Vacant Above the Shop Grant
Did you know you can avail of grant funding to convert vacant spaces above shops to be used as homes?
The Vacant Above the Shop Grant provides grant funding of up to €140,000 to convert vacant spaces above commercial shops to be used as housing.
Maximise your retrofit funding opportunities and transform above the shop vacant or derelict properties into energy-efficient homes with KORE Retrofit’s expert team.
This new scheme will launch soon. Check this webpage for updates.
What is the Vacant Above the Shop Grant Scheme?
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Funding for Creating Homes Above Shops
The Vacant Above the Shop Grant Scheme provides grant funding of up to €135,000 to convert spaces above shops into housing. The more homes created, the more funding you’ll be eligible to receive.
You can also receive an additional grant of up to €5,000 to receive expert advice on how best to convert these spaces.
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Eligibility for Above the Shop Funding
Properties above commercial spaces qualify for the Vacant Above the Shop Scheme as long as they meet the requirements for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Scheme. This includes the residential portion of the building being vacant for 2 or more years.
The property must be a self-contained dwelling or become one after works are complete. It must be used as a home (owner-occupied or rental), and the works must comply with the refurbishment rules and planning requirements.
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Exempt From Planning Permission
You may be exempt from planning permission for change of use as long as the total number of residential units created is 9 or fewer at the end of works.
Planning permission may be required for works creating more than 9 units.
The building must be a qualifying commercial property, such as vacant space above retail shops, former pubs, and other eligible commercial structures.
Grant Requirements for the Vacant Above the Shop Grant
Before applying for the Vacant Above the Shop Grant, make sure your property meets the following requirements:
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The property must have been vacant for 2 years or more. You will not qualify if the property has been left unreasonably or purposely vacant so you can get the grant.
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The property must have been built before 2008. (Before 1 May 2023, only homes built before 1993 qualified.)
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You must own the property or be in the process of buying it.
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You must live in the property as your principal private residence when the work is completed or make it available for rent. If you are going to rent the property when the work is done, you must register the tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board.
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You must have tax clearance from Revenue and your tax affairs must be in order.
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You must have paid your Local Property Tax, if applicable.
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You can only get the grant twice. You can get one grant to refurbish a home to live in, and another for a home you are going to rent out.
How Much in Grant Funding is Available through the Scheme?
The amount of grant funding you may qualify for depends on the total number of units created at the end of works.
1 Home Created: You can qualify for up to €95,000
2 Homes Created: You can qualify for up to €115,000
3 or More Homes Created: You can qualify for up to €135,000
Expert Advice: In addition, you can qualify for up to €5,000 for expert advice
In total, you could qualify for up to €140,000 in total grant funding through the Vacant Above the Shop Scheme
Our Deep Retrofit & Renovation Services
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Home Energy Upgrades
KORE Retrofit’s One Stop Shop is the ideal scheme to improve the energy efficiency of your home. We offer a network of energy upgrade specialist contractors that install a wide range of energy upgrades, including heat pumps, mechanical ventilation, insulation, solar PV, windows and doors, air tightness measures and more.
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Home Extensions
Planning on adding an extension to your home? As part of the One Stop Shop service, KORE Retrofit offers a network of specialist building contractors that can assist with home extensions both big and small. We can also work directly with your chosen architect and engineer. Speak with our retrofit team today to learn more.
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Home Renovations
Why not make your current home your dream home? If you are renovating your home along with energy upgrades, KORE Retrofit offers a network of specialist building contractors that can help! In addition, we can work with your current architect and engineer. Common renovations include kitchen renovations, bathroom upgrades and attic conversions.
Book a retrofit consultation for free and see if it’s right for you.
There’s no commitment, pressure, or obligation.