You can apply for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant if you are turning a vacant property into your principal private residence or if you are making it available for rental purposes.
A grant of up to €50,000 is available to eligible applicants.
To qualify for the grant, the applicant(s) must:
- Have proof of ownership or evidence of being in active negotiations to buy a property.
- 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 before 2007.
- A quotation(s) in respect of the works proposed as per the breakdown of costs on page 13 of the application form.
- Submit tax clearance certificates.
The application for the grant must be submitted in the same name(s) as the purchaser(s) of the property.
There is a checklist for required documentation on page 15 of the application form for applications for principle private residences and for rental properties.
Please note that to comply with Article 17(15) of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EU/2024/1275), the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant will no longer provide funding for the installation of a standalone fossil fuel boiler for new applications from 1st December 2024. For further information please see https://www.gov.ie/en/service/f8f1b-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/
Derelict Property Top-up Grant
A derelict top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available for properties that are confirmed to be derelict. To qualify for the top-grant, the applicant must submit an independent report prepared by an appropriately qualified professional confirming that the property is derelict i.e. structurally unsound or dangerous. The property can also be deemed derelict if it is on the local authority’s Derelict Sites. The total grant available for a derelict property is therefore up to €70,000.
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant for the conversion of former commercial or public use buildings
Enhanced funding is available for the conversion of former commercial or public use buildings into multiple residential units. Where a vacant former commercial or public use building is being converted to create two residential units, a higher maximum grant may apply, with further increased funding available where three or more residential units are provided. This additional support recognises the higher costs often associated with converting larger, non‑residential buildings into homes.
For former commercial or public use buildings:
- Up to €70,000 where two residential units are created.
- Up to €90,000 where three or more units are created.
- Higher limits apply where the building is confirmed as derelict.
In addition to the documentation required for grant assessment noted above, the following documentation is required for the conversion of former commercial or public use buildings:
- A preliminary design / drawing outlining the proposed residential unit(s) to be created in the building.
- Proof that commercial rates have been paid or that you have rates relief/credit/adjustment from the payment of commercial rates.
- Please tick as appropriate Evidence of a planning application being lodged or planning permission being granted
- Section 5 Declaration certificate of exemption under the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended) Notification to local authority of Intention to avail Article 10 (6) Exemption change of use from Commercial to Residential, Planning & Development Regulations 2001, as amended.
Grant Funds
The approved refurbishment works must be completed within 13 months of the date of the grant approval/approved in principle letter. On completion of the refurbishment works, some additional documentation will be required before grant funds can be paid including:
- Applicants and their contractors must provide evidence of tax compliance, with tax clearance from Revenue.
- Local Property Tax to be in order where applicable.
- Applicants must provide evidence such as appropriately detailed invoice(s) / receipts for the approved works undertaken.
- Applicants must provide proof of ownership of the property.
- Applicants must agree to the clawback conditions set out in Page 9.
A final inspection of the property is conducted on completion of the works and can only be arranged on receipt of the Certificate of Compliance for the electrical works and gas works, if applicable.
Apply
The application form, FAQ’s and scheme outline are available here
To apply for the grant, please complete the application form at the bottom of this page and submit it with the applicable supporting documentation to South Dublin County Council at vhu@sdublincoco.ie .
You can also contact Hazel Doran, Senior Staff Officer assigned to Vacant Homes for South Dublin County Council with any queries on 01-4149265.
