While thousands of people in Ireland struggle to find affordable homes, many towns and rural areas are dotted with properties that have been vacant or derelict for years. These houses often need significant work before they can be lived in, and renovation costs can put them out of reach for ordinary buyers.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was introduced under the Government’s Housing for All plan to change that. By providing substantial financial support for renovation works, the grant makes it more achievable to transform an unused property into a modern, comfortable home – helping both individual buyers and local communities.
Why the Grant Exists
Ireland has a well-documented shortage of housing, with rising house prices and high rents putting pressure on buyers across the country. At the same time, the CSO estimates that tens of thousands of homes lie vacant or derelict, many of which could be brought back into use with the right investment.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant aims to bridge this gap by incentivising buyers to take on these properties. It provides non-repayable funding to offset renovation costs, making it more viable to buy, restore, and live in these homes rather than opting for expensive new builds.
Who Runs the Scheme?
The grant is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and administered by local authorities across Ireland. Each council has a Vacant Homes Officer who assesses applications, approves funding, and oversees compliance with the scheme’s rules.
What the Grant Covers
Buyers can receive:
- Up to €50,000 for a property vacant for at least 2 years.
- An additional €20,000 top-up if the property is confirmed derelict (structurally unsound and requiring major works).
- Higher grants for eligible properties on islands (up to €84,000 for derelict).
The grant is designed to cover works such as structural repairs, roofing, insulation, plumbing, electrical systems, windows, heating, and internal finishes. If your renovation costs exceed the grant amount, you’ll need to fund the difference, either from savings or with a mortgage.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must:
- Be applying as an individual (not a company/developer).
- Own or be in the process of buying a property that has been vacant for at least 2 years, built before 2008.
- Plan to live in the property as your principal private residence for at least 10 years (or make it available for long-term rent if approved).
- Provide proof of vacancy, ownership, and renovation cost estimates (quotes/invoices).
- Ensure the property meets planning and building regulations once complete.
- Be fully tax-compliant and up to date on Local Property Tax.
If you move out or sell the property within the required 10 years, a partial clawback of the grant applies.
Points to Consider Before You Apply
While this grant is highly beneficial, there are a few important considerations:
- Funding is capped: If renovation costs exceed the grant, you must fund the remainder through savings or a mortgage. There are also caps on amounts allowed for different works (e.g. stairs, roof chimney etc.)
- Application can be complex: Detailed quotes, surveys, and structural reports are often required.
- Timelines vary: Approval timelines vary by council, and the grant is paid in arrears once works are complete, following a final inspection and submission of invoices/receipts.
- Pre-Approval is vital: The grant must be approved before works begin.
- Clawback rules: If you sell or stop living in the home within 10 years, you may need to repay part of the grant.
- Combining supports: You may also be eligible for SEAI energy upgrade grants to improve insulation, heating, or solar systems, provided the works don’t overlap with those funded by the Vacant Property Grant.
- Local contacts: Each council manages its own scheme. You can find a list of Vacant Homes Officers here to discuss eligibility and application steps.
For full official details on the Vacant Property Renovation Grant, visit the Department of Housing’s information page.
Steps to Apply for the Vacant Property Renovation Grant
- Identify an eligible property: Confirm vacancy status with your local authority’s Vacant Homes Officer.
- Arrange a survey or structural report: Required if the property is derelict or in poor condition.
- Gather detailed quotes: Provide cost breakdowns from contractors for planned works.
- Submit your application: Apply through your local authority with all supporting documents.
- Receive approval and funding: Grants are paid after works are completed and inspections are passed.
A mortgage advisor can help plan the financial side, combining grant support with purchase and renovation finance.
The Grant Process
Illustrative Example:
Michael and Eimear, a young couple, spot a 1960s cottage in their hometown that’s been vacant for over 5 years. The property is priced at €120,000, but needs €70,000 worth of work to make it habitable.
They apply for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant through their county council:
- €50,000 standard grant for a vacant home.
- €20,000 top-up because it’s certified as derelict.
With this €70,000 funding, they can fully renovate the property into a warm, energy-efficient family home. They combine this grant with a renovation mortgage and later access an SEAI Home Energy Grant to add solar panels, further reducing future energy bills.
After living in the home for 10 years, they don’t need to repay the grant, leaving them with a fully-owned, modernised property that has significantly increased in value.
(This is a fictional example for illustrative purposes only. Eligibility, grant amounts, and timelines depend on individual circumstances, local authority criteria, and building condition.)
Talk to Us About Funding Your Renovation
Taking on a vacant or derelict property can be a fantastic way to secure a home, but funding the purchase and renovation can be complex. At EDUC Mortgages, we’ll help you:
- Understand the Vacant Property Renovation Grant rules and eligibility.
- Explore mortgage options that combine purchase and renovation finance.
- Maximise additional supports, such as SEAI grants, to reduce long-term costs.
Contact our team today for expert guidance on turning a vacant property into your dream home with the help of available grants and smart mortgage planning.