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Dristernan

Gleneely

Co. Donegal

F93 N83

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Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant

Turn an older vacant or derelict building into your dream home or rental property. Get up to €70,000 (or €110,000 for commercial conversions) towards renovation costs.

🏚️ Do you qualify?

  • Property built before 2008
  • Vacant for at least 2 years immediately before applying
  • Located anywhere in Ireland (cities, towns, villages, rural)
  • You own it or are in the process of buying it
  • Will be your principal private residence OR rented out (RTB registered)
  • Not a registered company or developer
  • Tax affairs in order & LPT paid
  • You can get the grant twice (once to live in, once to rent)

💰 How much can you get?

Property TypeMaximum GrantNote
Vacant Property€50,000Property vacant 2+ years
Derelict Property (Top-up)€70,000Includes derelict top-up
Commercial Conversion (2 units)€70,000–€90,000Former commercial/public building
Commercial Conversion (3+ units)€90,000–€110,000Maximum for derelict 3+ units
Off-shore Islands€60,000–€84,00020% higher limits

*Grant is inclusive of VAT. Derelict top-up requires property to be on Derelict Sites Register or a professional report.

🔨 What renovation work is covered?

The grant covers a wide range of works. Below are the categories most relevant to our services, with maximum grant amounts (based on a standard 2-storey, 3-bed semi):

Plaster boarding & Dry Lining€7,000

Covers: Internal completions

Painting & Decorating€10,500

Covers: Painting and decorating

Carpentry€7,000

Covers: Internal completions (doors, frames, architraves)

Plumbing€50,000/€70,000*

Covers: Services (plumbing, heating)

Roof Repairs€14,000

Covers: Roof completions / Roof finishes

General MaintenanceVaries

Covers: Various internal/external works

External Installations€21,000

Covers: External completions

Power Washing€7,000

Covers: Necessary work on land around home

*Maximum amounts for substructure, superstructure, demolition, services (full plumbing/heating) up to €50,000 (vacant) or €70,000 (derelict).

📝 How to apply – Step by Step

  1. 1 Complete application form – send to your local authority with proof of vacancy (utility bills or affidavit), proof of ownership, and a quote for works.
  2. 2 Local authority assessment – they will visit the property and issue a 'letter of approval' (or 'approval in principle' if you haven't bought yet).
  3. 3 Complete works within 13 months – once approved, you have 13 months to finish the renovation.
  4. 4 Submit invoices & contractor details – provide tax clearance if grant > €10,000.
  5. 5 Final inspection & charge document – local authority inspects, you sign a charge document (lasts 10 years). Grant is then paid.
⚠️ Important: You must live in or rent out the property for at least 5 years (repay 75% if sold/rented between 5-10 years, full amount if less than 5 years). The grant does not cover a full demolition and rebuild, nor energy efficiency works (those are SEAI grants).

🔧 How Kenneth Chadwick Building Contractor Can Help

We provide the skilled trades that turn a renovated shell into a beautiful, finished home – all covered by the grant's internal/external completion categories.

Plaster boarding & Dry Lining€7,000
Painting & Decorating€10,500
Carpentry€7,000
Plumbing€50,000/€70,000*
Roof Repairs€14,000
General MaintenanceVaries

📞 Get a quote for your grant-approved works

Call: 086 340 0163

📚 Official Resources

Gov.ie – Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (Official)Citizens Information – Full Guide (Updated April 2026)Housing Agency Vacancy Helpline

Also check the separate Vacant Above the Shop Grant and Conservation Advice Grant (up to €5,000) for traditional houses.

Bringing older buildings back to life. We provide plastering, painting, carpentry, plumbing, roofing, and general maintenance for vacant property refurbishments in Ireland.

*The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is administered by local authorities. Always confirm current grant limits and your eligibility before starting work.

Croí Cónaithe (Towns) FundBuilt before 2008Vacant 2+ years