The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched in Ireland on 14 July 2022
As much as €50,000 can be claimed in grants for eligible vacant properties.
If the property is classed as derelict – then grants of up to €70,000 can be claimed.
If you are applying for a top-up grant for a derelict property that is not already on the local council’s “Derelict Sites Register”, you will need a report from a qualified professional saying the property is derelict.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund and you need to apply to your local authority.
To be eligible , properties must have been built before 2008 AND the property must be
vacant for two years or more at the time of grant application.
You must own the property or be in the process of buying it.
You will have to live in the property (or rent it out) after it is refurbished.
Proof of vacancy is required to support grant applications. Usually – Electricity bills will help show proof of vacancy.
Once confirmation of vacancy is submitted along with the grant application, the applicant can
move into the property.
More details can be obtained from the Vacant Homes officer at your local council
What is Covered by The Vacant Property Grant?
The following categories of works are eligible for grant assistance, subject to a reasonable cost
assessment by the local authority and to any limits for specific works as set out in the table below.
The works proposed must be approved in advance, following inspection by the local authority of the property.
Refurbishment requirements for each property will differ depending on the type/size / condition of
the existing building. The cost threshold levels set out below are based on a typical two-storey, 3 bed semi-detached house
| Category of Work | Maximum amount (inc VAT) |
| Demolition work and site clearances including removing hazardous materials | Vacant Property Grant: €50,000 Derelict Top-Up Grant: €70,000 |
| Substructure works including work to foundations, rising walls, floor slabs, damp-proofing and underpinning | Vacant Property Grant: €50,000 Derelict Top-Up Grant: €70,000 |
| Superstructure works including works to walls, chimneys, upper floors, stairs, roof structure and structural timbers | Vacant Property Grant: €50,000 Derelict Top-Up Grant: €70,000 |
| Completions | |
| External completions including door, windows and cills. | €21,000 |
| Internal completions including doors, frames, architraves, ironmongery | €7,000 |
| Skirtings | €3,500 |
| Fascias, soffits and rainwater goods | €4,200 |
| Roof completions including flashings, fascias, soffits, gutters and downpipes | €14,000 |
| Finishes | |
| Tiling and waterproof finishes to wet areas | €2,800 |
| Painting and decorating | €10,500 |
| Roof finishes | €14,000 |
| Services including plumbing, heating, ventilation, power, lighting, telecommunications, smoke detectors, CO2 detectors. | Vacant Property Grant: €50,000 Derelict Top-Up Grant: €70,000 |
| Fittings | |
| Kitchen units | €7,700 |
| 10% of the net construction cost including VAT or €14,000, whichever is less. | €2,800 |
| 10% of the net construction cost including VAT or €14,000, whichever is less. | €7,000 |
| Extensions | Vacant Property Grant: €50,000 Derelict Top-Up Grant: €70,000 |
| Professional services for the work, such as fees for surveys. | 10% of the net construction cost including VAT or €14,000, whichever is the less. |
The maximum amount allowed for each type of work includes VAT
Once a grant application receives approval, applicants must complete the works within 13 months.
Before the grant is paid, the local authority will require evidence such as appropriately detailed invoice (s) for the completed works . The local authority will conduct a final property visit to review that the work has been completed in line with the grant application and as detailed in the invoiced documentation provided. Once the local authority is satisfied, the grant will be paid.
Clawback of the Vacant Property Grant
When the work has been completed the local authority will check the work and will, if satisfied with the work, get you to sign a charge over the property. The charge will be equal to the amount of the grant paid. This is security for the grant and to ensure you live in the property or rent it out for at least 5 years. The charge will be registered with the Property Registration Authority and will last for 10 years.
If you don’t live in the home for 10 years after getting the grant or it is no longer available to rent within 10 years you will have to repay some or all of the grant.
Up to 5 years – 100% of the grant will have to be repaid.
Between 5 and 10 years – 75% clawback
Over 10 years – No clawback
Numbers of Vacant Property Refurbishment Grants Paid (up to Sept 2023)
Total applications: 4640
Total Approved : 1975
Total Rejected : 258
Total Granted: 21