DUBLIN, Oct. 17 — The Department of Housing has confirmed that €200.047 million has been disbursed through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, returning 3,672 homes to active residential use since the scheme’s launch in July 2022.
The latest figures show Q3 2025 recorded the highest-ever quarterly payments, with 760 grants issued, representing a 126% year-on-year increase. In total, 14,910 applications have been received, of which 11,059 have been approved.
Minister’s Warning on Dereliction
Announcing the figures, Housing Minister James Browne TD described vacant and derelict homes as both a “blight on communities” and a form of “anti-social behaviour” during a housing crisis. He warned property owners to act swiftly: “Consider this the warning shot — if you have properties left derelict, then I expect them to be dealt with as a matter of urgency.”
Browne highlighted the government’s broader measures, including the expansion of the Living City Initiative to support “over-the-shop” conversions and the introduction of a new Derelict Property Tax, replacing the existing levy.
Regional Uptake
Donegal and Cork County Councils have received the highest number of applications, each surpassing 1,000, followed by Dublin City Council with more than 900. Mayo and Tipperary also rank among the most active counties under the scheme.
Impact on Vacancy Rates
The grant’s rollout is already reflected in national data. According to the Central Statistics Office, Ireland’s vacancy rate fell from 3.6% in Q4 2022 to 3.3% in Q4 2023, based on electricity consumption patterns.
Public Engagement
To showcase the scheme’s impact, the Department has launched a video case study following a grant recipient’s refurbishment journey, alongside an interactive story map featuring local authority-level data and before-and-after images of completed projects.
Sources: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Dublin People Dublin People; Gov.ie gov.ie.
