The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant provides funding so you can refurbish vacant and derelict homes. It can also be used to renovate vacant and derelict properties that have not been used as residential properties before where correct planning permission is available.
Grants of up to €50,000 to renovate a vacant property are available. This increases to €70,000 if the property is derelict. If you are living on an off-shore island, you can get up to €84,000 to renovate a derelict building or up to €60,000 for a vacant property. The limits for how much you can get for each type of work are also increased by 20 per cent if you live on one of these islands.
If the renovation costs more than the grant, you will have to pay for this, but you can apply to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI ) for the Better Energy Homes Grant Scheme. This grant helps improve the energy efficiency of your home, by helping with the cost of insulating your home or installing a heat pump or solar panels.
To qualify for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant the property must have been vacant for at least 2 years immediately before the date you apply for the grant. The property must have been built before 2008 and you must own the property or be in the process of buying it. You must also live in the property as your principal private residence when the work is completed or make it available for rent.
You can only get the grant twice, to refurbish a home to live in and another for a home you are going to rent out.
The grant covers demolition work and site clearances, substructure and superstructure work, external and internal completions, skirtings, fascias, soffits and rainwater goods, roof completions, tiling, painting, decorating, plumbing, heating, lighting, kitchen units and bathroom fittings, and any necessary work needed on land around the home.
To apply for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant or for more information, visit citizensinformation.ie
