Buying or building a home
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
Up to €50,000 to refurbish a vacant property to live in, or €70,000 if the property is derelict.
Check this against 40+ other grants in about a minute.
Work out your grant
A quick estimate. Not a guarantee — always confirm on the official source.
What it is
The Croí Cónaithe grant helps you bring a long-empty house back into use as your home or a rental. Offshore island properties get even higher amounts.
How much you can get
Up to €70,000 to do up a vacant or derelict home.
| Vacant property | up to €50,000 |
| Derelict property | up to €70,000 |
| Offshore islands | up to €84,000 |
Who can get it
The property must have been vacant for at least two years and built before 2008. You must own it or be buying it, and live in it or rent it out afterwards.
What you’ll need
- Proof the property has been vacant 2+ years
- Proof of ownership or a sale agreement
- Independent quotes for the work
How to apply
- Apply to your local authority's Vacant Homes Officer before any work starts
- Get approval and complete the work within 13 months
- Submit receipts to draw down the grant
Worth knowing
The derelict top-up (€70,000 instead of €50,000) is worth chasing if the property genuinely qualifies, but you will need evidence it is structurally unsound or on the Derelict Sites Register. Remember the grant comes with a clawback: if you sell or stop using the property within five years you repay it in full, and 75% between years five and ten. It pairs with the Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan, which bridges the cost until the grant is paid.
Common questions
How much is the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant?
Up to €70,000 to do up a vacant or derelict home. Up to €50,000 to refurbish a vacant property to live in, or €70,000 if the property is derelict.
Who qualifies for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant?
The property must have been vacant for at least two years and built before 2008. You must own it or be buying it, and live in it or rent it out afterwards.
How do you apply for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant?
Apply to your local authority's Vacant Homes Officer before any work starts Get approval and complete the work within 13 months Submit receipts to draw down the grant