How much is the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant?

Up to €50,000 for a vacant property, or up to €70,000 if the property is derelict (structurally unsound). Properties on offshore islands get an additional 20%, up to €84,000.

Can I get SEAI grants on top of the Vacant Property Grant?

Yes. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant does not cover energy efficiency works. You can apply separately for SEAI grants for insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and windows/doors. Combined funding can exceed €90,000.

What is the Vacant Homes Tax?

The Vacant Homes Tax (VHT) applies to residential properties occupied for less than 30 days in a 12-month period. It is charged at 7 times the basic Local Property Tax rate. For a property valued at €300,000, this could be approximately €2,100 per year on top of the standard LPT.

What is the Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan?

It's a government-backed mortgage specifically for buying and renovating vacant or derelict properties. It combines a standard fixed-rate mortgage with a bridging loan equal to the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant amount. Available to first-time buyers and fresh-start applicants.

Vacant Property Grant Calculator 2026

Renovation

Estimated Total Renovation Cost (incl. VAT)

€

Full renovation including structural, plumbing, electrical, finishes

Will you also do energy upgrades? (SEAI eligible)

Estimated Energy Upgrade Cost

€

This is ON TOP of renovation — covers insulation, heat pump, solar, windows

Expected SEAI Grant Amount

€

Use our SEAI Grant Calculator to get your exact figure

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.

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