Transforming an older, inefficient property into a warm, modern, energy-efficient home is a goal for many homeowners. However, one of the biggest barriers is often the upfront cost of renovation and retrofit works.
The good news is that in Ireland there are a number of grants, supports, and financing options available that can significantly reduce the cost of upgrading a home. These schemes are designed to support homeowners in improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and bringing older properties up to modern living standards.
At EnerGlaze, we work with homeowners who are planning retrofit projects and trying to understand what financial supports are available to them. As a one-stop shop for home energy upgrades, we help guide homeowners through the technical and practical aspects of retrofitting — including how to access grants and structure upgrades in the most cost-effective way.
Below is a clear overview of the main retrofit grants, schemes, and supports available.
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (Croí Cónaithe – Towns)
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, also known as the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Scheme, is designed to encourage the refurbishment of vacant or derelict homes.
This grant supports homeowners and buyers who want to bring unused properties back into active use, helping to increase housing supply while also improving the condition and efficiency of older buildings.
Grant Amounts
- Up to €50,000 for a vacant property
- Up to €70,000 for a derelict property
An additional top-up may also be available in certain cases where properties require significant structural refurbishment.
Who It Supports
This grant is particularly aimed at:
- First-time buyers
- People returning to live in rural or regional areas
- Homeowners purchasing long-term vacant properties
The scheme encourages the transformation of neglected buildings into modern, energy-efficient homes that can be lived in long term.
When combined with energy retrofit upgrades, it can form part of a wider plan to completely restore and improve an older property.
SEAI Grants and Supports
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is the national body responsible for promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy in Ireland.
SEAI plays a key role in supporting homeowners by offering grants, guidance, and funding schemes to help improve the energy performance of homes across the country.
These supports are designed to help Ireland meet national climate and energy targets while also making it more affordable for homeowners to upgrade their properties.
At EnerGlaze, we regularly work within SEAI-supported retrofit pathways, helping homeowners understand how glazing, insulation, ventilation, and heating improvements can be aligned with available funding.
Main SEAI Retrofit Grant Schemes
SEAI offers three primary pathways for home energy upgrades:
1. National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (One Stop Shop)
This scheme provides a whole-home retrofit solution managed through an approved One Stop Shop service provider.
It is designed for homeowners who want a complete upgrade, where multiple energy improvements are planned and delivered together.
Typical features include:
- End-to-end project management
- Coordinated upgrade works
- Access to grant funding
- Technical assessment and design
- Post-work energy rating improvement (BER)
This is often the most comprehensive approach to retrofitting a home.
2. Better Energy Homes & Solar PV Scheme
This scheme allows homeowners to take a more self-managed approach to their retrofit journey.
Homeowners can:
- Plan their own upgrade works
- Apply for grants individually per measure
- Choose contractors directly
- Install improvements at their own pace
It typically covers individual upgrades such as:
- Insulation
- Heating controls
- Heat pumps (in certain cases)
- Solar PV systems
This route offers more flexibility but requires more coordination from the homeowner.
3. Warmer Homes Scheme
The Warmer Homes Scheme is designed to support homeowners in energy poverty or in receipt of qualifying social welfare payments.
Under this scheme, eligible homeowners can receive:
- Fully funded energy efficiency upgrades
- No upfront cost for approved works
- Basic home energy improvements to improve comfort and safety
This scheme is focused on improving living conditions for vulnerable households.
What Is a One Stop Shop Service Provider?
A One Stop Shop (OSS) is an SEAI-registered service provider that manages the entire retrofit process for homeowners.
This includes:
- Home energy assessment
- Retrofit design and planning
- Grant application support
- Coordination of contractors
- Project management
- Completion certification and BER rating
Instead of dealing with multiple trades and applications separately, the One Stop Shop simplifies the process by handling everything under one coordinated service.
At EnerGlaze, we operate as part of this integrated retrofit approach, helping homeowners understand how glazing, insulation, ventilation, and heating upgrades can be combined into a single, efficient plan.
Financing Support: Low-Cost Retrofit Loan Scheme
In addition to grants, homeowners can also access financial support through the Low-Cost Retrofit Loan Scheme.
This Government-backed initiative is available through participating banks in Ireland and is designed to help homeowners spread the cost of energy upgrades.
Key Features
Loans of up to €75,000
- Interest rates starting from approximately 3.55%
- Available for a wide range of retrofit works
- Supports both partial and full home upgrades
This option is particularly useful for homeowners who may not have immediate access to full upfront funding but still want to proceed with a retrofit project.
How Much Does a Retrofit Cost?
The total cost of a home retrofit can vary significantly depending on a range of factors.
These include:
- Age of the property
- Size of the home
- Existing insulation and previous upgrades
- Type of construction (solid wall, cavity wall, etc.)
- Scope of works being completed
Because every home is different, retrofit costs are not fixed and should always be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Typical Cost Ranges
- Newer homes (post-2000): from approximately €25,000+
- Older or larger homes: can range up to €75,000 or more
For example, full retrofit projects delivered through structured programmes such as One Stop Shop providers can average around €56,000.
However, when grants are applied, the net cost to the homeowner can be significantly reduced, often bringing the final figure closer to €30,000 or less, depending on eligibility and the scope of works.
Why Grants Matter in a Retrofit Strategy
Grants and supports are a key part of making retrofit projects more accessible and financially achievable.
They help to:
- Reduce upfront costs
- Encourage deeper energy upgrades
- Improve long-term affordability
- Support national climate goals
- Increase the number of energy-efficient homes
However, understanding how to combine different supports and structure a retrofit correctly is just as important as the grants themselves.
This is where professional guidance becomes valuable.
At EnerGlaze, we help homeowners understand how to approach retrofit planning in a structured way — ensuring that available grants are maximised while also improving overall home performance. As a one-stop shop for home energy upgrades, EnerGlaze supports homeowners in connecting the financial side of retrofit projects with practical, high-performance home improvements.
Final Thoughts
Retrofit grants and supports make it more realistic for homeowners to upgrade older, inefficient properties into modern, comfortable, and energy-efficient homes.
To summarise, the key supports include:
- Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (Croí Cónaithe) – up to €70,000 for eligible properties
- SEAI grant schemes – including One Stop Shop, Better Energy Homes, and Warmer Homes
- Low-Cost Retrofit Loan Scheme – loans up to €75,000 at reduced interest rates
- One Stop Shop services – full project coordination and grant management support
When combined, these supports can significantly reduce the cost and complexity of a retrofit project.
At EnerGlaze, we help homeowners navigate this process from start to finish. As a trusted one-stop shop for retrofit and energy upgrades, we bring together glazing, insulation, ventilation, and wider home improvement solutions — helping homeowners make informed decisions, access available supports, and transform their homes into warmer, more efficient spaces for the future.
To Learn More...
- Find out how we can help you create a warm, cosy and energy efficient home HERE
- What are the grants and supports available to you? Find out HERE
- How much can an B1 BER Rating save on your mortgage payments? Find out HERE
