The Vacant Property Refurbishment Government Grant: A Comprehensive Guide

Overview

As of May 1, 2023, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant offers financial assistance to transform vacant and derelict properties into habitable homes, addressing housing shortages and revitalizing communities.

Eligibility Criteria

• Vacancy Proof: Properties must demonstrate a vacancy period of at least two years.
• Ownership Proof: Documentation such as title deeds, proof of Local Property Tax payments, or recent mortgage statements must be provided.
• Construction Date: Eligible properties must have been constructed up to and including 2007.
• Previous Use: Properties formerly used for commercial or public purposes may qualify with appropriate planning permissions.

Application Requirements

For Principal Private Residence:

• Completed and signed application form.
• Proof of vacancy for two years.
• Detailed quotation(s) for proposed works.
• Proof of ownership or active purchase negotiations.
• Evidence of structural unsoundness for derelict property grant.
• Additional relevant documentation (e.g., planning permission or exemption certificates).

For Rental Properties:

• Completed and signed application form.
• Proof of vacancy for two years.
• Detailed quotation(s) for proposed works.
• Proof of ownership or active purchase negotiations.
• Evidence of structural unsoundness for derelict property grant.
• Signed affidavit confirming no previous grant application for rental purposes.
• Signed declaration of intent to rent and register with the RTB.
• Compliance with fire safety and rental housing standards.

Grant Usage and Conditions

The grant facilitates several categories of refurbishment works, each with specific maximum funding limits inclusive of VAT, tailored for a typical two-storey, three-bedroom semi-detached property:

• Demolitions / Strip-out / Site Clearance
  • Maximum €50,000 under Vacant Property Grant
  • Maximum €70,000 including Derelict Top-Up Grant
• Substructure Works – Includes foundations, rising walls, beds/slabs, damp-proofing, and underpinning.
  • Maximum €50,000 under Vacant Property Grant
  • Maximum €70,000 including Derelict Top-Up Grant
• Superstructure Works – Encompasses internal and external walls, chimneys, upper floors, stairs, roof structure, and other structural timbers.
  • Maximum €50,000 under Vacant Property Grant
  • Maximum €70,000 including Derelict Top-Up Grant
• Completions – Includes various elements:
  • External completions (doors, windows, cills): €21,000
  • Internal completions (doors, frames, architraves, ironmongery): €7,000
  • Skirtings: €3,500
  • Fascias, soffits, rainwater goods: €4,200
  • Roof completions (flashings, fascias, soffits, gutters, downpipes): €14,000
• Finishes – Covers finishes to external and internal walls, ceiling finishes, tiling/waterproof finishes to wet areas, and roof finishes:
  • Tiling/waterproof finishes to wet areas: €2,800
  • Painting and decorating: €10,500
  • Roof finishes: €14,000
• Services – Includes plumbing, heating, ventilation, power, lighting, telecommunications, and smoke/CO2 detection systems.
  • Maximum €50,000 under Vacant Property Grant
  • Maximum €70,000 including Derelict Top-Up Grant
• Fittings
  • Kitchen units: €7,700
  • Sanitaryware/bathroom fittings: €2,800
• External Works – Necessary external/site works within the property’s curtilage: €7,000
• Extension – Extensions within exempt development parameters or as part of a planning application within a wider refurbishment:
• • Maximum €50,000 under Vacant Property Grant
  • Maximum €70,000 including Derelict Top-Up Grant
• Professional Services – Fees for surveys and associated professional services:
  • 10% + VAT of the nett construction cost or €14,000, whichever is less.

Clawback Provisions

Recipients must reside in or rent out the property for at least five years from the grant payment date. If the property is sold, ceases to be a principal residence, or is no longer available for rent within ten years, a percentage of the grant must be repaid:

• 100% repayment if within five years.
• 75% repayment if between five and ten years.
• No repayment required after ten years.

Application Process

Submitting Your Application:
To apply for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, you must complete and submit the designated application form to your local authority. For inquiries or assistance during the application process, you are encouraged to reach out to the Vacant Homes Officer within your local authority.

For grants over €10,000, tax clearance from Revenue is required. You can apply online at Revenue’s website or call 1890 306 706.

If Your Application Is Unsuccessful:

If you wish to appeal the decision, you must do so within three weeks from the original decision date and you will have to clearly outline the reasons for your appeal in writing and submit it to your local authority. An official from the local authority who was not involved in the initial assessment will review the appeal. The appeals process typically takes up to six weeks to complete.

Additional Support

The grant can be combined with the SEAI Better Energy Home Scheme for energy improvements, though not for the same works.

Properties on qualifying offshore islands receive increased grant rates, enhancing incentives for refurbishment.

For more information and to apply, you can visit the official government page and take the first step towards transforming a vacant property into a vibrant home.

You can also rely on MyBuildingSupplies to provide the building materials needed to revitalize your vacant or derelict property.