New grants for refurbishing vacant properties in Ireland

Updated Grants of up to €70,000 for the Refurbishment of Vacant and Derelict Properties in Ireland and derelict properties in Ireland

The Government of Ireland has significantly expanded its grant scheme to help individuals renovate and refurbish vacant or derelict properties, providing even more support for those looking to bring new life to unused spaces.

The updated Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant now offers up to €50,000 to renovate a vacant property, with an additional top-up grant of €20,000 available if the property is deemed derelict. This means that those refurbishing derelict properties can receive up to €70,000 in grant aid. The grant can also be used to renovate properties that were previously non-residential, provided they were formerly used for commercial or public purposes and have the correct planning permission for residential use.

This grant is part of the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund, administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Applications for the grant are processed through your local authority.

Expanded Eligibility and Additional Support

Not only can you receive funding to live in a renovated property, but you can also apply for the grant if you plan to rent out the refurbished property. This flexibility opens the scheme to more people, including potential landlords looking to contribute to the rental market.

The scheme has also introduced higher grant amounts for those living on offshore islands, with up to €60,000 available for vacant properties and up to €84,000 for derelict ones. Additionally, an extra grant of up to €5,000 is available for expert conservation advice if you’re refurbishing a vacant traditional farmhouse.

What Work is Covered?

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant covers a comprehensive range of refurbishment activities, making it possible to tackle most of the critical work needed to bring a property back to life. The type of work that can be covered includes:

• Demolition and Site Clearance: Including the removal of hazardous materials.
• Substructure Works: Such as foundations, rising walls, floor slabs, damp-proofing, and underpinning.
• Structural Works: Covering walls, chimneys, upper floors, stairs, roof structures, and structural timbers.
• External Completions: Including doors, windows, windowsills, fascias, soffits, gutters, and downpipes.
• Internal Completions: Such as doors, frames, architraves, ironmongery, skirtings, and interior decorations.
• Roof Completions: Including flashings, gutters, fascias, soffits, and roof finishes.
• Building Services: Encompassing plumbing, heating, ventilation, electrical services, telecommunications, and safety installations like smoke detectors.
• Tiling and Waterproof Finishes: For wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
• Necessary External Works: This includes work needed on the land around the home.
• Extensions: Within the ambit of exempt development under planning regulations.
• Professional Services: Fees for surveys and other professional services associated with the renovation works.

If you also want to improve the energy efficiency of your home, you can apply for the SEAI’s Better Energy Homes Grant Scheme separately, as the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant does not cover energy efficiency improvements.

Additional Support: Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan

For those looking to buy and renovate a derelict home, the Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan offers further financial support. Launched on 22 July 2024, this loan is an extension of the Local Authority Home Loan and is available only to those who qualify for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.

How to Apply

To apply for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant:

1. Submit your application: Complete the form and submit it to your local authority along with supporting documents, including proof of ownership, vacancy, and planning permission if needed.
2. Application review: The local authority will review your application and may arrange an inspection.
3. Approval and completion: If approved, you will receive a letter of approval and have 13 months to complete the works.
4. Grant payment: After the work is inspected and approved, the grant will be paid.

If your application is unsuccessful, you have the right to appeal the decision within three weeks.

For more detailed information, including a full list of eligible works and how to apply for additional grants or loans, you can visit the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s website or contact your local authority.