What is the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is a payment you can get if you are turning a vacant house or building into your permanent home or a rental property.
A grant of up to €50,000 is available and if the property is classified as derelict, a top-up grant amount of up to an additional €20,000 is available.
How to qualify
To qualify for the grant, you must:
- have proof of ownership or evidence of active negotiations to buy the property (that is, confirmation of engagement from the estate agent or owner of the property) where you are seeking approval in principle for a grant
- live in the property as your principal private residence or make it available for rent
- have proof that the property has been vacant for at least 2 years and that it was built up to and including 2007
How to know if the property is eligible for the scheme
The grant applies to qualifying vacant properties in cities, towns, villages and rural parts of the country.
Other evidence and documentation you need to provide
- a quotation(s) for proposed works
- an independent report confirming the property is structurally unsound and dangerous (if seeking top up grant for works to a derelict property) or confirmation that it is on the Derelict Sites Register, where applicable
- any other supporting documentation that may be requested to support your application
Rates of payment
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant - A grant of up to €50,000 is available. This is subject to upper limits for different types of work, having regard to a reasonable cost assessment by the local authority. The grant is inclusive of the VAT cost of the works.
Derelict Property Top-up Grant - If the refurbishment costs exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available. To get this top-up grant, you must confirm that the property is derelict. This means that the property is structurally unsound and dangerous. The total grant available for a derelict property is therefore €70,000.
You must submit an independent report prepared by a qualified professional, along with the application confirming that the property is derelict.
How to apply - You can contact our Vacant Homes Section. We will be able to assist you with any queries you may have. vacanthomes@meathcoco.ie or 046 9097000.