepaside so hoping there have been some works there or at least confirmation of costs?

handycode

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117522439#Comment_117522439

Negative: No updates on Fire and Safety issues until November 2021, a lot of residents didn't paid. Management company refused to do any maintenance due to high insurance. Block have broken glass doors and i broke my hand with that door and not replaced for last 6 months!!! Electric Gates are not working for over more than a YEAR! Management company charge owners Maintenance fees as usual, so if you going to buy expect to pay full price, plus a lot of strangers and foreign language people drink on balconies all night long, particular around ELM block on First and Second floors, do your research before. Plus the biggest New Social development block (500 apartments) is just 20 meters away.

Positive: Great location.

When its come to listed for sale on MyHome or Daft, Real estate agents cannot refuse advertise for sale on behalf of the owners, but they do hide information about Fire and Safety issues, they only told me that when i booked a viewing, they don't want to raise negative image as it might affect their rating if their mention issues in the listing description

Parkview, Belarmine, Stepaside

samarraff

Any update on this since the last post?

I put on offer on an apartment in the Elm, Parkview, only to find out about fire issues after reading this feed. The Estate agent did not give as any indication of any issues!!

Has any construction work started on this ? Any clarity on who will pay the bill or the time frame for the works to be completed?

I really like the apartment and location and don't want to give up on it if the issue may be resolved soon.

Parkview, Belarmine, Stepaside

perfumy

Hi all,

I'm just wondering is there any sign of the fire problems being fixed in the Willows. Management fees have increased significantly this year and I'm told the fire issues are being resolved with everyone having to pay 10k. Does this mean its possible to apply for a mortgage for one of these apartments with the banks now if all of the repairs are imminent? I note the electric gate is still not working and the doors to main areas are not altogether that secure. There are also some overflow pipes gushing with water from them but apart from that I can't see any further issues.

Thanks in advance.

pinkytree

I’m wondering if the fire issues have been fixed in Park View ? Is there any news ?

ElBastardo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119657632#Comment_119657632

I doubt it, but you should enquire with the estate agents where it is at now. I know they were looking for a levy of 10k within the last 12 months, statistically they'd be doing well to get 25-50% of the people to pay that, and now with the rumours of the Government stepping in, that will make people hold off until that's in place.

Maxicat

Hi,

I am also looking to buy in Parkview Does anyone know if the works are close to getting started and would this be covered under the New government redress scheme? In your opinion do you think it's safe to buy there now given the new government redress scheme? Would appreciate your opinions on this.

Thanks

caoimhsF

Hello,

I am viewing an apartment in this development soon, does anybody know if there is electric vehicle charging points on site?

thanks 🤞🏼

Sheep Shagger

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120363936#Comment_120363936

Just sold a property there, nothing to do with the works, moved to a house.

We had paid the 10k required and the buyers solicitor received a letter from the mgmt co confirming same and was all good. Not sure when the works are due to begin.

Really liked it there, apartments are on the larger side, loads of amenities and they are well specked.

carac

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120369958#Comment_120369958

I am also looking to purchase in Parkview as Vendor has also paid fee and received MUD detailing out approach to resolve albeit it will be covered under the redress scheme. But wanted to ask if you can answer did you sell to a Cash or Mortgage buyer?? Thanks in advance

Sheep Shagger

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120414902#Comment_120414902

Was cash but agent told us they have had mortgage buyers successfully buying.

Brady & McCarthy seem to sell most places up there.

ch.r.21

Hi, I’ve also viewed a few apartments and I’m on the fence about buying. Estate agents have confirmed the fire safety works have been paid and will happen over the summer but I am still a bit on the fence. Any feedback from people who lived there? It seemed like a nice place…

Sheep Shagger

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120534223#Comment_120534223

We lived there for about 15 years (bought off the plan).

Great area, couldn't fault it. The bedroom sizes are very generous compared to other apartment blocks. Apartments were high spec too, we replaced out kitchen before selling.

It's a shame about the repair works needed but sure, every apartment block in the country has some sort of issues.

magnolia_18

Hi, I’m interested in buying an apartment in parkview though depends on bank approval. When I did the viewing, I saw fire sensors/smoke alarms were there inside the apartment. Does anyone know what exact fire safety issues are there in parkview apartments? If possible please share the management company details. I liked the place but difficult to find any other property with reasonable price.

Thanks in advance!

Sheep Shagger

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120595762#Comment_120595762

Yep alarms in each apartment

The fire proofing issue is from memory between the apartments (they are modular apartments).

Management Company is Core (they are useless, much like a lot of mancos).

bea468

Does anyone know have there been any updates on the works in Belarmine? Currently planning on viewing a couple of apartments in Parkview and also Belarmine Plaza.

Or has anyone bought there in the past couple of years and have any experience as to what's going on?

magnolia_18

For parkview, I can say the fire safety fix got delayed and there could be some update by end of the year. No work started so far. If you want to live there for long time, you can buy but not sure when the fix will be applied. It’s just mental stress.

bea468

Thank you, that's unfortunate! I might steer clear for the time being

vanjaklc

Has anyone recently purchased an apartment there using BOI? We're currently in the midst of the process, and the wait is nerve-wracking for us. While our solicitor and broker don't seem too worried about us being rejected, we're eager to know if there are any recent buyers who weren't cash buyers. Thanks in advance!