As of April 2025, Ireland’s Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has facilitated the renovation of over 2,000 homes, injecting more than €112 million into the housing sector. Launched in 2022, the scheme aims to transform vacant and derelict properties into livable spaces, addressing housing shortages and revitalizing communities.
Key Statistics
- Total Applications: Over 12,400 received nationwide.
- Total Approvals: Approximately 7,700 granted.
- Grants Paid Out: Over €77 million disbursed for 1,449 completed projects by the end of 2024 .
Regional Highlights
- Donegal County Council: Leading with 1,042 applications, 715 approvals, and 93 grants paid out by December 2024 .
- Cork County Council: Second in line with 970 applications and 797 approvals.
- Mayo County Council: Third with 673 applications and 116 grants paid upon completion .
Grant Details
Eligible homeowners can receive up to €50,000 to refurbish vacant properties, with an additional €20,000 available if the property is also derelict. The grant covers various renovation works, including structural repairs, internal and external finishes, and essential services .
Ministerial Endorsement
Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien, has commended the scheme, stating,
“The figures show that the vacant property refurbishment grant has been an extremely popular and effective measure. It has already facilitated the return to use of hundreds of previously vacant or derelict homes, providing much-needed homes for people.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the scheme’s success, the government aims to increase the number of homes delivered under the grant to 4,000 by 2025. This ambitious target underscores the ongoing need for affordable housing solutions and the potential of repurposing existing structures to meet this demand .
For more information on eligibility and application procedures, visit the Citizens Information website.
Reviving Ireland’s Housing Stock: The Impact of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
As of April 2025, Ireland’s Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has facilitated the renovation of over 2,000 homes, injecting more than €112 million into the housing sector. Launched in 2022, the scheme aims to transform vacant and derelict properties into livable spaces, addressing housing shortages and revitalizing communities.
Key Statistics
- Total Applications: Over 12,400 received nationwide.
- Total Approvals: Approximately 7,700 granted.
- Grants Paid Out: Over €77 million disbursed for 1,449 completed projects by the end of 2024 .
Regional Highlights
- Donegal County Council: Leading with 1,042 applications, 715 approvals, and 93 grants paid out by December 2024 .
- Cork County Council: Second in line with 970 applications and 797 approvals.
- Mayo County Council: Third with 673 applications and 116 grants paid upon completion .
Grant Details
Eligible homeowners can receive up to €50,000 to refurbish vacant properties, with an additional €20,000 available if the property is also derelict. The grant covers various renovation works, including structural repairs, internal and external finishes, and essential services .
Ministerial Endorsement
Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien, has commended the scheme, stating,
“The figures show that the vacant property refurbishment grant has been an extremely popular and effective measure. It has already facilitated the return to use of hundreds of previously vacant or derelict homes, providing much-needed homes for people.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the scheme’s success, the government aims to increase the number of homes delivered under the grant to 4,000 by 2025. This ambitious target underscores the ongoing need for affordable housing solutions and the potential of repurposing existing structures to meet this demand .
For more information on eligibility and application procedures, visit the Citizens Information website.
Home-Renovations-Picture-by-Guy-Kopperud
