The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant offers Irish homeowners and buyers up to €70,000 to bring a vacant or derelict property back to life. Introduced to help tackle Ireland’s housing shortage, it is one of the largest individual grants available and can be combined with SEAI energy grants to dramatically reduce the cost of purchasing and renovating an older property.
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How Much Is the Vacant Property Grant?
| Property status | Maximum grant |
|---|---|
| Vacant property (empty 2+ years) | €50,000 |
| Derelict property | €70,000 |
The grant covers up to 50% of the eligible cost of renovation works (or 70% for derelict properties). So a homeowner spending €100,000 on a derelict property renovation could receive up to €70,000 from the grant.
Do I Qualify for the Vacant Property Grant?
To be eligible for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant your property must:
- Be a residential property located in Ireland
- Have been vacant for at least two years
- Be used as your primary place of residence after renovation (it cannot be rented out or sold immediately after)
- Not have been previously refurbished using this grant
For derelict status, the property typically needs to be on or eligible for the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, or be in a structurally unsafe condition.
The grant is administered by your local authority, not SEAI — applications are made to your county or city council.
What Works Does the Grant Cover?
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant covers structural and general renovation works including:
- Structural repairs (roof, walls, foundations)
- Electrical rewiring
- Plumbing and heating installation
- Windows and doors
- Insulation
- Kitchen and bathroom fitting
- External works (rendering, painting)
Unlike SEAI grants, the vacant property grant covers general renovation — not just energy upgrades. This makes it a far more comprehensive source of funding for older properties that need significant work beyond energy efficiency improvements.
Combining with SEAI Energy Grants
The vacant property grant can be used alongside SEAI energy grants. A homeowner renovating a derelict cottage could potentially access:
- Vacant Property Grant: up to €70,000 (general renovation)
- SEAI One Stop Shop: up to €50,000 (energy upgrades)
- Heat pump grant: up to €12,500 (included in OSS)
- Solar PV grant: up to €1,800
In practice, a well-structured application for a seriously run-down property could access over €100,000 in combined grant support — a potentially transformative level of funding for the right property.
How to Apply for the Vacant Property Grant
- Confirm the property has been vacant for 2+ years — your local authority will ask for evidence (utility records, Eircode history, land registry etc.)
- Contact your local authority — applications go to your county or city council, not to SEAI
- Get an assessment — your council will inspect the property and confirm eligibility
- Submit renovation plans and quotes
- Receive approval before works begin
- Complete works and claim — typically paid in stages as works are completed
Our grant checker covers vacant property and SEAI grants together so you can see your full potential grant amount in one place.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the vacant property grant in Ireland in 2026?
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant in Ireland in 2026 is up to €50,000 for a vacant property that has been empty for two or more years, and up to €70,000 for a derelict property. The grant covers up to 50% of renovation costs for vacant properties and up to 70% for derelict properties.
Can I buy a vacant property and then apply for the grant?
Yes. The grant is available to buyers as well as existing owners of vacant or derelict properties. The key requirement is that the property must have been vacant for at least two years and you must use it as your primary place of residence after renovation.
Who administers the vacant property grant — SEAI or the council?
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is administered by local authorities — your county or city council — not SEAI. Applications are made directly to your local authority, not through the SEAI website. SEAI energy grants are separate and can be applied for alongside the vacant property grant.
Can I rent out the property after renovating it with the grant?
No. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant requires you to use the property as your primary place of residence. It is not available for properties that will be rented out or sold immediately after renovation. Landlords may wish to check with their local authority for any alternative supports for rental properties.
Can I combine the vacant property grant with SEAI energy grants?
Yes. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and SEAI energy grants (including the One Stop Shop deep retrofit, heat pump grant and solar grant) can be used together on the same property. This can result in a very significant combined grant for a seriously run-down property that needs both structural renovation and energy upgrades.
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