Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, Croí Cónaithe (Towns)
Provided by The Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage through the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund
Values:
- Up to €50,000 for vacant properties
- Up to €70,000 for derelict properties
- Up to €7,500 for expert conservation advice for traditional farmhouse or cottage renovations
- Additional 20% increase for properties located on offshore islands
While this grant does not specifically cover energy efficiency improvements, these can be funded through separate schemes such as the SEAI grants.
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Overview
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is designed to support the renovation of vacant or derelict homes and the conversion of old commercial or public buildings into residential properties. This funding is aimed at easing the financial burden of refurbishing such properties, making it more feasible to preserve and restore older or historically significant buildings.
It is intended for individuals converting vacant buildings into their permanent homes or rental properties, and it can be used for commercial or public buildings that have planning permission for residential use. Additionally, you can apply for the grant twice—once for a home to live in and once for a rental property, helping to foster more affordable housing options.
Bear in mind that while the grant does not cover work to help increase the energy efficiency of your home, this is covered by an SEAI grant which you can apply for in addition to the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, Benefits
For many the idea of refurbishing an old house into a home is a dream project. This grant offers people the opportunity to do just that.
With the grant, you can get up to €50,000 for renovations, and up to €70,000 if the property is derelict. If you live on an offshore island, this can be increased by up to 20%. Plus, there is extra funding of up to €7,500 available for expert conservation advice if you're refurbishing a vacant traditional farmhouse or cottage, built using traditional techniques and local materials, such as thatch, stone, slate, earth, wattle and un-sawn timber.
The grant is available if you're turning a vacant house or building into your permanent home or a rental property. You can also use it to renovate old commercial or public buildings, as long as they have the right planning permission to become homes. And you can get the grant twice - once to refurbish a home to live in, and a second time for a home you are going to rent out.
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, the property must be vacant for a minimum of two years and must have been built before 2008.
Additionally, Applicants must also own the property or be in the process of purchasing it to either become the applicant's primary residence or to be rented out.
Special Conditions to Note
There are a number of special conditions that you should be mindful of when considering this grant and they are:
- The work must be approved by the grant authorities before commencing and cannot have been purposefully left vacant to qualify for the grant.
- Any costs exceeding the grant amount must be covered by the applicant.
- If the property is being rented, the tenancy must be registered with the Residential Tenancies Board.
- Should you sell the property within five years, the grant must be repaid in full and if sold between five and ten years, the repayment reduces to 75%.
- The grant is not available to registered companies or developers.
- Demolition and rebuilding is not eligible for funding under this grant.
How to Apply for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
Once you have all your documentation in place, you apply for this grant through your local authority. In the documents you provide you should include a quotation for the proposed works and an independent structural report confirming the properties condition. If you need it, you can also confirm your properties condition from the Derelict Sites Register through your Local Authority.
Types of Eligible Work & Grant Limits
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant can help cover a wide range of renovation costs, with specified limits for different types of work. Here's an example of typical work limits for a two-story, 3-bedroom semi-detached home:
| Type of Work | Maximum Amount |
|---|---|
| Demolition and site clearance | €50,000 (Vacant Property) / €70,000 (Derelict) |
| Substructure works (foundations, damp-proofing) | €50,000 (Vacant Property) / €70,000 (Derelict) |
| Superstructure works (walls, chimneys) | €50,000 (Vacant Property) / €70,000 (Derelict) |
| External completions (doors, windows) | €21,000 |
| Internal completions (doors, frames) | €7,000 |
| Skirtings | €3,500 |
| Fascias, soffits, rainwater goods | €4,200 |
| Roof completions (flashings, gutters) | €14,000 |
| Tiling and waterproof finishes to wet areas | €2,800 |
| Painting and decorating | €10,500 |
| Roof finishes | €14,000 |
| Services (plumbing, heating, lighting) | €50,000 (Vacant Property) / €70,000 (Derelict) |
| Kitchen units | €7,700 |
| Sanitary-ware and bathroom fittings | €2,800 |
| Necessary work on land around the home | €7,000 |
| Extensions | €50,000 (Vacant Property) / €70,000 (Derelict) |
| Professional services (survey fees) | 10% of net construction cost or €14,000, whichever is less |
For any questions or to start your application, contact the Vacant Homes Officer in your Local Authority.
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