The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is a payment you can receive if you are turning a vacant property or building into your permanent home or a rental property. You can receive the grant for one property for your own principal private residence, in addition to one property being made available for rental purposes.
A Grant of up to €50,000 is available and this is inclusive of the VAT costs of the work. This is subject to upper limits for different types of work.
Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of €50,000, a further maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 will be available where the applicant confirms that the property is derelict (i.e. structurally unsound, and dangerous).
To qualify for the €20,000 top up grant, an independent report from suitably qualified professional such as an engineer or a quantity surveyor is required. Alternatively, the derelict property must be on the Derelict Sites Register. The grant can also be combined with the SEAI Home Energy Grants.
How to qualify
For a property to qualify for the scheme, it must have been vacant for two or more years and be built in or before 2007. Properties that have not been used for residential purposes in the past but could be refurbished/converted, may also qualify for the grant.
Checklist for Principal Private Residence
All applications will need the following:
- Application form (below). Fully completed and signed.
- Proof that the property is vacant.
- Proof that the property was built up to and including 2007.
- A quotation(s) in respect of the works proposed.
- Proof of ownership or evidence of active negotiations to purchase the property if seeking approval in principle.
- Evidence confirming that the property is structurally unsound and dangerous if applying for the top-up derelict property grant.
- Any other relevant documentation to support your application (e.g. evidence of planning permission or a Certificate of Exemption under the Planning Acts).
Checklist for Rental Property
All applications will need the following:
- Application form (below). Fully completed and signed.
- Proof that the property is vacant.
- Proof that the property was built up to and including 2007.
- A quotation(s) in respect of the works proposed.
- Proof of ownership or evidence of active negotiations to purchase the property if seeking approval in principle.
- Evidence confirming the property is structurally unsound and dangerous if applying for the top-up derelict property grant.
- A signed affidavit confirming that the Grant has not been applied for before for rental purposes. (if applicable)
- Signed declaration of intention to make the property available for rent and that a tenancy will be registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) prior to grant drawdown.
- Any other relevant documentation to support your application (e.g. evidence of planning permission or a Certificate of Exemption under the Planning Acts).
Application Form - Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
FAQs - Vacant Property Refurbishement Grant
Checklist for all applications
Scheme Outline - Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
Appealing the decision to your Application
Final Stages of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
Application Form - VPRG Conversion of Commercial or Public Use Building
Scheme Outline - VPRG including Conversion of Commercial or Public Use Building
Application Form - Expert Advice Grant
Scheme Outline - Expert Advice Grant
For further information or to submit your application please email vacantpropertygrant@louthcoco.ie.
