What is the Vacant property Refurbishment Grant ?

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is a government initiative in Ireland designed to revitalise vacant and derelict properties. Whether you’re refurbishing a property for personal use or rental purposes this grant provides valuable financial support for renovating projects. Funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund, this grant helps transform underutilised spaces.

Grant amount and what work is covered:

Eligible applicants can receive up to €50,000 for vacant properties and €70,000 for derelict properties through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. The grant covers a variety of renovation tasks, making it easier to tackle even extensive refurbishments.

Eligible Renovation Costs and Coverage Limits:

Internal Completions:

• Doors, frames, architraves, and ironmongery: €7,000
• Skirting: €3,500
• Roof completions (flashings, fascia’s, soffits, gutters, downpipes): €14,000
• Tiling and waterproof finishes in wet areas: €2,800
• Painting and decorating: €10,500
• Roof finishes: €14,000

External Finishes:

• Doors, windows, and sills: up to €21,000

Services and Utilities:

• Plumbing, heating, ventilation, power, lighting, telecoms, smoke and CO2 detectors up to €21,000

Kitchen and Bathroom:

• Kitchen units: €7,700
• Sanitary-ware and bathroom fittings: €2,800

Land Work:

• Necessary work on the land around the property: €7,000

Professional Fees:

• Fees for surveys and other professional services: up to €14,000 (or 10% of net construction cost including VAT)

Please note that the Vacant Property Refurbishment grant does not cover complete demolition and rebuilding or energy efficiency upgrades, as the SEAI grant supports those.

Eligibility for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant

To qualify for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Vacancy Duration: The property must have been vacant for at least two years.
2. Property Age: The property must have been built before 2008.
3. Ownership: Applicants must either own the property or be actively purchasing it.
4. Primary Residence or Rental: The applicant can use the renovated property as their principal private residence or rent it out (it must be registered with the Residential Tenancies Board).
5. Tax Compliance: Applicants must have tax clearance from Revenue and must be up-to-date with Local Property Tax payments.
6. Individual Applicants Only: Only individuals can apply; companies and registered developers are not eligible.
7. Grant Use Limit: You can apply for the grant a maximum of two times—once for a primary residence and once for a rental property.

How to Apply for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant

Applying for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant involves several key steps and the submission of supporting documents:

Step 1: Complete and Submit the Application Form

Fill out the application form and submit it, along with supporting documents, to your local authority. The necessary documents include:

• Proof that the property is vacant for at least two years (e.g., utility bills or a signed affidavit).
• Proof of ownership or evidence of active negotiations to purchase the property.
• Planning permission documentation (if required).
• A quote for the proposed work.

Step 2: Application Reviewed and Processed

Once you submit your application, the local authority will review it and may ask for additional information. A qualified person will visit the property to assess its condition and the feasibility of the proposed works. If your application is successful, you will receive a letter of approval detailing the grant amount. If you haven’t yet purchased the property, you will receive a letter of approval in principle.

You must complete the work within 13 months once we approve your application.

Step 3: Send Contractor and Payment Information

You will need to provide details about the contractor performing the work, including their tax reference number. Additionally, send your bank details for grant payment and invoices for the completed work. If the approved grant exceeds €10,000, ensure you have tax clearance from Revenue.

Step 4: Work is Checked and Document’s Signed

The local authority will inspect the work to confirm that you have completed it as described. If satisfied, you will sign a charge document, granting the local authority security for the grant. This charge lasts for 10 years and is equal to the grant amount received. The local authority will register this charge against the property with the Land Registry or Registry of Deeds.

Step 5: Grant is Paid

Once the local authority approves the completed work and you sign the charge document, we will process the grant. If you received the grant to refurbish a home for rental, payment will only occur after you provide evidence of tenancy registration with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).

Let Viking Developments Streamline Your Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant

Navigating the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant process can be daunting, but at Viking Developments, we specialise in simplifying it for homeowners and property investors alike. Our dedicated team combines extensive experience in high-quality construction with in-depth knowledge of the grant application process, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

We recognise the challenges of refurbishing vacant / derelict properties, and we are dedicated to guiding you through the process. From completing the necessary paperwork to ensuring your refurbishment project meets all regulatory requirements, we handle the details while you focus on your vision.

Whether you aim to transform a vacant property into your dream home or a lucrative rental investment, our skilled professionals will work diligently to maximise your grant benefits and deliver exceptional results. With Viking Developments, you can rest assured that your project is in capable hands.

Contact Us Today for Expert Assistance:

• Phone: Dublin – (0)15543979 or Roscommon – (0)719590143
• Email: Info@vikingdevelopments.ie

Let us turn your vacant property into a stunning, functional space while expertly managing your Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant application. 

Additional Information 

Find below some additional details for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant:

• Application form: Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Application
• Frequently asked questions : Frequently asked questions from Gov.ie