Oaktree's Irish Retail Exit
A look at Oaktree's portfolio along with this weeks news.
In this Monday's newsletter, we delve into the big news in the retail market—Oaktree Capital Management’s exit from Irish retail parks. Once regarded as trophy assets during the Celtic Tiger era, retail parks and shopping centres were coveted by a who's who of Irish developers. However, over the last decade, the market has shifted dramatically. While retail parks have managed to hold up better than traditional shopping centres, both asset classes face significant challenges as the retail landscape continues to evolve.
Oaktree's Irish Retail Exit: A Sign of Change in the Property Market
Oaktree Capital Management’s decision to exit the Irish market signals a significant moment for the country’s retail property sector. Through its subsidiary, Targeted Investment Opportunities (TIO), the US-based investment firm acquired a portfolio of eight retail parks across Ireland. Now, as Oaktree moves to offload these assets, it reflects broader challenges in the retail property landscape.
Here’s a breakdown of the retail parks Oaktree owns in Ireland through TIO:
Oaktree’s portfolio is thought to be valued at over €200 million, but the retail market has faced growing challenges. The sale of The Square in Tallaght last month for around €130 million is a striking example. Oaktree originally bought it for €250 million in 2018, already a reduced price from the €640 million valuation it had in 2007.
What’s Driving These Exits?
A mix of factors is pushing Oaktree and other global investors away from Irish retail properties. E-commerce continues to reshape consumer behaviour, reducing foot traffic and driving vacancies in physical retail spaces. Retail parks, while more resilient than shopping centres, are facing the strain of this shift.
The Square’s sale for nearly half of Oaktree’s original purchase price demonstrates how much values have plunged. Even as TIO improved rent rolls in some parks, like Navan, the long-term outlook for large retail properties remains uncertain.
Opportunities for Local Investors
Oaktree’s exit creates opportunities for local investors to step in and reposition these assets for a changing market. Retail parks with strong fundamentals can be adapted to meet modern demands, such as incorporating mixed-use developments or catering to convenience retail.
Navan Retail Park’s success shows that with the right strategy, retail parks can still thrive. However, the days of large-scale retail property deals fetching premium prices may be over.
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A Broader Trend
Oaktree’s retreat is part of a wider trend of international funds reassessing their positions in Ireland’s retail market. As global capital pulls back, there is an opportunity for local and regional investors to adapt these properties to the evolving retail landscape.
Main Sunday News Stories
1. Cost of Building Two-Bed Apartments in Dublin Nears €600,000 According to a report from the Department of Housing, the average cost of delivering a two-bed apartment in Dublin has risen to €592,000. The report shows that construction and land costs are the primary drivers behind these rising figures, highlighting the pressure on developers in urban areas. (Source: The Irish Times)
2. Starwood Writes Down Irish Office Portfolio by 50% Starwood Capital Group has written down its Irish office portfolio by 50%, amounting to a €13 million loss. This reflects ongoing difficulties in the Dublin office market, where demand for grade-A office space is weakening. Starwood’s focus will now be on recovering value from the remaining assets. (Source: The Business Post)
3. Nama Ready to Hand Over Sites for Thousands of Homes, But Planning Challenges Persist Nama has prepared to transfer land capable of delivering 4,000 new homes to a State housing body in 2025. However, the agency warns that planning and infrastructure challenges must be addressed before development can proceed. Nama currently holds a landbank with potential for 12,000 homes in the long term. (Source: Independent.ie)
4. Slieve Russell Resort Sold to Cavan Native Tony Brady for €30 Million The iconic Slieve Russell Hotel and Golf Resort in Co. Cavan has been sold for €30 million to Australian-based businessman Tony Brady. Brady, a native of Cavan, plans to maintain the resort’s name and praised the local management team for their excellent work. (Sources: The Anglo Celt, Irish Independent, Fermanagh Herald)
Final Thoughts
The Irish retail property market is facing significant challenges, but for those willing to innovate and adapt, opportunities remain. Up North, a number of shopping centres and retail parks have been offloaded in recent months by private equity firms, and these have been purchased by local developers.
For some of these assets, local developers are in the strongest position as they know the area and market better than most. However, once again, finance will play a huge part in this.
That’s all for now, and we’ll see you again on Friday.
Have a great week,
Eamon
Mindful Leadership Advocate | Helping leaders live & lead in the moment | Father, Husband, & 7x Founder | Follow for practical advice to thrive in work and life ??
5 个月The sale of these assets could reshape the retail landscape in Ireland, highlighting the need for adaptability and innovation in a changing market. It's a pivotal moment for growth and opportunity.