Housing · Renovation
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Ireland 2026
Up to €50,000 (or €70,000 for derelict properties) to bring a long-vacant property back into use as your home. Apply to your local authority before works start — the grant is paid after completion and inspection.
VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT — AT A GLANCE
| Grant amount (vacant — empty 2+ years) | Up to €50,000 |
| Grant amount (derelict — on derelict sites register) | Up to €70,000 |
| Who qualifies | Owner-occupiers (not landlords); property must be your main home |
| Minimum vacancy period | 2 years |
| Apply before works start? | Yes — mandatory |
| When grant is paid | After works completed and local authority inspects |
| Clawback period | 10 years (repay if property sold or let) |
| Application via | Your local county or city council |
What works are covered?
- Structural repairs (walls, floors, foundations)
- Roof replacement or major repair
- Window and external door replacement
- Electrical rewiring
- Plumbing and drainage work
- Insulation (walls, attic, floor)
- Central heating installation or replacement
- Damp-proofing treatment
Cosmetic works alone — painting, flooring, kitchen fitting — do not qualify as the primary basis for a grant. They may be included as part of a broader package of structural works.
Proving the property has been vacant
You need evidence that the property has been vacant for at least 2 years. Accepted evidence includes:
- Utility bills showing no usage or account closure
- Property registration records or local authority records
- Evidence from the Eircode database that the property has been unoccupied
- Affidavit from a solicitor or formal legal declaration
Information Accuracy — This guide has been independently researched and reviewed using official Irish government sources available on the publication date. Government schemes, payment rates, eligibility rules and legislation may change over time. Before making financial, legal or welfare decisions, always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant Irish authority.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the grant to refurbish a property I plan to rent out?
No. The grant is only available to owner-occupiers. The property must become your principal private residence. Landlords purchasing a property to let cannot avail of this scheme. A separate scheme (Croí Cónaithe — Towns Fund) exists for some rental-related vacant property work in certain areas — check with your local authority.
Can I combine the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant with SEAI grants?
Yes. You can combine this grant with SEAI energy upgrade grants (Better Energy Homes, SEAI One Stop Shop) for the same property, as long as the same works are not double-funded. Energy upgrades are typically complementary to structural refurbishment and both grants can run in parallel.
Is there an income limit to qualify?
No. There is no means test or income limit for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. Any owner-occupier who meets the vacancy and property conditions can apply.
What happens if the renovation costs more than the grant covers?
You pay the difference yourself. The grant covers qualifying works up to the cap (€50,000 or €70,000). Costs above this must be funded by you, whether through savings, a renovation mortgage top-up, or other means.
Can I buy the vacant property and apply for the grant at the same time?
Yes. You can apply during the purchase process — you do not need to have already completed the purchase. However, the property must be in your ownership or under binding agreement before approval is issued.
How long does the local authority take to process applications?
Processing times vary significantly by local authority and demand. Expect 8–16 weeks for a decision from time of complete application submission. Some counties have backlogs — check with your local authority housing section for current processing times.
This page reflects the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant conditions for 2026. Grant amounts and eligibility rules are subject to change — confirm with your local authority housing section.
Information Accuracy — This guide has been independently researched and reviewed using official Irish government sources available on the publication date. Government schemes, payment rates, eligibility rules and legislation may change over time. Before making financial, legal or welfare decisions, always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant Irish authority.