Funding Available for Vacant Above the Shop Properties | What You Need To Know
Senior Retrofit Sales Consultant Maggie Mcgahan
At a KORE Retrofit Over the Shop project in Ballinagh Co. Cavan
Funding Available for Vacant “Above the Shop” Properties | What You Need to Know
Vacant and underused spaces above shops are a common sight in towns across Ireland. However, new and enhanced grant supports are making it more viable than ever to bring these spaces back into use.
Property owners now have access to significant local authority funding, alongside additional energy upgrade grants, to help convert these properties into modern, efficient homes.
What is the Vacant Above the Shop Grant?
The Vacant Above the Shop Grant is aimed at encouraging the reuse of existing buildings by supporting the conversion of unused upper floors into residential accommodation.
It applies to:
Properties with vacant or underutilised space above commercial units
Buildings that may require refurbishment or structural upgrades
Projects that retain commercial use at ground floor level
The scheme is part of a broader effort to:
Increase housing supply
Revitalise town centres
Make better use of existing building stock
How Much Funding is Available?
Funding levels vary depending on the scale of the project and the number of residential units being created.
Core Grant Support
Up to €95,000 for one residential unit
Additional funding available where multiple units are delivered
Expert Advice Grant
Up to €5,000 is available to support professional input such as:
Architectural design
Structural assessments
Feasibility studies
Maximum Funding
In some cases, total support can reach up to €140,000
Additional Support for Full Conversions
Where an entire commercial property is being converted into residential units, further funding enhancements may apply.
This includes:
Additional top-up funding for multi-unit developments
Increased overall grant limits depending on the number of units
These measures are designed to support larger-scale regeneration projects and improve housing supply in town centres.
Alongside Local Authority Funding, Property Owners may also be eligible for SEAI Grants
What Does This Cover?
Energy upgrade grants can support works such as:
Insulation upgrades
Heating system improvements
Window and door replacements
Renewable technologies like solar PV
Why These Grants Matter
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Reusing existing buildings helps bring activity back into town centres and reduces reliance on new developments.Description text goes here
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High upfront costs are often a barrier to refurbishment — these grants help bridge that gap.
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Upgrading older buildings improves comfort, reduces energy use, and aligns with national climate targets.
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Well-designed residential units can provide strong long-term returns, whether through rental income or increased property value.
KORE Retrofit’s Role
Working with an experienced One Stop Shop provider such as KORE Retrofit will help:
Navigate grant applications and eligibility
Ensure works meet required standards
Coordinate the project from start to completion
For property owners considering refurbishment, understanding how these funding streams work together is a key first step.