Housing

Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (Croí Cónaithe)

Please note, that as of 1st December 2024, in order 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 boiler for new applications.

  1. What the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is?
  2. How to qualify?
  3. Rates of payment.
  4. Apply.

1. What the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is?

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.

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. See below.

2. 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) in respect of the works proposed.
  • 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 your local authority may request 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.

Apply

Local authorities administer the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. Local authorities will prioritise applications in areas where the level of vacancy or dereliction is high.

You can also contact your local authority and request to speak to the Vacant Homes Officer. They will be able to assist you with any queries you may have.

For further information please contact:

Croi Cónaithe,
Housing Services
Cork County Council,
Floor 4, Ext, County Hall,
Cork. T12R2NC.

Tel: (021) 4285328 or (021) 4285313.

Email: croi.conaithe@corkcoco.ie

Please see explanatory documents and Application Form below.

Document Summary