Dublin Estate Residents Face Soaring Management Fees, Lack of Control
Residents of Kilcarbery Grange in Dublin are frustrated by soaring annual management fees, now €730, and a lack of control over decisions. The developer and South Dublin County Council, holding significant votes, approved increases for items like bin-shed lighting and caretaker services. Experts and politicians call for reform of the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 to give homeowners more say and address councils' reluctance to manage common areas.
Residents of Kilcarbery Grange, a joint housing venture in Dublin 22 by South Dublin County Council (SDCC) and Adwood Ltd, are experiencing significant frustration over escalating annual management fees and a perceived lack of control. The estate, which will comprise over 1,000 properties, currently has 787 completed units, with the developer holding 156 and SDCC 323, giving them a key voting share in the Owners’ Management Company (OMC).
Initially €370 three years ago, the annual fee has risen to €730. Residents report unresolved issues despite the increases. At a recent AGM, the fee hike was approved by the developer and SDCC, who stated it was «reasonable and necessary». A major cost increase cited was for bin-shed lighting, jumping from €8,000 to €48,600 due to individual meters and standing charges for 81 communal bin stores. Additionally, a €47,670 cost for a janitor/concierge was introduced to maintain the bin system, which residents argue drives up costs compared to individual bins.
Mortgage expert Eoin O’Connor highlighted that management fees, typically associated with apartments, are now common for new houses, ranging from €200 to €2,000. He noted a €950,000 four-bedroom house in North County Dublin with a steep management fee and only one parking space. O’Connor advocates for fees to be set for a fixed period, like five years, to provide homeowners with certainty.
Local politicians, including Independent TD Paul Gogarty and Sinn Féin councillor William Carey, agree that the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 needs reform to give residents more say. Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne attributes part of the problem to councils' reluctance to take over common areas due to underfunding. Some homeowners, feeling powerless, have stopped paying fees, losing their voting rights and breaching legal obligations.