Cabins regulations, taxes and mega offer! - MyCabin.ie

Ahoy Cabins & Gardens lovers!

In today’s email:

• 🏡 Government’s Big Idea: Log cabins without planning permission—what it means for you.

• 💰 Tax Watch: Adding a log cabin? The taxman’s paying attention.

• 📉 Lower House Prices? More log cabins could mean less demand—and fairer property prices.

• 🎁 Deal of the month - newsletter subscribers exclusive deal!

Government's Grand Plan: Log Cabins Without Planning Permission

Big news, folks—the government is cooking up a plan to let people put log cabins or modular homes in their back gardens without the usual planning permission headache. The idea? Give young adults a shot at independence without sending them straight into the jaws of the rental market.

Sounds like a win, right? But, of course, there are the usual naysayers, warning that landlords might jump on this and start charging premium money for log cabins. Still, let’s be honest—who wouldn’t take a cosy, well insulated timber cabin over a €2,000-a-month “charming” one-bed with mystery damp?

The finer details are still up in the air, but if this goes ahead, log cabins could finally be the affordable housing hack we've all been waiting for. Here’s hoping common sense wins out for once!

OUR TAKE

No planning permission doesn’t mean a free-for-all. Log cabins will still have to meet strict building control regulations to ensure they’re safe, warm, and built to last—and that’s exactly how it should be! If a log cabin provider can’t meet these standards, they shouldn’t be selling residential log cabins in the first place.

At the end of the day, these regulations exist to protect you and your family. So before you buy, do your homework—ask your provider if they’ve built log cabins with full planning permission before, or check with an architect. A proper log home should be more than just a pretty shed!

Property Tax Implications of Adding a Log Cabin in Ireland

Thinking about adding a log cabin to your garden? Brilliant idea! Extra space, potential rental income, or even a cosy home office—what’s not to love? But, of course, wherever there’s a smart investment, the taxman isn’t far behind. Here’s what you need to know before you start building.

A Log Cabin Adds Value—And That’s a Good Thing!

A well-built log cabin can increase your property’s value by €150,000–€200,000. That’s not just good for your comfort—it’s a solid investment. Yes, it might nudge your Local Property Tax (LPT) up a bit, but compared to what you’re gaining, it’s a small price to pay. And let’s be honest, wouldn’t you rather be paying tax on a valuable asset than sinking money into rent for a place you’ll never own?

Separate Tax? Only in Certain Cases

If your cabin is fully self-contained (with its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom), Revenue could assess it as a separate dwelling. But that’s only an issue if you’re using it as a full-time rental or second home. If it’s a home office, guest space, or extra family accommodation, you’re unlikely to run into any trouble. And even if it is assessed separately, renting it out can cover that cost—and then some!

OUR TAKE

Yes, there’s tax to consider, but the benefits of a log cabin far outweigh a small increase in LPT. You’re adding value to your home, creating extra space, and potentially even making an income. So don’t let the taxman scare you off—just plan wisely, check the rules, and get ready to enjoy the best investment you’ll ever make.

🏡 Can Log Cabins Help Stabilise Property Prices in Ireland?

Right now, the Irish housing market is like a packed pub on a Friday night—too many people scrambling for too few spots, and the prices are through the roof. Demand is far outstripping supply, and as a result, property prices have soared to eye-watering levels. But could log cabins be the secret weapon to bringing some sanity back to the market? Absolutely.

More Homes, Less Desperation = Lower Prices

If the proposed law allowing residential log cabins without planning permission goes ahead, it could change the game. With more people opting to build log cabins as permanent homes, the pressure on traditional housing would ease. Fewer desperate buyers means sellers can’t just slap any old price tag on a house and expect a bidding war. They’d have to start pricing realistically—a rare concept in today’s market.

Giving Buyers a Choice

Right now, people don’t have many options: either rent at ridiculous rates or pay a fortune for a house. But if a fully livable log cabin becomes a viable, hassle-free alternative, buyers suddenly gain some power. Why pay €400,000 for a fixer-upper when you could set up a beautiful, modern log home for a fraction of the cost? Sellers would be forced to compete, bringing house prices back down to earth.

OUR TAKE

Allowing residential log cabins won’t just stabilise prices—it’ll help families, young people, and first-time buyers find affordable housing now, instead of waiting years for the government to sort out supply issues. More homes, fairer prices, and no need for planning permission headaches? Sounds like a solution Ireland desperately needs.

🎁 Deal of the month!

We’ve scored a €500 discount on any garden log cabin and a €1,000 discount on any residential log cabin from MyCabin.ie! (valid until end of March 2025)

Here’s how to claim it (visible to the newsletter subscribers only):