Changes to the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Scheme provides funding to renovate and refurbish both vacant and derelict homes across Ireland. Originally, the scheme was intended to provide funding for homeowners who would make the home their primary residence after the completion of works, providing grants of up to €30,000 for vacant homes, and a top up of €20,000 for those considered derelict. This provided maximum funding of up to €50,000.

As of May 1st 2023, there are a number of changes to the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme.

Changes to the Scheme as of 1st May, 2023

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme now provides homeowners with up to €50,000 to refurbish a vacant home, up from €30,000 previously. In addition, the scheme provides a top-up of up to €20,000 if the home is considered derelict. Homeowners no longer have to live in the home as their primary residence once the works are complete and may rent the home with no penalty.

What are the requirements?

There are a number of requirements to qualify for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. This includes:

• The home must be vacant for at least 2 years

• The property must have been built before 2008

• The home must be owned, or in the process of buying

• You must live in the property or make it available for rent

• Your tax affairs must be in order (tax clearance cert is required)

• You may only qualify for the grant once

To qualify for the €20,000 derelict home top-up, you must:

• Confirm the property is derelict and that the works will exceed the initial €50,000 funding. To be considered derelict the home must be “structurally unsound and dangerous”.

• Submit an independent report prepared by a qualified professional, along with the application form, confirming that the property is derelict

Applications for the funding are prioritised:

• First-time buyers and “Fresh-Start Applicants”

• Those with particular needs who are selling their home and want to refurbish a vacant home. Particular needs includes those with disabilities or older persons

• Any other applicants that have sold their home, or are in the process of selling, and want to refurbish a vacant home

What works are covered under the scheme?

There are a number of works that are eligible for funding under the scheme. Keep in mind that there are caps on specific elements. Please refer to the application form for more details:

• Demolitions, strip-out and site clearance

• Substructure work including foundations, rising walls, beds/slabs, damp-proofing and underpinning

• Superstructure works including internal/external walls, chimneys, upper floors, stairs, roof structure and other structural timbers

• Completions including works associated with external doors and windows, internal doors and frames, architraves and ironmongery, balustrades, skirtings, rooflights, fascias, soffits, rainwater goods

• Finishes including those to internal and external walls, ceilings, tiling, waterproofing and roof finishes, painting and decorating

• Services including plumbing, heating, ventilation, power, lighting, telecommunications, smoke and CO2 detection

• Fittings including kitchen units, sanitary/bathroom fittings

• Professional services associated with works such as fees and surveys

Note that this is not an exhaustive list and there are maximum caps for each works category. You can view the full application form here.

Funding clawbacks

If you sell the property within ten years of receiving the grant, you’ll have to repay a portion of the amount you received:

• If you sell within the first 5 years you will have to repay 100% of the amount received

• If you sell after 5 years but less than 10, you’ll have to repay 75% of the grant

• If you sell after 10 years there is no financial penalty

How to apply

Those interested in the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant will have to apply directly with their local authority with the application form found here.

The scheme can be combined with the SEAI One Stop Shop Grant Scheme to help you save even more. Speak with our dedicated team of retrofit advisors to learn more about the One Stop Shop Grant Scheme today!