What is it?
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is a payment available to property owners converting a vacant house or building into a permanent home.
As of 1 May 2023, the scope of the grant was expanded to include properties which will be made available for rent and properties which were not previously used for residential purposes.
Effective from 1 May 2023, the grant available is:
| Up to €50,000 to renovate a vacant property; or |
| Up to €70,000 if the property is derelict. |
This is inclusive of VAT.
Who qualifies for the grant?
The grant is available throughout Ireland and the criteria for qualification are as follows:
| You must have proof of ownership or evidence of active negotiations to buy the property where you are seeking approval in principle for a grant; |
| You must live in the property as your principal private residence or register it with the RTB and make it available for rent; |
| You must have Planning Permission where it is being converted from non-residential use; and |
| You must have proof that the property has been vacant for at least 2 years and that it was built up to and including 2007. |
How to apply?
An application form must be submitted through your local authority. Priority will be given to applications in areas where the level of vacancy or dereliction is high.
Clawback
It is required that you live in or rent out the qualifying property for a period of at least five years from the date of payment of the grant or else part of it will be clawed back.
There is further clawback if you sell the property within ten years.
For further information on the grants, you should contact your local authority housing department or contact Cara Walsh, Clodagh O’Hagan or Niall Shanley from our property team.
