Buying a Vacant or Derelict Property in Ireland
Ireland has tens of thousands of vacant and derelict homes. The government's Croí Cónaithe scheme provides substantial grants to bring these back into use. Combined with SEAI energy grants and the Local Authority Purchase & Renovation Loan, it's now possible to buy and fully renovate a property with significant state support.
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
Up to €50,000 for a property that's been vacant for 2+ years (built before 2008), or up to €70,000 if it's derelict. You can use the grant to live there yourself or to rent it out. You can even get it twice — once for a home to live in, and once for a rental. Properties on offshore islands qualify for 20% more.
Stacking Grants
The Vacant Property Grant does NOT cover energy efficiency works — that's handled separately by SEAI. This means you can apply for both: up to €70,000 for structural renovation plus up to €25,000+ in SEAI grants for insulation, heat pumps, solar, and windows. Combined, you could receive over €90,000 in total grant support.
Local Authority Purchase & Renovation Loan
If you're a first-time buyer, you may qualify for the government-backed Purchase & Renovation Loan. This combines a fixed-rate mortgage with a bridging loan equal to your Vacant Property Grant amount. Fixed rates from 3.35% for the full term.
Vacant Homes Tax
Properties left vacant for more than 30 days in a year face a Vacant Homes Tax of 7 times the standard LPT rate. This makes renovation even more attractive — you avoid paying this tax once the property is occupied.
Related tools: SEAI Grant Calculator · LAHL Eligibility Checker · Total Cost of Buying Calculator