Key Takeaways
| Topic | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Grant amount | Up to €50,000 for vacant homes Up to €70,000 for derelict properties |
| Who can apply | Homeowners or buyers refurbishing a vacant property to live in or rent out |
| Vacancy requirement | Property must be vacant for at least 2 years |
| Property age | Must have been built before 2008 |
| Rent requirement | If rented, the tenancy must be registered with the RTB |
| Occupancy rule | You must live in or rent the property for at least 5 years |
| Clawback rule | If sold or removed from use within 10 years, some or all of the grant must be repaid |
| Application process | Apply through your local county or city council housing section |
What Is the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant?
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is a government scheme designed to bring empty or derelict homes back into use across Ireland.
It is funded through the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund, which focuses on regenerating towns and villages.
The grant helps cover the cost of renovating properties that have been sitting empty, allowing them to become:
- A principal private residence, or
- A long-term rental property
The core idea behind the scheme is simple:
Instead of building every new home from scratch, Ireland can restore the thousands of vacant homes already sitting unused across the country.
How Much Is the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant?
The scheme provides the following funding levels:
| Property Type | Maximum Grant |
|---|---|
| Vacant property | Up to €50,000 |
| Derelict property | Up to €70,000 |
| Offshore island properties | Up to €60,000 (vacant) or €84,000 (derelict) |
A property qualifies as derelict if:
- It is structurally unsafe or dangerous, or
- It appears on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register
You may need a building condition report from a qualified professional to confirm this.
What Types of Properties Qualify for this grant?
To qualify for the grant, the property must meet several criteria.
Property eligibility requirements include:
- The building must have been built before 2008
- Vacant for at least two years
- Located within Ireland
- Structurally capable of being refurbished
- Planning permission must be obtained if required
Interestingly, the scheme can also apply to:
- Former commercial buildings
- Public buildings being converted into housing
This is possible provided appropriate planning permission is granted.
What Work Does the Grant Cover?
The grant can fund a wide range of refurbishment works required to make a property safe and habitable.
Typical works covered include:
Structural Works
- Foundations
- Walls
- Floors
- Chimneys
- Roof structures
External Works
- Windows and doors
- Roof finishes
- Gutters and drainage
- External repairs
Internal Works
- Doors and fittings
- Skirting boards
- Tiling and waterproofing
- Painting and decorating
Services
- Plumbing
- Heating
- Electrical works
- Ventilation
- Smoke detectors
Other works
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Site clearance
- Minor landscaping
The final grant amount is determined by a cost assessment carried out by the local authority.
What Work Is Not Covered?
The scheme does not fund certain types of work.
- Complete demolition and rebuilding
- Renovations unrelated to making the property habitable
- Energy upgrades already covered by SEAI grants
However, homeowners can combine SEAI energy grants with the refurbishment grant.
How to Apply for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
The application process has several stages.
Step 1 – Submit your application
Send the application form and documents to your local authority housing department.
Typical documents required include:
- Proof of ownership or purchase negotiations
- Evidence the property has been vacant for 2 years
- Planning permission if required
- Quotes for refurbishment work
- Tax clearance confirmation
- Local Property Tax compliance
Step 2 – Property inspection
The local authority will:
- Review your documents
- Arrange a technical inspection
- Estimate refurbishment costs
If successful, you receive a letter of approval.
Step 3 – Complete the works
Once approved:
- You normally have 13 months to complete the refurbishment
- Contractors must be tax compliant
- You must provide invoices for completed work
Step 4 – Final inspection
The council will inspect the property to ensure:
- Work was completed correctly
- Costs match approved works
You will also sign a charge document, which places a legal charge on the property for 10 years.
Step 5 – Grant payment
The grant is paid after:
- Final inspection
- Signing the charge document
- Registering tenancy with the RTB (if renting out the property)
Vacant Property Grant Repayment Rules
If you leave the property too early, you may have to repay some or all of the grant.
| Time After Grant | Repayment |
|---|---|
| Less than 5 years | 100% repayment |
| 5–10 years | 75% repayment |
| Over 10 years | No repayment |
This ensures that the grant supports long-term housing supply, and not quick resale.
Other Grants to to be Aware of.
1. Vacant Above the Shop Grant (Coming Soon)
The Government has also announced an extension of the scheme to include vacant spaces above shops. This is expected to launch in 2026.
Proposed Funding Levels
| Homes Created | Maximum Grant |
|---|---|
| 1 home | Up to €95,000 |
| 2 homes | Up to €115,000 |
| 3 or more homes | Up to €135,000 |
| Professional advice | Up to €5,000 |
This could unlock thousands of unused spaces in Irish town centres.
2. Conservation Advice Grant for Traditional Homes
Owners of historic properties may also qualify for an additional grant of up to €5,000.
This covers expert conservation advice for:
- Traditional houses in towns
- Historic farmhouses
- Protected structures
The grant funds a conservation specialist to:
- Inspect the property
- Produce a refurbishment report
- Recommend appropriate restoration methods
3. Local Authority Loan for Derelict Homes
First-time buyers who struggle to obtain bank financing may also qualify for the Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan.
This loan includes:
- A mortgage loan for purchasing the property
- A bridging loan based on the grant approval
The scheme allows buyers to purchase and refurbish homes that banks might consider too risky.
County Council Contacts for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
Applications must be submitted to your local authority Vacant Homes Officer.
Below are the main contact points for Irish county and city councils.
Each council has a Vacant Homes Officer who handles applications and queries.
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant FAQs
Can developers apply for the grant?
No.
The grant is only available to:
- Individuals
- Homeowners
- Buyers
It is not available to developers or companies.
Can I combine the grant with SEAI energy grants?
Yes. Energy upgrades such as:
- Insulation
- Heat pumps
- Solar panels
can be funded separately through SEAI schemes.
How long do I have to complete the works?
You normally have 13 months from the approval date to complete the refurbishment.
Can I sell the property after receiving the grant?
You can, but there are clawback rules.
If you sell within 10 years, you may have to repay part or all of the grant.
